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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