Best rack for non-suspension turntable?

Tvad, that's a really good question! And the answer is a little complicated because every TT is different. So first I'll say what I did with my Goldmund Studietto. It comes with (would you believe) four different strength springs which are to be installed (in three locations) according to whether you are using their linear arm or a pivoting type. So it was easy for me to replace them with Pandathumb Audio's "Pandafeet" in two different durometers (they make three, and they're all the same physical size)) which approximate the spring resistances in terms of relative load-carrying ability.

I don't think this is terribly critical. I guess if I were to do it with a different TT, I'd first put the lowest durometer (squishiest) pucks everywhere, and replace the one (or two) that compressed more, with harder one(s).

FYI, I tried the AQ hemispheres first. They were OK, but the Pandafeet were much better, due to the fact (according to Gary at Pandathumb) that they are uniform in diameter from top to bottom. Go to:

http://www.pandathumbaudio.com/

PS They're good under preamps and CDT/CDPs too.
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Turboglo, if you want the best possible isolation for a non-suspended tt get any stiff, high mass rack and put a Halcyonic isolation shelf on it.

Halcyonics

this what a laboratory would get to isolate an electron microscope. it makes any audio isolation product look and act like a toy in comparison. i have the Grand Prix Monaco with Formula shelves; which is certainly right up there at the top of rack system isolation performance. the Halcyonic easily outperformed it.

it ain't cheap ($8k list price)....but when you consider what a dedicated audio rack/shelf costs; or even what upgrading a tt to the next level or two costs.....it actually has good value for the performance.

Pardon the self-serving post, but this is a pretty unique solution: I have a laboratory vibrations isolation table that weighs about 250-300 lbs and can accomodate a large turntable. I used to use it for my front end system components. It is made from lead and steel - I can't imagine anything more rigid or high-mass / high-density than this. You can get a glimpse of it in one of my old system pics here on A'gon. It works fantastic for isolation, and is suspended on four shock-absorbing springs, one on each of the corners. I've tried to find information online, and found similar tables for around $2,000. These are passive tables (except for the springs), not active as the Halcyonics solution seems to be. Well, mine is currently in storage because when I moved out of my studio (work space) my wife would not allow it in our small house. It is seriously heavy...not a one-man moving job. I noticed you are in Portland, otherwise I would not suggest this...I'm in Seattle: If you are interested I've been considering selling it. Ping me off the thread. It is not something you'd want to ship. Regardless, it is another possible solution if you can find one. They are used in physics labs. Their WAF rating is well below zero...we're talking divorce-level approval ratings here. Also, you'll need some good, strong friends to move it around. One friend would normally do, but once they help you move it they A. won't be coming back a second time, and B. may not consider you a friend anymore. Hence the need for more than one. It is certainly a conversation piece as well. Don't even think of mounting this on the wall.

Marco

What is your floor like? Seems like most folks with non-suspended tables get excellent results with anything that is rigid. Avoid direct placement on MDF. I've built a stand with integrated sandboxes and 2 1/2 hard maple shelves. Works almost too well, but I think any thick hardwood shelf would work. It is possible to over-damp and adversely affect dynamics, which is what happens with my setup when I allow the 'table spikes to embed into the maple shelf. Whether this is due to the sand or maple or the combination of both I don't know. A few sheets of aluminum and steel under the spikes brought the leading edge transients right back.