Description of the new updated carbon fibre subchassis.
Posted on by Ben Lamb -
The lightest sub-chassis available for the LP12 at an amazing 258g
These sub-chassis upgrades use a laminated closed cell hard foam construction. The core of the sub-chassis uses hard closed cell foam which is used for similar purposes in motorsport and aerospace. When laminated between multiple layers of carbon fiber cloth infused with epoxy resin it forms a very rigid light weight structure. Layers of carbon cloth are laminated onto each side.
The benefits of a light weight sub-chassis have been known for some time and have been used in some of the most notable suspended turntable designs. The lightweight sub-chassis allows the springs to respond to external vibration more rapidly and the low mass structure is limited in it's ability to store kinetic energy. This enables you to keep the mass where it belongs, in the gyroscopic action of the platter. Less weight overhanging into the arm-board support brings the sub-chassis closer to the ideal of a pure triangular design reducing the loading on the springs to maintain a balance. It all makes sense when you give it some thought !
In order to provide absolute rigidity and to follow the original specifications of most turntable sub-chassis, two carbon horizontal spines run the length of the inside of the sub-chassis. These spines are bonded to the top and bottom carbon skins. This further increases the performance of the sub-chassis by creating a rigid internal box section structure. The bearing mounting surface is machined to ensure the correct orientation of the main bearing in the turntable.The original pressed steel sub-chassis rings like a bell whilst the carbon fiber/foam design is inert. This means increased damping of motor vibrations and bearing noise from the platter. The replacement sub-chassis weighs one third of the original (258g vs 790g) allowing a greater proportion of the sprung mass to belong to the gyroscopic movement of the platter. This enables your turntable suspension to be more responsive in doing its job of isolating the turntable from external vibration.
Includes a set of stainless fixings for the main bearing/earth wire and arm board.