Mapleshade Isolation: Does Nothing?


Okay guys. I built a Mapleshade-style isolation platform out of a 3” thick maple butcher block and Mapleshade footers (also Isoblocks). This was originally to isolate a SET amp, but after moving to solid state amps and trying to get into vinyl, I used it to try mounting a MoFi StudioDeck, figuring this would benefit the most from the Mapleshade-style isolation system.

Turntable -> Mapleshade Heavyfooters (3, not threaded) -> Butcher Block -> Mapleshade Iso Blocks -> Pangea audio rack (spiked through carpet).

When using headphones and turning up the gain on my preamp, I can clearly hear the sound of lightly dragging a fingernail across the butcher block. I can also clearly hear it when going across the rack shelf the butcher block in sitting on. So, the vibration is being transmitted up through the Iso blocks, through the butcher block, up through the Heavyfooters, up through Derlin platter, and into the needle.

Placing the turntable directly on the butcher block using its built-in spring loaded feet, vibrations are still transmitted but are much attenuated. So, this experiment leads me to believe that the Mapleshade system does JACK ALL. Am I doing something wrong that could lead to this result? Am I misunderstanding something basic about how this system is supposed to work?
madavid0
You mean you've discovered a high end audio tweak actually does nothing audible?

I'm astonished ;-)
Just swap out the Isoblocks for something else. Thick maple shelving is great for isolation but it's only a starting point. Try some Les Davis 3D-2 CLD discs instead and go from there. You can get a 16 disc pack from Amazon for $99 plus shipping. They made a difference for me. Better than Tenderfeet from Herbies (which I used to use).

All the best,
Nonoise
Coupling or isolation? You decide. πŸ™„ I grant you one thing Isolation-wise that thick maple boards do - that is resist bending forces, I.e. rotational forces. So, yes, there is some isolation. Holiday tip: don’t scratch the maple board with your fingernail whilst music is playing and you’re be alright.