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How Good Is A Marble Slab at Deadening Vibration

I have a marbles slab that is approx. 42" X 16X 2". A left over insert from a coffee table. I would like to lay it on top of a plant stand table that is 50" X 18X 30" The slab weigh about 70 lbs. II think I have enough space laterally to position a Rega turntable, a Bel Canto line stage, and Rega Apollo CD player and a pair of Red Dragon monoblocks, that could easily be stack vertically if necessary.(Also could place them on the bottom shelf which has a slight V-shaped dip ...probably a run off channel. This would save me three feet of speaker cable on both channels is placed near the bottom)

The plant stand is made of wood and has fairly massive "L-shaped" legs. The table weight is about 40 pounds.

My thinking is that a marble slab should provide excellent isolation from vibration. The only drawback is the left side of table will only be a foot from the right speaker. So I would start the progression of components from right to left to increase the distance to the speaker in question. Would like opinions from members about the pros/cons of this set-up. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim
metralla
945 posts
 
If you want to use stone, get a shelf made of steatite (Brazilian soapstone).

It is amorphous, impermeable, extremely dense, and does not ring in any way. When oiled it reveals the natural striations and grain that are beautiful, in my opinion.

When the top shelf of my Polycrystal rack started bending after years of use I replaced it with a 3" slab of steatite - probably 70 pounds. About $300 delivered to the West Coast.

Photos:

http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu43/ghtoz/Soapstone_Shelf/?albumview=slideshow

Regards,
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
A 2" slab of marble will ring somewhat when struck with a small hammer or other implement. The trick is don't strike it when the music is playing. I's had marble slabs, Italian marble, at CES. All depends on how you support the slab and how you support the component. The advantages of marble are stiffness and hardness. I also have a soft spot for bluestone, a considerably less expensive alternative.
baggs1's avatar
baggs1
23 posts
 
Ebm.....Disagree......If applied correctly, the granite/ marble can sound as good as symposium....maybe better! 1/2" to 2" thick with acrylic furniture pads (sold at Home depot, and other hardware stores) placed underneath the corners will provide isolation/ absorption from ground and airborne vibrations, also since the acrylic carries a warm sound of it's own, neutralizes any cold- sterility of the granite/ or marble.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Sounds great jump on it asap.
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
673 posts
 
FWIW, about 1.5 years ago, I bought a pair of 1/2" thick (8" x 8") cork to be used in the kitchen to put hot food on. Got them at either IKEA or Bed Bath & Beyond and didn't pay more than $10 for them I think. Several of these might be the answer to the thin cork sheets that have been discussed above.
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