Isolation systems

Don't know much about the Townshend seismic corners or the Nordost Sort Fut’s but again the Carbide Audio Base footers are the real deal. This based on actually hearing before and after installation.

@rsf507 I am actually talking to a Carbide Audio rep now. Their product sounds interesting. If I go with footers or a device under my rack my top three would be the Townshend seismic corners, Carbide Audio footers, and the Nordost Sort Fut’s.

In my system, I have heard almost no difference with any isolation devices under my components, but I hear a huge improvement using Isoacoustics Gaia 1’s under my speakers!

@sidog1460 have you considered using those Carbide Audio footers under your speakers? A close dealer uses them there and sonically it was wonderful. I heard the before and after results, very impressive.

@sidog1460: The question of whether to isolate components individually vs. install Townshend Audio Seismic Corners on a rack is an interesting one. The Corners isolate the rack and everything it supports from floor-borne vibrations, but do nothing to isolate each component from the rack (and it's shelves) itself, and from the other components resting on other shelves.

But since you are already using the excellent Symposium Rollerblocks and Platforms (which---unlike spikes---do provide isolation for each component), the addition of the Townshend Corners would be a good way for you to access the effectiveness of the Townshend Seismic products. And there is no reason the Symposium and Townshend isolation systems cannot be used together. I have owned the Symposium Rollerblocks (and the very similar version of same made by Ingress Audio Engineering in Canada), and currently employ both the Ingress and Townshend isolation products in my Solidsteel racks.

I do have isolation devices under all my components. I have Symposium platforms and rollerblocks(some w superballs and double stacked) under all my equipment. It could be overkill adding isolation footers under the rack itself, but in order to open up more space between my rack and speakers, I’m moving my rack back. And, if I add footers to the rack this would be the time. Sounds like some think of you isolate the components the rack doesn’t require anything additional. Definitely will finish reading link sent by @ditusa. Thanks

@sidog1460: The article linked by @dituse is well worth reading. The first point made in the article dispels the myth that spikes provide isolation. They do not; spikes couple, they do not decouple (thereby providing isolation).

The anti-resonant material applied to the underside of your shelves may very well damp the resonance of those shelves, and would in no way interact negatively with the Townshend Audio Seismic products, which actually do provide excellent isolation.

I luckily own 3 sets of Ganymede Vistek Isolation pucks, they have a bearing inside and when set up correctly your components "float" ... They are awesome like a equipment upgrade, so smooth, analog, musical etc... BUT they are out of business and you can’t get them anymore...

I also have Golden Sound DH cones too which are also really good but not in the league of the Ganymedes... And they are also gone and no longer available, but I’m a true believer, it really is super important to isolate your great from tiny micro vibrations, it takes you to another level

As pointed out too many variables to predict.
 

I would not attempt further whole rack isolation but concentrate on individual component isolation. For one thing it will be easier to analyse and compare. You’ve already got a pretty good base. Nobsprings under individual legs would be unstable as an experiment, then a lot of work to upgrade as you point out. But a perfect start to experiment under individual components. I use a Different approach to each component. So, I have a Silent Running custom isolation platform under my turntable and Townsend feet under my DAC and Nobsprings under my streamer.

I’m in the process of moving my rack back a few feet and it’s going to be a pain. I have done some research on Carbide Audio, Townshend, and Nordost footers for racks, in place of the original spikes. For the prices they charge don’t really want to buy and not be sure if I hear a difference. Even, if I audition, I’d like to get it done to the one that on paper sounds the most  promising. Taking that rack a part and reassemble and place equipment, will be a pain. I appreciate everyone’s input. Thanks

Many variables. What type of flooring, acoustical room treatments, how loud, etc. The Townshend podiums made a significant improvement under my speakers with a suspended floor. Hard to predict the results for a rack. I use after-market footers under each of my components.

TMR offers a trial period. Perhaps try one of these.

The only time I've really heard a difference with footers, isolation, etc, is with a turntable.  In that case, get a minus K platform for your turntable.  Otherwise, for other components, based on my experience, any auditory improvement will probably be minimal if any at all.  

@sidog1460, ten misconceptions about loudspeaker spikes see here

Mike

Honestly, I don’t think there is any way to predict in advance how any isolation system will sound to you except by trying. If you are interested in a sprung-type isolation, I suggest you try the Nobsound springs from Amazon for $30 and see what you think. I use them under my transport and they are quite good to my ears. But I think it’s a mistake to knee jerk into thinking you will prefer the sound of your system with extra isolation over the component sitting on its own feet. It’s all about preference. The Townshend products have received very good reviews from owners here, so I doubt you would go wrong, but there’s no way to predict how they will interact with your rack, IMO. Give the nobsounds a try. I’m not big on footers, but they made a surprising difference given the cost. OTOH, I did not like them at all under my speaker stands. Enjoy.