Isolation footers for amps


I'm looking for advice/recommendations for isolation footers for my amp -- an Audio Research D300 (solid state). Currently I have it mounted on a free-standing 4" thick maple block, with spiked-tipped brass footers anchoring the base to the carpet on top of a basement (cement) floor. Would I obtain any additional sonic benefits by placing after-market isolation devices between the amp and the maple stand? I should add here that I'm not looking to spend a great deal of money on this... something more in the range of $100-200. Options in roughly that range I've found on line include Audio Prism Isobearings, Herbie's Tender Footers, and Mapleshape's brass footers. My (perhaps imperfect) understanding is that the first two are meant to isolate a component from vibrations in the room (including those from other components), while the third is supposed to help 'drain" vibrations from the component in question itself, thereby minimizing their transference to the audio chain..

I'd welcome advice from fellow Audiogoners more experienced than I on the extent to which these devices confer audible sonic improvements and, if so, which ones they'd recommend. Thanks

Michael
mross1949

Showing 3 responses by dill

I have done experiments with a few items mentioned above and have come to the conclusion that hard coupling items like brass & ceramic cones or spikes, work better in rooms with concrete or carpet over concrete floors. Isolation devices like Isoblocks, Herbie's tenderfeet and other softer products work better with suspended floors, wood or carpeted.
Yes, the idea is to form a triangle under your component. Put two in the rear and one in the front center or visa versa. Either remove your existing feet or put the cones next to them, contacting only the bottom of the chassis. By using (3) feet, you are concentrating more weight on the three points and makes it easier to level.