New to Vinyl, need a turntable...

[DougMac]

Originally Posted by Chizzap30

Also as I mentioned in another post that the platter of the Rega is made of MDF where the Projects is made of steel. The issue with the steel platter is that it resonates somewhat. This can lead to vibrations traveling from the platter to the vinyl and back through the cartridge. It's not something extremely noticeable, but it does tend to be there.

When attributes of turntables are discussed, differences like this are pointed out. Often these differences are used in marketing to distinguish a particular turntable from another. Also, there are proponents of one design over the other and inevitably someone will state strong opinions concerning the superiority of the design they purchased.

Although I know I was born in Georgia, sometimes I think I'm from Missouri. Using platter materials as an example, I have to questions. Are the differences measurable? Are they audible? If so, under what conditions would they become a factor? Furthermore, assuming the resonance of a steel platter is both measurable and audible in normal listening circumstances, by using MDF, do I introduce other factors that may be as important or more important than resonance?

There's also environmental issues to be considered. As alluded to in the post, the differences may be subtle. There's a good chance that whatever slight advantage an MDF platter may have will be completely negated by the placement of the turntable and the material on which it is placed.

Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions that pop up in my head. That may be why it takes anywhere from 6 months to a year for me to decide on an electronic purchase. I've actually had gear go obsolete while I was in the throws of making a choice.

Keep in mind the above is largely rhetorical and not meant to stir up the masses.