The price they quote based on my EU IP is 870EU (+VAT most probably), 900x600 unit. They have warehouses and manufacturing plants in EU, so shipping should be within reasonable limits. Apart from that the platfrom without the breadboard is "only" 30kg or so.
I do not know if this is the exact analog of the Vibraplane, it seems the construction is a bit different, so I'm looking for any info/feedback in audio application. |
Steve, I think we are actually in touch--you are getting quotations to EU for me :-)
Buying Vibraplane used or from SOS in US doesn't resolve the biggest problem which is shipping. Hence my search for an EU alternative. |
Yes, from the specs Minus K seems way beyond the competition. But I'm wondering if anyone has ever heard a difference between VP and MinusK (in a system with a serious bass capabilities of course...and probably with less than optimal floor, e.g. suspended). |
This is what my (obviously small) brain started to figure out with Minus K: very low f_res @ relatively low loads gives ultra low stifness and potential of being sort of wobbly. You seem to confirm that. As I see it, the difference between a turntable and e.g. an electron microscope is that the latter is pretty much static, while turntable is obviously rotatig, generating (micro)vibrations. What can be very efficient for isolating static loads from external vibrations, may have problems when the load is non-static: it has to deal with both external and load vibrations--it can get "confused"
The main reason for my inquiry is to isolate my deck from the suspended wood floor. As I understand the max power from e.g foot steps is located between 10-15Hz, so a f_res of 2-3Hz should in theory be enough. Thorlabs is a bit shy on the data of the platform, stating only f_res<3.5Hz and strangely wide load range of 45-180kg. If that f_res is at the max load, then the platform is substantially worse than the Vibraplane. I'm waiting for the additional data from Thor.
BTW, it's 1150EUR shipped in EU and the horrendous Swedish VAT paid. I'm also waiting for a quote from a EU Kinetic Systems distributor on 2210...let's see. |
Ok, got the quote on 20x24" Kinetic platforms in EU: 2180EU passive, 2990EU active...and that is before German VAT of 19% and ex. shipping...well, this is beyond anything reasonable, given US prices. Steve's Vibraplanes shipped here would be cheaper...all that crazy pricing seems a function of the airmail post only across the pond (USPS stopped surface service in 2006 or 2007). |
This is all nice Steve, but without a reasonable shipping service to EU, were are left pretty much vibrating here ;-)
I learned from one US RCM importer that the reason behind the
cease of sea freight by USPS was some unfavourable change of
global sea spedition laws in 2006. IIRC, US book vendors managed to negotiatie with USPS 1 more year of service. Since 2007 we can basicly ship chips over the pond. |
Looks like Newport is at the heart of those isolating platforms. They have their own technology:
http://search.newport.com/?q=*&x2=sku&q2=BT-2024
As I understand it's active: there is a mechanical level sensor, coupled to a valve which controls the airflow to each isolator:
http://search.newport.com/?x2=sku&q2=CM-225
The performance plots show a good 2.5Hz resonant point.
If it's available in EU for the price they show, it'd be very attractive.
Cheers,
bydlo
The "Drawings" tab explains it but should be probably viewed upside down. |
Peter, all that is available in EU: as I learned Newport has a warehouse in France. BT-2024 automatic platform sales for:
1869EU+VAT+150EU shipping within EU (unavoidable) which in my case gives 2450Eu...2/3 of the price of te deck I want to support...
I made a mistake, the fres is 3.5Hz not 2.5Hz (tricky Newport started the scale on their curves from 1Hz not 0Hz..), so the same as the Thorlabs unit, which is manual (ok with me) and sells for 870Eu+25%swedish VAT+50Eu shipping=1130EU. I'm waiting for more detailed info from Thor re performmance (esp. fres vs. load info). |
This is probably what is inside their benchtop platforms...at 1/2 the price. The full Newport catalogue is available in EU so shipping (apart from the Newport crazy intra EU flat rates) and esp. customs should not be a problem.
The other EU option--ThrowLabs, seems completely unprofessional: they have removed all the specs of their platforms from the web (good that there is a link at the beginning of this thread) and on my question to the tech support about f_res vs load they said they don't know and asked ME where I took f_res<3.5Hz from HAHAHAHA! Probably they make their platforms as an unimportant acessory which must be in the line and don't give a s...t about it. |
Steve, I very much appreciate your offer but I turned it down not only because of the still high cost even after your rebate, but, most importantly, because of the EU draconic customs. I take it as a point of honor not to pay any customs, taxes etc I can to the hands of the, so called, "authorities" and cretins alike, but in the case of a direct airport shipping of such a massive piece this would be unavoidable. I'm very much looking into Newport's CM-225 isolators that Peterayer pointed to, in a diy skirt+plate construction.
Cheers,
b |
Actusreus, Newport platform BT-2024 from the Polish distributor is 2450EU all the taxes and shipping paid.
Expensive...BTW, could you please tell me how much is the BT-2024 on US Newport pages? I can't access them due to my EU IP I guss. In EU it's 1869EU before VAT and shipping. Same with CM-225 4 pcs set. Thanks!
Shipping Vibraplane platform privately is of course doable, I'd a have a freind who would be crazy enough to do it, but
1) if you or people you know shipped mountains to Poland before 2007 there ws still a marine service offered (by USPS and other couriers/forwarders)
2) from my experience, EU custom theives would not clear it, even if you declare the value below 22,50Eu (this is what those thieves let us import duty-free)--the sole weight and the shipping cost will result in customs+VAT. This is how they work. They see 68kg, $$$ shipping cost, they add to that whatever you declare and apply their extortion to the sum.
I've already had this problem importing EMT930 from Chroatia. |
Actusreus, "gift" marked on the customs declaration=be 100% sure of custom thieves attention! The customs practices are the same in all of EU. |
