Why spend more than $25 per piece of equipment on vibration reduction?


Do products more expensive than Vibrapods ($24 per set of four) provide superior isolation? I've been pretty happy with the pods, but I wonder whether spending somewhat more, e.g., on Iso-pucks, would bring notably superior results. Or is more a matter of visual, as opposed to audible, aesthetics? 

audio-satisficer

Vibrapods #1 to #5 along with their cones seems fine to me. I put the higher number vibrapod under the heaviest section of equipment, typically the transformer. Also use those rubber/cork sandwich squares which seem to work well. Lastly, I use numerous Butcher Block Acoustics supports, some with cones, some with adjustable rubber feet. They are economical supports and look nice as well.

The Vibrapod website has some nice tips and tutorials on how to use them properly, including how to utilize them in a vibrapod sandwich. I just don't see the need to spend much more on these things, I'm also on a concrete slab. Turntable resting on dedicated shelf  mounted to a concrete wall. No issues there.

I had some hemisphere shaped black rubber. Not sure if they wre brand name. They were on my subs for some time. When I heard about the springs, i replaced the rubber ones. Immediately, the bass was detailed, deeper, enveloping. I believe the rubber is for absorptiondamping, springs are isolating. I have a concrete floor. Also, the music used to be much boomier upstairs.

The only device that needs isolation is the turntable. The best come so equipped like SME, Sota, Dohmann, Avid and others. Everything else could care less. It is just audiophile mythology. 

mijostyn

5,652 posts

The only device that needs isolation is the turntable. The best come so equipped like SME, Sota, Dohmann, Avid and others. Everything else could care less. It is just audiophile mythology. 

Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a WINNER!

I have to agree with stuartk - there are multiple types of products that all make some sort of impact. That impact will vary based on the equipment, the foundation the equipment sits on, and your ears. Like stuartk, I have tried multiple products and also have a favorite, but the journey was worth it. What I use now provides a positive, noticeable difference in my soundstage and dynamics. YMMV so have fun trying options out!