Just finished adding plasticine inside TransAudio 1800

[jamesc760]

Added about 3 pounds of modeling clay. After listening to it, the difference is noticeable. Bass is tighter, more sonic detail; however it hits harder. I'm not 100% sure I like it.

 

[jamesc760]

I was listening to a tape recording I had made of Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run LP prior to adding the plasticine. The difference is subtle but noticeable. There's more to the audio coming out of the heavier TA 1800, it carries more details, more bass, harder hitting. At first I was confused and concerned because it didn't sound like I was expecting. That's why I said I wasn't 100% sure I liked it. As I'm getting used to it, I think I like the sound better and better.

Does this mean I will be going down the rabbit hole of chasing after more expensive, audiophile, turntables?

 

[knotscott]

The plasticine is damping some resonances, which were likely offering some coloration that you either like or just got used to. In time, I suspect you'll learn to appreciate the sound without the coloration, or will adjust your system accordingly. That's a win in my book.

 

[T68]

I think modelling clay is the most bang for the buck audiophile upgrade around !

 

[tabarddn51]

No, Sand is.
Cheers

 

[CrSens]

I prefer the approach of not letting micro vibrations reach the turntable, as opposed to damping them once they reach the plinth, tonearm, and in the end the cartridge. Easier to get consistent results.

 

[jamesc760]

What about the internal vibrations?

 

[CrSens]

What about the internal vibrations?

These could be motor induced (rarely) or stylus induced while tracing the grooves and transmitting through the tonearm. These can be effectively reduced by cartridge decoupling and preventing the vibrations from reaching the tonearm.

 

[tabarddn51]

That's why it's sand. Sand takes care of internal & external vibrations. Although for absolute safety the motor should be separated from the plinth in it's own pod.
Read this review of 5 plinths (same T/T) by TNTaudio
http://tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/teemaudio_kit2_e.html

Cheers