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Simple & Cheap Way to Cut Turntable Vibrations

This OP is dedicated to Elizabeth, A'gon's paragon of audio economics and sensibility.

I accidentally discovered a way to substantially reduce bass and vibration feedback into my VPI Classic turntable. Oh, I have to thank my wife too. Last week my wife asked me to place padded furniture stickies under the feet of our bed to protect the hardwood floor.

I looked as these cheap gizmos and said to myself, I have a better idea. I place a padded sticky under each foot of my TT. I was amazed by how much it really reduced feedback. I even knocked on the el cheapo IKEA table on which I placed the TT -- no feedback. Trust me, the IKEA table is the worst place to put any audio equipment, especially a TT.

Try it folks and let the rest of us know what you think.
bifwynne

Showing 6 responses by mikewerner

mikewerner
120 posts
 
Put 3 or 4 squash balls under the turntable. Have the table still rest on its own legs.
The balls compress some and convert the vibrations into heat.
Squash balls are cheap and are designed to NOT bounce.
I use them under most of my equipment to good effect.
mikewerner
120 posts
 
I disagree. Nothing is perfect but the balls btwn the table and the stand, with the TT feet touching, absorbs vibration.
Case in point.
I have a vacuum record cleaner that vibrates. I can feel it in the floor near the stand. I hear it. It is vibrating.
Now, I placed the balls captured there between the cleaner and the table and magically the machine is quieter and the floor doesn't shake.
The cleaner is partially suspended - by the balls!
It works, try it!
-Mike
mikewerner
120 posts
 
Yes I am serious.
The squash balls work great!
They are designed to do just what we want them to do in our application. Absorb
vibration and convert it to heat.
One thing I would add. You want the balls to compress under the weight of the supported equipment enough that the feet of the equipment do touch the supporting shelf or table, what-have-you.
Give it a try. I think that you will be pleased with the effect.
mikewerner
120 posts
 
I put my balls under a heavy mono block. They squashed, too!
So now I take care to only suspend lighter things from them.
-Mike
mikewerner
120 posts
 
You see, place the TT on its own feet but have 3 balls under and adjacent to the feet.
The feet of the TT have to touch the table or stand.
The balls squashed there between the base of the TT and the stand absorb vibration.
The TT does not roll around because its feet are still touching the table.
mikewerner
120 posts
 
If we are talking condiments, I like pickled carrots!
Try the squash balls. It is cheap.
You have nothing to loose.
-Mike
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