Where to use Isolation devices

This cannot be answered definitively. Sometimes the Cardas blox or Racing Cones may be better than the other, but sometimes not. Each will change the sound somewhat, and you must determine which you like better. I had the Cardas blox under my preamp, I switched power cords, and they didn't work well for that configurtion. I got my preamp updated and the Cardas blox went back into their position under the preamp again. There are many of these kinds of devices..each has their place..could be in a drawer. You must listen and decide for yourself.

John

I use the resonance grounding method. You could describe it as a grounding rod or lightening rod. Vibration itself can be given direction with the use of similar hard materials all reactive by nature. These reactive materials also need proper geometry to help in the collection and re focusing of this collected energy. As in a relay race the pass of the baton is the the critical factor in maintaining the timing and the speed. All has to be similar and coherent, the less touches there are by different materials the better and more real is the result. Your thirty pound butcher block base is large in capacity and is similar to a tub or a sink with much water or energy quickly filling it from the top but it's drain is restricted on the bottom from the use of very slow materials, its nearly clogged in effect. I would use cones made of brass, materials of music they are. Even if you had 10 different brass cones from 5 different vendors they would all sound different based on mass and geometry. The cones also need to be terminated in kind and with like materials. These methods when activated throughout your system will make it come alive. All this works for me. Tom

The demo Nordost did in the Toronto show provide a very good example what the change in sound will be like. I found one set of these is the best and should be put in the CD player. I also heard similar result in friend's house, tighter image, better black and noise, with BC kone. In the show, the TC kone give a much better pace and dynamic but the BC kone has a warmer tone.

Alleung - How did they do the comparison of the Sort Kones at the show? I've always wanted to hear two identical sources sitting side by side with one having Sort Kones for an immediate A/B change. Taking out the kones are swapping their location should give some confirmation of the actual change. Since I only have one SACD player it takes a few minutes to swap the Kones in and out and I'm convinced that the placebo levels increase in anticipation of whatever the expected result is. It's almost impossible for the average joe to own duplicate equipment...

Using Nordost sort kones -- in placement priority FIRST: the AC power conditioner/distributer (like a Shunyata Hydra, etc.), then your phono stage preamp, then source equipment (SACD player, DAC, server, etc.) then your amp/preamp/integrated, etc. I received this priority list from NORDOST at T.H.E. Show at Newport Beach 2015. I bought 12 bronze kones at the show and WOW, what a huge difference. Highly recommended.