Sandbox - anybody built one?

jenkovix · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject: Sandbox - anybody built one?

Hi lads!

I am just wondering has anybody built a TNT-like sandbox and what are the results putting a TT on it.

TNT sandbox:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clini.....ter_e.html

Thank you

Regards

mysticfred · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

a sandbox seems a lot of time and trouble to go through when you could just install a wall mounted shelf for your turntable?

http://www.audioreview.com/cat.....92crx.aspx

gold928 · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject: Sandbox

A much more simple method (assuming that you have a strong supportive shelve) is granite (as in kitchen counter tops). I changed a Oracle plinth to granite and than sit the whole turntable on a 3 inch granite slab. The whole thing probably weighs over 90 lbs. NOTHING shakes that turntable and the difference is not subtle, particularily in the midbass and bass. One caveat - the granite is so slick that I had to use Super Glue to keep the cones in place. Another thing, one never has to worry about scratches and blemishes. There are other people on this forum that are much more knowledgeable than I about the advantages and disadvantages of various turntable plinth materials, but I am more than satisfied.

jon tiltman · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: Sandbox

jenkovix · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:30 pm Post subject:

Ok lads, you convinced me.
Where can I get granite blocks?

Zebulun · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:51 pm Post subject:

I got a quote from a kitchen worktop place for a piece 500mm x 400mm and 20mm thick; they quoted £45

Not got any other quotes yet, but that gives you a ballpark figure

jon tiltman · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:59 pm Post subject:

It depends on how fussy you are. I have two pieces of 20mm granite, one was nicely finished on all the sides and cost me £65. The other just has cut but not polished sides and was £10. The finished one looks nicer but the other one is in a less visible location.

Both pieces came from a fireplace centre, we're lucky that hi-fi sizes are generally cast-off sizes for fireplace and kitchen centres. You could always ask them to just polish it on one of the longer sides (ie, the front) - that's what costs the money because it's labour intensive.

JT

*edit* maybe the best thing would be to use a slab of granite as the top piece in a sand box! You'd get mass and isolation in one go.

exojam · senior member Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 163 Location: USA

I have built one which can be seen at the link below. For the 20 or so dollars to make it was very worth it. Nothing gets feed back up to the TT itself. One of my speakers is pretty close and even pushing over 110db, nothing filters up through the TT.

James

http://www.vinylengine.com/php.....p;start=15

jenkovix · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject:

What about putting granite under speakers?
What does that improve?

gold928 · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:21 am Post subject: Sandbox

Yes - granite under speakers also works - particularily the bass. I would think that both cones and granite would be ideal. Anybody tried both the granite and cones?

davidsss · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:59 am Post subject:

I built a sand box too. It works a treat with my TT and, like exojam, I unavoidably have my TT near one of my speakers. I think they are a great solution, granite would also be effective.

DS
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My System: Micro Seiki BL51 Turntable, Stax UA7 Tonearm, RCM Sensor Prelude Phono Stage, Blue Angel Mantis Cartridge, Rotel RCD865BX Cd Player, Melody I34R (Astro Black 40) amp and Osborn Epitome Speakers.

paul401 · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: Sandbox

andyr · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:23 am Post subject:

exojam · senior member Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 163 Location: USA

Andy,

I am not using a granite slab in my set up (so no magic here). I am using a little sandbox. All I was trying to state is even with my stereo very loud (including the subwoofers and one speaker not more than two feet away) no vibration are making it back into my TT effecting the sound.

James

W8AAZ · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:08 am Post subject:

If you build a sandbox to support your TT, will your house cats be mysteriously attracted to your gear as never before? Razz

Will a granite support optimise it for playing rock? Wink

I would think the sand option would be most economical for DIY folks in case you decide the results are negligable in your setup. The cats can employ it so it is not a total loss. What cat would not enjoy an Italian design luxury-style facility? I am sure that eventually someone with alot of time will test that device and write about the acoustic characteristics of all different types of sand substances.