Most anti-vibration systems do indeed convert vibration into heat. It might be helpful to read this article from EAR, a leader in vibration dampening:
https://earglobal.com/media/9891/understandingdampingtechniques.pdf
With regards to a wooden base, I think you will find that the base will have greater effect if combined with another material such as aluminum or steel. The two layers will have different resonant frequencies and when in contact with each other will rob each other of that energy- the result being that the platform will considerably more 'dead'.
The device (DC player, preamp, turntable) should then be rigidly coupled into the platform via points of some sort. This will maximize the effect of the platform.
https://earglobal.com/media/9891/understandingdampingtechniques.pdf
With regards to a wooden base, I think you will find that the base will have greater effect if combined with another material such as aluminum or steel. The two layers will have different resonant frequencies and when in contact with each other will rob each other of that energy- the result being that the platform will considerably more 'dead'.
The device (DC player, preamp, turntable) should then be rigidly coupled into the platform via points of some sort. This will maximize the effect of the platform.