To couple or decouple? That is the question.

I feel there is more mystical mumbo-jumbo and outright BS surrounding this issue than just about any other in the high end - and that almost no one talking about this stuff either knows what's really going on or is rigorously intent on finding out. I don't claim to know either, except to say that if audiophiles were actually seriously bothered by the effects of vibration, and serious about doing something about it, they would be taking much more decisive and drastic steps than simply playing around with various toys they place their components on top of.

Personally, I don't buy 95% of the claims made for most of these products, and am not particularly bothered by whatever slight effects are present in my system for not having spent a small fortune trying to make myself feel better about it. The one fairly significant thing I think can be done, most audiophiles - myself included - won't consider for practical reasons, which is moving your turntable completely out of the listening room. Other than the area of turntables generally, I am convinced that almost all the rest of it is largely marketing. The best thing you can do for your system in most cases is to install it on a foundational ground floor if available. Beyond that, the differences made by various kinds of supports, racks, shelves, etc. are not only quite small, but more importantly, almost wholly subjective. In other words, you 'pick your poison' without ever really 'eliminating' or 'controlling' whatever effects of resonance do exist - you're just mildly shuffling them around.

Hey Z, we've gone this route adnauseam. I don't have the strength; this time. I know what I hear. It's not placebic. Your thoughts, do, resonate with me, however. peace, warren

The argument seems to be couple because it's easy, as opposed to very hard to decople. The truth lies within your own perception. I have heard the difference between coupled components including speakers and decoupled on two planes, and I prefer the decoupled. It's expensive to do well, and I can see that some wouldn't consider it a good value. Try to borrow some Aurios, if you can, and decide for yourself.

Warren, I did not say that whatever audiophiles are putting their components on top of won't make any sonic differences - What I am saying is that audiophiles who buy into the concept that particularly shaped pieces of metal constitute some sort of scientific, rational approach to the issue are being led by the nose, and are probably paying through it too.

Is it fair to say that most acoustical energy introduced into a system comes from the speakers? Unless you live by a subway station or live in a disco. If you could put your source componets in a separate room with no speaker interaction that would be the best example of decoupling I think. Sony made magnetic componet isolators in the Esprit line in the early 80's and did extensive research on the effects of vibration and microphonics on componets. It seems that the control of resonances, microphonics, and RFI is best addressed by the equipment designer. Obviously I don't want to place my turntable next to my speakers but I do want to have both firmly planted on the ground through spikes or stand.