A Copernican View of the Turntable System

T_bone is absolutely right - any damping (pneumatic, oil-based, elastomer - whatever) will only reach its optimum read: lowest possible) resonance frequency and spec behavior at its maximum load.
So here for once any over-compensation regarding parts is not just futile but entirely contra-productive.
That's why even most high-priced isolation platforms do need additional load in addition to audio components resting on them to really "work" the way the are designed for.
Same regarding the other points in T_bone's post. They are correct and describe the correct way to handle the topic if going for a TT without "classical plinth".
Cheers,
D.
post scriptum: I wonder why this thread has to be searched for and isn't available anymore through the Analog Forum's front page ... any idea anybody ?

Dear Dertonarm,
Thread is visible on my front page but Raul also couldn't see it?
Don't know what's going on?

T_bone,
What you are saying and what Ralph is saying seem to me diametrically opposed?
You and I are in total agreement, in fact the postulation of this thread is that the armpod is fixed and the geometrical relationship to the platter is correct and stable.
What Ralph says is

mounting for the platter and the tower for the arm will sound their best when coupled as tightly to the non-resonant platform upon which the resulting turntable is being constructed.

Coupled TIGHTLY to the platform!!

Here I am simply going to be obstinate.
I disagree completely. There is nothing TIGHT about the spikes under my armpods and there is nothing TIGHT about the TipToes under my turntable.
The armpods and turntable are DECOUPLED from their base (the shelf) and unless I'm not comprehending properly......you agree with my methods?
Bear in mind that the RELATIONSHIPS must be completely accurate and stable.

So DECOUPLED are all these items from each other, I can physically take each armpod away and if I so desire, I may even tuck my Nude Turntable under my arm as I happily walk my pet snake?

Halcro,
I think Ralph would say we are all three in agreement. To me, a 20kg armpod spiked to the same platform that the TT is spiked to means they are strongly 'coupled', even if you can take them away and walk them with your two pet snakes, separately.

Dear Halcro, yes - it is on your front page, but not on the "Audiogon forum analog"-page.
Means that one indeed has to search for your thread - it can't be find among the current other threads in analog.
Very strange indeed.