Does surface a component sit on affect the sound.

Yes, it will affect the sound.

What you use to sit it on is a matter of great debate.

Points, cones, spikes, tennis balls, air bladders, super balls cut in half, styrofoam, sorbothane, roller bearings, etc, etc, are all used by people trying to make their stuff sound better.

You'll never get a consensus here, on this matter(except that it makes a difference, not on what to use).

Thanks Bob, for your kind words.

That is a very nice compliment, coming from someone as knowledgable and experienced as you are.

As most of us know, I use the energy transfer(specifically engineered direct rigid coupling) method with Audiopoints and Sistrum Platforms on my system, and also work for the company which makes these products(and others).

I like the results which consist of removing the unwanted vibrations from the system, but leaving the full dynamic range, and tonal and harmonic characteristics of the music, intact and un-deadened.

IMHO and YMMV.