blybo Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 (edited) Hi guys, trying to set this old tt up as best I can within the constraints of a HT room. I use an Integra 80.3 pre/pro and Elektra Theatron into Focal 826W's as mains. Currently using a NAD phono pre but on the wait list for the Graham Slee loaners program. I'll eventually get a 2ch pre or integrated for all my 2ch listening to integrate into the HT system but that's some time down the track. The TT has been given a service and cartridge upgrade by Andrew at Audio Trends. It now has a Ortofon 2M Red cartridge on the original Grace tonearm. I've been told I should look into getting a stone isolating plate to sit the TT on. Here's another view of the cabinet before the back was put in. The drawer section's top and bottom screwed into the sides thus coupling it. The entire cabinet is braced/held in place by studs either side. What sort of thickness stone "plate" should I look at and should I try to fill the entire shelf (bar a couple of mm's) or just go the dimensions of the plinth? Do I then try some sorbathane or similar pods under the plate or under the feet on the TT? I appreciate all answers to my noob questions. Edited May 21, 2013 by blybo
Chill3 Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 I would suggest a "light but stiff" support rather than heavy stone, a sheet of glass / ply wood with some spikes to decouple
blinky Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 Hi nice looking setup. That is a BD1 though, not a BD2, not a bad thing as it looks like you have a Grace 707 arm which I always liked. Can be a simple, good sounding setup. It has no isolation at all though so I'd recommend some feet, I like neoprene or half squash balls rather than spikes for these, as the plinth is not really all that heavy usually.
blybo Posted May 20, 2013 Author Posted May 20, 2013 Thanks Blinky. Interesting to read as my old man built the plinth in the 70's along with a long departed mate of his who was the real audio nut. I thought through some minor googling that the BD2 was the kit version. I love the look of the Grace arm. The motor is a little noisy since I've had it serviced surprisingly but I hope that will settle down with more use. At least the belt is still in good knick. I've got some basic foam rubber under the feet now but it's compacting, I'd say the unit must be about 6-7kg's in weight.
Guest Muon Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 (edited) I have a large concrete paver under my TT, works for this TT, but different tables can behave differently, I'd experiment. Edited May 20, 2013 by datafone
blinky Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 Thanks Blinky. Interesting to read as my old man built the plinth in the 70's along with a long departed mate of his who was the real audio nut. I thought through some minor googling that the BD2 was the kit version. I love the look of the Grace arm. The motor is a little noisy since I've had it serviced surprisingly but I hope that will settle down with more use. At least the belt is still in good knick. I've got some basic foam rubber under the feet now but it's compacting, I'd say the unit must be about 6-7kg's in weight. Generally the BD1 was the kit, with plans for the plinth and cutouts. The Grace 707 and 864 were the classic accompanying arms. The BD2 usually had its own Connoisseur arm which was/is pretty poor. It may be a fairly simple task to swap out the motor for something better, or even outboard if you can manage it. The original motor is not so great (from memory even the on/off switch has a little pad on it to push-start the platter and help the motor along a bit). Nice looking deck though, with a good, decent bearing. Looks like Sorbothane could be the go for suspension then? Cheers mate
planet10 Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 Hi nice looking setup. That is a BD1 though, not a BD2, not a bad thing as it looks like you have a Grace 707 arm which I always liked. Yes, BD1 in a custom plinth with Grace 707. We did a lot of those in the days when they were new. A stonking good TT for not much $$$ dave
blybo Posted May 20, 2013 Author Posted May 20, 2013 I've ordered a granite isolating plate this morning from the local stonemasons. $80 for a nice charcoal grey piece with beveled edges etc to fit in my cabinet at just a mm or 2 shy of side and back edges of the cabinet. Pick up on the way home from work. I've also seen some sorbothane TT feet for sale from the same uk company that makes spare belts for the BD1/2. I'm going to buy 2 belts and put them away for safe keeping.
Newman Posted May 21, 2013 Posted May 21, 2013 Yes the BD1 is the kit. The distinguishing feature is the smaller top plate of the BD1, like yours. It is smaller than the platter. My BD1 is shamefully mounted on the lid of a tea chest. I must do something about that one day. As well as the belt, the rubber bands that serve as suspension units are prone to decay. Fortunately, as your unit is recently serviced, you can expect them to be OK. I also have the original same-brand tonearm. It is rather basic with its plastic slide-on headshell. I expect your Grace to be a better unit.
blybo Posted May 21, 2013 Author Posted May 21, 2013 (edited) Wow, what a difference to the sound. Not hint of picking up vibrations to my ear, not even the heavy clunking mech of the cabinet door, which I sadly have to close as it opens in front of the right speaker. Can't wait to get the sorbothane feet for the plinth. Looks pretty good too I'm now considering taking it all apart and sanding back the plinth and re-polishing or staining it with a lighter, smooth gloss finish. Edited May 21, 2013 by blybo 1
blybo Posted October 20, 2014 Author Posted October 20, 2014 Just reviving this thread after a bit of a DIY mishap. I've been told my original cartridge, the Grace F-8C is far superior to the Ortofon 2M Red I've been running for the last 18 months. I had mistakenly assumed the Grace was too old and would be inferior to even entry level new stuff. So having some spare time last night I thought I'd swap the Grace back in to see how it went. The arm is a Grace 707. The wires were very tight on the 2M Red to the point I had to use pliers to gently pry them off. So far so good. The 2M Red obviously has thicker wiring posts (is that the name???) and the wires weren't holding on the Grace cart. In trying to squeeze the joiners slightly closed with pliers I pulled the green wire out... :angry: :angry: This is the second time this has happened to the green wire :ph34r: and it only seems to be soldered to the head shell by a micron or 2 of wire. Is all arm wire so delicate? So now I'm TT'less for a bit and need to decide what to do. Although I've really enjoyed getting back into vinyl with my fathers old rig, I've also been told it's not worth spending $$$ on due to inherent weaknesses in the design. The big question is do I try and find a bare table and have my Grace 707 arm and F-8C cart fitted, or just buy a complete TT? Funds are tight as we've just outlaid 20k on a camper van so repair to the current rig seems the sensible thing to do but I'm worried that repairing might just leave me in the same predicament next time I decide to swap carts. 1
Newman Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 Why not get a spare headshell and swap cart with headshell?
planet10 Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 (edited) Grace 707 has a fixed headshell. dave Edited October 21, 2014 by planet10
blybo Posted October 22, 2014 Author Posted October 22, 2014 Well Golden Age Audio was kind enough to do a quick solder repair of my broken cable and re-align by Grace cart yesterday as I had a half day off work. Thanks Duc. Unfortunately something else has gone wrong between his workshop and my house, I now have no right channel... Bugger. Will look for a repairer a little closer to home
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