Wood blocks underneath components?? snake oil?


Hi, I have read that putting some sort of woood blocks underneath components helps in the sound. In particular, I believe Ayre actually suggests doing this. Can anyone explain to me how this helps?
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If you have Jenga you can give them a try. Very similar looking to the myrtle blocks. If you don't have Jenga you should try it, it's good for a few laughs.
I put a 2 inch maple block with black diamond racing cones under my CDP and it makes a big positive difference. I took it out the other day when I was working on some stuff and I was suprised at the difference. I will admit, I haven't tried with just the cones or just the block.
oddly enough I just picked up my Ayre C5XE from Ayre Acoustics in Boulder after a small repair. The gentleman there asked if I had ever tried the myrtle wood blocks and gave me three to try. Why not,Right? I still have my minds jury deliberating, but my first impression was more Bass. So I will keep experimenting and determine if there is an improvement. The whole isolation from vibration makes sense, it just comes down to which is best. I have freind that swears by Black Diamond. I have used AQ Sorbethane feet for years under my TT and DVD-recorder. So why not a natural substance like wood? Hmm, maybe Aloe Stalk.....
I use a combination of cocobolo, zebrawood, and mahagony blocks from an old Van Evers kit and I get great results. I used a lot of other types of feet and some work better than others in specific applications. But my favorite footers are the wood blocks and I can't imagine not taking advantage of the improvements in bass, immediacy, and focus they typically provide.

I think Sorbothane is my least favorite type of material as it tends to soften the sound and compress dynamics. BDR cones have also worked well for me in certain applications (mostly the number 4 cones).

One thing that Mike Van Evers mentioned in the aforementioned Stereo Times article is that you can use only one foot to prop up the front or rear of a given component. This will yield a high percentage of the improvement that a tripod arrangement of the same feet would make. At least that's what I've observed. A lot of my components rest on their rear feet and a single block in the front. I usually try the block in the front and then the rear of a given component to determine where it's more effective.