Stillpoints - snake oil?

michaelgreenaudio
A system that you dampen is going to play one sound, more than a system where you use mechanical transfer and variable tuning. Mechanical transfer works very much like a musical instrument. As you make adjustments to the transfer points you gain control over the signal.

>>>>>I agree that one should transfer mechanical energy (including acoustic energy and residual energy) rapidly out of the component. The problem arises when you *allow* mechanical energy transfer from the structure to the component, I.e., by not (rpt not) *isolating* the component from seismic energy. Seismic energy in the frequency range 0 to 20 Hz and higher isn’t good for anyone, no matter how you slice it. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle.

As for damping, there are Dampers and there are Dampers. Obviously, “over-dumping” is never a good idea, as Acoustic Revive has stated. I think dismissing all damping is kind of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

"Tuning" a system for each recording reminds me of the guys who adjust the VTA/SRA of their stylus for every record. You have GOT to be kidding! Life is too short to waste on such nonsense.

Stillpoints are best used under speakers. Then if you’ve got plenty of dough, try them with your electronics. 
I’ve found they work magic with my Focal speakers on a suspended carpeted floor but less so with my Simaudio 700i amplifier or CD/DAC. 

As a machinist and field tech. I spent a great deal of time analyzing, identifying and eliminating vibration in complex, rotating industrial machines - everything from high speed turbines and planner heads to large, low speed scrubber fans and everything in their connective drive assemblies and surrounding structures. Aside from out of balance, the major causes of what could be, or become destructive vibrations, was the same as we see in audio - looseness anywhere in the system; all orders of harmonics as related to the resonant frequency of the machinery; the transfer of outside vibration or interference. For issues, other than out of balance, the solutions to eliminate vibration were the same for a 10 million dollar turbine, as for a home audio system - address looseness, couple to reduce or control resonance and isolate to reduce or eliminate outside interference.
I agree with Elizabeth’s earlier statements regarding cheep, sensible methods of addressing these issues. Once you understand where the problem is, it doesn’t have to cost a thousand dollars to solve the problem....Jim