The concept of using block maple and some isolation pads is certainly well known to anyone on Mapleshade's mailing list. I was kind of put off by the pricing as well so DIY I went. I bought a Boos Block cutting board to the size I needed, about 2 1/2" thick I think. I figured if the design didn't help I would at least get a great new cutting board out of the attempt.
The Michagan Maple may be an even better value depending on today's prices. To finish off the design I found another supplier for the exact same isolation pads in bigger sizes and at half the price (at the time) at the link below. Yes, it works wonders in ratcheting up the transparency and deepening the sound stage.
http://soundproofing.org/sales/vibrationpads.htm
