VTI has made me a vinyl believer!

[phipiper10]

For several months I've been debating if Vinyl was really for me or if I should sell the Rega and invest elsewhere.

The debate is over!

I recently changed my audio rack from a 60" tall fiberboard cabinet with glass front to a VTI BL503 rack.

I was changing the rack for aesthetic purposes and wasn't even really thinking about it creating any sonic improvements.

I only made the correlation to improved resolution several days later after everything was setup.

While originally my Monitors were out past the 60" rack it was only by a few inches with the rack in between. I had always thought this was a problem and vibration less so. The lower wider VTI rack certainly has no wobble from footfalls as the old cabinet did. I suspect there are fewer "high frequency" vibrations as well.

All I know is that some of my Vinyl really does sound better than some CDs. I'm now a believer in vinyl! The clarity and resolution has gone up an entire level. Though I've only had this Rega table I would liken the change in sound to having an entirely new table and or cartridge.

Whatever the cause this has been impressive. Better than the 3-4 different types of isolation feet I have tried under my components and better in most cases than a change in tubes.

Now being a sick individual this has somehow translated into me hearing the weaknesses of the Rega and Elys 2 despite them sounding better than ever! (Groovetracer/Dynavector in the future?)

Go Figure!

[madmax]

I tried my table on several surfaces and it sounds quite different on each one. I finally put it on a very old office cabinent (nice real wood from the 70's with heavy top) and couldn't believe how much better it sounded than everything else I tried. Its been there for several years now.

[phipiper10]

I might try to weigh down the shelves somehow, bag of sand on top? I might still add sand or shot to the VTI.

[madmax]

Some tables like high mass and some medium mass, not sure why but its known that mine does not like high mass, its a Michell table. Just read it somewhere. I tried it on a very low mass glass shelf for awhile it the sound totally sucked in all aspects.

Its worth trying all sorts of things! The smallest change can make some drastic improvements.

[DON73]

I have an almost identical stand made by another mfg. My tv takes up all of the space on top but if I ever mount the tv on the wall I may put one of my TTs there. I've got in on a tubular speaker stand filled with 50 lbs.lead shot and it's rock steady.

[Tony M]

Yep. Tables matter alot.

My Technics was on a TV tray table and picked up the hum BAD.

When I switched it to a dedicated stand with my other audio gear, the hum went away and I swear , it sounds as nice as a cd player also.

I picked up a TOMITA's GREATEST HITS album tonight at GW. Almost mint cond.. I couldn't wait to listen so after dinner, out to the man cave. Gave it a cleaning and WOW. Only a few clicks here and there but what bass and spaciousness and decay detail. The bass seems better I think with vinyl. I still need to do a comparison one day.

Love the vinyl experience to. But I love CD's to so I'm easy to please.

[SCompRacer]

I might still add sand or shot to the VTI.

If you do, I have two recommendations. Seal the small holes at the bottom of the cross braces where they attach to the tubes. The reason for this is the rubber plugs VTI installs in the tube at the brace may be missing or not properly installed. The weight of shot may even push the plugs out. Shot or sand can work its way into the cross brace and leak out those small holes. You can use caulk, silicone, epoxy, etc. (clear, Black). You can also knock off the top caps and remove those plugs if you wish to fill the cross braces with shot as well. Too late for me, but I wonder if spray insulation would help deaden the hollow cross braces (I used shot).

The second is run a bead of super glue around the base plugs where they attach to the tube. The end caps are just a friction fit. After a few months with weight/vibration, an end cap can loosen. I picked up my base rack after a few months to move it and one of the end caps fell off spilling shot all over the floor. Fortunately I have hardwood and it was easy getting the shot all picked up. (Said it was easy, didn't say it was fun).

[Loud & Clear]

You could try the Exact for your next jump up. I've read that it takes the P3-24 to the next level of enjoyment while still maintaining perfect VTA.

I started with the P2 w/elys2. Wasn't entirely satisfied. I replaced the Elys2 with a Sumiko BPS EVO III. BIG difference. Then I went to the P3-24. BIG difference. Now I have the P5 w/ clearaudio aurum beta wood. Better, but not THAT much better. I also installed rega's adjustable VTA shim to work with non-rega carts. Of course then there's the issue with having your phono preamp properly cooperate with your cartridge ... I've had problems with that in the past also. Good luck with everything.

[phipiper10]

Nice tip on the Rack Scomp, yeah I can see how there could be problems when the time comes. At least I'll be aware.

Loud I've been thinking of trying a different cart something other than Rega but as you point out you likely have to deal with VTA etc. Not sure I'm ready for that yet, I have some flexibility with the phono adjustments in the Rogue.

Fortunately for me I have a (good) problem and that is I have a bunch of audio upgrade balls in the air so have lost a little focus on the above. After the major stuff settles I'll revert back to the rack and the TT upgrades.