Comparing Hi-Fi Supports

[Charlie1]

A couple of years ago I bought a dedicated LP12 support, called the TimeTable. In stark contrast to a couple of TimeTable owners I know, I found my LP12 less musical when placed on it than on my modestly priced Isoblue rack. I had followed the TimeTable designer's instructions in the process. I figured the TimeTable was not all it was cracked up to be and I'd need a better dedicated support.

I continued the search and a year or two later obtained an Ikea Corras. Not exactly a super table, but well thought of as a budget alternative. Once again it was inferior to my Isoblue - now situated in a new home, but once again on suspended wooden floor with carpet.

This year I finally obtained an AudioTech table and even managed to speak to the original designer reference set-up. I took my time, but it was ultimately a disappointment. Surprisingly, this was a table very well thought of by a great many LP12 enthusiasts. Crucially, I knew Thomas owned one and reported it close to his favourite, the Archidee.

So, I've two thoughts following all this. One, the TimeTable may well be better than I gave it credit for, because the AudioTech is also worse than my Isoblue. Secondly, either the Isoblue is amazing (which I doubt) or the room can greatly effect whether a heavy rack or lightweight table is best, even a very good dedicated table. Doesn't this make it impossible for a dealer to recommend the best support to a customer without actually listening to both - at least in some circumstances? Thoughts anyone?

[anthony]

A couple of years ago I bought a dedicated LP12 support, called the TimeTable. In stark contrast to a couple of TimeTable owners I know, I found my LP12 less musical when placed on it than on my modestly priced Isoblue rack. I had followed the TimeTable designer's instructions in the process. I figured the TimeTable was not all it was cracked up to be and I'd need a better dedicated support.

I continued the search and a year or two later obtained an Ikea Corras. Not exactly a super table, but well thought of as a budget alternative. Once again it was inferior to my Isoblue - now situated in a new home, but once again on suspended wooden floor with carpet.

This year I finally obtained an AudioTech table and even managed to speak to the original designer reference set-up. I took my time, but it was ultimately a disappointment. Surprisingly, this was a table very well thought of by a great many LP12 enthusiasts. Crucially, I knew Thomas owned one and reported it close to his favourite, the Archidee.

So, I've two thoughts following all this. One, the TimeTable may well be better than I gave it credit for, because the AudioTech is also worse than my Isoblue. Secondly, either the Isoblue is amazing (which I doubt) or the room can greatly effect whether a heavy rack or lightweight table is best, even a very good dedicated table. Doesn't this make it impossible for a dealer to recommend the best support to a customer without actually listening to both - at least in some circumstances? Thoughts anyone?

A lot can be attributed to the tramolin, did you try the LP12 on the Audiotech without the Trampolin? Suspended floor, Audiotech no Trampolin, or Audiotech wall shelf with Trampolin were the recommendations of the time.

[Charlie1]

A lot can be attributed to the tramolin, did you try the LP12 on the Audiotech without the Trampolin? Suspended floor, Audiotech no Trampolin, or Audiotech wall shelf with Trampolin were the recommendations of the time.

Good point. I know you've mentioned this before - I should have remembered. All supports were listened to with the Trampolin2 fitted. I'm not confident enough with the LP12 to remove it, although I'm sure it is easy enough if you have a jig.

It would be interesting to compare AudioTech/standard LP12 base against Isoblue/Trampolin2. I always saw the Tramp2 as an upgrade, but perhaps the overall support is more fundamental, and enough to over-ride the benefits of a Trampolin.

[jiddu_k]

So, I've two thoughts following all this. One, the TimeTable may well be better than I gave it credit for, because the AudioTech is also worse than my Isoblue. Secondly, either the Isoblue is amazing (which I doubt) or the room can greatly effect whether a heavy rack or lightweight table is best, even a very good dedicated table. Doesn't this make it impossible for a dealer to recommend the best support to a customer without actually listening to both - at least in some circumstances? Thoughts anyone?

I think both of your assumptions are correct:

First, I've tested (and then bought) a TimeTable with my KDS at home and the improvement it brings to my system is substantial. Each musicians individual playing and all the interactions within a band are much easier to follow making it one of my best upgrades ever.

Second, the much praised Harmonihyllan Mimer/Thor rack that I bought after a very convincing dem with Fredrik didn't work at all in my living room (very solid floor, ceiling and walls) - being only marginally more musical than a Ikea Lack on a piece of felt. Actually this was the reason why I checked out the locally well supported and much praised TimeTable, which - like the Harmonihyllan - is built by a (former) Linn retailer using the TunDem method.

[rowlandhills]

Well, I've arranged to buy a second hand Hutter Racktime which I'll be picking up in a couple of weeks time, so I'll let you know how that compares with my Ikea unit then!

[Tony Tune-age]

Well, I've arranged to buy a second hand Hutter Racktime which I'll be picking up in a couple of weeks time, so I'll let you know how that compares with my Ikea unit then!

Have you been able to compare the Hutter audio rack with your Ikea?

[rowlandhills]

Much, much more musical. Since it also looks better, I never did a really detailed comparison to write up. Sorry!

[Tony Tune-age]

Much, much more musical. Since it also looks better, I never did a really detailed comparison to write up. Sorry!

That's good news, I was curious about the two different audio racks. Thanks for the update!