Lead Balloon vs. Leadless Balloon TT stand


I have recently seen several of the old Arcici Lead Balloon turntable stands on Audiogon. These are discontinued, a website says, because the EPA said no lead. How do these compare to their replacement, the Leadless Balloon stand,or to other turntable stands?
suttlaw

Showing 1 response by rgordonpf

The lead in the Lead Balloon consisted of two lead bars that lay on top of the stand. I never used them, figuring my Bright Star sand box added enough mass and damping to the stand. I did fill the stand's hollow legs with a mixture of leadshot, sand, and sawdust. I have since replaced the sand box with a maple butcherblock.

Not having any other stands to compare it to, I can not comment on its sonics. However, I find the stand to be very sturdy - able to withstand hundreds of pounds (granite) placed on its top. I find it a perfectly acceptable base under my TNT-5. YMMV