Isolation vs. Absorbtion


I am new to the audiophile hobby, and I am confused by what appears to be subjectivity and contradictions. When "mounting" a cd player and other components, is it best to use Soft Pads which ISOLATE vibration and RETAIN internal component vibration, OR is it best to use Hard Cones, which DRAIN (harmful) component vibrations into shelf material. Secondly, is it best to attach shelving to racks so that shelving makes Direct (hard) Contact - OR, should the shelving be Isolated from rack? Is there a scientific, indisputable answer?
128x128equa
With some hesitancy, I want to just support what Ken is saying. I am a bit hesitant, because it may be my repeated enthusiastic descriptions of Ken's products which have encouraged this suspicious promotion of the Sistrum gear and Audiopoints. When I started a thread on this topic, I had never heard of Ken or Neuance, but I was really looking for help from any poster who might have tried something that did the job well, and was particularly interested if someone could tell me that Polycrystal, Symposium or some other of the stuff I had heard of was the answer. I needed this help because I live in New Zealand and the only way I can try most of this stuff is by buying it. Without digging out the original post, my recollection is that Ken's first post on the topic was a genuine attempt to help me and encouraged me to pursue the light/rigid/damped shelf approach - an approach I had already suggested was what I thought was probably ideal, but I had had no success finding such a shelf previously. Ken did suggest his own Neuance shelf, but to his credit he also suggested other products from other manufacturers that he felt were also following the light/rigid/damped idea. In a later post Ken offered to send me a used shelf for the cost of the freight, so that I could try it. I was delighted with it and when I ordered two more I tried to pay Ken more fully for the first shelf, but he refused. I outline all of this because I believe Ken has acted totally honourably in introducing me (and some others) to his product through this forum. Like he and others here, I am suspicious of the way that the Sistrum/Audiopoints has been promoted on this site recently. I retain an open mind on the gear, but I reckon Ken is giving Draudio et al some good advice on how to be taken seriously, rather than being dismissed as posting shameless self-promotion.
I would second the last two posts. I believe it's very helpful to have the makers of products relavent to the discusion to include themselves in the thread. It only will raise the level of knowledge for all of us, but I do want to know if the person on the other end is pushing a point for his/her personal gain. So a simple title like Ken's is great. I was reluctant at first of Redkiwi's posts because he talked so well of Neuance and had such extensive knowledge. It became apparent after some time that he was just an excited audio guy, much like me when I find something I want everyone to try. So please dealers and inventers continue your involvement, just let us know you have a stake in the product. J.D.
I appreciate your imput, and value your thought. I will comply on a new thread as we are way off topic. However today I added a new idea I had to my listening room about 700 Brass screws straight into the joists, I listen in nearfeild and wow I mean "WOW!!!...". Try it if you can, a wack of them in the corner can realy reduce corner loading.
P.S. If your that curios right now, check my email address many have and soome have even called me knowing exactly who I am. A good tip for future curiosity you may have with identity isues unless someone is realy trying to be sneaky, their is quite a few all over these sites as you already know. Probably the majority my guess. I wonder if were just trying to sell each other on our ideas, that would be irony. However I would still be here preaching my passion and learning what I can.
Keep your ear tuned!
Draudio
And to answer the original Question Yes! There is proof and scientific evidence. A reveiw in The Inner Ear Report soon to be on www.innerear.ca will clairify for you.
Draudio
Draudio, since you have been challenged to let us know your connection with Sistrum/Audiopoints, but are neither confirming nor denying, then I suspect most readers of these posts will feel as I do, that your opinion is profit-motivated and that your posts have been an attempt to deceive Audiogon members. The trouble is, the Sistrum and Audiopoints stuff might be OK, but you are causing suspicion and disbelief to attach to anyone posting positive impressions about it here.