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New terrastone footers and plinth for VPI classic1

I purchased some new footers for my VPI classic 1 along with a custom terrastone plinth to set my turntable on. In short, I am in awe at the improvement. I stayed up listening to side after side last night untill the wee hours of the morning. I woke up this morning and am listening as I write this. I just can't get enough of it. I have listened to several hours of music with these products installed so I feel safe making comments on what I am hearing.

I first ordered some brass bearpaw footers from Dan at edensound. They did make a nice improvement to the sound of my system. I was happy with them but, I was having a low level feedback issue and the brass bearpaws made it more pronounced. I could only listen at just below my normal listening level before the feedback became an issue. I did have to return the bearpaws to Dan but, it became clear to me that day that a rigid footer under the VPI table was the only way to go. I talked to Dan and he suggested the terrastone footers and plinth as this would do a better job of isolation and rejecting low level vibrations. For those not familiar with the product, terrastone is a dense, rigid isolation polymer. These footers are threaded for VPI tables so the switch was simple.

Now enter the terrastone plinth and footers. After several hours listening, I am very impressed and pleased with what I am hearing. The highs are more clearly defined. The bass is deeper and has more punch while remaining tight. This was very obvious from the first moment I put the stylus on the record. What surprised me the most was the change to the midband. It didn't jump out to me as immediately as the improvement in the bass and highs. But after more listening, The midband is definitely more refined and has a new level of clarity. I am hearing small things that I missed before. Now I can't quit listening to see what I missed earlier. It has made an overall improvement in detail and resolution across the board.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the bearpaws and they did sound good but, I am blown away by what I am hearing now. The combination of the terrastone plinth and footers have a WOW! factor that I didn't get with the brass bearpaws. I am fully pleased with this purchase and real world audible improvements that have been made. These footers and plinth have made the biggest improvement to the sound of my VPI table of any tweaks I have tried. New interconnects, power cord, you name it. These footers and plinth have made the biggest impact for me in my system. I personally wouldn't have believed that just a change in the footer could alter the sound in such a positive way as much as it has. It is a definite improvement across the board. A rigid footer under the VPI line of tables is a must have for me. I personally think the semi-suspended stock VPI footer is somewhat detrimental to the sound. You really must try a rigid footer under your VPI table and I highly recommend the products from Dan at edensound. I know this sounds like a sales pitch. I am just really enthused about my end results and wanted to share my experiences with you guys. Dan was courteous and helpful to me. He is easy to talk to and deal with. I would recommend doing business with him.


Andy Price
andyprice44

Showing 4 responses by andyprice44

andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
I purchased these terrastone products based partly on your success stories stringreen. I read several post about bearpaws vs terrastone. Now that I have had a few more days to listen, the terrastone clearly outperforms the brass footer. The brass bearpaw is a nice upgrade and does make a good improvement. The terrastone footer is a jump ahead of the brass bearpaws though. Both of them are very nice products and I would definitely recommend the brass bearpaw over the stock VPI footers. Then again, if you can spare the extra cash, the terrastone footers are a nice step up.
I am also going to get some small terrastone footers to put under my tube phono as well when funds allow. I just spent all I will allow myself this month on this set of footers and plinth for my table.
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
Captain winters,

As you can tell, I am very satisfied with my purchase. These footers are great for VPI turntables. I will tell you they are different than the footers pictured on the site. Dan has not put a picture of the VPI specific footer on his website yet. I would be glad to send you some pictures of my setup. Dan has a good return policy. These footers for the VPI table is a stock item for Dan so, you can send them back if you don't like them. I wouldn't expect you would be sending them back after you get to listen to how they improve the sound.
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
I also have the terrastone footers that have the adjustable brass feet. Mine are not the type pictured on the edensound website with the white bearing on top. I do have some pictures that dan sent me. I would be glad to send those on to anyone who wants to see them. There is also pictures of the terrastone plinth on the part time audiophile website. Do a google search for terrastone platform on google and the link to the page should be the third or fourth result. I am still very happy with the improvement these footers and platform have made. Well worth the price in IMO.
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
I have no experience with the symposium shelf. The standard terrastone platform like I have is 1" thick. It then has adjustabble brass points that add another 3/4" to the overall height to make it 1-3/4" overall. The platform material itself is 1" thick. The terrastone footers for VPI tables are also adjustable. Therefore you have two different ways to level your table. Once the adjustments have been made, the platform and footers have locknuts that won't allow it to move afterwards. I got my platform completely leveled first and then I made fine adjustments with the leveling feature of the footers. I then tightened the locknuts and it hasn't moved since. It is very practical and works very well.
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