For very little money (probably under $30) you could try out a piece of laminated glass (also known as security glass) on top of the vibrapods with the CD player on top of the glass. You could also try vibrapods between the glass and CD player with this configuration to see how that sounded. The laminated glass is pretty thin (I think about 1/4 inch) and doesn't weigh that much so you probably wouldn't have to buy new pods. It consists of two layers of glass sandwiching another type of material to prevent shattering and is very inert and doesn't ring. If you don't like it you're only out about $30. If you're going to mass load your cd player though, it may not be sufficient to support the weight (your Sony is pretty solid though and you're probably not going to). Another alternative, albeit more expensive is to go with standard 1/2 inch glass. I purchased two shelves of 1/2 inch to use in conjunction with vibrapods and my Target rack and have been very pleased. Cost for a 1/2 inch glass shelf should be in the range of about $50-$60. It is very heavy and you'll have to re-weigh and purchase new vibrapods, but if you liked what you heard with the laminated, I'm sure you'd be happy with the 1/2 inch, and still be below your budget. The 1/2 inch is bevelled on the edges and also has a very nice appearance. Both available from any glass shop.
Please help me choose CD isolation
I am suffering from a mild case of Audiophile burnout this week and need advice in choosing effective CD isolation relatively inexpensively (under $150 ). I put my CD player on top of my rack in order to make room for a new tuner. I have some Vibrapods underneath, and they are doing a nice job, but honestly want something more appealing visually that doesn't change the tonal balance too much, and maybe adds a touch more detail. I am listing my system in order to get the best advice possible, THANKS in advance for taking the time to read this and helping me out. Martin Butler.
* Musical Fidelity HT600 5 channel amp w/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects,Yamamura Quantum power cord.
* B&K AVP3090 pre-amp w/ Harmonic Technology Pro-11 AC power cord)
* Sony DVP-9000ES SACD/DVD player (w/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects, and an Acoustic Zen Tsunami pc)
* B&W Nautilus 805 speakers w/ matching stands, HTM-2 center, LM-1 surrounds (w/ H. Tech Pro-9 plus bi-wire cables)
* REL Strata III subwoofer , XLO custom Neutrik Speakon conector and DH Labs BL-1 for 5.1 out, and H. Tech Pro-11AC pc)
* Denon MD-1000 Minidisc recorder (H. Technology Truthlink interconnects, and Audio One "Reference" toslink cable )
*Musical Fidelity A3 Tuner
* Toshiba 40X81 Widescreen HDTV (Monster component cables)
* Monster HTS-3500 power center
* Salamander Synergy Systems rack
* Hubble 8300i outlets
* Cardas RCA caps
* Musical Fidelity HT600 5 channel amp w/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects,Yamamura Quantum power cord.
* B&K AVP3090 pre-amp w/ Harmonic Technology Pro-11 AC power cord)
* Sony DVP-9000ES SACD/DVD player (w/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects, and an Acoustic Zen Tsunami pc)
* B&W Nautilus 805 speakers w/ matching stands, HTM-2 center, LM-1 surrounds (w/ H. Tech Pro-9 plus bi-wire cables)
* REL Strata III subwoofer , XLO custom Neutrik Speakon conector and DH Labs BL-1 for 5.1 out, and H. Tech Pro-11AC pc)
* Denon MD-1000 Minidisc recorder (H. Technology Truthlink interconnects, and Audio One "Reference" toslink cable )
*Musical Fidelity A3 Tuner
* Toshiba 40X81 Widescreen HDTV (Monster component cables)
* Monster HTS-3500 power center
* Salamander Synergy Systems rack
* Hubble 8300i outlets
* Cardas RCA caps