platter ride height...

how critical is it with regard to the manufacturers recommendation? i can understand the avoidance of extremes with regard to "high and low",but what factors would decide "optimum",and more importantly,"why"?

 

Is this on the AR? On a Linn or AR style table, you can effect the compliance of the suspension a bit by raising and lowering the platter by loosening or tightening the springs. Of course the VTA is not effected as the arm height does not change in relation to the platter height. This is because both the main bearing and the tonearm are attached to the subchassis and what you are really doing is adjusting the height of the subchassis in relation to the plinth. Of practical importance is having enough clearance there so that when the platter bounces a bit, it does not scrape the top of the plinth. Once you are in a comfortable range of platter height, it should become more a matter of balance between springs to get the platter to float vertically without having the platter edge higher or lower in relation to the plinth as viewed from any side angle. That should get you in the ballpark for a vertical only bounce and fine adjustments can be made from there. It can be maddening if you get one or more too far out of adjustment as you have to go back and forth with them, so once you get it about right, it might be a good idea to just stop and spin some records!
-Bill

 

Many thanks....it is an AR Legend...I just wondered whilst doing all the critical levelling/tracking force/arm height etc etc just how much the clearance between the platter and the plinth matters so long as it did not "foul"! Thanks again