Suspended vs. nonsuspended TT?


I have the been looking at both used VPI TNT and Aries 'tables and Nottingham as well. I am interested in a system with great bass extension. My system is in a second floor den with suspended wooden floors. The TNT would be on a VPI stand, the others likely on a Target or homemade maple stand with some type of MDF/sand and/or air suspension device utilized.

Any suggestions on whether to go suspended or nonsuspended?

Thanks!

Matt
mattattnet

Showing 1 response by 4yanx

Here is a wall mount alternative that I have used to great effect with my non-suspended Nottingham Spacedeck that will probably make some tweak meisters cringe. I looked at several pre-made wall mounts and found those within my budget to be somewhat flimsy.

I bought a pair of Stanley "L" shaped brackets with diagonal bracing (rated 1,000 pounds bearing strength) at Home Depot for $7 each. "Scuffed" them up with wet/dry sandpaper and painted them with a $4 can of textured Rustoleum paint (available in a variety of colors to match decor)to give them a powder coated look that matches my component rack. I then affixed 1/4" X 1 1/4" strips of a rubber/carbon material that I had left over from another project to the brackets where the they would meet the wall and where they form the support for the shelf. I obtained a 20" X 16" X 3" rock maple cutting board for $75 which I attached on a 16" center to the brackets using 1/2" X 1 1/2" lag bolts and rubber washers. Finally, I attached the whole unit to the wall with 5/8" X 2 1/4" lag bolts screwed into the wall studs (being very careful that all was plumb and level, of course).

For $95, I have a support for the Nottingham that is rock solid. As a test, I placed a glass of water on the shelf, STOMPED on the floor, and saw no movement whatsoever. Because the Not has no suspension, this is a "set it and forget it" application. After intial setup and fine tuned leveling of the platter, it is basically maintenance free. I feel that I have a support worthy of those costing MUCH more and can use the cash saved for my garage sale pursuits of more vinyl!