Myrtle Wood

I suppose it would depend upon the actual preamp being used, and its vibrational characteristics.

Regarding vibrational characteristics of woods in general, as an acoustic guitar maker, I can say that the harder, denser woods will transmit vibration better than the softer, less dense woods. This is why ebony is used as a bridge saddle on an acoustic guitar, and many other stringed instruments. It is very hard and dense, and is used to transmit the string vibration to the instrument top. If you use softer, less dense wood there, it degrades the performance of the instrument.

Myrtle is a fairly hard dense wood, and I'd expect it to conduct vibration fairly well. In a system which is designed to drain vibrations to ground, this would be a pretty good selection, as wood goes. Ebony, snakewood, cocobolo and other rosewoods would be better. For an isolation standpoint, you'd probably be better off with a softer wood that would dissipate vibrations in its soft grain and voids. It depends upon what goals you are trying to achieve with your stand.

Also, there are characteristic resonant frequencies in all woods, and it will also depend upon the thickness used. What may be beneficial for one preamp, may not be for another. It's best to try and see for yourself, in your own system, if you can.

I don't know but access to old growth Myrtle is becoming very scarce and regardless of its perceived qualities, it is one of the most beautiful trees to behold and you should feel shame for thinking about putting it under a component. It is not rare as the Cardas literature states. Rather, it grows from Oregon to California and in parts of the fertile crescent. Come on use ball bearings or springs or something.

Kchahoc, I agree 1000000% !!!!!

I'm VERY surprised Cardas would do this, they seem a company, and George a person, who would normally be very conscious of the environment in general (this is only based on what I've read about him, not first hand knowledge).

That said, there are many other devices to couple/isolate/drain, I'd recommend a search on Audio Asylum.

Do not buy Cardas products if he is using a rare natural resource.

George, have you no social conscience????