Cheap kit supports

Posted by: Tarquin Maynard - Portly on 11 November 2002

Being an office based drone, we get the Book People and their clones coming in on a regular basis and dropping off books and other bits for possible purchase. One of this ilk have just left a pack of 4 toughened glass table mats with us. Eaxh has four hard rubber feet. ( Also matching glass coasters). Cost ten English Pounds.

So what?

Well, they seem to me to be EXACTLY the same size as a Hicap.....

Taking them home, will report back.

Mike
Posted on: 12 November 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
well got the glass table mats haome last night. Put them under my Lingo, Hi Cap and 82; seemed to be an improvment in the upper midrange but as I have just had a Cirkus fitted to my LP 12 not fair to say this was caused by the cheap as chips supports.

Placed them under my Rega Planet CD and it did seem that the improvements seen with the LP12 carried across. Also noted an improvement in the definition of small sounds such as fingers on guitar strings; improved definition at low volume in the bass register. ( could not crank it up; late at night and the Nagger in bed ).

IMO it seems that there is an improvement to be had here. The mats are reinforced glass with hard rubber feet; it may be that I am willing an improvement in sound but as I am going to meet Mick Parry on thursday evening, I will take the mats with me and get an opinion from The Oracle.

Bottom line is I am going to buy a load of these and if they turn out to be a mistake, well, Christmas looms and I have siblings...

Mike confused
Posted on: 12 November 2002 by Rockingdoc
how about inverting them and resting on three or four ball-bearings sitting in nuts.
And how about stacking them? Stage 20 anyone.

malcolm
Posted on: 12 November 2002 by Greg Beatty
...is to the point here. Get the rubber outta the equation.

I use washers glued to largish diameter bolts. Try three these with the washers on the table and the glass resting on the three points.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here
Posted on: 20 November 2002 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
Well I have the things now. Two under my Rega Planet, two each under my 82 and each 135, under the Hicap and NAPSC.

From first hearing, there seems to be a definate improvement in the higher registers. The treble sounds clearer and more defined, more liquid. Low frequency notes clearer as well; I have also noticed improved definition on small / background sounds. Overall it seems to give a more controlled presentation, but without limiting what I am listening to. CDs tried in detail are Norah Jones' album, and the great "Meddle" by Pink Floyd.

I actually find it annoying that this improves the sound. The reason I tried it in the first place is that I have seen that some equipment supports employ glass shelving and so I gave it a try.

For the final endorsement; I can state that Mick Parry has almost exactly the same table mats in his dining room. The only difference being the design on his. Oh, and also that he uses them to support his dinner rather than his system.

Overall, I would recommend an audition. I have noticed a real improvement. They are incredibly cheap - £40 for 16 mats - and if you do not like them, Christmas is coming....

PS Malcolm and Gregg - have not tried the nut and ball bearing idea, will give it a go subject to ridicule factor from The Nagger.

Mike