What is vibration isolation for?

My experience before and after adding an isolation platform under my CD player: originally had very "impressive" and clear sound. After trying an Ariel Osiris isolation platform: low level details became much clearer. Third and fourth background singers could be heard accurately, orchestral instruments occupied their own space, yet blended perfectly without any "etching". The emotion of the performers now comes through consistently. I haven't had as much fun listening to music for a decade. Conclusion: Isolation works for me.
Audiofile9, " What is rather UNUSUAL about the audio hobby is that it seems to attract so many NON-hobbyists, who receive so much satisfaction from constantly telling hobbyists they are barking up the wrong tree." Couldn't agree more.

Must say that debating the obvious is getting to be so tedious that I don't spend as much time here as I used to. If we can't help each other enjoy music more by trading experience and information what are we here for? It always seems to become a pissing contest. To those too skeptical to even try what they enjoy repudiating, get real for a change. I'd rather hear Miles blow his horn then continue to read another boring blowhard's rant. I think that one of the difficulties in internet forums is that it tends to equalize all participants, since it offers a high degree of anonymity. If these conversations were held one to one, or in a small group, I could use my sense of the person speaking to help evaluate their statements. I think we all have a 5 million year old, refined by evolution, highly accurate "bull***" detector that is not fully operational in print only. Why does it seem so hard for some people to simply trust their ears?
In case someone says that if I am bored here, why bother? My answer is that for over four years I have enjoyed the company of some highly articulate, well informed, intelligent and good humored people here at Audiogon. I don't care to see the time invested in getting to know some of the people here undermined, so I am attempting to offer some much needed perspective. Can't say if I have succeeded or not. I've never been one to quote song lyrics but, It's a beautiful day, don't let it slip away" says it best for me at this moment. Or perhaps I should quote the silly commercial "try it, you'll like it". Later.

Best tweak I have ever experienced was of all things... isolating my cd player with an Ariel Osiris stand. I really didn't expect much, but got it at a very good price, so I thought I might as well try it. My system came to life in a way that everyone noticed. Could be there were more intrusive vibrations in my system than in some other situations, but I'm very happy with it now, and that says a lot.

Pbb, still haven't noticed a list of what you have tried in your own system and what effect if any, you noticed. Listening to music is not about "hard data", it is about engaging your spirit. Maybe the manufacturers must be as scientific as they can be, but the result is what is important, and it is your ears that cast the final vote. Can't you get off the show me the numbers dogma? I said earlier "try it, you'll like it". What have you tried, and what were your experiences?

Pbb, it does take time and patience to become aware of some changes in sound quality. If you walk into a new room, it takes time to notice the flaws, even if first impressions are great. If you were at my place for a few days, listened to my system a lot, I am sure you would notice a degradation in sound quality if I removed my isolation stand under my CD player and you would also notice the improvement upon its return. Not being a scientist I can't offer measurements, but my positive results are enough to satisfy me at the moment.