tonearm match ZYX Universe Moerch and Triplanar

Tom,

I'd guess most Galibier users site the table on a floor stand, especially if you have the added benefit of sitting on a concrete floor. From there, I'd say the field is open - Thom favors building a sandbox with an aluminum top plate that beds into the sand by virtue of some interface between the top plate and sand; several other users have successfully utilized granite or other such stone materials. General consensus from most users is that wood (be it MDF, solid maple or other) is not an ideal top plate material. This is a case where experimentation is in order - the path to an inert surface is frought with variables, including the type of floor and stand construction. You should carefully read over the Galibier FAQ page to get a better idea of the types of surface materials available, as well as strategies for finding the best stand for your situation. -Richard

Yes, the granite will ring. I'm betting that the aluminum does also but at a different frequency. As Richard mentioned Thom's preference, I'm also using the granite with a sandbox. My suggestion for the end table was meant as a temporary solution until you get else. Maybe one of those high dollar stands will be a great solution. But if not you're out some money. As Richard suggests, experimentation will help you find a good solution for your situation. Thom has told me of one of his customers who has been using such a table for some time now with very good results. I don't know what that person is using as a plate under the base. I had first tried a butcher block shelf cut so that the bottom had sections that would sink into the sand. Really bad. I didn't realize how bad it was until I tried the granite. BTW, I did the same. I bought a remnant, Dakota Mahogany, from a local stone supplier and had them cut it to the same dimensions as the wood shelf so it was a drop in replacement. Someday when a get some extra tweaking money I'll look into an aluminum plate to try in comparison with the granite.

Thanks Dan and Richard

I'll try a short and long term solution on the table stand

I'm curious - how jaw dropping was the Galibier over your last table?

My last really good table was a Basis 2500. Not the latest Signature series, but that is really the beginning of the meat of the Basis line. Now as I have related above, I started with the Galibier in the least flattering setup for that table so I had no immediate jaw dropping experience. Thinking back I'm almost embarrassed at the presentation of my first setup. The first jaw-dropping moment came a few months later when I removed the cones at the suggestion of another G owner. Then I had another such experience when I first swapped in the granite. You could easily replicate this adventure when your G shows up. As long as you're comfortable with setting up the arm and cartridge, the rest is a cake walk.

To me, the most appealing characteristic of the Galibier remains that of its ability to make those LPs of mine that are not in pristine condition sound remarkable quiet but still just as dynamic as any of my more prised records. The table completely gets out of the way of what is on the LP.

thanks Dan for the details

I was considering a Steve Blinn design with maple butcher block piece on top. Maybe I could order it without the butcher block and place granite on the frame which is heavy duty alluminum.

looking at a 24" by 18 " drop in piece

Tom