Dear Cerrot: the Ultra platform is directly on a VPI thick wood platform that has large leveling stainless steel cones , so I level the TT with them. Direct coupling the VPI makes it unsuspended and in this case it is a big improvement sonicaly over the VPI air feet suspension. I have tryed both ways and this is superior. I do use my stetoscope to eliminate any motor rumble, it is quiet, steady and external vibrationproof. A very important thing is to couple the underplatform with the wall with strong angle-iron . There shoudn't be any motion when pushing the platform sideways, especialy with wood floors. The pen tapping test on plinth and platter is dead silent too.
I have not tryed sand platforms but the VPI stand feet are filled with sand, this makes the whole thing about 150 Kg! I am working to replace the acrylic TNT plinth with a slate plinth ,...
