What's under your Neuance platform

I was told that the Neuance shelves were designed to be on spikes in the four corners. My Mana stands, of course, provide exactly that. I did try various materials under the special Neuance I had for my Loricraft/Garrard 501 table and kept coming back to spikes, but then again I have never liked anything soft under any component.

Brass spikes to a wall rack under the Neuance platform with the Lp12 Sondek on it and brightstar isonode feet to my equipment rack shelf under the one with the CDP on it.

Both sound outstanding and like real music.

Happy Listening!

Jsawhitlock,

I have tried different sized bubbles, I prefer the large because they tend to last longer. Actually once I solved the sagging MDF base shelf with aluminum, the large bubbles last well over a year. At some point the air will go out and need replacing...

The sonic differences are marginal if at all. I believe I hear a difference, but this might just be my mind making up answers.

The one thing to keep in perspective (something Ken has told me in the past) is that Neuance shelves are designed to be a single shelf answer. The shelf by design "should" absorb or drain all the vibrations it receives. The need for additional isolation is by design not needed. I have argued that Bubble Wrap actually further isolates the shelf to in effect be floating in air, and thus allowing the shelf to completely be self contained. Ken (Neuance) does not follow my logic, but I have found it to sound it's best with the Bubble Wrap. I believe you will discover other products (Sorbothane) will have an affect on the sound, this in my experience is a slowing and bloating of the leading edge of notes. I personally would stay away from these type products in that it is counterproductive to the design philosophies behind Neuance. That being quick, light and rigid.

For further reading on the topic of isolation check my system post regarding isolation. Click each of the tabs to pull up complete descriptions.

Having said all that, I have found isolation products between the Neuance and components are successful and worth the cost and time.

jd

My Neuance shelves were also built to replace the standard shelves on my rack. The Neuance sit on upward-facing spikes, the only way I have ever tried them.

Tvad, thanks for the info on sorbathane. I have some Audioquest sorothane feet that I don't use for anything so I'll give those a shot too. Any clue you have as to the softness (durometer) you would go with?

Jade, I like the bubble wrap idea, it looks like you use larger wrap than smaller, do you have a preference over larger vs smaller wrap? When inserting the Neuances it made a nice sonic improvement and I'm using four large brightstar iso-nods under the Neuance platforms. I was also thinking of using some mouse pad material or something simular cut to the size of the platform which would help to quiet the shelf the Neuances sit on.

I have been using "Bubble Wrap" under mine for years. This has proven to better every other bearing for me. I use an aluminium shelf (MDF warped) that is supported by the racks upturned spikes. The Bubble Wrap sits on the aluminum shelf with the Neuance sitting on the Bubble Wrap.

Because of the bubble layout, it turns out that every bubble reacts against the other bubbles in opposing force, this prevents any sideways rocking. Because the wall thickness of the bubbles is so this, vibration is not transmitted through the bubble walls, making for a virtual air suspension.

jd

I tried Blu Tac under mine, but prefer it without.