Hello Cdc,
Actually, the Harmonic Resolution Systems plates are more than just a 1 inch thick piece of aluminum. Hell, if that's all they were, I'd have my brothers machinist (my brother manufactures Tube Research Labs amplifiers and preamplifiers) make me some nice aluminum plates with beveled edges, graining, and black anodizing. The HRS plates are comprised of not only an aluminum plate, but also have a proprietary polymer attached as well. Reading the info at their website, they mention that they've been involved with vibration isolation for NASA and other government agencies, so what they produce isn't nonsense.
I couldn't begin to explain the whats or whys of the product perfomance, I can only tell you that it was a night and day difference in resolution, low level information improvement, a striking improvement in micro-dynamics, a reduction of mid range and upper frequency glare/grain, and a general naturalness and ease within the entire frequency range. This is what I'd heard. I'm not affiliated with Harmonic Resolution Systems, just impressed all to hell with their products. I'd suggest, Cdc, that you try their demonstration at a local dealer yourself, so you can hear what I had at CES. I think that you'll be amazed, as I was.
Kind regards,
Brian