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Cones under a suspended table?

One of my tables is an AR ES-1, which I've made many upgrades to over the years. It works well, and is relatively free of influence from footfalls, but I'm looking to optimize the coupling between the table and the custom shelf it sits on (I made it from 1-1/2" of HDF, under which is a layer of Sorbothance, and under that a sheet of granite). I've read on the one hand that tables like this work best with their stock feet (little rubber feet), but I'm not sure I believe these can provide the best transfer of unwanted energy from the TT into the shelf.

Anyone have experience in this area? I was thinking of trying Black Diamond cones or something like that in that sort of price range. I've been told Stillpoints are supposed to be "right" for suspended tables, but they're a little too pricey - given the age and relative value of the table. Looking for a cost-effective improvement.

Other things I've considered are Audio Prism Iso-Bearings or a set of spikes (generic) I already have resting in Isoclean Tip-Toe bases. I'll repeat that the TT is pretty well isolated from external vibrations; I'm looking for a way to drain unwanted energy from the table into the platform in the hopes of improving clarity and control.
tonyptony
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Tonyptony

I saw this in another forum regarding squishy pods or other types of soft materials used under suspended tables.

"A suspended table (shock mounted) table already has it's own form of isolation.

... if you have a suspended turntable then all you really need to do is provide it with a good solid mass loaded rack, or wall mounted shelf to sit on. Any other squishy isolation you try to implement under it is more likely to cause smearing than provide any real benefit. Cones or some other solid feet under the base to help couple it to that shelf might be beneficial."

I'm hoping the vinyl vets here can adivse as well.
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I had good luck with Mapleshade's 2-inch maple board with their rubber-cork-rubber footers underneath the maple. I had an Ariston RD-110, which is a traditional suspended turntable. I just placed the turntable directly on the board. It sounded good(a fuller sound-more like music). That being said, I still think my Mana sounded better. Also, I believe Mapleshade further recommends brass footers here. I don't know about its isolation properties. Previously, the Ariston was on a cheap rolling rack, and I just added this Mapleshade to the top of the rack.
mrvordo's avatar
mrvordo
151 posts
 
I have an Oracle Delphi mk V, and previously a mk III, and I replaced the stock feet with BDR cones. It tightened up the bass and made the sound stage wider, and overall the sound was more open. So I've had good results. I just recently put Vibrapod Cones under the Airhead the TT sits on and for the $32 that 4 cones cost, it was a huge improvement. Not extremely dramatic but easily heard difference.
tonyptony OP
617 posts
 
Mrvordo, that's exactly the sort of improvement I'm hoping for. Tell me, did you use BDR3 or BDR4 cones?
mrvordo's avatar
mrvordo
151 posts
 
I use mk4s, but I have never AB the mk3, so ???? The BDRs are extremely inexpensive compared to most, and I now have them under all my front end components. I do think I got the most improvement from them under the TT though.

Good listening,
M
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