I use a custom stand made from 3"x2" steel beams and sand filled. Weight is several hundred pounds on four spikes. Hitting the stand with your fist while a record is playing does not affect the sound. The Aries is on a granite slab 1" thick. Failure to adequately isolate the VPI will only allow you to realize a small level of the performance the VPI is capable of. The sound will lack fullness and depth without a good stand. The VPI stand is excellent. Jallen
