I need to register a dissenting opinion regarding thick maple platforms. In my experience, thick maple platforms, whether butcherblock or the solid maple from Mapleshade, suck the life out of music.
I have tried both 2" solid maple and and 3" maple butcherblock under my Galibier turntable, my tube preamps and my tube power amps, and in EVERY instance the sound has been overdamped and lifeless. It is smooth and fairly detailed, but the loss of liveliness is much too high a price to pay, IMHO. I would also add that I noted an inadequate low frequency response as well.
These observations held true whether the maple platform was supported by cones, by Mapleshade Isoblocks, wood blocks, or sorbothane pucks.
Now I do acknowledge that many folks have tried maple and reported great success. But I would suggest that anyone who is interested in thick maple should try it for himself and reach his own conclusions. Don't simply assume from all of the favorable press that maple is the answer.
Incidentally, my 3" butcherblock is 18 x 24. I purchased it from Timbernation, and I was very pleased with both the appearance of the platform and the service from Timbernation. I would recommend them as a supplier. My caution only extends to the nature of the product itself.
Dave
I have tried both 2" solid maple and and 3" maple butcherblock under my Galibier turntable, my tube preamps and my tube power amps, and in EVERY instance the sound has been overdamped and lifeless. It is smooth and fairly detailed, but the loss of liveliness is much too high a price to pay, IMHO. I would also add that I noted an inadequate low frequency response as well.
These observations held true whether the maple platform was supported by cones, by Mapleshade Isoblocks, wood blocks, or sorbothane pucks.
Now I do acknowledge that many folks have tried maple and reported great success. But I would suggest that anyone who is interested in thick maple should try it for himself and reach his own conclusions. Don't simply assume from all of the favorable press that maple is the answer.
Incidentally, my 3" butcherblock is 18 x 24. I purchased it from Timbernation, and I was very pleased with both the appearance of the platform and the service from Timbernation. I would recommend them as a supplier. My caution only extends to the nature of the product itself.
Dave