Interaction between Vibrapods and shelf material



For some time now I have had good results with my CDP and preamp supported directly on the Vibrapod cones and isolators, placed on glass shelves in a cherry audio cabinet. I'm aware that glass is a material that can be too resonant, but I was told earlier today that during their development the makers of Vibrapods learned that there was a good interaction between these materials. I have been considering switching out the shelves for maple and would be interested in hearing about anyone's related experience.

If I understand the theoretical purpose of the Vibrapods as isolators and/or vibration reducers, is it possible that there would be limited effect linked to the platform on which they're placed?
mdvuolo

Showing 1 response by mezmo

Just a word of caution, all the vibrapods I've used leech oils/residue into any wooden surface, effectively ruining any finish or surface they spend any time on. Beware. Wouldn't be a problem on glass, but they've wrecked speakers and shelves for me. I threw them all away.

More generally, isolation solutions are designed -- as you undoubtedly surmise -- to minimize the interaction between the component and the surface it is on. Thus, isolation is less dependant on the shelving material than coupling/mass-loading devices. There may be some interaction, for sure, as nothing's perfect -- but I would agree that the more effecitve the isolation, the less the interaction. Perfect isolation would make the base material irrelevant. Again, however, nothing's perfect.