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Tone Arm board material

My VPI Ares3 turntable which is made with a laminated acrylic/aluminum/acrylic plinth, about 2.5 inches thick in total, has a 5/8 inch circular cut through the top layer of acrylic which exposes the center laminate of aluminum.  Set into this circular cut out is the 'puck' arm board mounting disc which is about 7/8 inches thick acrylic.  This bolts to the aluminum via three machine bolts.  My SME Series IV magnesium tone arm is bolted to the acrylic tone arm puck.

Magnesium is known for its superior vibration and sound deadening qualities, so I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on making the tone arm board 'puck' out of solid magnesium vs. the factory supplied acrylic??  I can see why they probably don't use magnesium as it's super expensive.  I just got a quote on a small piece of magnesium to machine a new tone arm board and its $125.  But if it were to make an improvement in performance, its cheap money.

Does anyone out there have any thoughts on this?

slimpikins5

Showing 1 response by pryso

pryso
1,970 posts
 
sleepwalker, when I began researching plinth building I found a few suggestions for Corian.  However I then read that Corian can in fact be subject to vibration transmission.  Otherwise it might be more commonly used I guess.  One comment stated that transmission will vary depending on the amount and size of the aluminum particles in a given Corian sample.

It may look nice and be easy to work with, but I ask myself if it is so good why is it not more commonly used?

Regardless, I think Ralph offered very good basic advice.
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