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Cones under a suspended table?

One of my tables is an AR ES-1, which I've made many upgrades to over the years. It works well, and is relatively free of influence from footfalls, but I'm looking to optimize the coupling between the table and the custom shelf it sits on (I made it from 1-1/2" of HDF, under which is a layer of Sorbothance, and under that a sheet of granite). I've read on the one hand that tables like this work best with their stock feet (little rubber feet), but I'm not sure I believe these can provide the best transfer of unwanted energy from the TT into the shelf.

Anyone have experience in this area? I was thinking of trying Black Diamond cones or something like that in that sort of price range. I've been told Stillpoints are supposed to be "right" for suspended tables, but they're a little too pricey - given the age and relative value of the table. Looking for a cost-effective improvement.

Other things I've considered are Audio Prism Iso-Bearings or a set of spikes (generic) I already have resting in Isoclean Tip-Toe bases. I'll repeat that the TT is pretty well isolated from external vibrations; I'm looking for a way to drain unwanted energy from the table into the platform in the hopes of improving clarity and control.
tonyptony
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Tont

Thanks for posting this thread. I'm in a similar bind with my Thorens TD 125 Mk II. I've had good experience with EdenSound brass footers underneath my KEF speakers so I gave Dan at EdenSound a call. For my Thorens he was recommending the BearPaw Senior Brass footers which are 2" x 2". The other option that may be a but more expensive to some are the TerraCone feet. These are Terra stone cones and brass combination feet that are height adjustable.

I'm researching what to do as well. I hope membership here can chime in with more ideas/experiences.

Thanks
brf
1,715 posts
 
Cones are relatively cheap; therefore, the best advice would be to try them out in your own system. Buy used and if they don’t work, sell them for little to no loss.
tonyptony OP
617 posts
 
Good suggestions. The EdenSound BearPaw falls into the spike camp. The thing that has me scratching my head is whether an approach - points, cones, balls, squishy pods - is considered theoretically more correct for a suspended table.
rotarius
431 posts
 
You are wasting your money for sure. Where does this unwanted energy you want to transfer come from?
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Tonyptony

I saw this in another forum regarding squishy pods or other types of soft materials used under suspended tables.

"A suspended table (shock mounted) table already has it's own form of isolation.

... if you have a suspended turntable then all you really need to do is provide it with a good solid mass loaded rack, or wall mounted shelf to sit on. Any other squishy isolation you try to implement under it is more likely to cause smearing than provide any real benefit. Cones or some other solid feet under the base to help couple it to that shelf might be beneficial."

I'm hoping the vinyl vets here can adivse as well.
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