Letters

IKEA Aptitlig platform -- "further thoughts"?

March 23, 2025

Marc,

Do you have any further thoughts/experimentation with the IKEA Aptitlig and steel ball bearings from your 2019 article? I currently use the same setup with my Rega P3, to my enjoyment. I have also added another single Aptitlig underneath, which I thought improved things. It has remained in place. I'm using oak cone feet, and the slab on top of the rack (directly underneath the single Aptitlig) is granite.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, if you have the time. Thanks very much,

Fraser Smith

I'm glad to hear about your experiences with the Aptitlig platform. The thing works and doesn't cost much money to assemble. It also looks good and could be stained if someone wants a darker finish.

I have experimented with Delrin, ceramic and silicon nitride spheres, in addition to hardened-steel ball bearings. The silicon nitride are the best, but they also cost quite a bit more than the other options and the differences aren't huge. The bulk of the work of the Aptitlig platform is done by the six layers of bamboo, but adding the spheres definitely isolates whatever is on the platform, especially a turntable.

As for feet underneath the equipment, I have had good luck with Ayre myrtle blocks, which are effective at transferring energy into the platform, where it is dissipated. I suspect your oak cones do much the same thing. You want to couple the equipment to the platform, not isolate it from it, so squishy feet are not recommended. -Marc Mickelson

"Could you please add me...?"

March 1, 2025

Marc,

Could you please add me to your e-mail distribution list? Thank you.

Donald Shirer

I've added you. To join TAB's reader e-mail list and find out about new articles first, send e-mail to rl@theaudiobeat.com. -Marc Mickelson

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