I had this stand and I still have the surface plate, actually two of them.
The problem with the stand is that the steel rings. I don't think it's ideal for a TT stand - but I do agree it looks cool. Shame - I sold mine for almost nothing.
If I could sum up my TT platform experience, it would be that each TT is different in how it responds.
My Linn? Ultra lightweight and hard, things like aluminum honeycomb were best. VPI Classic? Three layers of bloodwood with the middle layer stuffed with lead shot was best. My Teres and my VPI Prime, 1/2" granite epoxied to 1" MDF was the best.
Others with better knowledge than me can chime in, but I think sprung tables like hard lightweight platforms, and heavy likes heavy.
If you're able to experiment with platforms, that would be my advice. They are both TT and system (and probably flooring, and taste?) dependent.
If you have a kitchen counter place nearby, see if they can give you an ugly unfinished scrap piece of granite in the right size (because it's the finishing and shipping that cost the bucks), epoxy it to a piece of MDF and try it under your TT. If it sounds bad, throw it away. If it sounds good, get a nice finished piece of granite and repeat.
Some shelf "experts" seem to say that when you're dealing with the really thick granite, it's tough to deaden the ringing. But I think others say, if it's thick enough it rings less anyway. Practically, those surface plates are crazy heavy, so it's pretty tough to experiment with unless you have a few strapping sons you can call upon to help with moving it about.
You could try the same thing with a maple butchers' block. If it doesn't sound good under your TT, you can dice a mean vegetable on it.
