Paul Dimaline
12" round member
I have been using a Loricraft clone for some time now and have been more than happy with it. To my ears, even with a RB300 and cheapo MM I prefered it to the LP12 it replaced. Even so, I have always wondered how the more common (certainly to DIY 'ers) solid plinth approach would compare.
So, out came my first prototype plinth. This origionaly had 4 layers of 18mm birch ply as a base, then a 18mm top plate resting on 4 squash balls cut in half.
To use this base as a solid design I had to add a further 18mm layer of ply to the top. This is make up the depth needed after removing the half squash balls. Rather than make a new top plate I simply removed the one from the Loricraft clone. I glued it to the base with 4 small blobs of glue applied to paper as I wanted to be able to remove it to put back on the sprung plinth.
So how did they compare. Well, in short, the Loriclone won.
The solid plinth had awsome dynamics, far better than the suspended version which tended to soften the leading edges slightly. Bass notes were perhaps deeper although not by much, but the sound did seem more powerfull somehow.
In all other area's the Loriclone edged it I felt. Treble was slightly dull on the solid plinth, and the sound had a feeling of being over controlled. Impresive at first, after a few hours it became a bit much, rellentless almost, although not harsh or fatiguing.
Converting back to the suspended plinth everything seemd so much more natural. Gone was some of the attack of the solid design but it was replaced by a more "relaxed" sound, but one that lacked nothing when it came to excitement. Sparkle is not a word usually assosiated with the Garrards treble but there was more of it than with the solid plinth.
So, my curiosity has been satisfied. I realise it cant be assumed that my findings are gospel, it is only my opinion after all. Bare in mind that I came to the Garrard from a LP12, which I liked very much and perhaps it can be argued that I prefer the Sondeks presentation. Possibly someone listening from a less coloured TT's veiwpoint may prefer the solid design? Perhaps some fine tuning would redress the ballance, I dont know. I have a feeling that the solid plinth may respond to what it sits on more than the suspended plinth, but I dont have a stand big enough to accomodate either.
Paul.
So, out came my first prototype plinth. This origionaly had 4 layers of 18mm birch ply as a base, then a 18mm top plate resting on 4 squash balls cut in half.
To use this base as a solid design I had to add a further 18mm layer of ply to the top. This is make up the depth needed after removing the half squash balls. Rather than make a new top plate I simply removed the one from the Loricraft clone. I glued it to the base with 4 small blobs of glue applied to paper as I wanted to be able to remove it to put back on the sprung plinth.
So how did they compare. Well, in short, the Loriclone won.
The solid plinth had awsome dynamics, far better than the suspended version which tended to soften the leading edges slightly. Bass notes were perhaps deeper although not by much, but the sound did seem more powerfull somehow.
In all other area's the Loriclone edged it I felt. Treble was slightly dull on the solid plinth, and the sound had a feeling of being over controlled. Impresive at first, after a few hours it became a bit much, rellentless almost, although not harsh or fatiguing.
Converting back to the suspended plinth everything seemd so much more natural. Gone was some of the attack of the solid design but it was replaced by a more "relaxed" sound, but one that lacked nothing when it came to excitement. Sparkle is not a word usually assosiated with the Garrards treble but there was more of it than with the solid plinth.
So, my curiosity has been satisfied. I realise it cant be assumed that my findings are gospel, it is only my opinion after all. Bare in mind that I came to the Garrard from a LP12, which I liked very much and perhaps it can be argued that I prefer the Sondeks presentation. Possibly someone listening from a less coloured TT's veiwpoint may prefer the solid design? Perhaps some fine tuning would redress the ballance, I dont know. I have a feeling that the solid plinth may respond to what it sits on more than the suspended plinth, but I dont have a stand big enough to accomodate either.
Paul.
