recommendation for turntable vibration damping


hi!
i recently moved into a new home and just completed a project to install insulation under the floor (in the crawlspace). this was done to save on heating costs, but i figured it would also help to dampen vibration from the floor. the floors themselves are fairly cheap with thin carpet over them. (we are likely to install hardwood floors in about a year or so.)

anyway, after the insulation project was complete, i noticed that if i tapped my foot (as in moderate footstep), i could see my turntable shake. i'm wondering what steps i could take to reduce this vibration.

here are some relevant details:
>> VPI Aries on a Bright Star Air Mass 19, sitting atop a...
>> Finite Elemente "Spider" rack built up about 24" with a preamplifier, CD player, and VPI SDS also on it/weighing it down.

the rack is modular (which has served me well during a few moves) and is lightweight.

i'm wondering what my options are for reducing vibration -- i don't think i can afford a big/heavy rack right now.

is something like a bright star 'big rock' advisable? i would imagine loading it down with sand would really weigh down the rack and, presumably, dampen vibration. (they're not cheap, though...especially for the size i need for an original aries. i don't have an outboard flywheel, but i may get one one day.)

i'm open to any thoughts.

thank you in advance.
ebalog
Thanks again, V&V.
I ake your point about the joist/jack method being subject to the mercy of nature. That said, the crawlspace should be a more constant temperature than a place that receives a mix of sun and shade.

I'd think that any solution in the crawlspace would be subject to the same mercy of nature -- even the pier solution you proposed -- althoguh perhaps to a lesser degree.

I will see how feasible blocking is for me, given the work I did on the insulation.

If I read your response correctly, you think the beam idea that I've tried with adjustable jacks (2/beam) as columns is OK. I know it does not fully replace the blocking, but it sounds like it is an improvement, albeit one that may need periodic adjustment.

I added one such header/horizontal beam, and based on the location of equipment in the room and the space/pipes below, I feel like I need to add at least two shorter beams. I could not emply one to span the width of the space due to crawlspace constraints.

Since the listening area is one section of a larger room, do you think it's wise/appropriate/or unnecessary to support the rest of the room (i.e., no equipment will be located in this area)? The listening area is already divided from the rest of the room by a header.

Thank you so much! I am learning quite a bit and feel like I'm almost all the way there in terms of making an informed decision about the solution.


Considering that the work you are doing will not be "load bearing" per se- I think ALL options (suggested thusfar) are OK.

True, a crawlspace is not as extreme an environment as the open air. Your jack will prob be fine.

I think you'll be very surprised at just how effective a mere fraction of what you are proposing will be. Hard to imagine- but bracing just two or three joists alone will be a huge inprovement. Now- factor in what you are contemplating and multiply it by 200%. Your floor won't move by any measurable degree. Audio speaking of course...
Cool...that is an excellent way of thinking about it. It makes me step back and realize that this is quite an improvement, already.

I do plan to put 1 or 2 shorter (4x4x4') supports directly under the rack and other speaker.

Guess I'll focus on the space under the listening area and not worry about the adjoining space (separated by a header).

Thanks so much! I will report back with my experience.

Everyone has been very helpful; your suggestions have been taken to heart.