Stillpoints vs Symposium Rollerballs

If you want only to "drain off" internal vibrations created within a piece of equipment, then you need a "mechanical diode" like cones, rollerballs or graphite bags. (A "mechanical diode" BTW is something that lets the vibration travel in one direction but not back the other way.) Assuming a steady, rock solid surface on which the equipment sits, this works pretty well for both transports and electronics (i.e. amps that sometimes have transformer or tube vibration.)

If you want to protect a piece of equipment from external, non-airborne vibrations that are transferred to the equipment from whatever it's sitting on, then you need a vibration damper or shock absorber like Stillpoints, Sorbothane pucks, or springs. These can make the equipment somewhat more susceptible to airborne sound energy (-- not generally a problem I've found, unless it's sitting right in front of a loud speaker.)

So, except for turntables, which in my opinion always need both type of treatment (diode at the shelf, and squishy between the diode and the plinth) most situations only require the diode (again, assuming a rock solid non-vibrating surface on which the equipment sits.)

If you feel your situation requires both types, you could try at least 9 combinations of devices picking one from each category, and then multiply by 2 to allow for the squishy-over/under-diode variation and that gives you 18 ways to Sunday. My personal preference, if anyone gives a rat's a**, is cones under sorbothane, with Stillpoints replacing both for heavier equipment (rated at 200# capacity each I believe.)

My point remains ... There is no one isolation device that will work in every system. I personally have multiple cones (brass, aluminum, maple), 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" maple blocks, Roller blocks, Aurious, Stillpoints, and HRS Nimbus discs. Some work well (sound) in one area but not another.

If you'd rather not buy them all, join an audio club. Perhaps other members will have the various isolation devices available for you to audition in your system?

I started off using Symposium Roller-blocks under my Accuphase DP-75V CD player. I had a problem leveling the Symposium shelf upon which it sat, so the bearings never centered exactly right on the Roller-blocks. I switched to the Aurios (1.0's, non-self centering) and I preferred the easier set-up and closed bearing system over the R.B's. Please note that your platform or shelf leveling must be "balls-on" when using either of these items. I have not had experience with the later versions of the Aurios which are supposed to be self-centering.

I picked up a set of Stillpoints with risers at the 2004 CES. After placing them under the Accuphase, I was shocked! The sound SUCKED! I lost all of the "air" and nuances of the mid & high frequency micro-dynamics. The Stillpoints went up for sale the next day!

Please note that both the Aurios and Roller-blocks are susceptible to cable and power cord "drag", and can easily lock up, pulled to the end of their free travel by the weight of the cords. Ganymedes are a superior design similar to the Aurios, but with a much greater range of bearing travel. They also work in the vertical as well as the horizontal plane for vibration absorption. And they will still work well if operating a few degrees off level. Alas, I have heard that the Ganymedes are now out of production!

See what I mean, cab586? What works in one system does not in another.

jes45, yes...hence the original question (which was never about 'best' or one size fits all; it was more an exercise in learning about other people's experiences).

the responses have been very interesting. i have learned quite a lot. many thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts.