Alternative for VPI springs?

Rpfef: I sold my SIMS Navcomes years ago because of my posts above. All of these types of products do help in a way but TRAP resonances.

Melm: Tried it... no comparison to my set-up.

Rpfef: Yes, I have years of experience and am currently using mine. While all of the above posters who have used a lossy rubber or sorbothane type of interface, receive some sonic benefit, these do not result in the optimum performance this table is capable of so it isn't the "cat's meow". The best way is a "direct drain path outward" for vibrations/resonances to dissipate completely. These other options don't meet that critical criteria. I think I posted some of it early on the ET thread.

(Years ago, I also) made a set of "helpers" that I use in order to extract the plinth from the base for easy maintenance and so-forth.

If you are interested, private message me for more info.

Squash balls. Make your own platform(s) and it all costs almost nothing, or use Ginko.

I replaced the springs on my VPI/Denon with double sets of Symposium roller blocks with great success. The music came to life.

I haven't worked with your model 19, however, any VPI that I have worked on benefited from removing any movement from the tunable. I have used Bearpaws, or Audiopoints to solidly attach the table to the supporting rack eliminating any feet (mini feet, etc.) Try it - you can always go back if you don't like it.

We sell cryo'd springs. Should work fine for anything under say fifty lbs. is it wrong to say that?

Herbie's also makes a turntable specific "isoball and cup" unit. I'd contact them if the Sims thing falls through or for those in the same situation. I think Herbies has a no hassle return policy too. Here is the link to the webpage.

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttfeet.htm

A lot of information and opinions on the subject available here and at Audioasylum.

****I have often wondered if the performance could be improved with a non-spring suspension.****

The answer is YES; but, with a big caveat. The sound of the turntable will most definitely be changed by removing the springs. Wether that change will be perceived as an improvement will depend on how much vibration your rack or shelf transmits to the table's feet. I am generalizing, but a general rule of thumb is that the "springier" the suspension is, the more it will isolate the platter/ tonearm/cartridge from vibrations. The stiffer the suspension, the more that vibrations will be transmitted. Stiff suspension also usually means a tighter overall presentation with better defined images and tighter bass. A springier suspension usually means slightly more diffuse images, somewhat bloated bass with slightly less extension, and (interestingly) a band of brightness in the upper midrange with a welcomed sense of rhythmic liveliness. A very important factor at those point is how loud you play your music. The louder you play it, the more pronounced these effects will be up to the point that you experience acoustic breakthrough (feedback). Just because you don't actually hear feedback does not mean that the playback is not being affected negatively; it may be on the verge of feedback and causing problems.

I had my various HW19's on a wall shelf which, while it fixed my springy floor problem, also transmitted a fair amount of vibration to the shelf because of a lively wall. I tried just about everything in place of the stock springs: stiffer springs (VPI), Navcom, Sorbothane, upturned metal cones, foam, wood. What gave me the best results (and what I settled on) was original Sorbothane pucks with a short "Tiptoe" cone pointing up and inside the puck's recess. Bottom line: as usual, there is no one answer. Experiment! And don't be seduced by a change in the sound that may end up not being an improvement at all. Good luck.

I'd be quite interested in your blister pack. If you can find them, let me know and we can work out a deal.
Thanks.

I have a pair of the Sims new in a blister pack if you are interested. It would take me a while to dig them out of whichever box I put them in when I moved out of my house in '08.

Rpfef...I realize what they are designed for. Here is what is stated in the ad:

Big Tall Tenderfoot: Same as above except molded extra tall to lift components free of tall factory feet. Also great for turntables having severe footfall or other macro-vibrational issues. Superior upgrade for AR, Thorens, and VPI suspension springs.

Read the last sentence...

The Herbie's Tenderfeet are meant to be placed under the entire unit, not in place of the suspension springs. But it is entirely possible that they would work well in that capacity also.
Thanks for the idea.

Rpfef...the other VPI thread that you posted to, listed the Herbie's Big Tall Extra-Firm Tenderfeet for use on the HW-19 tables.

Here is the LINK

I have never tried these, but they are listed as replacements for the VPI in the ad on the link above.

Sorbothane pucks work pretty well and VPI even used them instead of springs in their HW19 Jr. model.