Furutech / Air Tight LP Flattener - do they work?

` I currently use the VPI outer ring and it works extremely well. However if there is a warp, even thou the outer ring keeps it reasonably flat, you can hear the warp.

Considering you get these things for under or around the $1k mark - I believe they can be very valuble. email me if you want the details.

Does anyone have the air tight English manual they can email me???

Hi Alex

I'll scan mine and email. It is very easy to use once power up.

You should have bought a universal voltage transformer when you were in Japan - they have them in all electronic stores.

BTW, Don't use the flattener on Universal re-issue vinyl like U2 or Depeche mode re-issues. Somehow Universal have changed the vinyl mix and it cooks the vinyl!! All other vinyl is fine.

Well I took the plunge and have ordered the new Orb/Air tight Japanese model from Japan, the DF-02.

see link http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.orb.co.jp/audio/df02.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=6&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dorb%2Bdf-02%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
Cuurent air tight model bottom left.

Any one who does dot want the new model can order the older air tight df-01 from ebay. see link - http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ORB-DF-01-Analog-Vinyl-Disc-Flatter_W0QQitemZ200219137021QQihZ010QQcategoryZ48648QQcmdZViewItem

both suffice to say are a LOT cheaper from Japan than the branded air tight units.

I'll post my thoughts on the DF-02 in a few weeks

cheers

Yabol

It may also be puzzling that you are playing 99c LP's on a 10k plus turntable. Not sure exactly what your point is. It would depend on how many LP's you currently have as well.

Very expensive to return US or Euro presssings from Australia.

BTW, you can buy the unbranded original manufactured Air tight unit for $650 in Japan so I classify that as very resonable price.

Speedy

Yes, If you are talking about the ebay listing. I asked and 17kg shipping is quite expensive - hence the $240 shipping. Don't forget you will need a step down transformer to bring the US 120 vlts down to Japan 100 vlts. the same4 vendor sells them or buy them in the USA.

I am buying mine newer (more expensive model) direct from JAT in Japan from whom I have bought a couple of cartridges in the past. I have confidence in this guy. If anyone wants to buy from this guy, let me know and I will email the details

cheers

My DF-02 was delivered yesterday.

Unpacked it, put my warped/dished "Wolfmother" LP into the unit.

You can select 60, 90, 120 or 150 minutes heating time. the Wolfmother LP is about 150gm's, so I selected 90 minutes and closed the lid.

The LED display counts down, then automatically goes to 2 hours for cooling.

Took the LP out, put it back on the platter and guess what - no real difference - still warped - damm.

Put the LP back into the DF-02 and selected 2 hours and went to bed.

Got up this morning and put it on the platter - the LP is now nice and flat and plays fine.

So far so good and excellent to have the choice of how long to heat for. I'll report back after I have done 10 or so LP's.

cheers

Yea, I was going to start off with 60 minutes, but the vinyl is closer to 180gm's than 120gm's so 90 minutes was the better start off choice. WE don't want to over cook these vinyl pizza's do we :-))

I'll find some skinny 120gm vinyl and see how 60 or 90 minutes heating goes.

the unit is supposed to be able to do LP's with no groove guard. Are they the classic 200gm vinyl only??

cheers

Speedy, Lucky I have such thick skin :>))

The LP manual was quite clear. First use an LP of no real value to try your LP flattener as the manufacturer is not responsible for any damage to your records.
I thought of using my original UK pressing of the beatles Abbey Road first up, but thought better.

So I used "wolfmother" as I know that it can be replaced easy. Anyway, don't knock it - great 70's Led Zep/Deep purple style music.

I'll redemm myself by flattening some audiophile LP's all in good time.

I'll check out the "Corroborree" LP. Trouble is I would probably have to buy it from the USA.

Good to see your DIY version is working. Too much hassle for me.

I have the HRX with outer ring for several years now. Works very well and there are no issues whatsoever with damaging your cartridge. You will need space or a stool or something that you can rest your ouiter ring onto when changing records.

I also have the disc flattener and that is excellent as well. However generally when you pull out one of your records you want to play it then and there. You can then flatten it as it takes several hours in total.

Ultimately it is better to flatten the record. After you have done that therer are no issues on whatever table you play with

Cannot comment on if it works with 78's. I doubt it due to different formulation of the vinyl.

5 years later, mine still works perfectly (except crap GZ digital vinyl which has softer different vinyl formutaion).

It is especially useful with US pressings which are invariably dished and the Orb flattens them a treat.

good luck in finding one, or buy one from ebay