Making TT spikes.

BeRad

I'm going to make my own spikes for my Thorens TT and was wondering what material would be best to use? My options for available stock are fairly unlimited (within reason, I do not have diamond readily available).

Also, should I make them height adjustable or just use the leveling adjustment on the springs of the TT?

thsmith

Most find brass make good speaker spikes but not sure it would be best choice for TT.

CHeck with H9.

BeRad

I do have brass available. Aluminum too and various grades of steel.

erniejade

for a tt you would want something that would absorb vibrations not add to it..

quadzilla

I'm using something like this on my TT.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Speaker-Spike-Isolation-Cone-Turntable-Deck-NSS04-/300309758035?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_EquipmentStands_SM&hash=item45ebdb4053

Seems work quite well.

Toolfan66

I would not spike a TT. Get some good TT footers they will work much better.

quadzilla

Many hi-end TT makers seem to disagree with that, considering how many come with spikes from the maker.

I don't entirely disagree that footers might work better, but don't over look the ability to level a TT, since not all of us are blessed with perfectly level floors and/or racks that can be leveled.

At any rate, if the goal is isolation from vibration, then any mechanism which accomplishes that be an improvement.

BeRad

Footers eh? Never even knew they existed.
I'll have to tell my buddy to turn off the lathe while I research this more.

Thanks for the input everyone.

Toolfan66

I would have a solid base that has spikes that the TT sits on,but putting spikes under my TT?? No thanks. And if you look even hi end companys do the same. a TT needs solid ground to eliminate vibrations, and I don't see where spikes are going to give it that. Good footers and a solid base is the way to go IMO!!

I can't say I have ever seen a TT with spikes guess I will have to goggle it. At the audio show I was at they had many hi end TT's and none had spikes on the feet..

quadzilla

Really high end? No. But I have seen some up to around 2500 that do.

Also, don't know if you looked at the link, but what I'm referring to are not "spikes" in the strictest sense of the word, but the same kind of isolation cones that that are frequently shown under various kinds of equipment. I usually still call them spikes though, as that's how they're usually advertised. So if we're discussing whether or not to use speaker spikes under a TT, then we're in agreement that it's not a great idea.

BeRad

I was thinking like quadzilla. I was going to make adjustable height cones to place under the TT feet that would sit on small disks with some sort of foam padding underneath.