Isolation Platforms...worthwhile?

Before buying I had my dealer do an A/B test with the Symposium Ultra Shelf ($600 new). Out of 5 times off and on I picked when the preamp was on the shelf and when it was not. What does it prove: Stands make a difference. The question of whether you LIKE the difference is the question. I did and use Symposium under my entire system; though to save some money I only use the Svelte shelf ($200 new I think) under the power conditioner and DAC.

I have also heard good things about Neuance shelves. There is not question to me that these shelves make a difference. Snoop around to see which shelf changes the sound in a manner you like.

Vik

Absolutely, isolate your components. Price will dictate brand and there are advocates of many manufacturers on Agon. Like Vik I own and recommend Symposium products but there are many folks who swear by Bright Star, Neuance, Running Springs and others.

I'd suggest you start searching the "Tweakers Asylum" at audioasylum.com and look into the varieties of DIY isolation. There's no sense spending hundreds of dollars on platforms when you can do so much on your own.

jd

Isolation certainly makes a difference. Be patient and have an open mind. Some things can negatively affect the sound and you can always create "too much of a good thing" I use Symposium products to good effect.

Vibraplane. Outrageously expensive but works wonder...

i've had mixed results using DIY stuff (and this conclusion would be possible with commercial as well). I used an air suspension system under my CDP that tightened up the bass and mids to a nice degree but the upper octave completely dissappeared. the cool thing about DIY is if it doesn't work out you're not out much

Yeah, there's been a lot of discussion here on this topic over the last few years. Many varying opinions and different schools of thought. Run some searches in the forums.

For what it's worth, I really like the Neuance Shelf under my transport.

I also found the Neuance platform to work best under my CD player after many other evaluations.

Has anybody got any input on the Audio ref-or research brand sold here???