Thick 2" maple amp platform--couple or isolate?

Howard,

Didn't Marco and I have a good deal of fun awhile back reliving our thrilling adventures in your sandbox? I seem to remember something like that being discussed [or is it "disgust"?] in the forums.

On a serious-er note. What other iso-schemes were you able to compare with your custom sandboxes? What were the sonic differences?

Dean

Your sandbox sounds very promising. Didn't you post plans for that once?

I just bought a Bel Canto SET40 which is pretty big and runs super damn hot! I had purchased a Solidsteel 6.4 rack a month ago in anticipation of new gear, but I'm afraid this amp will cook whatever is above it. The stock MDF platform above the SET40 gets so hot I can't touch it.

I was using a Magro 24 wall rack and a Zoethecus amp stand before this, which created a lot of open space and allowed air to circulate around my amp. Bel Canto suggests at least 6" of clearance above it and no closed cabinets. I may have to go back to the open configuration of the Magro to insure there's enough ventilation for the amp and I don't end up starting any fires.

Your Timbernation sandbox may be another alternative for my Zoethecus amp stand. Previously, I had also thought of replacing the Solidteel MDF with 2" thick solid maple shelves or Neuance platforms. And before that I thought of building a custom Magro rack using the same metal rods, but with 1 1/2" - 2" thick maple boards.

Howard, I have seen those before. Nice!

If a 170lb. English Mastiff or small Mongolian Cavalry Pony can't budge your amps, those Timbernations platforms must be solid.

Dig around a bit in the sandbox and you may find some toys Marco left behind.

KrellMan,

From what I've read, some people don't like to use things like tung oil which looks great but seeps into the wood, thus "deadening" it and affecting the sound.

I've heard people say a varnish, shellac or a poly coating might be better, and I think you can add a bit of stain to those before applying them.

These are all ideas I haven't tested myself, but have just heard about. Hopefully some of the woodworkers and master carpenters will chime in. I have great respect for these artisans and craftsmen.