Analog Upgrade itch
Hello ! I would like to upgrade my turntable / tonearm / phono preamp
currently I am using Kuzma Stabi S / Stabi S VTA 12” tonearm / Gold Note PH10 phono amp.
Gryphon Antelion EVO + Pandora pre , Magico A5 speaker.
My music preference : 50% classical / 30% pop / 20% modern Jazz
I like my current cartridge: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt so I am going to keep it. I would like to upgrade my Turntable (possible Linn LP12 or Kuzma Ref2 or any suggestions ) with Kuzma 4 point tonearm (or recommendation in the $ range?). My biggest uncertain is phono amp : I’d like to have warmer sound (tube preferred ) with ideally 2 inputs (Manley Steelhead or EMT126 are recommended by my local dealer but not sure if they are worth the money ) . I know matching (cartridge / arm / phono stage) is more important in analog system so I’d like everyone’s comments / experience that matches my system. Musicality / warmth is what I’m after rather than microscopic details. Thanks in advance
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@sksos thats very good price ! The Seismion costs around $5000 and the size is 500 x 400mm, max load 80kg , this price , I was told, a 50% cheaper than comparable products from Herzan (Switzerland) or Accurion (Germany） , I have no knowledge about their difference. I do not aware the product has passive / active options. |
There are basically 2 models a “Passive” model and an “Active” unit which requires a compressor that puts out 120 psi (not included). You can buy compressors usually in any voltage required for your area. Both Vibraplane (passive & active) tables are sonically identical as they isolate any component placed on them down to 2.5 to 3 HZ. The active table again requires a compressor to supply a constant air supply to keep it floating and is self-leveling. The passive model uses a hand pump to "float" the component. The passive model, once set, should stay at its proper inflation for at least a week or so without needing adjustment, depending on the weight of the component placed on it. The table will hold up to 275 pounds and VP weighs in at 150 pounds. Shipped on a pallet it’s over 200 pounds. The entire 24" x 20" surface of the top plate is flat and unobstructed, allowing plenty of room for any turntable. The top plate is constructed of a half inch plate of "Vibradamped" steel, which is covered with a Formica top skin and formed by two layers of steel of varying thickness, bonded together with a damping adhesive to minimize any resonance. To provide additional mass, a 10" x 14" x 1-1/4" piece of steel is welded to the bottom which is concealed, along with the three pneumatic isolators, by a 2" x 1/8" thick decorative skirt attached vertically to the outer perimeter of the top plate. The top platform is isolated by three patented, pneumatic isolators using a special bladder sealed in an airtight piston housing, each connected to a supplementary air chamber that improves real-time damping of periodic and random vibrations in the vertical plane. Horizontal isolation is provided largely by a series of special, highly compliant elastomer discs separated by thin, hard spacers. This portion of the isolator is located under the vertical air piston and moves side to side as efficiently as the pneumatic portion responds vertically. The elastomer sandwich operates as a variation of the bearing slip-plate concept for horizontal motion. A "baby" VP is also available that measures 19" x 16" and weighs 90 pounds. It can be bought as either an active or passive model. As a side note one compressor can "float" as many as 12 VP's. Hope this helps. (Dealer disclaimer) |
As a user of the Vibraplane, I'll just add that it is very easy to adjust even when its loads are not centered. My belt driven turntable is very heavy compared to the motor pod which means most of the weight is to one side of the Vibraplane. I purchased an air compressor that I keep in a storage area below the stereo room and run an airline up to the Vibraplane. Easy! I will add that I have heard subtle improvements with the addition of additional vibration absorbing material on top of the Vibraplane. Specifically, I am now using a Symposium platform. My system pictures should illustrate all this. I bet that even the entry level Stabi S would sound amazing (and much improved) on top of a Vibraplane. |
Hi @eddiechanghk , just want to clarify a couple of points regarding “active” and “passive”, which could be confusing for you. As I understand, the Vibraplane belongs to a class called pneumatic vibration isolators. In general, this kind of isolators is considered as “passive” devices. What is confusing is that within this class of “passive” isolators, there are passive and active models, as explained by @sksos. For the Vibraplane, the terms active and passive models only refers to the method of levelling (automatic vs manual).
The Herzan and it’s kind are considered as “active” vibration isolators. They physically generate a counter force to cancel out the vibration, hence the term “active” !
These vibration isolators were originally used in scientific laboratories, eg. under electronic microscopes etc. The “active” devices like the Herzan are considered more technologically advanced, and have better isolation specifications. They are also more expensive, as you have noticed.
I have a couple of floor standing pneumatic anti-vibration tables under my turntables and can attest to their benefits. However, I have not compared them to “active” platforms, like the Herzan, in my own system, so can’t say whether they can be even better.
Hope this helps
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