Whats under your VPI Scout / Scoutmaster?

Hi Dlwask, Yes maple works very well, vertical grain butcher block style that is.I have some cabinet making skills along with use of a shop. Im going to spend some time and money building afew platforms for my own Scoutmaster to find out what works the very best.I also need new equiptment stands for my system.Im going to experiment with different types of maple for each platform along with different dimensions of blocks. Right now Im using a maple platform made up of two inch long by one inch by one inch thick blocks set vertical when glued.The bottom of the platform was scooped out to set and hold three tennis size balls for feet,works verygood.I will also look into using different species of hard and soft woods and a combination of.Even some man made materials mixed in perhaps.For platform feet ,Im going to try out Finite Elemente Cerabase...Web site finite-element.de.These feet are height adjustable,will hold alot of weight and suppose to be very,very good.A high level of design and engineering went into these.I have some Symposium roller blocks right now that I use to good effect under my amps .I can borrow a wide range of other isoltion feet to check out.Now,there is sometime involved here.This is not a weekend project.Anyway, I think it will be very interesting and fun at the sametime...Dlwask,How is that new V.P.I. Sig. arm performing?

Hi Stilskin, please keep us updated on your project. My scoutmaster currently sits in my diy rack which is made of 1 3/4" red oak. The rack sits on brass cones on a floating floor. When I first got the TT I was getting "feedback" at high volume levels. Believe it or not I purchased small round hard rubber "feet" that go under furniture and put them under the scoutmaster feet and it completely elimiated the "feedback"

Stiltskin, sounds like a pretty ambitious project. Let me know how it works out. I had intended to try a similar route (DIY platform with access to great woodshop) but kept dragging my feet, then my brother goes and sells off his work working equipment! Anyway, let me know how the project turns out. I am going to see what everyone is using at CES this year, I expect to see a few Scoutmasters there.

I added a cut out of 1/4" thick foam from a mouse pad under my motor in the meantime.

The JMW 9 Signature arm is doing great. I've had it for about 4 months now. The best comment I can give is that I have been playing LPs almost exclusively since it has been in my system. It really does take the whole 'table up a few notches.

Hi Dwr and Dlwask,Yes this is an ambitious project. Most of us know the value of isolating their entire system from vibrations,especially turntables. Finding what works best for any given component in your system ...the rewards can be significant...The maple platform that I made is very dense and hard.The species I chose is sugar maple,it is widely used for fine furniture ect. and musical instruments. Now, the support feet will play a significant role.I wanted to stay away from solid cone and pointed designs.While searching out a design that will support a heavy load,one that can be attached securely,height adjustable for leveling and above all ,one that works ,I think I found it. The Cerabase,they are made in Germany and are expensive...Dlwask,if you make it to the C.E.S. you lucky duck, Finite Elemente may have a booth,check it out.And thank you for your insight on the the VPI Sig.

While we are on the subject of maple platforms and equiptment stands.Check out Rushtons great post here on Analog...Walker Audio Proscenium Turntable: Photo Essay...