Vibration Theory - Isolate or Drain?

You will not get a consensus here. FWIW IMHO things like sorbothane are far more efficient in absorbing energy and does so much closer to the source of the vibration than other things used. Conversely transmitting the vibrations thru metal cones, etc, to other hard surfaces only delays the dissipation thereby aggregating its effects. All of this of course depends on whether you believe the 'drain theory' is more than just a theory. Consider that some believe that the vibration when it occurs does the damage to the sound at that time and there is no real remedy. I suppose if your component can actually store (build up) the effect of the vibrations it might be important. But if it can actually store energy at what point would the stored energy reach a point of destruction? Another question, when we discuss the 'drain theory' does it make any difference at what frequency the resonance (vibration) occurs? If so, does that affect the nature of the materiel you use to help dissipate the resonance?

This is why you will get no consensus. Hell, I can't even agree with myself! :-)

Don't mean to be a smart ass, but good luck with that.

To couple or decouple , I'm sure this will be settled quickly .

By the way, I am currenty using Herbie's Tenderfeet which isolate from the supporting surface (3" Maplewood shelves on a all Maplewood stand with sits on washing machine/ imdustrial isolation pads to minimize floor based vibration. I suppose if isolation is the technique used microscopes from vibration that is proabably worth noting given that vibration would be very obvious and is not based on theories used audio accessories vendors to convince audiophiles. I do realize though, how silly the search for consensus on this topic is - worse than asking SS or tubes.....