LP STABILISERS

Furutech Monza

More than just massThe potential benefits of what is

known as a record clamp, or an LPstabiliser, are widely known. Theyrange from improved tracking and

reduced resonance to a lower noise floor,improved resolution and finer imaging.

However, I say 'potential' for a reason.The effects of these devices vary greatly,depending on the specific application.Suspended or solid-chassis turntables,different tonearms and cartridges - all ofthese factors, and more, have an impact onhow effective a LP stabiliser can be.

Enter the Furutech Monza, a nicely finishedbut innocuous-looking item that could wellbe nothing more than a nicely presentedpaperweight. As it turns out, there's more tothe Monza LP stabiliser than sheer mass.

Roughly conical in shape, with a flat bottomand a reverse-tapered raised centre, theMonza looks vaguely like many other suchproducts. However, Furutech claims that thisone harnesses a lot of advanced technology.

The stabiliser actually consists of a numberof components. The base is manufacturedfrom non-magnetic stainless steel, and isseparated from the top module by a dampinglayer of carbon fibre. The bottom surface ofthe base features 16 concentric grooves madeof a piezo-electric damping material.

And it's this layer that sets the Monzaapart from other weight-driven stabilisers.The bottom layer contains nano-polycrystalline,ferro-electric ceramic particles that can displayelectro-generative properties. More specifically,the mechanical pressure of the stabiliser on thevinyl disc creates an electrical charge.

Meanwhile the carbon powder has thermal-conductive properties. Mechanical andelectrical damping is achieved as a result of theMonza crossconverting thermal, mechanicaland electrical energy. Or so Furutech says.

I tried the Monza on an Avid Diva II/OLEncounter/Benz Micro Wood L deck, and aLinn Sondek LP 12/lttok/Ortofon CadenzaBlack combo.And against my own expectations,the effect was instantly audible.

The effects were more pronounced in thecase of the LP 12,which would have benefitedfrom the Monza based purely on its mass,and the resulting improved contact between

Vitc:31 Stc:3ts

Construction Non-magneticstainless steel. Piezo-ceramic damping

sheet, multi-layered carbon fibreDimensions 79 mm diameter,

27,S mm highWeight 350 g

VERDICTEffectiveness depends on various factors,but audibly beneficial in most instances.Tauter low frequencies, improved detail,reduced noise floor the most obviousimprovements.

PRiCE R5 289

SUPPLIED BY AV Cables082 774-483 I

The atmosphere of that all-time greatrecording, 'Friday Night in San Francisco',combining the talents of John McLaughlin,Paco de Lucia and AI Di Meola came acrossmore electric than I remembered, and thefrenetic guitar riffs were rendered with poiseand precision.

On 'Live In Paris', Diana Krall's voicehad more texture, her breathing was morepronounced, and the drum kit's cymbals andhi-hat had more presence.At the same time,the music was projected with greater intentthan before.

Similar results were achieved with theAvid Diva 11,although not as pronounced.The deck uses a hefty screw-down stabiliseras standard, so certainly, the benefits of themass loading were already facto red in.However, a reduction of the noise floor,improved resolution of detail and an airiersoundstage were still noticeable.

I'll admit to being a sceptic when it comesto some of the more exotic audio accessories.But the Furutech Monza stabiliser makes anaudible, positive difference, every time.The price is steep, and I'm not sure what theimpact of the extra weight will have on theLP 12's sprung chassis in the long run.

But if I had the money, this would be oneaccessory I'd invest in.

Deon Schoeman

58 •• . A U D I 0 V I D E 0

WEBSITE www.avcables.co.za

record and platter, together with the reductionof potential resonance.

But the improvement in sound told methat there was more: the soundstage openedup wider, bass response was certainly moreexpansive and authoritative, and there was animproved sense of clarity and accessibility.