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Best Vibraplane Compressor Substitute?


Just bought a 20 x 24" Vibraplane to use under my TT, and am very excited.

It comes without a compressor and I wonder if there's any reason to spend a lot of money, just for 'hot air'? (couldn't resist)

Really, is there any justificaton for an expensive compressor? The bladders on the item are purported to be sound, and if they're not I will replace them myself. The compressor will only come on as needed: I can 'top off' the machine before listening and disconnect it. The VP is not going to need air during a two or three hour session, certainly.

My thought is to buy a relatively inexpensive unit, and proceed as above.

I would appreciate your suggestions, and thank you in advance for sharing your experience.

Best,

David
cdk84

Showing 2 responses by albertporter

albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
David,

What model is the Vibraplane? Some are passive and some active. If you have active model I have the perfect compressor suggestion for about $600.00. (No I don't sell them, it's an Ebay thing).

If you want to spend "no" money, any compressor will work but some of the very cheap ones from Home Depot run 24/7 and have to be cycled on and off.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
The compressor I mentioned is available at Ebay, Silentaire Super Silent DR-150 for about $549.00 new in the box. Perhaps even less with some savvy internet shopping.

It's capable of 114 pounds, stores reserve air in a tank so there is no surge and comes on only as needed. This is the same Italian manufacturer that supplies Kuzma for their (sensitive) air powered linear track tonearm.

I've had my Silentaire for over a year and other than topping up the oil supply a single time it's required no maintenance.

Noise level is very low, 30 DB at one meter, although even that number is too high to have in the listening room unless perhaps in a closet.

The suggestions of an compressed air tank are certainly reasonable from a noise stand point but to have any real storage you need commercial refillable cylinders.

I would not consider anything other than a reliable, established supplier and only Nitrogen fill due to health and safety risk. I did extensive research a couple of years ago and decided the pump was easier and less risk in the long run.
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