Ultra 5s under Groove Master DD
Based on my experiences using Ultra 5s under the plinths of non-suspended tables I believe their contribution can be significant. I attached Ultra 5s to the plinth of my Aries 1 and replaced the stock fee of the motor pod with 6/32 Ultra Minis. With the table already using the HRX bearing/platter/periphery ring, this Aries now has a blacker background than any previous VPI I have heard save the VPI DD. I believe that to be a significant improvement. YMMV, of course...
Based on my experiences using Ultra 5s under the plinths of non-suspended tables I believe their contribution can be significant. I attached Ultra 5s to the plinth of my Aries 1 and replaced the stock fee of the motor pod with 6/32 Ultra Minis. With the table already using the HRX bearing/platter/periphery ring, this Aries now has a blacker background than any previous VPI I have heard save the VPI DD. I believe that to be a significant improvement. YMMV, of course...
ZERMATT, do you mind sharing the context under which you made the above observation ("IT sounded good (the VPI DD), but not as good as other tables I have heard").....Was this in your own system, and if not how familiar were you with the system that you did hear it in?.... Just curious how you know what the VPI DD was doing , (or not doing ), that caused your look warm evaluation of it. Reason I ask is we just installed a PBN AUDIO GROOVE MASTER DD, in our studio and it is easily the best analogue front end we have ever heard. THE PBN unit uses the same motor, drive system and controller as the VPI DDView attachment 16235, but in a custom EBONY PLINTH with STILLPOINT ULTRA 5'S . Don't know how much the plinth and the STILLPOINTS brought to the over all sound, however we also had the pleasure of using the VPI DD, in our demo room at 2014 CES, and it worked exceedingly well (so much so, that AVSHOWROOMS gave us a GOLD award for one of the best rooms at CES/THE SHOW )
Cheers.................T.