Amp stands- Do they work?

Statistical significance is not determind if the person testing is able to tell the difference more than 50%. It has been a while since I took statistics but there are a number of variables involved including how many trials were involve. Sometimes it has to occur 90% or more of the time, depending upon the trials. I'm sure those that use statistical analysis can refresh our memory, or I could dust off my 20 year old stats book. Anyhow, I don't fully buy a/b or blind testing. What I do buy is my ear. I don't care what my neighbor hears. I don't have them eat a meal or taste a wine to validate or develop my opinion. I trust my senses. Therefore, If I hear a diffence, then there is a difference. Also, quick testing doesn't always reveil what is happening. That can take time. And, yes I know you can do statistical analysis over time. As to the advantages to a stand, or an isolation device, one item that has been over-looked is resonation. If the item you are using decreases the vibration of the product, both air born and direct, it can have an affect on the sound. Note, I said can. Ultimately, I believe each indivdual should make their own conclusion about the worth of any item. That being whether or not it makes a difference or if it is worth the difference. I use an amp stand. Does it make a difference? Some, but not as much as a change in componet, source, speaker or room treatment. By the way, I made my own for $12.00.

I find interesting the comments by those who "do not see how an amp stand can make a difference with a solid state amp". These comments rank alongside those from people that could not see how competent amplifiers could sound different, or how cables with suitable electrical qualities could sound different, or how CD players could sound different. Further, the suggestions to use a concrete block, or some other stone, do not seem to be backed up by any comparisons between this and using a welded steel rack. Having tried these myself, I say get a welded steel rack. Concrete blocks and stones all "ping" to some degree and you hear it. You may not pick it up in a double-blind test but it is mighty irritating over time. The suggestion above concerning using a Vibraplane is spot on. I have tried a lot of different approaches to vibration control with my amps (and with several different amps), and have settled on using a welded steel rack, a shelf made of thick perspex bonded to thin MDF, and then a bladder product between shelf and amp. The use of a bladder product with my amp has a larger impact than using a bladder product anywhere else in my system.

I was wondering if Redkiwi could elaborate on the air bladder shelf combo. I have heard that these can make an enourmous diffrence and being a skilled craftsman want to make my own, and would like to know what materials work best.

Yes.

Yes, agree with Mazort and others. My stands are several types of construction, depending on the component. 6061 Aircraft alloy, tig welded (non Magnetic), filled with silica for the phono. Steel, Sound Anchors, with Simply Physics feet under stand, and McCormack and/or Walker spikes between the amp and top of stand (for amps). Hard rock maple butcher block platforms for the turntable, DVD player and power supplies for phono and preamp. Is it worth doing on your system? Depends on how high end you are at this point in the evolution. It can matter very little, or make the difference between "just good" and "excellent." As a friend of mine once said "It only costs 100% more to go first class." Sometime that is not a joke. If you need the "excellent" and you have done most of the other things right, it can be incredible what benefit a stand will provide.