My thoughts on TT isolation methods.


I have done extensive research on isolation platforms and with help from the Audiogon community plus many hours of listening. Its not scientific and I did not measure results but here it goes. I have tried MDF board, Granite with both and alone and cork and or neoprene rubber and truck bed material as sandwich material. Granite and marble are beautiful and mass loading. It would probably be OK for a suspension loaded TT but not as good a choice for a mass loaded TT like mine. I finally invested in a 4 inch maple slab and 4 cork rubber sandwich supports that is common in industrial machine dampening. Its better and doesn't give the sound as much detail. With detail. =harshness. Its the best I have found. With less edginess and no harshness but more neutral detail. You can use 2 MDF boards which come close. Ok, if you want the absolute best for an expensive TT get an electron microscope isolation device which costs in the thousands. You could get one for a much cheaper TT but at that point you should just invest more in a TT for more bang for the buck. I think thats what Michael Fremers 100k plus Caliburn TT comes with. Look at one of his videos. The other very low cost option is a sand box. I heard a TT in one before and it sounded great but that was a 30k Clearaudio TT. I almost went with that. I thought about suspending it from the ceiling but mine is 80 lbs. I hope this helps!
128x128blueranger

Showing 1 response by pindac

Prof2
         I myself have worked extensively with Layered Materials to build up a Isolation.

In My Experience:
Does it improve the SQ ? yes it does.

The Improvement in the SQ will be heard in the earlier version of the applied methods.
Especially when the Isolation Footers were used, and made their impression.
The Follow Up additions of Materials will be more Slight in how they will deliver a perceived improvement.
The Follow Up additions will be more about a continued approach to attenuate the presentation to match your unique preference to the SQ.

I can exchange one material in my Configuration of Layers and hear a change, I can easily revert to a Bloated Bass and subdued Midrange,
by one or two Material Exchanges.

I am today at a place where the choice of Platter Mat Material will be the  item that will have a effect on the SQ, and let me attenuate for a preferred presentation.
Hence I like a slightly Bloated Bass for when I play Blues and Rock, it just suits my ear this way.
I like a Transparent Presentation, with a Clean Bass Note and Projected Mids for Jazz, Folk and Female Voices.
This now available with a Platter Mat Exchange.

When it comes to the Footer that has most impressed me to date,
I am now Wedded to the Solid Tech 'Feet of Silence', to be the footer that is in direct contact with the TT's Plinth.