How to best isolate TT from vibration?


Hi all:

I'm currently using a Systemdek IIX table, which has a floating suspension system. I have it on a Atlantis Reference rack, but have replaced the top shelf with a 18" x 18" x 2" brick paver, and use (8) Vibrapod 4's under the table itself to prevent vibration. I still suffer from some skipping unless I walk ever so softly in my music room, most noticably at the beginning of an LP. I'm looking for input regarding what you fine members consider to be the best, but yet economical, methods of isolating this table and nixing this problem. Thanks,

Jim
musicseller
Okay, this will sound goofy, but it will work.

Step 1 - Go to Home Depot and get them to cut you up a sheet of 1" thick MDF into appropriate sized rectangles. I use 15x18.5, which were the same size as my Target wall shelf. The number of pieces of MDF you use will depend on how you tune this thing later.

Step 2 - Go to the dollar store and buy your self a few packages of those little rubber inflated sportsballs (they look like soccer, basket, and baseballs). You'll need about a dozen (balls, not packages), maybe more depending on how heavy your table is.

Step 3 - Back to Home Depot! You will need 2" PVC plumbing fittings with a flanged end. Get some glue as well.

Step 4 - Glue the flange fittings to a piece of MDF in an even and logical pattern. Make sure you support the middle and the outside edges of the MDF.

Step 5 - With the flange fittings facing down, make an MDF/rubber ball sandwich. you can do this with the balls sitting on top of the flange fittings, and is is easier to assemble, but it sounds better for some reason with the flanges on top and the balls on the surface of the bottom piece of MDF. DO NOT GLUE THE BALLS IN PLACE!

Step 6 - Experiment with the number of pieces of MDF. You may find that more than one piece of MDF works better, or that 3 on top and 2 on the bottom work best, or whatever. Try to listen to each configuration for a couple of days before you switch. This will take a month or two, but if you are patient you will get it right.

This will only work if your table has a good levelling system, otherwise don't try it. Having said that, this setup cured some horrendous vibration problems in my room, and sounds good for very little money; $10-15 for balls, $25 for the MDF, $30-40 for the plumbing fittings.

No, I'm not on drugs.
Esox- this sounds (pun intended) like a diy version of the Gingko Cloud product.
I imagine so. I went with this because different numbers of pieces of MDF worked better with my Roksan Xerxes turntable, and originally the setup was on the floor. The best setup there was to have 5 layers of MDF on top and two layers on the bottom. When I changed to the SME 20/2A, it worked best on a wall stand with a single layer of MDF on top and bottom.

I started off using tennis balls, but they did not sound as good as the inflatable sports balls. I also tried bicycle tubes and a "sandbox" type of setup, but this is by far the most effective. The only drawback is that the balls need to be reinflated once or twice a year. Or you can just go buy a new set for $7.
Funny, when I first got my 'DEK after hard times forced an LP12 sale, I auditioned a vacuum-hold SOTA in a direct comparison. The 'DEK made music, the SOTA didn't: 1st class HIFI though. I use a chipboard plate and blobs of Sorbothane in place of the original feet. Not perfect, but far from the previous just tipeetoe and...! Oh, I got the Sorbothane from an Audioquest mat: another excellent HIFI/LOUSY music product!