[woodsyi]

I am thinking of just getting a pair of surplus granite slab and set them on spikes as amp stand.  Something like this if I find some near me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7508974442&category=46572

Or is it better to get a pair of maple boards?

[djbnh]

I use granite and marble (all free from the discard pile of a local business), combined with cones and Vibrapods, depending on the equipment. Some persons like maple. I like what my ears are telling me is working with my gear in my system. Best of luck with your decision making.

[brj]

I use granite and marble (all free from the discard pile of a local business)

What kind of business?  The only thing that comes to mind is a custom counter-top installer...

[djbnh]

I use granite and marble (all free from the discard pile of a local business)

What kind of business?  The only thing that comes to mind is a custom counter-top installer...

And we have a winner!

[brj]

 Thanks!

[woodsyi]

I use granite and marble (all free from the discard pile of a local business)

What kind of business?  The only thing that comes to mind is a custom counter-top installer...

And we have a winner!

 

Thanks,

I know just a place.  They are charching a bundle to redo my mom's kitchen -- I bet I can get some end pieces!

[PhilNYC]

I am thinking of just getting a pair of surplus granite slab and set them on spikes as amp stand.  Something like this if I find some near me.

Or is it better to get a pair of maple boards?

I've asked this question on AudioAsylum in the past as well as talked with a couple of folks, and the response is a pretty consistent "Granite/Marble rings, so it's no good".  As a result, I've never taken the plunge to try it.

I have tried maple boards and found them to work well...at least 1" thick, and no more than 2.5" thick...

[zybar]

Phil,

Why maple no thicker than 2.5"?

I have maple platforms from timebernation in both 2" and 4" thickness and to my ears the 4" sound better (I honestly can't remember "how" it sounded better since I don't use them in my main system anymore).

George

[PhilNYC]

Phil,

Why maple no thicker than 2.5"?

I have maple platforms from timebernation in both 2" and 4" thickness and to my ears the 4" sound better (I honestly can't remember "how" it sounded better since I don't use them in my main system anymore).

George

Once you get thicker than 2.5" (approximately, of course), the maple starts to impart more of its coloration into the sound.  Perhaps in your case, you preferred that coloration...

(Ken Lyon of Neuance Audio is the one who put this idea in my head, and I did notice it when I tried it...of course, it could have also been the power of suggestion)....

[toobluvr]

I am thinking of just getting a pair of surplus granite slab and set them on spikes as amp stand.  Something like this if I find some near me.

Or is it better to get a pair of maple boards?

I've asked this question on AudioAsylum in the past as well as talked with a couple of folks, and the response is a pretty consistent "Granite/Marble rings, so it's no good".  As a result, I've never taken the plunge to try it.

My 2 cents........

I've read the same thing about "ringing granite".
I've also read that it works very well for certain gear....namely  non-sprung tables.

Click on "my gallery" below to see my granite set-up.  It has improved the sound of my vinyl by leaps and bounds.  Big time improvements in clarity, focus, coherency, inner detail and dimensionality.

It is a 3" thick granite surface plate sitting on a welded steel machinist stand.
Each piece is approx 100 lbs....so over 200 lbs in total.

There is also a smaller 3 shelf DIY MDF rack inserted on the bottom shelf of the steel stand.  It is just laid in and not attached in any way.  But it weighs about 50 lbs and couples very well with the steel.

So at 250 lbs of total stand, and when loaded with all my gear, the whole thing is very solid and behaves as one stand.   All-in-all pretty hefty and rigid.

It's not gonna win any beauty contests, but it works VERY well.
Hard to beat at under $200 shipped.

As in all things audio, there are no absolutes, and YMMV.
I say try it yourself...especially if you can do so cheaply.
Let your own ears be your guide.

[Bingo]

Granite can also flex. It's big plus is mass, but extra vibration damping can help. Try green flower clay. You can float gear with the right tension of springs.  Other vibrations won't excite it.

[Eric]

It should be dead quiet  

[LAL]

This is a somewhat complicated topic. I suggest a search on Tweaks Asylum at Audio Asylum.  If you are trying to tune your system most materials will alter the sound to some degree. If your goal is isolation of your equipment don't be fooled into thinking mass alone will do the trick. In my main listening room, which is carpet over a suspended wood floor, I have a woodstove with cast iron frame and soapstone  weighing about 800lbs.  I can observe vibrations in a dish of water setting on the stove when I crank up my Tumult subwoofer even though the stove is about 12 feet way. On the other hand, the equipment on my audio rack are not visibly effected using the same test although located only 5 feet from the sub. Vibrations traveling through the wood floor can vibrate the 800lb soap stone woodstove what do you suppose they can do to a slab of granite spiked to the floor? That doesn't mean you can't use granite(although sandstone vibrates less)but make sure you use an isolater between the granite slab and the floor. A lightly inflated innertube would be best. Superballs can also be effective in this position. The granite slab would then help mass load the innertube which is a good thing. You can place cones between the component and the slab or try a different approach by using Pandafeet or Herbies Tenderfeet between the componet and the slab. I prefer the latter way myself.