Support table or shelf for turntable

Yes its an intriguing subject, the isolation/ control of vibration, and how it applies to audio. The good vibration is the movement of the speaker cone, and the bad is everything else. Or is it?

Like the ongoing debates over cables, analogue/digital etc,  there is no consensus regarding loudspeaker isolation. Some believe in spikes, some go for isolating feet, or inner tubes, or sorbothane, and some don't believe its necessary at all.

My guess is that it all depends upon how big the problem is and how far did the manufacturer address the problem.

Some turntables such as the highly engineered (and highly priced) Continuum Caliburn featured a floating design decoupled from the main stand.

As far as loudspeakers go, Harbeth have their brilliant 'thin wall' design and unlike many others do not believe in remorselessly strengthening cabinet walls and tightening their drive units in order to suppress resonance. They would rather direct resonance to dissipate into the low frequencies where it is rendered inaudible. Thus preserving the all important midrange. I imagine Harbeths and the Caliburn would not require much more in the way of isolation.

Can we really say that of everything else? Given that sorbothane is well damped and can isolate down to 10HZ, and is relatively inexpensive, I think its worth a go in an attempt to maximise performance. Especially if your system sounds a bit thick or muddy.

@cd318,

You had me until you recommended trying sorbothane. While it does damp vibrations, it is at the expense of dynamics and subtle cues and all of the little things that enhance one’s listening experience.

I was getting ready to post my current experience. As I stated earlier, I use a wall mount. Mine has several ways in which I can easily adjust it. This can be a nightmare or a listener’s friend. It all depends on how ’in tuner’ one is with what’s going on.

In my part of the country, I’m experiencing 25 degree temperature swings every day. This results in how I hear music and having to adjust my wall mount accordingly. My situation is extreme as opposed to the OP’s in that I have the 2"X6" wall construction, but I believe it should not be overlooked.

I meant to say that, as stated earlier, I'm on the east coast too. There are a few major fault lines running underneath us.

I agree about the Sorbothane. Even though it seems like SUCH a good idea. Even though it appears to be the right material for audio applications it just doesn’t sound good. At least I never found a place it sounded good. I found plenty of places it sounded bad. There are other similar looking materials out there, usually billed as "viscoelastic" that DO work, so don’t give up yet.

Managing resonances is probably 90% of turntable design (speed issues the other 10). I couldn't get my Linn LP12 to stay in perfect tune so I abandoned vinyl as a result. I did learn quite a bit about setting it up but in the end gave up on the wall option, and it was my only option at the time.

In hindsight it probably did sound very good, but occasionally it could sound great.

To this day I believe that a well designed suspension is the way to go for sonic freedom. Thanks, Ed Villchur! Unfortunately I was able to find a Pink Triangle or Alphason Sonata etc

I remain sceptical about non suspended decks but I haven't heard the latest Regas. Its just that life moves on, and I don't have the time or energy to constantly have to adjust my setup. Besides, my wife thinks I'm strange enough already! How I envy those of you who have audio loving partners!

cd318,

My current view is a TT’s support system that can handle all of the earth’s forces and then, the room demands, the natural opposing forces within the room, the acoustic feedback is more important than the TT design. Frankly, how the room acoustics tame certain, mainly, low frequencies are of invaluable support to a TTs performance.

For if all of the above is addressed, most any TT will work well. There maybe a few acceptions.

To the OP, brick mortor, I assume is the same for cinder blocks...have contents that allow for ’movement’....IE: it is formulated to be somewhat flexible. Then I ask myself why? You could say to yourself, this is pretty 'extreme'? Just remember, TT's are very 'extremely' sensitive reproducers.

Happy Listening.