Isolation vs. Absorbtion

Thanks for the follow-up Redkiwi. I know others that use a similar approach as to what you do and they too are quite satisfied with it. While i have never ventured down that path myself, i might end up trying it soon enough. In terms of using the sandbags, my main use of them is primarily for lightweight items like tuners, some cd players, etc.. or components with thin and flimsy lids that tend to resonate , ring or rattle. I think that you get the basic idea. As far as damping components internally goes, does anyone know who the first company was to do this on a production model ? I already know the answer but am curious to see if anyone else does. Any takers ? If so, please be as specific as possible : ) Sean >

Plsl, I am still trying things, but like something light and rigid, not just because that is what I am trying right now, but discovered some time ago that the Theta worked better that way. I would want to keep trying things for another week or so before I am too definitive but so far the Neuance shelf with E-A-R large feet in between component and shelf sound pretty good. I will also be trying oil filled bladders (but air bladders were not good) and Maple Butchers Block. None of these are shabby, but will take a bit more time to try out fully. The time consuming part is of course that you can only ever listen to the whole system, not parts of it, and different components may benefit from different supports.

Thanks. I also have a Theta Data III. The cabinet is quite susceptible to air induced vibration at mid bass frequencies. I have mine on a Zoethicus stand which sits on an oak plank base seperated from the floor by air bladders. On the stand the Data III currently sits on a lead shot tray and is mass loaded across the entire top (except the vents) with a thin bag of lead shot. I like the sound and by lightly touching the cabinet before and after it is quite clear that the cabinet vibrations are gone, However, I'm always looking for what might be a better alternative.

Dekay, or anyone, can you offer any comparison between the Mapleshade and BDRacing cones that you used? I'm looking for a cone... for a different application -- between a Rega Planar 3 and a sandbox... but any comparative info still would be interesting. BTW, at first I was disappointed in the Mapleshade Surefeet -- got new detail and better defined bass but also some aggressive highs and too-light bass. Then I discovered the cones weren't perfectly flat on top; they had a tiny nub dead center that prevented uniform contact. To bypass the nub, I got some tiny brass cap nuts (dome shaped) and stuck them on the flat top with double-sided tape, thus creating a poor-man's version of Mapleshade's triple-point cone. Now, I am favorably impressed with the Surefeet (tried under turntable and CD player). I will exchange this set for a good set and may try a set of the heavyweight triplepoints as well, but the capnuts may still figure into the mix.

Wow... As a reatively new "audiophile", I am impressed. I think I am beginning to see why some people spend a lifetime "tweaking".