Would an Isolation TT platform further improve my TT?


My new Luxman PD-171 A TT weighs around 55 lbs. and it sits on a heavy audio stand. The floor is carpeted w/a cement base. Prior to this TT I had a Linn w/was much more sensitive and didn't need an additional stand. I wonder if adding an isolation platform would be beneficial to my current TT. I was looking at Butcher Block Acoustics and MDF W/Lead Core and Sorbothane Feet.
luxmancl38

Showing 2 responses by cd318

@luxmancl38, although I’m a great believer in isolation I wouldn’t try too hard in your case. The PD 171 is already one hell of a record deck.

Your existing stand/concrete floor will filter most of the higher level seismic garbage (a la Technics SP10 stands of yore). The decks own isolation system will do most of the rest. To go further you might need more than sorbothane ie high compliance springs. But then you risk lateral stability issues.

Taken from their website

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=25

Under-slung system

All major parts are attached to a 15mm thick aluminum plate which connects to the main chassis by our original under-slung (hanging) method, successfully achieving both high rigidity and vibration damping.

The motor and the power supply transformer, which can cause vibration, are attached using floating mounts to achieve a higher signal to noise ratio.

Four large caliber spring-and-rubber insulator feet directly connected to the chassis prevent feedback and external vibration transmission.

In addition, the hybrid vibration damping structure of the metal chassis and wooden exterior contributes to a high level of sound quality.



Gee, it seems as if you just can’t get turntable isolation low enough. Not easily anyway. Even <10Hz resonance might not be enough for optimal performance.

https://www.ortofon.com/support/support-hifi/resonance-frequency

Apart from totally over the top designs like the Continuum Caliburn and its Castellon stand, it seems as if most designers are happy to settle for just "good enough" isolation.

On the other hand if Michael Fremer’s YouTube videos comparing the Caliburn to the Technics SL1200G are anything to go by that might be enough.

https://youtu.be/qY9YYkqW8ng

https://youtu.be/QKfs5lYZuQk

Or if not, then how much of a factor was the air/sprung suspension of the Castellon stand a factor?

http://www.continuumaudiolabs.com/legacy/caliburn/castellon.php

"For an isolation system to work, the ideal support structure must be infinitely stiff, otherwise the movement of the stand will interfere with the isolation system.

To achieve the best possible result the Castellon uses a nautical turnbuckle system which exerts a significant amount of force to cross-brace the vertical legs and resist rocking motions."