New racks? How about the Hi Fi Racks Podium?

I had no cups, balls or glass with the HiFi racks. The problem with trying to compare, is it will be from memory. Unless, there is a dramatic uplift with the Fraim. I decided on the Fraim instead of adding bits to the other racks, simply because this is a complete tried and tested system. Time will tell !

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I think that’s sensible - better to get an integrated solution than adding bits to other bits, which is always unpredictable. I once had a Fraim glass on an Isoblue for my CDS2 but always had a slight doubt as to whether it made a real improvement.

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With most racks, their primary purpose is to try not to add any of themeselves to the mix. To try and let what’s supported be itself more.
With Naim the Fraim is well known to leave some positive signature on the boxes.
No wonder so many attempt to emulate that on other racks with glass,cups and balls.

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Yes when looking at the theory, without resorting to exotic materials, the predictions would be along the lines of:

1 Aluminium on chrome steel balls
2= Aluminium on stainless steel balls
2= Toughened glass on on chrome steel balls
3 Glass on stainless steel.

The second equal options could come quite close, but glass is never going to be as consistent as the aluminium. The performance loss for glass on stainless could be quite significant.

Using exotic materials such as ceramic balls (SiC being the preferred choice, but again very expensive) has the potential for slightly better performance, but would probably require the cup system to be completely redesigned.

Indeed, stainless balls would have been a likely the choice, especially due to their resistance to rusting, however they didn’t sound as good as the chromed mild steel balls.

FWIW, Naim used to supply stainless balls on request though for anyone living in areas of very high humidity whose Fraim balls were rusting badly almost immediately.

As far as Naim audio boxes, I would suggest before going out and paying silly money on isolation blocks and what not. Have a look on flea bay fine your self some appropriate stainless steel springs and put them under you boxes. I have done this. It works very well. Hifi is better but the mojo goes and that is why naim audio have a research and development team that do this for you already. I guess if you have a number of different branded boxes making up your system still point may very well work for you as it’s unbalanced compared to a full naim system synergy.

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Seismic Sink solved my vibrating Mac problem, but sounded wrong under my LP12 - one size does not fit all, but Fraim works well with most.

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Precisely.

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I tried a rega rp10 on top fram, on the glass shelf. Preferred without.
On a granite 5 cm shelf, it’s the best for me.

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This is my system: self-built and based on hifiracks


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Time to make an extra shelf I’d suggest.

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Awsumz carpentry skillz… :flushed::kissing_heart:

When I had a Rega P25 (in fact there is still a P3 in the family), I didn’t have a Fraim and found the P25 sounded nice on a Sound Organisation wall shelf. Rega does a good shelf too and I suspect the Tiger Paw Vulcan would work well. Not saying you should change though, if you have it sounding great just enjoy it.

How about a nice SME Garrard 301?

Looks superb - you could make another shelf so your naim kit is not stacked on the bottom shelf. How do the Stirling speakers sound? What made you choose them?

If you want to spend 20k on a Garrard deck from the 50’s, it’s your money Tiberio.
However it looks nice indeed.

I haven’t got £20k to spend on a turntable even one as wonderful as that Garrard.
I’m happy with my LP12. It’s not a bad ol’ disk spinner.

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It was your question Tiberio. Not mine. My next upgrade will be probably a better Melco or Nd555. Not in hurry, and deep pockets now.
:laughing:

…go for it mike, looks like you have the room and if there is some improvement it would be one hell of a good investment! …if not then you have to give up a few pints for the next few weeks… …and don’t forget to bring the wife some flowers, whether they work or not you will have covered all bases when she notices something different about the shelves.

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When I made that piece of furniture I had a tube amp, that’s why the bottom hole is so big. I always wanted to have ls3 / 5a speakers, and I love them for the kind of music I listen to

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Added the ball bearings and nuts today:

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