In the sand box


I have 2 audio buddies who have built component sandboxes with different types of sand. They claim Beach sand is the most dense and made a huge difference when the turntable and amp were set in them. Has anyone else been down this road? I mean there are several ways to isolate equipment, this is just one of many.

hilroy48

My contragravity suspension systems work well, but it's a supple trick to place/replace the next LP without bumping inadvertently.....it took awhile to learn the trick without the TT skating away....literally.....

Yeah, yeah, yeah....the DOD and their ilk kept showing up, waving hands, later weapons....they Finally got tired of their various agents 'disappearing' with no trace or clue....

That and most have trouble dealing with a 3D world as it stands....

....even with something as simple as sound.....😏

Efficacy of a sandbox depends on the turntable design in my experience. With my Acoustic Signature Final Tool turntable a heavy sandbox made no discernible difference. However, replacing the factory "cone" feet with Stillpoints did make a difference. I also imagine what the sandbox sits on also is a factor.

DuPont Zircon M sand is the most dense ( Heaviest ). You guys think you’re so anal, you should spend some time around competitive Bench Rest shooters.  

Well my Grand daughter likes the sand box,next time I'll give her some old equipment to play with.

Years ago I built a sandbox isolator platform for the turntable system of an audiophile buddy. By then my turntable system was in storage (where it will remain forever, sadly), so couldn’t test the efficacy of this box. But my friend said it did wonders to cut down vibrations from footsteps, doors opening/closing, etc.

As a wood working project it was simplicity itself:

1 - Using furniture grade plywood (more layers/glued laminations than regular plywood), construct a box with bottom, 4 sides, and no top face. Dimensions in this case were 18" square with 6" sides

2 - Those 5 pieces must fit together tightly/precisely & be joined by glue + screws

3 - Carefully use a router to gently roll/bevel the upward facing edges of the 4 sides

4 - Using a separate piece of the same plywood, make a top element that is 1.5" to 2" smaller than the inside measurement (Length & Width) of the box. Use the router to smooth all 4 outside edges

5 - Situate the box in the desired location in the listening room (easy to do it now, near impossible after the next step)

6 - Fill the open-topped box with play sand, enough to come w/in 3/4" of the top of the sides

7 - Drop the top element onto the sand. Use a carpenter’s level to level the top element.

8 - Place the turntable on the top element (centered securely), then re-level.

That’s it. End of vibration reaching the TT via floors, walls