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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: Ultimate Turntable
Post Subject: Platter evolutionPosted by rowuk on: 5/6/2014
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If we look generally at stability from bridges to optical measurement benches, mass has one function - tune resonance or place it outside of the desired passband. Other methods are chosen when we want to convert energy to heat.

Do we know what a "lighter honeycomb" platter sounds like with the rigidity, and resonance optimization of a heavier unit (it is possible)? Can we say that we need the mass to "ground" the record? Where is that optimum resonance? Can we with confidence say that motors and energy transmission (rubber band, arimide fiber, idler wheel) are such shit that only mass can smooth them out? Is that what we are really hearing or is it an easy story to tell? Does the compliance of the cartridge play a role in the optimum mass tuning? Is the problem airborne vibration?

This is what I am talking about when I ask about "content". I have seen all sorts of stability pseudoarguments that could have merit when we are grinding lenses for the next telescope project. Sure, more stabile is always "better" - but how does that relate to Sound? If we simply keep adding mass, what happens to the Sound vs the environmental effects. What are we hearing that is supposedly "so" different?

I guess that part of my thoughts come from the fact that I have heard enough EMT (928/930), Thorens TD125, Linn Sondek LP12, even the top Dual CS series TTs that really sounded great in appropriate systems. Bass extension, contour, space around the instruments, stability of pitch, sense of pitch all were/are of great measure. Perhaps in another category? I am not sure where the differences could be because I am sure that a set up optimized around an LP12 will perhaps NOT be optimal with a very massive deck. I used a Revox 700 for playback of 38cm half track original tapes (popular in the 60s in Germany) and was able to compare the sound between the record and "tape master dub".

I am not saying that the AF1 is NOT a statement, I simply have not seen/heard what I consider valid arguments for better Sound at any price. If the achievement is just "more of what we suspected all along", then the tales to be told can indeed be very subjective/suggestive. The AF2, 3, 4 can weigh twice as much and the price linearly adjusted.

A turntable remains a highly resonant creature regardless. The cantilever, the record itself, the susceptibility to environmental conditions ALL change the groove to something sonically very individual. It is NEVER a copy of the original. Perhaps well set up systems can compensate sins to get a balanced "sound". If I want reference, then there are more reliable and consistent ways to get there (without the TT). Change the room temperature 5-10° and then check your playback characteristics........... Reference? Hardly. The disc changes its "hardness" and the cantilever suspension its "compliance". Maybe the goal of advanced record playback should NOT be playback, rather emotion........... In this respect a TT IS a musical instrument with tweakable response - not consistent reference playback.

Mental stroking is more prevalent when "magic through monumental" becomes the argument.

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