Isolation stands: snakeoil?


I understand that turntables are uniquely effected by vibrations due thier sensitivity to that kind of energy. But here’s the thing: most turntables, especially decent ones, have vibration control measures built into them via footers and various construction techniques. So, the question is: are turntable stands / shelves with isolation features actually beneficial or are they just horrendously overpriced accessories for audiophiles?
madavid0
Every time I add something to TT chassis to improve suspension or sturdiness of it, I get sonic benefits. I don't like to spend a fortune on these and I don't dig onto that yuppy market of cool toys, but I experiment to position and settle right. Some manufacturers are perfecting some so so.
Good feet even from another better quality turntable on lower quality turntable brings positive and audible sonic benefits just like differences in sound between 2 grand pianos for instance.
I think the issues with most things deemed "Snake Oil" is with the terminology used to promote each particular brand of snake oil.

e.g. "this gadget reduces (or eliminates) vibration"

What kind of vibration?
- airborne vibrations
- floor vibrations
- arm vibrations
- cartridge vibrations
- TT vibrations
- vinyl vibrations
- stand vibrations
- etc...

But the "unsuspecting audiophile" buys the said gadget, only to proclaim it is useless and therefore it must be "snake oil"

As for
But here’s the thing: most turntables, especially decent ones, have vibration control measures built into them via footers and various construction techniques.
The vibration control measures applied in the vast majority of turntables is only partially effective and only addresses a very limited range of vibration issues actually present in the interface between the shelf and the TT.

It is only the very best TT’s that offer the type of "vibration control" most people are seeking - i.e. total elimination. Even then they require a substantial rack or shelf as a foundation

Complete vibration control is a product of ...
- Good TT design techniques e.g.
...Sound absorbing feet (an over simplification),
...foot positioning
...Platter/plinth rigidity
...bearing design and materials
...Arm/headshell design
...The use of sound absorption materials
...The use of "acoustically inert" materials/techniques
...Employing vibration control throughout the design

- Good equipment rack design (including wall mount shelves)
...good support for shelving components
...The use of sound absorption frame materials/techniques
...The use of sound absorption shelving materials/techniques

- Good individual shelf design (i.e. within a rack)
...e.g. the use of a "sandwich" design for each shelf

So, before you splurge on that next vibration "fix"
- look at the claims of the gadget manufacturer
- ensure you actually have the problem they claim to address.

It’s a bit like buying a hammer and then using it to hammer home nails - it works, but it will never achieve that really strong joint.

WRT:
Some isolation products and turntable footers, primarily those using soft materials, can be very effective at eliminating vibrations entering the component from the rack/stand
The use soft materials can be very effective, I use them myself, however it has been my experience that using "too much of a good thing" can actually deaden the sound, i.e. the sound becomes less vibrant
- so apply them wisely

WRT:
OP and many others are stuck in this loop instead of giving it a try
Granted, giving it a try is one option, but can lead to the proclamation "it’s snake oil" if it does not meet expectations and it can get expensive

I will agree there are a lot of vibration control products out there that may assist in the reduction of certain vibrations.

But how to gauge their effectiveness is the real challenge
- first you have to understand the "root cause" of YOUR specific "problem".

Regards - Steve

I have not bothered to to perfectly level the rack’s feet so there is some play / wobble if disturbed.
Until you bother to set up the equipment you have effectively, why are you asking about other products?  
The problem with thinking you’re safe if you’re on a concrete slab is the entire building is shaking due to very powerful seismic forces, including the cement slab. And shaking in all six directions. The very stiff cement slab helps relative to suspended floors, nevertheless....That’s why a very stiff top plate is recommended for whatever isolation stand you want to talk about, to help deal with bending forces.
I have not experimented with my TT isolation since it is a mass loaded TT which weighs about 120 lbs. For it, I borrowed Chris Brady's design which includes a sandbox at the top with legs filled with concrete which makes for a dead surface upon which to place the Teres 340.. Dance, jump, do whatever in front of the TT while its playing and there will be no effect. One person criticized the setup as being dead. Yet all I can say is that if my grin got any bigger it would bust my face open.
That said, I have played with CDP footings and when I had a lighter TT, different shelf materials. I can tell you that harder materials make for as brighter sound. Wood makes for a softer sound on the highs. This includes the rollerballs I use under my cdp. My wife was recently shocked at the sound difference of the different ball materials of the rollerblocks used under the CDP. I can increase or decrease the highs especially just by the material used in the rollerballs. Therefore I am a firm believe in footers for source equipment especially