Tim,
The laser allows for the most precise alignment which really makes the job not only more fool proof, but a great deal quicker in setup time. There is little to worry about concerning accuracy when done in this manner.
The brass spikes in relation to the wood platforms actually act as a transference method for which actually becomes an extension of mass in direct relation to the cabinets. This provides an additional path for cabinet resonance to follow for which is no longer creating any negative effects within the speaker itself.
Energy has to go somewhere, with the path of least resistance always brought into play. This just as importantly helps to resist any backflow of energy into the speaker from external elements. I have actually constructed wood platforms in the past with a combination of airspace and sand as a mass substance.
This makes a tremendous difference in how the speaker sounds in general. The major enhancement is most noticeable not only within the tightening of lower frequencies, but actual refinement within the midrange frequencies as well. This level of improvement usually leads to increased dimensional focus with a refined presentation of timbre.
The spiked platform assemblies were factored in as a significant part of the speakers tuning principals. As isolation and control were the primary factors for my build in order to get the gain projected, this area became a very vital part of the solution. Height adjustment will also aid in fine tuning here, and the spikes allow for that easily.
None of this really matters until the speakers have been carefully dialed-in within the room to find the sweet spot for which bass response is most ideal between the speakers exact location and the rooms modal points itself. It’s like setting up a cartridge to track accurately within the groove of the vinyl playing surface. Once dialed in correctly, everything falls into proper perspective with the impending results fully revealed. A difference of just a few degrees in any direction can make or break the speakers low-end response, and the quality for which it is represented.
If your Fostex drivers have been modified to the recommended specifications per Decware upgrades, these should be very close in sound quality. The DFR-8’s are the optimal choice for maximum performance. If you do not have the additional bracing within each chamber around the driver area (you would have to ask Zygi about this), it would be well worth your while to have them installed which you can easily do yourself.
There is a dramatic change in the cabinets sound with these installed over that without them. When you rap on the cabinet without the cross members, it sounds hollow with a degree of reverberation. Once the braces are in place, the knock is solid and quick with rapid termination of the reverb. You can imagine how this influences tonal structure within the music.
Glad to hear that you have taken interest toward the acquisition of high quality analog. This will take you to the highest level of transition within your musical quest. Considering the premium equipment that you already own, along with your ideal listening environment, you will truly be pleased once the addition of a premium analog source is brought into form.
I really must recommend a high-end MC (low-output design) cartridge with very special care in the selection of a tone-arm. This along with Decware’s ZMC step-up unit in combination with the ZP3. Please trust me on this combination. There is no doubt that you will soon understand why if you choose this path.
By having your plinth CNC’d professionally according to the scaled drawing on the Teres website, you can order the technologically advanced motor assembly, and spindle bearing assembly, along with the custom machined VTA & arm board assembly direct from Teres. You would then only require the purchase of the platter from Teres which is way ahead of anything else out there in terms of performance based material and design.
By doing this, you can have a world class turntable design at a fraction of the cost opposed to retail. The trade-off is that you must assemble and calibrate the table yourself. The d.i.y. aspect of this is not difficult at all for those that are mechanically inclined with good common sense intact.
The pay-off is that this will save you a tremendous amount of cost over retail while having unsurpassed quality compared within a price range several times over that invested.
There are other good choices out there on this level. I can guarantee you that all of these choices will cost much more when compared directly by performance virtues. The quality and performance gain of the Teres concept is like driving a Mercedes on the autobahn without any restrictions to hamper performance. It sure beats driving an old Chevy with bald tires on a two lane highway with an irregular surface.
If you go to Teres website and follow the components link, you will see the d.i.y. options.
If I can assist you with any information regarding this, please ask and I will do what I can in the most logical manner.
Choose very wisely in this decision as this will become the most vital link within your system’s performance and how it is perceived in every regard!
Paul.