Upper Level Vintage DD Strenghts and Weaknesses


All of these tables have been discussed in some form or another here over the years. I have read quite a few threads on them, but its a bit difficult to nail this point down.

Basically I am looking for a non-suspended table to install a Dynavector DV505 arm on, and these tables can fit the bill.

The most widely available is a Denon DP 75 or DP 80 in a Denon plinth, and they are perhaps the most affordable also. Are there any of their plinths that are desirable, or are they just a veneered stack of MDF or plywood?

While more expensive I can find a Sony TTS8000 in a Resinamic plinth although shipping from HK is expensive. There is one thread I came across here where a member who restores tables says two of the three TTS8000 he has done had play in the spindle assembly which looked to be wear in the brass bushings of the motor. That does make me pause in concern.

The JVC TT101 is not only difficult to find, its apparently a bit of a bear to get serviced, so its not high on the list.

The Technics SP 10 MK II I have owned, and its a nice table but to be honest I had a Denon DP75 that I felt actually sounded better. Also the models that are out there are either abused or have a premium price tag attached to them. Also I don’t need instant torque, and I think the bi-servo designs might offer better speed control.

As I write this the Denon and Sony seem to be at the top of the list, unless there is another I should be looking at.
neonknight
A friend who has been a Mentor for a proportion of my Journey in HiFi in relation to Turntables, has their own TT Mounted on a Wall Mounted Steel Framed Shelf.
A Sub Plinth is also used and Two Types of Footer used between The Plinth, Sub Plinth and Wall Shelf. 
When I am in my friends environment I can not imagine a better method to mount the TT.

In my own environment I have tried a Steel Framed Wall Shelf as a Basic Support and also with various Sub Plinth Construction Methods.
I have also used Rack Mounting on the Racks Top Shelf. 

The Best I have achieved is the Consruction I have in use to sit the Rack On and the Construction I use on Top of the Rack.

The Sound Quality that is being produced in my listening environment, is the most satisfying I have achieved over many years of working with the permutations of materials used in the constructions used as a Support.

The Next Stop really has to be Trialing with Plinth Materials.

I am at present using a Compressed Plywood that is approx' 800Kg a Cubic Metre
(1764 lb per 1.3 Cubic Yard) 

The Next Trial is going to be with a Compressed Plywood that is approx'
1400Kg a Cubic Metre ( 3087 lb per 1.3 Cubic Yard )   

There is quite a lot of information availble where the merits of coupling a Japanese Vintage DD TT, to a Densified Wood Plinth are made known. 
Luxman PD-444 is suspended on its adjustable feet, placed on top of the heavy metal custom made rack in my system. Wooden floor with parquet on top was made in 1957. 

And thanks god I don't have to think about plinth, because nearly all my DD turntables from Technics, Denon, Victor can be used in different plinths (original or custom). When you have an option to change plinth it can be an endless quests for entire life! 
Where you @neonknight with your vintage top end tt search. A few on this thread have some of the best vintage tables ever made. I've got a thread on best vintage dd tables from the 70 and 80's. 
I've settled for a Particular Plinth Material for Four Years on my 'Go To'
Japanese Vintage DD TT.

I have moved on from the Mass Design Plinths, the Granite Monolith is no longer with me.
I still have a Laminated Corian Plinth on a Idler Drive and a Lead Loaded Plinth on anoother model of a Vintage Japanese DD TT.

The Densified Wood is the next material of interest.
I have heard it used on Three TT's used as a 20mm (3/4") and a
30mm ( 1'1/4") Thick Material.
I have boards of it in a 75mm ( 3") Material, but those who know this product will inform that 75mm is a excessive thickness, it can be cut to produce a less thick board. 

The Plan now is actually to produce Two Plinths from the same Densified Wood Materials.
One Plinth will be used to support the TT Motor and Chassis as a Standard Mounting Method,  and the other will be used to support the
TT Motor only in a Design known as the Kaneta.

Each Design when produced will have the same Tonearm in use and the trials between the Two Designs will be undertaken using a selection of  Cartridges.

If all goes to plan, each TT will have a modified Platter Bearing using the latest technologies to modernise it and a stiffening to produce less flex to the Bearing Housing will be used.

A Phosphor Bronze Platter is being produced to Work on Each TT.
This is to be trialled against the OEM Platter and a Lamination of another
material added to the OEM Platter.

A Bespoke Phosphor Bronze Periphery Ring is to be produced to be used for the trials as well.

Trials of this type have been undertaken in another Country,
between the SP10 MKII 'OEM', MKII Kaneta and SP10R.
The reports have  been extremely positive and measurements are recorded and used to show how different materials are interfacing.

These reports are being taken as 'worthy of consideration' by myself and a friend, with the result being the investigations are a worthwhile endeavour and the efforts to get this opportunity to a fruition and share in the experince has started.

Another timely experince to be undertaken is the recent report from another Engineer Friend, who has very recently declared that their 
Brand New Design Tonearm is almost ready to be made available for Beta Trials.
It would be great to use this New Tonearm Design with the New Plinth TT's and another local friends SP10R, especially as the New  Design Tonearm can be compared with my Bespoke Redesigned and Rebuilt Audio Technica AT-1010 (PMAT-1010) and the Glanz 12" Arm on the SP10R.
Swapping the Cartridge, so that all the Cartridges used in comparisons are a match, will be a unavailable on the Glanz Arm and this option, will, I assume not be available, as the Miyajima Cartridge on the Glanz was set up by a TT Specialist with a Software.

The Autumn Months are looking like there will be a very interesting set of experiences to be undertaken.
      
it is right to report the experiences of all but I think it is essential to listen to more music and less attention to bullshit; life is too short to spend all your free time looking for an ideal plinth.