AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Vinyl Circle => Topic started by: Audio Refugee on 22 Aug 2017, 11:59 pm
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So, I've noticed a lot of woofer movement when I play music from my turntable. I've played the exact same passage on my CD and don't get anywhere near the woofer movement that I do from the turntable. Rock at volume is noticeably the worst.
I've done a bit of online searching and it seems to point to a need for a rumble filter. Also, seems to point to a possible cartridge/arm mismatch. Seems I can damage my speakers, so until I get this sorted I'll give up rock on the tt and keep the volume down on everything else.
I don't know anything about cart/arm matching or rumble filters. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
My setup is...- Thorens TD 280 mkiii Turntable with stock TP-28 Tone Arm
- Ortofon Super OM 20 Cartridge - Tracking force set to 1.25 grams
- Parks Audio Budgie phono preamp- Stock Electro Harmonix 6922EH tubes - Loading/impedance set to 47k per Ortofon Super OM 20 manual
- Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects
- Jolida 202a amp with stock Jolida label tubes
- Meadowlark Swift Speakers
- Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables
I have added...- New Thacker belt
- JA Michell record clamp
- Acrylic mat
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167417)
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You need a new more silent motor imo.
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I'm having the same problem. My buddy was over the other night and suggested I increase the tracking force. I added a gram and the woofer movement decreased substantially, but going from 2.0 grams to 3.0 grams doesn't sit well with me so I put the tracking force back to 2.0 (it's nominal setting).
I'll be following this thread with interest, thanks for posting.
Todd
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I had the same troubles only I was using DD-15 subs.
Anything past 8:30 on my pre and Rumble in the Jungle.
I even had my TT mounted on the wall(Clear audio Champion II.
Back then I ordered 8 Gik tritraps ...end of story almost.
Then I could turn up to 11:00 and clean and clear as a bell.
No Rumble,no feed back ect.
I could turn it up as much as I could handle and NO TROUBLES,RUMBLE<FEED BACK,Nothing.
Mentioned this before and seems most say a filter of sorts
doesn't that FK up the musicality somewhat.
Treat your corners with thick bass trapping],don't screw up the signal with more filtering.
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The op does not mention how the TT is placed in relation to the speakers?
I have my TT 15 feet back from the speakers. with plenty of mass under the TT.
I suggest adding mass (bricks) under the TT. (yes raising it up a bit)
Even on the floor under/around the stand if you have wood floors... Add 100/200 pounds under the stand, and the floor will no longer vibrate the TT.
(you could test this by stnding close to the TT stand. Does standing right there, maybe also holding the stand under the TT stop or reduce the woofer pumping?)
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I'm not the cartridge compliance/tonearm mass guru, but the first thing I'd look at is a mismatch. Neobop was your man for that, but he's been awol from the site for awhile. So you're left with looking up the info online. Luckily there's plenty of info there, http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm and https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/tonearm-cartridge-compatability/ came up right away.
There are also a bunch of inexpensive sub sonic filters, just click on eBay or Amazon. These can work if you don't want to change your cartridge, but do introduce a phase shift if those things matter to you.
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If you look at https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php?m=Ortofon&t=any&mod=Om+20&sort=2&Search=Search&sty=&ovlo=&ovhi=&can=&dclo=&dchi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=¬es=&prlo=&prhi=
The tracking force should be from 1.25 to 1.75g
Have you tried it at 1.75 ??
Also can you respond to the first question of Elizabeth.
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Before you start adding anything into the signal change, try just moving the turntable. If you have some long interconnects, move the table to another spot in your room. It could just be that its sitting in a bass node. I had a system at a friend house that was doing something similar. When turning the system up over a certain point, the subs sounded like they were going to explode, it wasn't subtle. Moving the table to another part of the room fixed it immediately, and didn't cost anything.
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Thanks for all the input and direction so far. I'm keenly aware me and my equipment are mostly entry grade, so I sincerely appreciate your patience and kindness.
To answer Elizabeth's question about distance between TT and speaker... about 18".
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167438)
I took Maceo23's advice and increased the distance between the TT and speaker. Huge difference. Still some woofer movement, but it looks like normal movement and not nearly as much when arranged as above...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167439)
I also noticed that the effect is lessened more when I move the speaker forward of the TT and even more when the speaker is moved behind the TT. :o
Letitroll98, thanks for the links. Those were interesting reads and covered a topic I had no prior knowledge of. My tone arm effective mass appears to be 12.5 grams, which puts it in the moderate mass category. My cartridge weighs 5 grams, but I don't have the weight of my fasteners or leads. The specs also mention a Compliance dynamic lateral of 25 µm/mN, but I'm not certain that's the spec I need. I'll check the weight next time I do an alignment. :thumb:
So, it appears that, at least in my case, placement has a lot to do with low frequency rumble. :duh:
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If possible, leave the speakers where they were. Move the TT to around the corner!
to the left. You have some (dark color) shelving/cabinet right around the corner..
I would place the TT on that. (if possible)
It is far enough back.(though you might need a longer IC.
(or move the whole audio cabinet over there.??
Though the second picture is OK too.
Where it was in the first picture.. I fantasize a big (Human) arm reaching from the right speaker grabbing the TT and shaking it HARD. Which is what the woofer is doing to the TT.
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I agree with what everyone has said. The first thing I would do is put something heavy under the table
3" butcher block mine is 27# (also used 50# granite under that) and that set on some Herbie's footers or layer of 1/2" cork. Of course you can go real expensive. Ceramic floor under the cabinet may want to put something under that. Herbie's again. Herbie's can get expensive quick too. A little at a time is all.
Move the speakers forward to keep your symmetrical looks. Otherwise they'll be in walkways They are ported on the front so that helps a bit. That system should sound pretty nice.
I do use the subsonic filter on my Pre's and they work well where I hear no differences. No sub, makes things easier.
I have no sub here. I had an incident of some skipping on bass heavy recordings and looked and found I didn't have the filter engaged. It was catching the back wave from rear ported speakers 36" from the front wall.
I had the the KAB subsonic filter he sells and it worked very well when I had a big sub over pressuring the room in another house. Just a bit of playing around. Good luck, but I don't think it's the cartridge relationship to the arm on your table. If the arm is too light add a 2-3 gram weight on the headshell and readjust everything.
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Wouldn't hurt to throw down a rug on that ceramic floor. That room must "echo" like crazy.
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G'day all, the recommended tracking weight for that cartridge range is 1.5 grams. 1.25 grams may be fractionally too light. I use 1.5 grams with excellent results. Regards, Felix.
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Again, thanks all! The main room is about 19' x 25'. The tile section is 4' wide x 25' long. The rest of the room in front of the stereo is carpet (~ 15' x 25), so the echo is not too bad at all. I'll look for a rug to place under the stand. I purchased 10' speaker cables so that I could move the speakers around the room a little bit. I also removed the spike feet on the speakers to avoid scratching the tile floor when I move them. They sit on felt feet now instead. I thought about Fun Tack, but I move them too often for that to really work easily. I like to point them straight into the kitchen when I'm cooking.
I'll look into granite or butcher blocks for under the amp and TT. I've been toying with that idea for quite some time. I'd also toyed with adding Isolate It hemispheres, Isonodes, or Vibrapods. Maybe build a racquet ball base. I just haven't settled on a direction to go. So many choices.
I've also toyed with going to a Primaluna; a VPI or a Rega turntable, a Cambridge Audio CXC; and a better DAC. It all adds up and it's tough to know where to start. Then I toy with upgrading tubes instead. So far I just turn it on, enjoy what I have and be grateful that I was able to put this together for not a whole lot of money. It does sound pretty good, to me.
I'll also play with adding a little more weight to the stylus.
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"It does sound pretty good, to me."
AND..... that's what counts.
One last idea. My speakers are 120 lbs each on hardwood floor they are spiked. I use the discs they sell for spikes and I stuck those self stick thick floor protectors made of a thick felt material. I can move the speakers anywhere on the floor. If they drag or stick spray some pledge was in the area your moving.
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One additional help might be to add separate 'sides' freestanding between the speakers and the actual sides of the cabinet.
The freestanding vertical boards would block the direct/main forces from the speakers getting into he cabinet.
You could move them to behind the cabinet or speakers when not in use?
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I'm not the cartridge compliance/tonearm mass guru, but the first thing I'd look at is a mismatch.
This is exactly what I found to be true for me when I bought a new cartridge. It was just a mismatch with my tonearm. replaced it and all that woofer motion went away.
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Tonearm-cartridge mismatch is probably a contributing factor. Take a look at this chart from vinylengine (https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php?eff_mass=12.5&submit=Submit). Without screws, you are at 7 Hz which is below what you want. It doesn't get better with screws. 3 grams of screws and you are at 6 Hz. You want to be between 8 and 11 (green zone). From the Galen Carol Audio site linked above you have the following.
Any cartridge/tonearm combination will exhibit resonance at a specific frequency (or frequencies). This resonance is due to the interaction of the cartridge (acting as a spring), and the weight of the arm (acting as a mass). The "springiness" of the phono cartridge is described as compliance, the weight of the arm is specified in mass. As an example, a heavy weight on a light spring would obviously over-flex the spring, conversely, a light weight on a strong spring would not allow sufficient flexion.
At resonance, the arm/cartridge combination produces a dramatic rise in output. An increase of 3 to 6dB or more is common. This tremendous boost can cause severe problems if it occurs in the region of recorded music (above 20Hz), or in the area where record warps and rumble are problematic (below 5Hz). A cartridge/arm whose resonance occurs in the region above 20Hz can be influenced by music on the record. At this frequency a significant jump in output (resulting in a "bloated" or "tubby" sound) will be experienced. In extreme cases, the stylus may actually jump out of the groove. Similarly, a cartridge/arm combination that exhibits a resonance below the desired range will exaggerate the effects of record warps, or rumble produced by the turntable.
You have a case of a heavy load on a light spring -- higher the compliance, the softer the suspension. You would be better off with a lighter tone arm for your cartridge. Conversely, you would need either a lighter cart with the same compliance, one with a lower compliance (stiffer) at the same weight or a combination thereof. As an example, a Ortofan 2M Blue at similar price would be a better match with a compliance of 20 µm/mN which gives you a resonant frequency of 8 Hz even though it's 2.2 grams heavier.
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I just went through the same issue with my son. He was getting unwanted woofer movement on some music. Unfortunately we could not move his speakers or TT. I tried my phono preamp which has a rumble filter in his system and it fixed the issue. He is using an emotiva XPS-1 phono pre which does not have a filter. So I purchased this DBS subsonic filter from acoustic sounds and it works like a charm. We have not noticed any degradation of sound quality. For $20pr it is well worth it.
However, before buying try other suggestions and check your cartridge resonance as someone stated previously.
http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/60042/DB_Systems-DB_Systems_Subsonic_Filter-Turntable_Accessories
They say to place it at the input of the phono preamp. We found it worked better at the output. No more unwanted woofer chatter. YMMV.
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Tonearm-cartridge mismatch is probably a contributing factor. Take a look at this chart from vinylengine (https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php?eff_mass=12.5&submit=Submit). Without screws, you are at 7 Hz which is below what you want. It doesn't get better with screws. 3 grams of screws and you are at 6 Hz. You want to be between 8 and 11 (green zone). From the Galen Carol Audio site linked above you have the following.
You have a case of a heavy load on a light spring -- higher the compliance, the softer the suspension. You would be better off with a lighter tone arm for your cartridge. Conversely, you would need either a lighter cart with the same compliance, one with a lower compliance (stiffer) at the same weight or a combination thereof. As an example, a Ortofan 2M Blue at similar price would be a better match with a compliance of 20 µm/mN which gives you a resonant frequency of 8 Hz even though it's 2.2 grams heavier.
Man, thanks so much for the thoughtful and researched response. Now the mismatch issue makes better sense. My turntable works fairly well, but it remains an entry level product. That cartridge was recommended by an online retailer back in January, so it's still relatively new. Now I wish I'd gone with a 2M Blue instead. That time has passed and I don't think I want to put any more money into this TT. I'm looking at a used Rega P3 with an RB300 tonearm. I've also been toying with the idea of a VPI Scout or something similar. I don't think I'll invest in any more cartridges until I settle on a new TT.
I do have another question/issue that this forum might be able to help me understand. That is overhang. from what I understand, overhang is the position of the cartridge as it's mounted on the headshell. How far back or forward it sits in the headshell. How do I determine the best position? Trial and error? Or, is there a better way to choose a starting point?
I just went through the same issue with my son. He was getting unwanted woofer movement on some music. Unfortunately we could not move his speakers or TT. I tried my phono preamp which has a rumble filter in his system and it fixed the issue. He is using an emotiva XPS-1 phono pre which does not have a filter. So I purchased this DBS subsonic filter from acoustic sounds and it works like a charm. We have not noticed any degradation of sound quality. For $20pr it is well worth it.
However, before buying try other suggestions and check your cartridge resonance as someone stated previously.
http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/60042/DB_Systems-DB_Systems_Subsonic_Filter-Turntable_Accessories
They say to place it at the input of the phono preamp. We found it worked better at the output. No more unwanted woofer chatter. YMMV.
Thanks for the links! Those are incredibly inexpensive. Might be an ok short term fix. :thumb:
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I do have another question/issue that this forum might be able to help me understand. That is overhang. from what I understand, overhang is the position of the cartridge as it's mounted on the headshell. How far back or forward it sits in the headshell. How do I determine the best position? Trial and error? Or, is there a better way to choose a starting point?
You need a protractor. https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml (https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml) has all the freebies and the overhang shift calculator will tell you what happens when you go off. Then there is the on going debate as to which protractor, Baerwald, Loefgren or Stevenson, is better for which music. Read all about it here. (https://www.vinylengine.com/protractor-user-guide.shtml) Fun stuff, isn't it?
I use Feickert protractor which makes things very easy. Not cheap but very worth it if you have multiple TTs and switch out carts frequently. If you are in the area, you can borrow it.
(http://senseofmusic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Protractor_02.jpg)
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BOYYYY, do I ever not miss trying to figure this stuff out...
Re the problem stated in the OP: I agree that there are two probable issues: Tonearm/cart incompatibility and speaker proximity.
To the OP: If it makes you feel any better, many 'experts' can't seem to get it right either. 2 or 3 years ago there was a room at Capital Audiofest in which the woofers in the well-regarded mini-monitors were flopping back and forth like a freshly boated fish (even though the record was not visibly warped. I inquired about this to the vendor, whose answer was, "Oh, these woofers can handle it." Sure, but what is going on in your electronics having to push that woofer around at 5-6 Hz? It can't be good for your SQ. I noticed that the tube preamp had a subsonic filter, but I didn't flip it on, figuring that if the vendor didn't care, why should I.
I saw much the same phenomenon with the giveaway system from last year, suggesting that the system was randomly assembled. Oh well, with a free system, you can afford to buy a more compatible cart. My point is that even 'experts' sometimes struggle, and a given cart/tonearm combo may perform great- or like a dog- for reasons of compatibility rather than quality (or price). You refer to your system as 'entry level', but I'd rather listen to a well-matched 'entry level' system than a not very compatible big-buck system. You hear the term 'synergy' a lot in audio; nowhere in audio does proper synergy (matching) have a bigger effect. Easiest thing to change in your vinyl setup is the cart. Get the right one and you're golden.
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I'm having the same problem. My buddy was over the other night and suggested I increase the tracking force. I added a gram and the woofer movement decreased substantially, but going from 2.0 grams to 3.0 grams doesn't sit well with me so I put the tracking force back to 2.0 (it's nominal setting).
I'll be following this thread with interest, thanks for posting.
Todd
Help! My woofer rumble is more or less contained to the outside 3/4" of the record which implies a setup problem to me. Even the lead in groove can cause massive woofer movement.
The turntable was setup by the dealer in my house. This particular dealer is locally known for his setup expertise. One thing he didn't do was add additional anti-skate (I.e. the anti-skate is not hooked up). I have heard VPI tables can sometimes get away without additional anti-skate due to the force of the twisted wires running from the arm to the base, so maybe that's not the problem.
Setup: VPI Classic 3 with a Sumiko Pearwood Celebration MKII sitting on a Quadraspire rack.
The center of the woofer is 34" from the corner of the table, which is pretty much as far away as I can put them in my small-ish 10'x14' listening room. The speakers are a sealed design.
The room is well treated with adsorption and corner bass traps. I did mount the bass traps halfway up the wall as shown in the photo.
Any help would be appreciated!
Todd
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167920)
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First place I'd look for help would be the damn dealer who set it up. A little googling indicates you spent in the vicinity of $10K on this setup. You shouldn't have this kind of problem for this kind of money. And 'proper setup' won't correct incompatibility if that's all or part of the problem. Ask them what the resonant frequency of the tonearm/cart combo is. If it's not optimal range, they should exchange for a more compatible cart. If they don't know, or can't find out quickly, they're not the experts they're cracked up to be, just experts at getting audiophiles to part with $10K. There are resources cited earlier in this thread that should help in confirming or ruling out this problem. It's not even that hard to determine the need (or not) for anti-skating help. I used to set mine to drift outwards very slowly on a blank disk (the groove modulations add skating force not present on a blank platter). It would be wierd for a skating error to dump huge subsonics into a system IMHO.
A tonearm/cart combo is like a marriage: they can both be 'good people' but just not compatible. I'm not saying that's what's happening here, but it certainly sounds like at least part of the OP's situation.
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First place I'd look for help would be the damn dealer who set it up. A little googling indicates you spent in the vicinity of $10K on this setup. You shouldn't have this kind of problem for this kind of money. And 'proper setup' won't correct incompatibility if that's all or part of the problem. Ask them what the resonant frequency of the tonearm/cart combo is. If it's not optimal range, they should exchange for a more compatible cart. If they don't know, or can't find out quickly, they're not the experts they're cracked up to be, just experts at getting audiophiles to part with $10K. There are resources cited earlier in this thread that should help in confirming or ruling out this problem. It's not even that hard to determine the need (or not) for anti-skating help. I used to set mine to drift outwards very slowly on a blank disk (the groove modulations add skating force not present on a blank platter). It would be wierd for a skating error to dump huge subsonics into a system IMHO.
A tonearm/cart combo is like a marriage: they can both be 'good people' but just not compatible. I'm not saying that's what's happening here, but it certainly sounds like at least part of the OP's situation.
Sorry, I should clarify my post:
1. I purchased this turntable and cartridge used from a third party. The dealer in question offers an in-home setup service so I paid him to come out and dial it in.
2. The symptoms didn't start until I replaced my KEF104/2's with the Magico S1's (which was after the dealer setup).
I know this dealer would gladly make the 90 minute drive out to help, but I would rather try to isolate and fix the problem myself before calling out the Calvary. I will check the compatibility as advised.
Todd
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I will check the compatibility as advised.
rf = 159 / sqrt ((eff. mass + cart weight + fastener weight) * (compliance))
JWM 10.5 effective mass 10.9g
cart weight 7.0g
fastener weight 1.5g (I have a 1 gram weight + screws)
compliance 12
rf = 10.42 which should be fine.
One additional observation is my tonearm is literally bouncing when the excessive woofer movement is happening. I tried a digital source and was able to get clean sound with no odd woofer movement at ridiculously high volume levels so the issue is definatley isolated to my analog chain.
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I had a problem 3 months ago on the first song of Brothers in Arms, Dire Straights, Across the River.
It is that area of the .50" in from the lead in groove.
When I had the volume too high on the (low Volume parts that go really low) on the Redgum 120 that has SLAM (265w/ch at 4ohms) and a high dampening factor of like 800 I got the jumping needle thing.
I was getting so much back draft from the rear ports on that front wall it was causing it to skip. At that time I didn't notice I did not have the Sub filter engaged. Turning it on stopped it along with less volume as the song came up. I do not get that on my tube Cronus Mag II.
Can you try a different cartridge?
Never add more tracking weight unless it in the area of .10 or .20 never 1 gram.
I know non of this description helps but it says your not the only one and I made no changes except for the Amp.
Cart is AT33PTGII a hell of a tracker in my set up.
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One additional observation is my tonearm is literally bouncing when the excessive woofer movement is happening. I tried a digital source and was able to get clean sound with no odd woofer movement at ridiculously high volume levels so the issue is definatley isolated to my analog chain.
My woofer distortion issue turned out to be a setup issue. My nearest VPI dealer helped me diagnose the problem in his shop. Essentially the in-house setup I paid for was not good and he tweaked the setup significantly:
1. The VTA tower and lift were sitting way too low, that was raised about 1/2"
2. The azimuth setting based on using a Fozgometer was way off. Azimuth was adjusted back to square.
3. VTF was REDUCED to 1.8 grams
Problem solved. The dealer thought the Sumiko was still a little bouncy and probably not a great choice for a uni-pivot so I may end up getting a new cartridge. But for now it is sounding great and I'm leaving well enough alone...
Todd
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My woofer distortion issue turned out to be a setup issue. My nearest VPI dealer helped me diagnose the problem in his shop. Essentially the in-house setup I paid for was not good and he tweaked the setup significantly:
1. The VTA tower and lift were sitting way too low, that was raised about 1/2"
2. The azimuth setting based on using a Fozgometer was way off. Azimuth was adjusted back to square.
3. VTF was REDUCED to 1.8 grams
Problem solved. The dealer thought the Sumiko was still a little bouncy and probably not a great choice for a uni-pivot so I may end up getting a new cartridge. But for now it is sounding great and I'm leaving well enough alone...
Todd
Well, I spoke a little too soon! My woofer movement, while reduced, is still there. A new Lyra Delos reduced most (but not all) of what remained. The good news is that I'm not getting any audible distortion out of the woofers now. And the new cart sounds sweet!
The dealer that sold and installed the Lyra spent a few hours helping to diagnose the problem in my house. He thinks my Quadraspire EVO rack isn't up to the challenge of a 100 lb. monster turntable and suggested a lower profile sturdier rack. Or I could try damping my VPI arm (which I'm not keen on). I'm also going to try the Symposium VPI footer inserts before I try a new rack.
Todd
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100# table? The VPI isn't 100#??
I'm sure the dealer will sell you a new rack setup. Uhuh!
Get the rumble filter, KAB, you will never hear it.
I pretty sure you will always see some kind of movement on those woofers.
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100# table? The VPI isn't 100#??
I'm sure the dealer will sell you a new rack setup. Uhuh!
Get the rumble filter, KAB, you will never hear it.
I pretty sure you will always see some kind of movement on those woofers.
Correct, the actual weight of my Classic 3 with the ring and center weight is 81 pounds. I guess he could have been more over the top and called it a 1000 pound table!
Yes, I'm sure he wouldn't mind selling me a new rack. But I have to say he was genuinely trying to help out. I will try to get an in house demo to prove the rack solution before buying it. We did put the table on the floor and that seemed to eliminate the woofer movement so I think there's some truth in what he's saying.
I will keep trying to get this resolved and post results. In summary so far:
1. My Sumiko cartridge was setup incorrectly. Fixing that was a good first step.
2. I purchased a Symposium Seque ISO platform. That didn't help, but my table did sound better with it so it stayed.
3. I replaced the cartridge and that helped, but did not completely fix my issue.
Other things I will try:
1. Symposium VPI footer inserts
2. Rumble filter
3. New rack
4. If all else fails, the speaker grills are going on so I don't have to look at the woofers flapping...
Todd
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"If all else fails, the speaker grills are going on so I don't have to look at the woofers flapping..."
:lol: :lol:
I have mine on. :thumb:
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I will keep trying to get this resolved and post results. In summary so far:
1. My Sumiko cartridge was setup incorrectly. Fixing that was a good first step.
2. I purchased a Symposium Seque ISO platform. That didn't help, but my table did sound better with it so it stayed.
3. I replaced the cartridge and that helped, but did not completely fix my issue.
I tried a few more things as listed below. Wifey stopped by my listening room last night. She asked me why the woofers were dancing. Great...time to get the speaker grills out...
4. I purchased the Symposium VPI footers.
5. I installed a custom 2" walnut platform on Symposium RollerBlock Jr.'s
6. Installed a Whest phono stage (hey, why not?)
Although I failed to completely resolve my woofer flapping issue, I will say the system sounds great!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172431)
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Final update(s):
1. I was able to pick up a used Massif Audio rack as suggested in an earlier post. It didn't help my woofer flapping but it is very stable and a worthwhile upgrade, particularly when picking one up used.
2. As a last resort, I commissioned a custom balanced high pass filter. It's sitting on top of the Whest phono stage as pictured below. My woofer flapping problem is finally fixed with no perceived loss of sonic quality. I should have tried the filter earlier...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177320)