Albert Porters after market panzerholz plinths

My assumption is the materials are chosen for their combo of high mass and rigidity, dampening ability and aesthetics.

Also cost effectiveness.

I have really serious doubts that panzerholz was chosen for its cost effectiveness!

Halcro, you raise in interesting question. Those old M-S direct-drives are not rated in the top tier, but a modern equivalent is the Grand Prix Monaco, which could be said to be plinth-less, even though it appears that the carbon fiber bits are there to provide some resonance control. The GPM certainly IS top tier, as is the Teres Certus. The latter basically has no plinth either, but once again, there is a lot of wood in the Certus, and it's not entirely there for looks. It would be nice to hear from those designers.

By the way, in view of the original post, I don't think this is off topic, but if it is, I do apologize.

"panzerholz was chosen for its cost effectiveness"

My understanding of that material is quite limited, but by cost effectiveness I do not mean inexpensive but more in regards to overall value compared to using other materials with similar unique physical properties (whatever those may be).