Lew is right: the mass ratio of platter/base could be inverse. So I would put the whole TT on metal spikes and a very heavy slate. But wouldn´t touch the maglev.
Trans Fi Salvation direct rim drive turntable
Hi A'goners, I've just bought this turntable, confident it'll be my last upgrade. The rest of my system is a Tom Evans Groove Plus SRX phono stage, EMM Labs CDSA SE cd player, Hovland HP200 pre/Radia power amps, Zu Definitions Mk 4 loudspeakers, so a pretty good way to listen to vinyl.
Over the years, since 1995 I've progressed from a Roksan Xerxes/Artemiz/Shiraz, via a Michell Orbe/SME V/Transfiguration Orpheus, finally ending up last week with my new Trans Fi Salvation/Trans Fi T3Pro Terminator/Zu modded Denon 103.
This turntable (£2500 UK price, approx $4000-$5000 US) is the brainchild of Vic, a retired dentist, who, fed up with the shortcomings of belt drive and traditionally-pivoted tone arms, literally from the ground up devised first the Terminator air bearing linear tracking tone arm (now in T3Pro guise as on my system), and now the direct rim drive Salvation turntable, a technology in direct opposition to the hegemony of belt drive we've come to accept from the '70s.
In summary, he has developed a motor that directly rim drives an oversize platter. The magic is that vibrations are drained away from the platter and hence stylus. So minimal rumble is transmitted, the weakness of Garrards/Lencos in the past. This is mated to a substantial slate plinth which does a great job of isolating the whole rig from external vibrations.
Where this differs from direct drive is that the torque applied is high enough to counteract stylus drag, but it is strictly analogue controlled ie no digital feedback applying constant micro speed control. Speed is set correctly, torque is sufficient, and speed stability is like a rock.
This is combined with his air bearing linear tracking arm, discussed on other threads.
So technical description over, how about how it sounds? Well, years ago I always assumed the overhang in bass when playing lps on my previous belt drive/pivoted arm tts, apparent as a benign artifact, was all part of the 'romance' of vinyl, esp. when compared to the dry, clinical sound of early cd. But in 2007 I acquired the EMM cd, which had a natural analogue sound playing silver discs, but none of this bass colouration. On studying the growing reemergence of idler/direct drive, and their superiority in maintaining speed stability, I agreed that the belt speed instability might be introducing this.
Two years ago I came across Vic, and now I can report that eliminating the belt for high torque rim drive has taken this whole artifact out of the equation. Whole layers of previously masked information like rhythm guitars are now present, treble information has abundant naturalness and decay, and bass, which appears to be less in quantity compared to belt, is actually more accurate with a real start-stop quality, much more like digital, and the real thing. The other positives are more linked to the arm, including uncanny tracking across the whole record side; I'm really not exaggerating in saying that the last few grooves at the end of an lp side are as solidly reproduced as the first. Music with strong dynamic contrasts are really served well by the Salvation, and I am shocked at how good this all is after trepidation that the sound might be hyperdetailed but too assertive etc. In fact music is reproduced with a relaxed incision, and a welcoming detailed transparency.
The amazing thing is that all of this is not in anyway at the expense of the natural warmth and tonal dimensionality that still puts vinyl way ahead of any digital (imho).
The only thing, and Vic would like this to be known, is that his creation is a cottage industry, and he can only produce limited numbers to order.
I'm happy to answer qs on it, as I really want our community to know about a possible world beating product at real world prices. My tech knowledge will be limited, but no problem discussing sound quality issues.
I'm not affiliated in anyway to the product, just sold my Orbe on ebay and bought this. Regards to all
Over the years, since 1995 I've progressed from a Roksan Xerxes/Artemiz/Shiraz, via a Michell Orbe/SME V/Transfiguration Orpheus, finally ending up last week with my new Trans Fi Salvation/Trans Fi T3Pro Terminator/Zu modded Denon 103.
This turntable (£2500 UK price, approx $4000-$5000 US) is the brainchild of Vic, a retired dentist, who, fed up with the shortcomings of belt drive and traditionally-pivoted tone arms, literally from the ground up devised first the Terminator air bearing linear tracking tone arm (now in T3Pro guise as on my system), and now the direct rim drive Salvation turntable, a technology in direct opposition to the hegemony of belt drive we've come to accept from the '70s.
In summary, he has developed a motor that directly rim drives an oversize platter. The magic is that vibrations are drained away from the platter and hence stylus. So minimal rumble is transmitted, the weakness of Garrards/Lencos in the past. This is mated to a substantial slate plinth which does a great job of isolating the whole rig from external vibrations.
Where this differs from direct drive is that the torque applied is high enough to counteract stylus drag, but it is strictly analogue controlled ie no digital feedback applying constant micro speed control. Speed is set correctly, torque is sufficient, and speed stability is like a rock.
This is combined with his air bearing linear tracking arm, discussed on other threads.
So technical description over, how about how it sounds? Well, years ago I always assumed the overhang in bass when playing lps on my previous belt drive/pivoted arm tts, apparent as a benign artifact, was all part of the 'romance' of vinyl, esp. when compared to the dry, clinical sound of early cd. But in 2007 I acquired the EMM cd, which had a natural analogue sound playing silver discs, but none of this bass colouration. On studying the growing reemergence of idler/direct drive, and their superiority in maintaining speed stability, I agreed that the belt speed instability might be introducing this.
Two years ago I came across Vic, and now I can report that eliminating the belt for high torque rim drive has taken this whole artifact out of the equation. Whole layers of previously masked information like rhythm guitars are now present, treble information has abundant naturalness and decay, and bass, which appears to be less in quantity compared to belt, is actually more accurate with a real start-stop quality, much more like digital, and the real thing. The other positives are more linked to the arm, including uncanny tracking across the whole record side; I'm really not exaggerating in saying that the last few grooves at the end of an lp side are as solidly reproduced as the first. Music with strong dynamic contrasts are really served well by the Salvation, and I am shocked at how good this all is after trepidation that the sound might be hyperdetailed but too assertive etc. In fact music is reproduced with a relaxed incision, and a welcoming detailed transparency.
The amazing thing is that all of this is not in anyway at the expense of the natural warmth and tonal dimensionality that still puts vinyl way ahead of any digital (imho).
The only thing, and Vic would like this to be known, is that his creation is a cottage industry, and he can only produce limited numbers to order.
I'm happy to answer qs on it, as I really want our community to know about a possible world beating product at real world prices. My tech knowledge will be limited, but no problem discussing sound quality issues.
I'm not affiliated in anyway to the product, just sold my Orbe on ebay and bought this. Regards to all
326 responses Add your response
Dover, I appreciate your honest testimony/review and thus confirming The Verdier´s ability as a true class TT. I never doubted it though, namely due to true maglev (non-thrust pad). Following your logic, from SP10Mk3/LO7D and The Verdier to The Final Audio VTT-1 the question is: where would we put The Salvation ? |
No opinion on Final Audio, but I cannot help but remark that I have a lot of experience with the Verdier, altho not in my home system, and I definitely would choose/have chosen the L07D over the Verdier sound, which is very open, very nice, but not as coherent, or I hate to say it, well-timed, as with the L07D. Yet the L07D gives up nothing in the sense of open-ness and musicality. This is my L07D, with a EMI shield interposed between the motor and the platter sheet. (My sense is the same for my SP10 Mk3 vs Verdier.) This shows that Dover and I have different systems and different versions of audio Nirvana. |
Kind of a moot point, since the Final Audio is no longer available, the Mk3 has gotten very expensive, and the L07D is rare to find. Plus the latter two are now very old and typically have maintenance issues. Meantime, the Salvation is available any day to one and all for a relatively modest price, brand new with no need for restoration or worries about NLA parts. |
Tms, I'm finding an uncanny synergy btwn the Salvation w/new magnetic bearing, Terminator w/most recent Tomahawk wand mod, and Soundsmith Straingauge cart, reconciling what can be disparate sound qualities not often found together in components. Accurate, but soulful. Transparent, but solid. Ethereal, but grounded. I'm sure your Soundsmith Hyperion will get there too. |
Interesting I have had both an L07 KENWOOD and also the other very famous table the ONKYO PX100M. I sold the ONKYO for 20K but it was not worth the money for pure sound but it is a collector table and I restored it and machined a brand new platter. The LO7 cannot touch the ONKYO PXM 100 (copper platter/gunmetal)and the ONKYO is good (they go for $20K) (Information link on ONKYO) http://www.audioscope.net/onkyo-px100m-p-2083.html They are good but not nearly as good as current rim drive :-))) Speed is great....but sorry to burst your bubble but they are great but not compared to a current rim drive table around 5-8 K. Food for thought.... |
Digital file creation of the TT is fairly common these days. Why not publish a digital file of a particular track (partial track to avoid violation of copyright)? Select some piece of classical music and publish it. So many people have analog-to-digital and DACs they could judge for themselves. Aside from tonal characteristics of cartridges and tonearms, the overall turntable performance should be evidently clear. Plus, it would provide even more to discuss and argue...more entertainment. |
I have no direct experience with TT Weights tt's, and therefore no opinion on the matter, but there are 2 or 3 owners who have complained repeatedly on this forum about speed instability problems. We are not seeing such reports from owners of the Salvation, or from owners of L07Ds for that matter. Onkyo PXM100 is a pretty neat turntable, but $20,000 seems an unlikely price to have to pay for one, when SP10 Mk3's in fully restored condition go for about $12K to $15K. Not that the cost matters. |
Finally hooked up the analog, Trans-Fi, Clearaudio Maestro and BAT VKP 10 SE. I would like to tell all of you how wonderful it sounds but have some problems. For one, hum, no matter how I play with the ground from phono pre. It also sounds waxy, not as deep and defined as the CD player. Now the BAT was sent in for upgrades, new caps and transformers.I do understand burn in but it has a long way to go. The hum only appears when the stylus touches the platter. The leads are balanced, straight to the preamp. Any ideas? |
As regards one's subjective impression of the L07D, some have also observed that there is substantial benefit to be had by installing some shielding between the motor and the LP. I am one of those. In addition, an Achilles' heel of the design (but not nearly as fatal as was Achilles' heel to Achilles) is the tonearm wiring. The huge pins of the DIN-type connector are really not optimal for signal transfer, and the internal wiring is Litz type, love it or not, and I don't. Also, the RCA connectors at the ends of the wiring are not nearly up to modern TOTL RCAs. I changed mine to silver Eichmann Bullet connectors. But I would really like to bypass the connector at the other end, between the tonearm and the Kenwood interconnects. The tonearm itself, I think, is quite fine if these other items were attended to. |
Richardkrebs, Thank you for your suggestion. I have been well acquainted with the Verdier for over 20 years from the original Granito to the current model. I am well aware of the many modifications that can substantially improve the performance. The Verdier was purchased not because it was required, but simply as a second deck to play with. The Final Audio VTT1 is far far superior. If the Verdier was my primary TT then all that I would retain would be the platter, bearing and magnets. The Callas kit, a new plinth with proper energy path to ground, rigid feet & rigid arm mounts would be implemented along with a better motor and motor controller. As an aside, I was cleaning the stereo whilst listening to LA4 Just Friends last night. I decided to clean the Final Audio TT including the top of the motor and silk thread drive. Surprisingly there was no drop off in speed as I cleaned the thread & motor pulley whilst playing an LP. I doubt there are many belt/thread or DD TT's that could accomplish this. |
Thekong, The OEM Kenwood phono ICs are terminated on the tonearm side with a plug that in its design resembles the standard DIN, but the female receptors are each about 2-3 mm in diameter, as compared to a standard DIN plug, where they are about 1 mm in diameter. This plug screws on to the base of the vertical shaft of the tonearm, for further security. The male pins housed within the vertical shaft are likewise sized to fit the female receptors. Everything is gold plated. I am sure that the intent was to create a large contact area and to provide a secure connection via the screw mount. However, IMO, skinny pins sound better. No pins, i.e., a straight wire from the headshell to the phono stage sounds best of all, IMO. The wiring in the cable and in the tonearm is Litz type, which was very much in vogue back in the early 80s. This is no reason at all not to jump on an L07D if you can find one that is in good order. None of these issues are beyond fixing pretty easily. |
It is ok, everyone has their own preference! Just like me, I feel the Salvation is more or less like a modified Lenco with slate plinth and upgrade bearing. A true bargain at its price, excellent in certain area, but compromised in others! It is certainly a good choice for someone who likes the characters of a modified Lenco, but lacks the necessary DIY skills, like me! |
And in what ways does would it sonically resemble a slate-based Lenco? For all I know you may be correct, but what is the basis for your comparison between these two? One is slate, the other machined brass and steel or alu. One drives the platter via an idler wheel placed in the vertical position, the other drives the platter via a tiny diameter wheel at the rim. One uses an inverted magnetic bearing, the other uses any of several types of conventional bearing. Etc. Otherwise, they are exactly alike. I do love my Lenco, by the way. |
Peterayer, Lewm, I maybe one of the very few posters on this thread to have actually compared the Salvation (the earlier version with non-magnetic bearing) to a number of worthy contenders in length in my own system! The other TTs included the Rockport Capella II (standard ruby bearing version) with 6000 arm; Micro Seiki 777 Air (air-bearing) with FR64S arm; Exclusive P3a with stock arm; and Technics SP10MKII (partially updated with some, but not all, new electrolytic caps) in stock plinth with SME V arm. Before I got the Salvation, my friend also brought over a PTP/slate plinth/Jeremy Super Bearing Lenco with the Terminator arm to compare to the Rockport. This was documented in a thread in Lenco Heaven a couple of years ago. First, I must stress again that the Salvation is a real bargain for its asking price! However, is it comparable to TTs 10-15X its cost? Yes and no! In my experience, the Salvation sounds a lot like the highly modified Lenco mentioned above. As I understand, Vic also used a highly modified Lenco as reference during the development phase of his TT. Performance wise, like the highly modified Lenco, the Salvation has incredible dynamics and explosiveness, which is its major strength against all other contenders. Yes, in this area alone, it probably could be compared favorably to TTs costing 15X more, at least to those that I have auditioned! I am not sure why, but it seems even more dynamic than the P3a and SP10 MkII in my system! However, in areas such as background blackness, instrument layering within the sound stage, micro dynamics, and finesse, it lags slightly behind the TTs mentioned above. Over all, it just sounds slightly coarse to my ears as compated to the other TTs. Its characters may make it an excellent choice for Rock but probably not Classical. This may be due to the unavoidably higher vibration transfer in the idler/rim drive system, as compared to BD and DD. No TT is perfect and fit for all users! If dynamics is of utmost important to you when choosing a TT, the Salvation will not disappoint! If finesse is important to you, then you should find a way to audition the Salvation before committing. For me, if I could only have one TT, the Salvation would not be my top choice. Although I wouldn't feel too deprived if I could only have it! On the other hand, it is a very good TT to have for the right music / mood! Of course, this is only IMHO, and YMMV! |
Thank you, Thekong, for one of the most informative posts on this thread. I had no idea that you had such a depth of experience with the tt's we've been discussing. I have a question. You wrote above, "However, in areas such as background blackness, instrument layering within the sound stage, micro dynamics, and finesse, it lags slightly behind the TTs mentioned above." Did you mean ALL the tt's you had previously mentioned, including the Lenco, or did you mean to exclude the Lenco from that generalization? Oddly enough, I have a slate/PTP/Lenco with the Jeremy Superbearing and accessory bearing clamp. So I know whereof you speak when it comes to the sound of that tt. Makes me wonder who is your friend with a tt exactly like mine, albeit I don't own a Terminator tonearm. I use a Dynavector DV505 on my Lenco. However, your having heard the Terminator on the Lenco allows you to dissect the "sound" of the Salvation from that of the Terminator on the Salvation. |
Thekong, thank you very much for your detailed response. I find that too often threads present primarily one very positive description or perspective of a product, mostly by those who own it and really enjoy it. Comments like yours, which are based on direct comparisons in your own system, add a sense of balance to the overall impressions one may get from these threads. Your observations are much appreciated. |
Lewm, my feeling is the modified Lenco and the Salvation are similar, and both lags slightly behind the other TTs in those areas mentioned. I want to stress that this is not day and night difference, but then, we are always talking about small differences at this level. I am very interested to know your impression on your Lenco vs L07D / SP10 MK III ! My friend is a moderator in Lenco Heaven, David, aka diawok. Just by the photos, the main difference between his and your Lenco is that his has a separate slate armboard. This is an old photo of the TT setup during the Lenco / Rockport comparison a few years ago http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f20/daiwok/Hi%20Fi/IMG_1817.jpg Peterayer, from you system thread, I see that you are using a full Pass Labs amplification system. I have some very interesting experience with the Pass Labs Xono and XVR-1, which I will post on your system thread. |
Vic took most time getting the motor right, both in terms of high torque speed stability, using a smaller drive wheel to interface w/the platter, and careful execution of draining motor vibrations away from the platter, and hence away from the all-important stylus. I've mated my Salvation/Terminator w/the Soundsmith Straingauge, and I for one detect no smearing or obscuring of detail on classical or jazz v competing belt drives I've heard in the past. But I bow to Thekong who has greater experience a-b'ing it against others. |
Hi Harold, right that I have not experienced with the maglev Salvation, and I also agreed it would be very interesting to do so! As mentioned before, the only thing stopping me is, rightly or wrongly, I am biased towards a more rigid mechanical grounding at the bearing. If Vic is to offer something like the Callas kit mentioned by Dover, even as an extra cost option, which let me experiment on the effect of with and without ball bearing, I would not hesitate! |
Thekong, Truthfully, it has now been so long since I heard the Lenco and either the L07D or the Mk3 in the same system, that I have no basis to compare, but I do have to say that I don't sense any smearing with my Lenco. For the past several months, the Lenco has been in my basement system, serving as a source for my Beveridge 2SW spkrs. The other two are upstairs where that system has been inoperative for many months while I try to solve an issue with one of the amplifiers. (We DIY guys are stubborn about asking for help.) I am so pleased with the Bevs that I frankly do not miss the other system very much, though it is at least just as good. Prior to the split into two systems, I might have said that Lenco is best bang for the buck, could live with it alone, but that both the L07D and the Mk3 are "better" yet different from each other. L07D is closest to the Lenco in character. Mk3 is very "disciplined", like Sgt Joe Friday in Dragnet: Just the facts, ma'am. So many other things affect one's perception of a tt (cartridge, tonearm, wiring, phono stage, etc), when it comes to an adjective like "smearing", that I would not know where to start. I know David from LH but also because he has helped me out personally a couple of times as I got the Lenco to where I wanted it. He's a great guy. Best regards to him. |
Hi Spirit and yes. It seems that with maglev a bit more oil is needed in the reservoir. That and got everything level, no problems. One can really get an education on this site. Working on the remaining acoustical room issues. As much trouble as it is to get everything out of the system, with the info from you guys my biggest remaining issue is how to get my vinyl clean. I'm sure Vic realized my inexperience and was very! patient. A good differential diagnosis and continued observation narrowed down the possible solutions. All of a sudden, everything fell into place. Very dynamic. Tight hard hitting drums and bass, more so than CD without a doubt. Voices clearer, string plucks sharper. |
Dentdog, welcome to the party! Not many people here, but Vic prefers it this way, each tt is in effect a bespoke order, and he couldn't keep up w/demand if it spiralled. I'm using his tt/arm with a Soundsmith Straingauge cart, and the combination is still giving me that warm analog sound with a great deal of digital-like neutrality and solidity. I haven't found this combination of attributes elsewhere. |
Vic strikes again! I've just fitted out the 3 existing Salvation feet w/3 magnetic ones (opposing rare earth magnets in the plinth collets), so now we have an air bearing arm, and magnetic suspension for the platter and plinth via the feet. Unlike the other mods, this one didn't work immediately for me - until I realised everything was a little out of level as a result of taking out the old feet and fitting the new mag feet. Once I'd reconfigured levels, things started snapping into focus - mainly a big reduction in time domain smear equating to a clearing of hash in the lower frequencies and a consequent decluttering of the soundstage further up the frequency spectrum. The giant killer Salvation/Terminator just grew a little more gigantic! |
No wonder, Vic is a magician. After my own maglev for the platter I have no doubts about the benefits of maglev feet as well. I told him that I want to levitate my plinth too and I suggested that he could make me brass feet with ring magnets. Vic wanted to try prototype delrin feet first with a different shaped plinth... so he made 3 delrin feet with opposing magnets so that I can use maglev with my plinth. I will receive them next week and report my experience... |
Harold, btw is your name a pun on the old Genesis song from Nursery Cryme? I believe what you're due to receive is what I've just fitted. I'm getting "interesting" results. Soundstage, treble info esp, and dynamics all boosted, but a definite change in bass tonality. Any time I get a change in bass thru an upgrade, I spend long hrs pondering whether things are improved (tube warmth or bloat, eg). When it comes to these mag feet, the seeming stripping of bass warmth was initially disconcerting, but I'm coming to the conclusion that the bass is tighter, more start-stop, less euphonic - v.similar to the changes wrought as I placed my Zu Audio Definitions 4 spkrs on Symposium Acoustics Rollerblocks. But this change may be v. system dependent, and any tendency to thinness may be exaggerated. |
Me ? I´m just a lawnlower. I´m glad to hear your testimony on the latest implementation in the mighty Salvation TT, the extraordinary maglev feet. My delrin maglev feet have arrived to harbour, hardly can wait for the courier to come knocking at my door. May God bless him. This all is really getting exciting, I wonder how I manage to get sleep at night... |
Peter, as you know I'm a big fan of the Salvation. Vic's mag lev feet take the performance to a whole new level. He has provided rare earth ring magnets of a v. powerful kind that screw into the collets fixed to the underside of the slate plinth. These then w/the weight of the tt drop into recessed magnets fixed into the collets/footers that sit on the tt shelf, magnetic repulsion allowing a small amount of "bounce" (note, NO oscillation, just a soft cushioning effect). After 3 days, the sound is just clicking into place. Massive elimination of bass smear/euphonic colouration has led to a sound which starts and stops on a dime, kick drum shows phenomenal delineation, dynamics truly thunderous. |
The problem for me is that in extolling the virtue of every new tweak, it can sound as if the prior iteration was not so great, as in "massive elimination of bass smear/euphonic colouration". This makes me wonder what the tt might have sounded like prior to the new footers. Yet, we were told it was just about flawless last year, even. It would be better to keep things in proportion. This is, after all, a turntable, not a thing that is amenable to perfecting, and it plays LPs, which are definitely not perfect things either. I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer; I applaud your unending enthusiasm, in fact. |
Lewm, I 100% concur. I've been just as skeptical of audiophiles who've spent $300k+ on their systems, w/500kg spkrs etc, being TRANSFORMED etc by a single cable/puck etc. Tbh, it can rightly invite ridicule. These impvts I've noted are incremental, even if my language seems more emphatic than that - indeed I'm sure that's what these mega systems are demonstrating too. To put the record straight, the changes the mag bearing and mag lev feet provide if they could magically be transferred to my old belt drive Michell Orbe would pale in comparison to the initial ground breaking move from previous belt drive tt/pivoted arm to my current direct rim drive/air bearing design. Ie the big impvt change has been the tt/arm, all else are mere adornments. What IS amazing is that providing extra layers of isolation (first, air bearing to arm, then rel frictionless magnetic bearing, and now the feet to greatly reduce vibrations even reaching the tt/arm/cart) is refining and expanding all of what makes this design a veritable triumph. These changes may be in effect incremental, but they are no less impressive for that. But I hear your point and concur in many ways. |
Spirit & all, The biggest impvt changes have been in order of precedence 1st air bearing TA, 2nd direct rim drive TT in my analog rig. The maglev bearing is the dot of it, actually another very serious impvt. It simply works fabulously. The sound is so convincing in everything that it keeps me rushing home from work to spin-up my records. It has no major issues. I´m just enjoying sound quality. Some records sound a bit harsh though. Actually I´m hoping that the maglev feet would tame this harshness if it´s due to incompleteness of the deck´s ability to the control the resonances that are reaching cartridge, of course. Otherwise this harshness is a recording/pressing issue. What I´m expecting from this new tweak in order of precedence is 1st impvt in bass quality & quantity and 2nd some notes more in mids and highs. Beeing realistic I´m not expecting too much (hopefully). I´ve the magnets and delrin feet in my hands and the deck is awaiting in my workshop. This weekend will really be something else... |
Harold, please be REALLY careful installing the mag lev feet, pref. have someone helping you. The rare earth magnets are v. powerful, and there is a real tendency for a bit of a fight until you fully engage the magnets and footers in place, esp. w/3 feet to be installed. That second person would be there to help stabilise the tt as you attempt each foot. Once installed you'll be in for a bit of a change. For me, things were pretty rough sounding, v. harsh indeed, until I realised I'd knocked a lot of levels out in the install, and in effect set up had to happen from scratch. This means esp re levelling the whole tt via the new feet, and re levelling the Terminator gantry, and prob looking at vtf/azimuth again. Once I got that little lot sorted, the sound transformed from rough'n'ready to even more sophisticated than before. Bass is the big impvt, a real cleaning of hash and revelation of "true" bass, tot non-euphonic, supremely agile, w/kick drum really delineated but no fat. This leads to a de cluttering of the mid range and a freeing up of treble, the soundstage expanded in all directions. NOT subtle. |
Spirit, I encountered fierce magnetic forces in the horizontal plane but with a little help from Ethel, my assistant we tamed them. However, we had a minor drawback. The mission failed. The last feet was relatively easy to adjust but the magnets proved to be too weak. Vic send me a pair of stronger magnets and they will arrive in a couple of days. I will tell more... Strange things happening, I´m having serious difficulties in sending my URLs, seems they don´t quite work elsewhere anymore and can´t go thru. A message from a fellow Agoner: "For some reason I couldn't get either of your URLs to work. It might have something to do with the space-time continuum, or perhaps a glitch in my internet connection or that pesky virus"... or are we living in paraller universes and the bridge between our worlds is about to break... maybe we all live in paraller multiversum ? This may very well be my last message... |
It'll be worth the wait - if you ever return from that parallel dimension: you know, the one where punk never happened and prog lp's are still spanned by millions, 24/7 on tt's across the world, a la 1973! Installing the mag feet has been a MASSIVE step fwd - I really do feel I'd have to spend 5x the budget of my Salvation/Terminator/Straingauge to outperform it. The mag feet, maybe even more than the magnetic bearing, is bringing a massive sense of calm to proceedings, really allowing micro dynamic shadings to emerge, and allow the true bass character of the rig to shine. |