My thoughts on TT isolation methods.


I have done extensive research on isolation platforms and with help from the Audiogon community plus many hours of listening. Its not scientific and I did not measure results but here it goes. I have tried MDF board, Granite with both and alone and cork and or neoprene rubber and truck bed material as sandwich material. Granite and marble are beautiful and mass loading. It would probably be OK for a suspension loaded TT but not as good a choice for a mass loaded TT like mine. I finally invested in a 4 inch maple slab and 4 cork rubber sandwich supports that is common in industrial machine dampening. Its better and doesn't give the sound as much detail. With detail. =harshness. Its the best I have found. With less edginess and no harshness but more neutral detail. You can use 2 MDF boards which come close. Ok, if you want the absolute best for an expensive TT get an electron microscope isolation device which costs in the thousands. You could get one for a much cheaper TT but at that point you should just invest more in a TT for more bang for the buck. I think thats what Michael Fremers 100k plus Caliburn TT comes with. Look at one of his videos. The other very low cost option is a sand box. I heard a TT in one before and it sounded great but that was a 30k Clearaudio TT. I almost went with that. I thought about suspending it from the ceiling but mine is 80 lbs. I hope this helps!
128x128blueranger
Wow thanks for all the suggestions and critiques. I'm checking some of these out! Happy listening
Well see cost is a factor. As big an improvement as the Special K would surely be its getting well into Soundsmith strain gauge money. It might be good but I doubt its that good. My whole rack on the other hand was under $300, including the granite which was about $150 delivered.  
The sad news is I have more wanted components than money, more projects than time, and so must pick and choose very carefully. Its on the list. But its a long list.  

That is the way it goes with most of us MC. We have to prioritize. 
Sounds like a good combination @ bkeske. The Sota is a joy to use. There is no turntable regardless of price that is as nice to use. You can rest your hand on it while Q ing without any ill effect. Jump up and down, make funny faces, hit it with a hammer. Nothing gets through to the cartridge. This includes a myriad of noises and rumble out in the environment. 
@slaw, it is a video that every turntable lover should watch. I pull it out at every opportunity.