Ha bsimpson, funny story (except for the damage and ER). I think the results of vibration control tweaks are highly gear dependent both within a catagory (e.g. between preamps) and across categories. Undoubtedly, some gear has better designed and executed internal vibration control measures, and for them, big chunks of wood and brass footers are redundant or worse.
For my turntable with internal suspension, the added value of the full Mapleshade set up is undeniable. This might seem surprising since the footers and wood block are essentially draining vibration from the outer chassis while most of the business end is separated by internal springs. But all the spike/wood solutions I have tried to date have had some effect on the sound of this table. Perhaps the spring suspension has some resonace that is reduced or eliminated.
In anycase, the benefits of the Mapleshade system are realized at all volume levels, indicating successful internal vibration control, and there is a big improvement in presence and clarity at high volumes, indicating some success at isolation. For this old Thorens turntable and AT cartridge combination, on this shelf, in this listening room, I am totally sold. Dramatic, dramatic improvement.
For my turntable with internal suspension, the added value of the full Mapleshade set up is undeniable. This might seem surprising since the footers and wood block are essentially draining vibration from the outer chassis while most of the business end is separated by internal springs. But all the spike/wood solutions I have tried to date have had some effect on the sound of this table. Perhaps the spring suspension has some resonace that is reduced or eliminated.
In anycase, the benefits of the Mapleshade system are realized at all volume levels, indicating successful internal vibration control, and there is a big improvement in presence and clarity at high volumes, indicating some success at isolation. For this old Thorens turntable and AT cartridge combination, on this shelf, in this listening room, I am totally sold. Dramatic, dramatic improvement.