TIGER PAW "Tranquility" (Magnetic Bearing Repulsion...) Any Good?


I have stumbled across a new LINN LP12 enhancement called TIGER PAW TRANQUILITY.

In essence, it uses magnetic discs and is said to relieve the bearing of 90% of the platter weight - so a lighter load means a quieter bearing.

Online endorsements seem to be overwhelmingly in favour.

It's pricey for a non-LINN part at about GBP400 + Shipping, but seems like a great idea.

Just wondering if anyone here has tried it?  Any feedback?
sondeknz

Showing 2 responses by mre28m5

I bought a Tranquility and installed it on my LP12 a couple days ago. Ordered the unit from the UK. It was delivered to the West Coast in four days. Installation and adjustment took about an hour, which included reading the instructions a few times. The instructions were pretty clear, though not 100% accurate. FYI, if you buy a “Tranq,” the magnet assembly that is fitted to the inner platter is installed so that the screw heads are visible. The final thing to check is that there is no audible rubbing with the motor driving the table with an LP on it. Tiger Paw included a pair of film handling gloves, which is very thoughtful.

The sonic benefits are immediately audible and obvious. On the LP’s listened to so far there is better bass definition and detail, soundstage is wider, instruments and voices occupy their own space, highs and mids are clearer and sweeter, and overall the sound of the table is much faster and more dynamic. I could go on. Not sure if I would characterize my assessment as a “rave.” However, the results exceeded my expectations. 

I think the Tranquility is a very good investment. I am very pleased with it. For context my turntable is an oldie... S/N 17XXX.  No Cirkus, new belt, new oil, new bushings, Ittok arm with Cardas Clear wire direct to pre, Goldbug Medusa cart, Spec AP-UD1 mat. It’s great that the Tranquility can improve a 40 year-old table.

To the the issues raised in earlier posts... I suppose speed or slippage issues could be encountered if the lower magnet is not adjusted properly for normal operation. The platter assembly spun freely for several revolutions during setup of my system. Also the platter height did not change on my system after the Tranquility was installed. So I believe the bearing position remains unchanged. 

I think the Tranquility works very well and represents very good value.





@daveyf... In answer to your question, the Linn dealer in my town refused emphatically to inspect or adjust my LP12 because I had replaced the original mat. The other Linn expert in my town did replace the grommets and set the springs’ tension. Though when I arrived to pick up my LP12, it was playing the label of a record. The paper label. The technician then cranked on one of the spring tension screws in my presence and suggested that I buy a non-Linn motor. I will not take my LP12 back to that shop.

In the absence of any trustworthy expertise I have had to do my own research and decide how best to bring my LP12 into the 21st Century. A positive, if unintended, consequence of the above circumstances is that I did discover the TP Tranquility. Having heard the improvement, I would add Tranquility if my LP12 had a Cirkus bearing. And I guess the Cirkus will be my next purchase in the near future. 

Regarding the slippage issue, it might be that the lower magnet could move if the locking collar is not sufficiently tight. On my system 1/4 revolution of the lower magnet was the difference between scraping and not scraping. I would also set the lower magnet height with the heaviest LP in my collection on the TT platter with the motor running. It’s been just a few days, but I still listen for rubbing after most album changes. Just a thought...