Amp Isolation Recommendations

[KeithR]

I'm using A36. The sound is noticeably affected by the number, size, and placement of O-rings underneath, which dampen the ringing. I didn't like the result when the plate was super damped (via the knuckle test), and it did take a while to settle on the "right" configuration. The benefit of the steel plate approach - any steel plate - is having the flexibility tune the result.

Funny, I was told steel didn’t ring at all when I considered doing this under my TT.

 

[bazelio]

Funny, I was told steel didn’t ring at all when I considered doing this under my TT.

Rings like a bell with a knuckle tap. Ok not quite... But yes.

 

[Dentdog]

I don't know where you are located however I just added some EVP's to my system and they are wonderful and cheap, especially before 12/31 as there is an increase coming. They work and I also suggest you try them under your speakers ( yes I The EVEVPam not crazy this is amazing) The prices for these go from about 45/105 dollars each this year. You can see them and what you need at avroomservice.com

The EVPs doubled in price to $200ea just as I was about to order.

 

[Cellcbern]

The EVPs doubled in price to $200ea just as I was about to order.

The EVPs are a joke at $200 ea. They are very good decouplers but do little to absorb, dissipate, or tune internal component resonances (there is either felt or rubber between the EVP and component chassis). Norm Varney says isolation is all you need. My ears tell me different.

 

[AudioHR]

I suppose the cheapest is an Ikea bamboo cutting board. Some people say they make a notable improvement. I personally like the Symposium platforms but they may exceed your budget?

I have used the Ikea bamboo cutting boards under quite a few pieces of equipment, although I haven't used them under a turntable. While they are likely not a threat to the state of the art platforms or some of the interesting DIY projects already described I find them quite acceptable. They are inexpensive so try them if they appeal to you.

I had an old Target stand hidden away in the closet so I thought I would try it under my amp. It seemed quite solid but i was worried that it might ring, it didn't seem to but I added the Ikea bamboo block anyway. I found the addition of the bamboo block a positive addition. I would like to say it was transformational, it really wasn't but for whatever reason everything sounded nice and that worked for me, lol.

 

[kroslos]

What about using some granite slabs under my amps? We just had our kitchen redone and I have quite a bit of leftover granite - 1 1/2" thick slabs and quite beautiful; however, I'm not sure if using this under my amps will provide any appreciable difference. Thoughts?? Anyone else tried this?

 

[Cellcbern]

What about using some granite slabs under my amps? We just had our kitchen redone and I have quite a bit of leftover granite - 1 1/2" thick slabs and quite beautiful; however, I'm not sure if using this under my amps will provide any appreciable difference. Thoughts?? Anyone else tried this?

Granite is not the best material to use. By itself it rings. With decoupling feet (e.g., Herbie's Audio Lab) or damping sheet under the granite slab you would have a rudimentary isolation platform. You will also need resonance draining/dissipating/tuning feet between component chassis and the granite isoation platform.

 

[AudioHR]

What about using some granite slabs under my amps? We just had our kitchen redone and I have quite a bit of leftover granite - 1 1/2" thick slabs and quite beautiful; however, I'm not sure if using this under my amps will provide any appreciable difference. Thoughts?? Anyone else tried this?

I haven't tried granite as an amp stand but it could be worth a try as you already have the slabs.

Some seemed to be concerned with it ringing. I am using granite with a damping pad under my BrinkMann turntable and using the knuckle rap test the best I get is a dull thud. Perhaps all granite is not created equal, I remember years ago I believe it was Discwasher marketed a faux granite platform with rubber footers, it was a terrible thing!

Anyway, if your granite passes the rap test to your satisfaction I would say try it. If it seems to work you could refine it with the appropriate footers etc.

 

[Folsom]

Tried granite once. Really just a waste of time an effort.

 

[kroslos]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I'll have to find another way to repurpose our excess granite.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

I have used the Ikea bamboo cutting boards under quite a few pieces of equipment, although I haven't used them under a turntable. While they are likely not a threat to the state of the art platforms or some of the interesting DIY projects already described I find them quite acceptable. They are inexpensive so try them if they appeal to you.

I had an old Target stand hidden away in the closet so I thought I would try it under my amp. It seemed quite solid but i was worried that it might ring, it didn't seem to but I added the Ikea bamboo block anyway. I found the addition of the bamboo block a positive addition. I would like to say it was transformational, it really wasn't but for whatever reason everything sounded nice and that worked for me, lol.

IKEA Cutting boards are great.

 

[microstrip]

What about using some granite slabs under my amps? We just had our kitchen redone and I have quite a bit of leftover granite - 1 1/2" thick slabs and quite beautiful; however, I'm not sure if using this under my amps will provide any appreciable difference. Thoughts?? Anyone else tried this?

1 1/2" thickness is a reasonable thickness - granite is known to ring and sound poor in stands or turntable plinths in thinner slabs. We can't separate material properties from the dimensions of the object being considered. But I found that amplifier stands performance depend a lot on the amplifier - IMO you must try it to know if it pleases you!

 

[DasguteOhr]

Granite has crystalline structure, try sandstone or slate is layered rock absorbs resonances well. But please, 3cm thick plates too thin plates don't sound balanced. Around 100€ 60x40 cm
It is best to protect against dirt and liquids with stone oil. Otherwise there are ugly stains that are difficult to remove.

 

[AudioHR]

1 1/2" thickness is a reasonable thickness - granite is known to ring and sound poor in stands or turntable plinths in thinner slabs. We can't separate material properties from the dimensions of the object being considered. But I found that amplifier stands performance depend a lot on the amplifier - IMO you must try it to know if it pleases you!

I would agree, nothing ventured nothing gained!

If you didn't already have the granite there are likely better materials or isolation systems you could consider. Since you have it I am assuming it wouldn't be to difficult to move the slabs into position and put the amps on top. The granite would be heavy and maybe it needs some work on it to be suitable. Only you can judge whether it is worth the effort...or for that matter the result.

 

[LL21]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I'll have to find another way to repurpose our excess granite.

Bear in mind one of the most venerated isolation companies, Harmonic Resolution Systems, has used Granite as part of its shelving for decades....they combine them with elastomers, etc. As an owner of their shelves, I have to say they are absolutely amazing. You might even choose to get their nimbus couplers and use them if you choose to utilize your granite. Just a thought.

Harmonic Resolution Systems | High-End Audio Racks & Bases

Harmonic Resolution Systems is a globally recognized brand of high-end audio equipment stands, isolation bases, and other hi-fi audio accessories.

avisolation.com

 

[AudioHR]

Granite has crystalline structure, try sandstone or slate is layered rock absorbs resonances well. But please, 3cm thick plates too thin plates don't sound balanced. Around 100€ 60x40 cm View attachment 117135 View attachment 117136
It is best to protect against dirt and liquids with stone oil. Otherwise there are ugly stains that are difficult to remove.

I remember a previous discussion on slate vs granite. My plan is to eventually try a slate slab under my turntable. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[DasguteOhr]

I remember a previous discussion on slate vs granite. My plan is to eventually try a slate slab under my turntable. Thanks for the reminder!

Good choice...You won't regret it, I promise

 

[LL21]

I remember a previous discussion on slate vs granite. My plan is to eventually try a slate slab under my turntable. Thanks for the reminder!

Interesting...our entire audio rack was designed by a cabinet maker who is an audiophile: shelves are 3" thick 21-layer birch ply, with sufficient shelf height to allow each component to sit in an 'isolation sandwich' like HRS underneath and damping plates on top...and then the entire rack sits on top of a 2.5" thick slab of slate.

 

[AudioHR]

Bear in mind one of the most venerated isolation companies, Harmonic Resolution Systems, has used Granite as part of its shelving for decades....they combine them with elastomers, etc. As an owner of their shelves, I have to say they are absolutely amazing. You might even choose to get their nimbus couplers and use them if you choose to utilize your granite. Just a thought.

Harmonic Resolution Systems | High-End Audio Racks & Bases

Harmonic Resolution Systems is a globally recognized brand of high-end audio equipment stands, isolation bases, and other hi-fi audio accessories.

avisolation.com

Absolutely!

I am trying a granite slab with a damping pad under my BrinkMann turntable because the manufacturer recommends granite especially in the form of a HRS platform . I was interested to see how a heavy duty slab of granite would work under the Bardo.

A fellow audiophile friend has the HRS stand, it is very visually impressive and his system has great resolution likely due in part to the excellent foundation and isolation.

 

[AudioHR]

Good choice...You won't regret it, I promise View attachment 117139

What thickness are you using? Is there any particular type of slate?