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Adding a maple platform to an existing wood rack

I am considering getting a 3" thick maple platform from either Timbernation or Tony's Woodshop. What is the best way to couple this to the top shelf of my RIX RAX. I now use the 2- shelf Rix stand that is on most of my system page photos. My thought is use Mapleshade Isoblocks or a like product.On a similar thread, a company called Atlanta Vibration pads sell an Isoblock type product for a lot less money. Their product is 1" high, while the Isoblock is 1 3/4" high. I use one suspended table, and one Non-suspended table. My floor is suspended, but has numerous floor jacks below the floor, so it's pretty stable. Lastly, do you think it's overkill to get a 3" platform since the Rix itself has such a substantial top shelf,which is also solid maple. Any suggestions are appreciated.
fjn04
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Inna: That has been my peception with Maple..In my system it tends to bogg things down and mute the sound..but thats me..Your mileage may vary..I have found that using too much of anything will go in the wrong direction..Keep in mind these are just my feelings..
cinellipro
26 posts
 
Having soft wood floors, I needed something that would resolve my resonance problem. I used a 3" thick maple platform that I purchased at a specialty store called TJ Maxx in the kitchen section. I then painted it flat black and attached high-end speaker points from Parts Express. I used three of the points with the point end aimed up and the base sits on a 1/4" thick antistatic 3M rubber platform that I picked up at American Science and Surplus. I found the sound to be much improved, especially when humans walk near the turntable and having a weighty 3 inch thick slab of dense wood isolates unwanted resonance.
inna
7,296 posts
 
You can get a cherry platform not maple from Timbernation. I wonder if it might be better in this respect. I definitely don't want my Nottingham to sound too warm and slow. But it appears that just about everyone uses maple. And in my case I am going to put the platform with the table on it right on the hardwood floor not on the rack because that's where I have minimum vibration. So generally people suggest the thickest platform with cones or Mapleshade footers.
Thorman, you heard those things not imagined. What table do you have, with suspension or not? And I guess you keep it on the rack not floor.
ska_man
55 posts
 
Fine tuning your system with different species of wood?
Here is a very short list of wood platform choices and what to expect by using them.

Spruce - cleans up the overall sound
Satinwood - dulls things down a bit
White Pine - adds a fair amount of brightness
Black Walnut - slightly darkens the presentation
Ebony - significantly darkens the presentation
Water Gum - adds a tube like liquidity
Butternut - is great for adding a touch of richness
Zebrawood - blends in so well you will barely notice it all

Seriously, Maple is an excellent choice. And, Cinellipro's suggestion looks pretty good.
rakuennow
81 posts
 
Sorry, but "isolate" may not be the right word. A maple platform doesn't isolate anything. Put a maple platform on a vibrating chair. Then put a cup on top of it. Does it vibrate in the exact same way? That is because solid connection to a vibrating source conducts, not isolates, vibrations. With a rubber platform, the cup will vibrate less. Try it, simple experiment.
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