Something we are concerned and have been talking about is the rigidity of a light turntable plinth.

Adding a top bracing is an answer. But is it the end of the chapter yet? How to further improve the rigidity of the plinth without replacing it with solid and thicker plinth (still maintaining the "light plinth concept") sets me thinking...

May be it's always a good thing, from time to time, discovering something new to tweak as it makes my mind active. My eldest son often reminds me that mental activities help to keep one's mind in shape. So tweaking turntable could be a good way to prevent dementia, at least for a "young" retiree like me!

Do you call this "FUN" too? Of course it is to me!

Coming back to the bracing, the bottom bracing that I am introducing to you now might be a bit different from what you have been expecting. It's not "Rega-like" at all (who says it must be the same??) . Though the main concern that I am dealing with is still on the heavy loading at the bearing hub, the way to tackle here differs from that of the top bracing.

Stainless Steel Bottom Bracing
compatible with RP1, P1, P2, P3, P5/25, Planar 2/3 
(Model BM1) - USD 60.00
* Also available in Black Steel (Model BM2-BLK) - USD60.00

My idea derives from here :
For any turntable, if the whole weight or pressure of the platter, sub-platter, record weight, record mat ...  acts directly at the bearing hub, the plinth would tend to flex much more around this area as compared to the tonearm base. Further, over a long period of time, the bearing hub could sag due to the heavy pressure exerted (to what extent would depend on two things : the pressure at that point and strength of the plinth). Remember we are looking at a value smaller than the record groove undulations here. Hence, a bottom bracing to "prop up" the plinth where it matters most calls for this design of mine in the bottom bracing.

This stainless steel bottom bracing supports the plinth around the main bearing hub, linking all the three feet to form a non-magnetic, rigid skeletal frame underneath the plinth. It is to serve the purpose of restoring the vitality of your good old "tired" turntables.

Besides strengthening the plinth from below, it helps to dissipate "unwanted energy" away quickly from the main bearing hub so that less of this harmful energy remains in the hub and plinth. The sub-platter steel shaft also runs cooler in the main bearing hub due to faster heat conduction through the bottom bracing.

Now I have added both the top and bottom bracing to on my old Planar 2 turntables as well as my newer P2 and I am very happy with the results.

It's simple to implement (no drilling or filing is required). A suitable spanner and screw driver are all you ever need to do the job.

The bottom bracing works best with the top bracing which takes care of the rigid connection between tonearm and the main bearing hub and the aluminium isolation feet to bring about significant sonic improvement. However, it could also be used just by itself only.

Happy tweaking!

* Read more on >> Feedbacks on the bottom bracing.....






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Top Metal Bracing ( thickness : ~ 2mm)
Top Bracing compatible with  P2, P3, P5/25 (model BR2) - USD 25.00
Top Bracing compatible with  RP1/P1(model BR1) - USD 25.00
Available in black and silver colors
( Compatible with 3-point spacers )

The concept of bracing for turntables is nothing new. We have seen the newer models of Rega TTs' like RP3 and RP6 spot bracings between the main bearing hub and the tonearm base on the top as well as the bottom of the plinth.

What's the purpose of these bracings?

As we know the geometry of bearing hub relative to tonearm is crucial for any turntable. So it's essential, at all times, to maintain a rigid connection between the tonearm and the main bearing hub in which the sub-platter/platter spins.

Adding bracing is one good way to increase the rigidity between these two points. This is especially true for thinner/weaker plinths. It's also beneficial for many old plinths ( e.g. Planar 2/3) which could have been "compressed" (or "sagged") at the main bearing point due to loading over long period of time (e.g sub-platter found touching the plinth even with right size of ball bearing in the bearing hub).

I have used metal alloy(aluminium with magnesium) to design a bracing for my own Rega TT's. It's light weight (to achieve low mass concept) with strength. It's incorporated with my own"honeycomb-like"design for maximum possible rigidity.

Black metal bracing on my P3-24


What about natural silvery color bracing?


In short, the bracings are good for improving the rigidity which directly affects the sonic performance of  the turntable. I believe even models with thicker and stronger plinths like P5, P25 would benefit from the added rigidity/strength provided by the bracings.


Stay tuned ..... To see my bottom bracing soon ......



Karl of Wilmington, Delaware with top and bottom braces on Rega Planar 3 commented:
I did receive the turntable braces and I've installed them. There is an improvement in sound.                                         

Karl    




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