What are the BEST Isolation Materials for Turntables?

Key Turntable Isolation Features Detailed Breakdown

Recently, while assisting a customer with a turntable setup, the client asked why they could hear their footsteps when approaching the turntable to change tracks or albums. I explained that it’s all about isolation and the materials used in the turntable's initial design. I recommended one of my custom-built isolation platforms, designed to minimize those audible subsonic waves. This conversation inspired me to write this article, aiming to clarify the reasons behind these issues, discuss the pros and cons of different materials, and explain how isolation and design play critical roles in achieving superior sound quality by minimizing unwanted vibrations.

Isolation feet and platforms are essential for managing external and internal vibrations, ensuring your turntable operates smoothly and maintains optimal audio performance. This article explores the best materials used for isolation feet and platforms, examining their pros and cons to help you make an informed choice for your setup.

Isolation Feet for Turntables

Isolation feet, placed under the turntable, absorb and dampen vibrations, reducing noise and enhancing audio clarity. The material used in these feet significantly affects their ability to handle different types of vibrations.

Materials and Their Pros and Cons:

1. Rubber

Pros: Rubber is commonly used for its elasticity and vibration-absorbing properties. It is affordable and effective in various designs.

Cons: The damping effectiveness varies with hardness. Soft rubber may allow excessive movement, while hard rubber might not absorb vibrations effectively, potentially affecting sound quality. Over time, rubber can harden, so older turntable feet should be inspected and replaced if necessary.

2. Sorbothane

Pros: Sorbothane, a viscoelastic material, is excellent at isolating low-frequency vibrations, making it ideal for turntable feet. It is also available in sheets that can be applied under the plinth or on top of isolation platforms for added performance.

Cons: Sorbothane can sometimes overly dampen vibrations, leading to a slightly muffled sound. Over time, it may compress under heavy loads, reducing its effectiveness.

3. Silicone

Pros: Silicone provides balanced damping and is commonly used in mid-range turntables. It offers adequate isolation without softening the sound too much.

Cons: Silicone does not absorb as wide a frequency range as Sorbothane, which can limit its overall performance.

4. Cork

Pros: Cork is lightweight, offers decent vibration absorption, and is environmentally friendly. It is often combined with rubber to improve its damping properties.

Cons: Cork alone may not be sufficient for high-end setups. Its performance can diminish with compression and changes in humidity.

5. Felt

Pros: Felt is simple, affordable, and provides basic damping, often used with other isolation materials.

Cons: Felt offers minimal vibration absorption and can compress over time, reducing its effectiveness.

6. Metal (Aluminum, Stainless Steel)

Pros: Metal feet, often combined with damping materials, provide a stable base and can significantly reduce vibrations. Aluminum is favored for its light weight and rigidity.

Cons: Metal alone does not absorb vibrations and may even reflect them. It needs to be paired with softer materials to function effectively.

Isolation Platforms for Turntables

Isolation platforms provide an additional layer of vibration control by creating a stable base for the turntable. They help absorb and dissipate vibrations, improving audio performance, especially when combined with isolation feet. I recommend platforms with multiple damping layers and a combination of materials like wood and Sorbothane.

Materials and Their Pros and Cons:

1. Granite/Marble

Pros: Granite and marble platforms add mass and stability, effectively absorbing vibrations. They are aesthetically pleasing and enhance the overall look of an audio setup.

Cons: These materials can be too rigid and may reflect vibrations back into the turntable. Pairing them with softer damping materials is recommended.

2. Wood (Maple, Bamboo)

Pros: Wood, especially maple, offers balanced damping and natural sound. Bamboo is a favorite of mine due to the air pockets within its structure, which aid in vibration control.

Cons: Wood can warp over time, especially in fluctuating humidity. Different types of wood vary in effectiveness, with softer woods providing less isolation.

3. Sandwich Constructions (Multi-Layer Designs)

Pros: Multi-layer platforms combining materials like wood, rubber, and metal offer customized damping characteristics, targeting specific vibration frequencies.

Cons: These platforms can be costly and heavier than single-material platforms, and custom designs may be required for optimal results.

4. Sorbothane Pads or Pucks

Pros: Sorbothane pads can be placed beneath platforms to provide targeted damping, especially for low-frequency isolation. They are easy to integrate and significantly enhance the performance of materials like stone or wood.

Cons: Over time, Sorbothane pads may compress and lose effectiveness, and overuse can slightly alter sound quality.

Conclusion

For the best turntable performance, regardless of your setup's quality or price, selecting the right isolation materials is crucial. Each material has its strengths and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to choose based on your specific audio needs. By carefully combining these materials, you can reduce unwanted vibrations and ensure your turntable delivers the highest sound quality.

If you are interested Xavier's turntable setup and calibration services, reach out to him at: captainanalogue@gmail.com

References

The insights in this article are based on personal experience, foundational principles of audio engineering, and over a decade of professional turntable setups and isolation table builds. Key references include:

"The Audio Cyclopedia" by Howard M. Tremaine (1959) – A classic reference on vibration control in audio systems.

Turntable Manufacturer Manuals (1970s-1980s) – Manuals from brands like Linn, Thorens, and Rega, detailing isolation techniques and material choices.

Hi-Fi Magazines (1970s-1990s) – Publications like Stereo Review, Hi-Fi News, and Stereophile, which have shaped industry standards for turntable isolation.