1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 198570-20248

Isolation recommendations for my Pathos Inpol2 MkII, heavy Class A integrated amp (38kg)

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on a suitable isolation solution for my integrated amplifier.

Amplifier:

Pathos Inpol2 MkII

  • Weight: ~38 kg\84lbs
  • Class A operation
  • Hybrid design (tube input stage + solid-state output)

Current situation:

The amp is placed on a solid rack, but I’m exploring dedicated isolation to:

  • reduce structure-borne vibration
  • improve bass definition and control
  • lower noise floor / improve clarity
  • preserve dynamics and timing (no overdamping)

What I’m trying to avoid:

  • over-damping (loss of bass attack and dynamics)
  • “softening” or slowing the presentation
  • unstable or overly compliant supports that affect imaging

What I’m considering:

  • dedicated isolation feet or pods (spring or hybrid designs)
  • possibly platform-based solutions if better suited for heavy Class A gear

I’m open to both high-end and more cost-effective solutions, but I want something that is properly engineered for heavy components and does not compromise transient speed.

I considered a solution by EPV but at 1200$ for a set, I decided I still need an extra  kidney.
Would appreciate recommendations based on actual experience with heavy amplifiers of this type.


Thanks in advance.

triskadecaphobic
incorrigable
199 posts
 

Back when my TV weighed 104 kg I found professional kitchen prep tables made of steel, with six inch rubber wheels. They have adjustable shelves designed to hold multiple bags of rice, flour, etc. The top is stainless steel. The wheels make dusting and vacuuming the easiest trick in the book. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,925 posts
 

@triskadecaphobic ,

Check out the SVS subwoofer feet.  They are not expensive and they work on heavy equipment.

All the best.

fire_water's avatar
fire_water
231 posts
 

Make yourself a solid platform of 8x8 or 10x10 timbers. My Accuphase A-48S Class A amplifier sits on a bench made of  solid 250 yr old Chestnut timbers supported by steel legs and it's dead quiet and stable. You'll have to see my system in my profile.

My Accuphase DC-1000 and C2300 are stacked together and sit on piano coasters. The ones I have are gold metal  caps on industrial grade rubber with additional steel plates internally for added strength and rigidity. The bottom have felt pads for sliding capabilities. The gold matches my Accuphase components nicely. 

The metal portion are concaved to accommodate the wheels on a piano leg but my Accuphase factory footers are nicely seated so that just the perimeter of the footer has contact with the shallow metal cap. They are used to prevent the sounds emitted from the piano from transferring into the floor on addition to protecting the floor and they work! Amazon $80 for a set of 4. They also come in solid wood, solid rubber, solid acrylic.. I'm sure the solid wood would be something I'd consider but I'm very happy with the metal-rubber hybrid ones I have. If they are good for a Steinway piano I'm assuming they should be great for components. 

Amazon: Brand: Ecliptica 4 Pcs Metal Upright Piano Caster Cups.

barry2013's avatar
barry2013
32 posts
 

 My Vitus SIA030 integrated amp is a similar weighty brute.

I have four Stillpoint  V5s under it and between it and the Entreq rack

They are very good indeed and will last you a lifetime, They are expensive but used sets come up for sale quite regularly on Audiogon.

IMHO cheaper solutions will prove to be a false economy

grk
279 posts
 

Stack Audio or isoAcoustics make a number of different isolation products.

More to discover