I put mine directly on the top shelf of my rack and the turntable sits directly on top of the block. My TT is an SME 20/2 which is highly vibration isolated already and has a lot of mass, so this combo works well for me. I think you will need to experiment with different combos of isolation for the best results. There are many variables so trying different things until it sounds right to you is my advice.
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Hello! I currently have a second system in my family room where the turntable is positioned on a simple (IKEA) A/V bench. I have a 1.5” Top Chop cutting board (maple) under the turntable. Under the cutting board, I use four 4”x4”x7/8” rubber & cork isolation blocks at each corner. I also use Vibrapod Model 3 Isolators for the turntable’s feet to further dampen any vibration. While this may be overkill, I find that this solution works really, really well. While I don’t have kids, I do host a good number of parties & haven’t had any issues with skipping, etc. considering all the foot traffic & activity around the turntable during these get-togethers. Arvin |
I start out with my trusty, fully loaded with lead shot and sand, Lead Balloon by Arcci then I place my maple platform directly on top of the Lead Ballons turntable support shelf which has adjustable spikes to level things out then I place a Symposium Seque ISO platform on top of the maple shelf and then I place my turntable on top of that. This setup really works very well for my setup which is a VPI Prime with peripheral ring and Single Motor Flywheel. |
Herbie’s grungebuster dots work well between my rack and the maple block that is the platform for my turntable. http://herbiesaudiolab.net/gb.htm |
Check out http://butcherblockacoustics.com/ for High Quality Platforms and Anti-Vibration Accessories. |
I've taken a slightly different approach. We have a local kitchen and bath installation and manufacturing company that specializes in all types of natural and man made stone. They have a remnants yard that has various sized left over slabs of the raw material they install. I have had them cut and polish quartz bases that are 1 1/2" thick and closely match the bases on my three turntables. I use 3" x 3" isolating mat under the slabs corners and the isolating bases that come with the turntables. I have literally jumped up and down next to all three turntables and cannot cause a needle to skip or jump. Cost less than $300 for all three bases. |
@bba - I'm cheap and lazy. Went to Amazon and picked up a maple (mable?) butcher block end grain board about the same size as my table. I have a few different materials to try under the board including a couple of different types / shapes / thicknesses of sorbothane, a lifetime supply of different Vibrapod products (pucks and cones), cones, felt pads, mouse pads, bags of lead shot.... Long list of stuff. I just wanted some suggestions on what others are using successfully to help shorten the experimenting. |
@glupson - LMAO is an abbreviation for Loose Molecular Attraction Oscillator. It an advanced audio component that mounts next to any power outlet used for audio equipment. It's purpose is to magnetically remove bad electrons and re-spin the remaining electrons to help remove RF and to create a more pure 60hz A/C current source. The device uses pure natural vacuum that comes from the vacuum mines in northern Iowa. A recent shortage of this particularly desirable vacuum was the result of a series of mine implosions. Most of the remaining vacuum is being stored in liquid form in 7 tanker cars on a railroad siding outside Bozeman, Montana. LMAO also stands for Laughing My Ass Off. |
http://pbnaudio.com/audio-turntables/groovemaster-vintage-direct/pbn-dp7 Yes a hardwood platform is still a good place for any turntable good listening Peter |
I have a friend who has built a stainless steel bath of glycol which floats a 5 inch wrapped foam block on which his table sits. Any floor movement is self corrected by the glycol which seems to control vibration as well. I think it is a an oil. Had a problem with displacement on his proto type but seems to work remarkably well now. |
Pour some maple syrup on your turntable. Then you’ve really got something. But seriously, audiophiles will argue over anything. Some will say that one kind of hardwood sounds better than another. And I have read pro and con arguments around the use of maple under components. In the end, if you’re happy, that’s good. |
You've never read, evidently, any of my old posts about using cans of Mandarin Orange slices in water, DelMonte brand only, as turntable footers. I did an A/B comparison to Del Monte sauer kraut; Mandarin Orange slices in water won. $2 per footer; you cannot go wrong. Both my Lenco and my Denon DP80, imbedded in slate slabs, rest on Mandarin Orange slices in water. I suspect maple syrup would result in a warm, colored sound. |
This is not necessarily my opinion, but the folks at Mapleshade (most of you know who this is), say that butcher block maple, or any maple that is kiln dried cured (dried in large ovens), is the worst thing you can put under your turntable. He uses maple logs that have been sitting outside for years, to air dry. They claim this to be best. They also say it is the most non-resonant. Remember, this is their opinion. |
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Of the dairy food group I believe you’ll find whole eggs 🥚 🥚 🥚 are a delicious addition to your tweak box and are surprisingly strong when positioned as shown. You should find three eggs provide a very stable platform as three points determine a plane. Four eggs usually won’t determine a plane due to the slight variations in size of the eggs. Eggs-ackly! One variable is whether to use raw or boiled eggs. Let your ears decide. Another variable: Tips up or tips down? Let your ears decide. |
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Just to be sure I made my point, I actually did do a comparison of Del Monte Sauer Kraut in small cans to their Mandarin Orange slices in water, in small cans. I really chose the Orange slices because the ratio of water to solid is higher. I also placed a CF tiptoe under the bottom of each can, and yes, Geoff, I do use only 3 cans so as to define a plane. If you remove the paper label, the can itself has 3 parallel ribs around its circumference, to add strength. This also gives it a pleasing art deco look. The important thing is to believe in yourself. |
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@bpoletti I used these Hudson Hi-Fi 4x 2.5" Platinum Silicone Hemisphere Bumper Non Skid Isolation Feet w. Adhesive - that were reasonably priced for my butcher block turntable base. They are easier to use and don’t have the sticky tacky feel of sorbothane. https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-2-5-Platinum-Silicone-Hemisphere-Bumper-NonSkid-Isolation-Feet-w-Adhesiv... |
I also have used these Hudson Hi-Fi Silicone Isolation Feet (4 Pack, Soft Block 60lb capacity) for speaker, cd player and receiver feet. The above items and these here are by Hudson Hi-Fi and cost very little for what they do. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hudson-Hi-Fi-Silicone-Isolation-Feet-4-Pack-Soft-Block-60lb-capacity-/25333... |
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[tfpic mode /on] The reason maple butcher block is used because there is a scarcity of The ideal material, solid blocks of argon. It's perfect, but very hard to keep in its solid state. [tfpic mode /off] It seems that maple block is not the best material. Bamboo seems to sould better to many, but maple has been around for a long time. I think the reason is that it's better than most of the shelving material. |
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