Maple or Granite

I've just ordered an Adona equipment rack. They use granite shelves that are damped by wood or a wood product that is bonded to the underside. I'm hoping this gives the best of both worlds, but if not, they do sell various kinds of wood shelving to fit their stands as an option. My experience with "plain" unadulterated granite several years ago was not favorable, however. Neuance shelves do not seem to be available any longer. DGarretson's idea can be tried with any shelf material one prefers.

For those who tried just granite alone and found it unfavourable, it really depends on the TT design. Some TT already have some sort of absorption/deflection designed into the TT's footers. You really have to see the total package.

Granite on its own would generally "sound" hard, cold, because it reduces low frequency vibration, but rings some where in the upper frequencies, unless it is dampened by the TT's own absorption. However, granite is good for reducing ground borne vibrations, especially if your system is full range.

The solution then is to combine the benefits of granite with those of a wood based platform. The granite below to cancel out vibrations from below, the wood/semi-hard composites to absorb vibrations from the TT itself.

I'm using the DH squares above granite and it works wonderfully.

Cmk,
I would agree as that is what my floor amp stand have as a solution and it is most pleasing to my ears.

By the way, beautiful two channel set up you have there!

Happy Listening!

For information and to avoid unnecessary frustrations.

In August this year Ken Lyon of Neuance posted the following on VA:

"Unfortunately, early this year the business was forced to shut down for repairs after encurring storm damage to the shop and my home.
Once those repairs were in place, my efforts were soley concentrated to ensure all pending orders were filled in as timely a fashion as possible and that my existing clients were attended to for their service,warranty and consulation matters.
During this closure, it has been my intent to restructure the operation for better efficiency/shorter leadtimes and to use a portion of the downtime for personal leave as I'd not taken any time off for myself for many years.
In the interim, some recurring health issues have cropped up which have caused me to reconsider my return to full time operations.
As of this moment, I am as yet undecided as to Neuance's future and I have not been taking in any new business.

Best Regards,
Ken Lyon
GraterRanges/Neuance "

Regards

Tom

I agree with Cmk's take on granite and the dependency on the component, 'table or other, that sits on it.

I'm offering up my experiences here not to counter what others have posted, but rather to share what I tried and what did not work in my case. I would encourage everyone to experiment for themselves to see what really works for them and their system.

I also tried blocks of maple between my table and the granite. I still was not happy with the sound but others may find this works very well for them. So far, I prefer my Galibier's sound when directly on the granite. Just to clarify a bit more, I use a granite slab as well as 3, 4" square blocks of granite that are about 7/16" thick under the table as well to keep the ground wire from being pinched.

But this thread has brought to mind an idea I have not explored, in addition to the aluminum. I should try cocobolo blocks under the table. This wood is much, much more dense than maple and may do better. As with most things, I won't know until I try it.