I have a rough clone of Geofkait's Machina Dynamica soft spring platform under my L07D TT that I think addresses the dual problem of earth-borne and TT-propagated vibrations. Earth-borne vibrations are converted into very low frequency spring oscillations by means of soft springs under the heavy mass loading of a large sandbox, on which the unsuspended TT plinth rests. TT-propagated vibrations are handled by SP Ultra 5s underneath the Kenwood's unsuspended brass footers and motor bearing. One reported advantage of the Stillpoints is that their function doesn't depend much on the platform or rack on which they are sited. This marriage of disparate coupling and decoupling strategies seems to work.
While this or a similar approach works well for individual components, it's a stretch to apply it to a full rack of components. I'm three days into breaking in a Star Sound five-shelf Rhythm rack with an Esoteric digital stack and a two-chassis Atma tube preamp. What is this audio heresy, the notion of a rack breaking in?! Yes, the heavy mass-loaded Rhythm rack audibly forms itself over several days, perhaps similar to the strengthening of piston rods through the controlled stress applied during break-in of a racing engine. Star Sound would say that this forming process is the heavy loaded brass and steel structure organizing its pathways for vibration to ground.
I'm going to give it a few more days before full judgment. Initial impressions are of coherence, enhanced timbral nuance, neutral frequency balance, and(as contrasted with current Stillpoints Ultra SS models that formerly supported these components on a DIY cross-braced oak rack) a broadening of the LF skirt without sacrificing LF discipline and articulation. Above all, a satisfying release of dynamic energy throughout the room and sense of increased speed and transient attack. Although on the first day and early in the second day of forming the rack("forming" is perhaps a better term than "break-in") I heard a bit of what Maril referred to as over-emphasis of treble and upper midrange and leading-edges, this issue has resolved with time.
And btw for the Wolfman, sarcasm and humor have nothing in common. Look it up.
While this or a similar approach works well for individual components, it's a stretch to apply it to a full rack of components. I'm three days into breaking in a Star Sound five-shelf Rhythm rack with an Esoteric digital stack and a two-chassis Atma tube preamp. What is this audio heresy, the notion of a rack breaking in?! Yes, the heavy mass-loaded Rhythm rack audibly forms itself over several days, perhaps similar to the strengthening of piston rods through the controlled stress applied during break-in of a racing engine. Star Sound would say that this forming process is the heavy loaded brass and steel structure organizing its pathways for vibration to ground.
I'm going to give it a few more days before full judgment. Initial impressions are of coherence, enhanced timbral nuance, neutral frequency balance, and(as contrasted with current Stillpoints Ultra SS models that formerly supported these components on a DIY cross-braced oak rack) a broadening of the LF skirt without sacrificing LF discipline and articulation. Above all, a satisfying release of dynamic energy throughout the room and sense of increased speed and transient attack. Although on the first day and early in the second day of forming the rack("forming" is perhaps a better term than "break-in") I heard a bit of what Maril referred to as over-emphasis of treble and upper midrange and leading-edges, this issue has resolved with time.
And btw for the Wolfman, sarcasm and humor have nothing in common. Look it up.