Why You Need To Isolate Your Turntable
Vibration can significantly impact the audio quality of your turntable setup. Turntables are particularly vulnerable to vibrations, which can cause issues like skipping or distorted sound. By investing in an isolation options, you can achieve immediate improvements in sound quality and performance, providing a permanent solution to the persistent issue of unwanted vibrations.
Remember the scene in the Jurassic Park films where Sam Neill and Laura Dern are in the cars with the kids? Wide-eyed with terror, they watch the water in the bottle shake with every step of the T-Rex that terrorizes them throughout their story. This is the perfect example of vibrations caused by something’s movement, and just like that water, our audio is affected by vibrations. Vibration, or the lack thereof, does play an integral role in the quality of sound you receive from your set-up.
“Turntables are especially susceptible to the vibration pest, but once it's properly addressed, it can take your listening to new heights.”
So how should you address it, you ask? Luckily, a wide variety of products exist that dampen the vibrations affecting your turntable. Even more fortunate, Audio Advisor has been researching and selling these products for years. This article will discuss vibration, why you must keep it away at all costs, and the best solutions today.
Bad Vibrations
When it comes to turntables, vibration will always be working against you. Your stylus is incredibly sensitive to plenty of external factors or interruptions. If you've ever been listening to a record that suddenly skips forward or skips tracks altogether, I promise it's not a ghost desperate to change the song. What's happening is that even incredibly subtle vibrations are working their way through your device, altering the stylus' ability to transcribe audio information from your record smoothly. These vibrations can come from anywhere, a shut or open door, footsteps, and even your speakers. Fortunately, there is a solution that can cover all the bases and reduce the vibrations your turntable receives, no matter the source.
It's All About Isolation
So, what is this magical turntable vibration destroyer? Isolation platforms and feet! Unfortunately, they aren't magic, but they work like it because of the advanced technology these companies use to perfect your sound. The key to vibrations is isolating them. Isolation platforms and feet separate your turntable; no surprise, isolate it from vibration sources. Keeping your turntable sturdy and isolated seems simple, and it is! Still, these devices are usually designed with top-grade materials specializing in vibration absorption. The difference in sound quality and performance is immediate. You now have a permanent solution to an otherwise constant problem.
“They aren't magic, but they work like it because of the advanced technology these companies use to perfect your sound.”
Plenty Of Options
As mentioned, turntable isolation comes in two forms, feet and platforms. Most isolation feet are typically used for smaller or lighter gear and will simply screw on or attach to the bottom. Platforms are typically used with larger, heavier turntables and work more like a turntable stand. If neither is a specific factor, then it comes down to preference.
So what can I recommend? There are a lot of options and price ranges out there. While all these options are adequate, price increases will generally correlate with even more excellent performance or material quality. Here are a few options that will work for you regardless of your needs or budget. We wanted to make the best list possible, so while many of these products can be found through our site, there are several products found elsewhere that we can still link you to.
Isolation Feet
Ground It Deluxe uses a heavyweight base filled with granular damping material that helps prevent vibration from your equipment rack or room from reaching your turntable. The base and damping material are anti-resonant.
Budget-Friendly
Vibrapod Isolator Isolation Feet
Vibrations can degrade the sound quality of your hi-fi and video gear. Vibrapod Isolators are designed to isolate your components from vibration in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
Recommended weight range: 52-74lbs per four feet.
Mid-Level
Pangea Audio Mega Large Sorbothane Foot
You may not be getting the full performance potential from your components if you're not isolating them from room vibrations. Pangea Audio Mega Feet are made specifically for power amps, receivers, power conditioners, and other heavier components.
Recommended weight range: 10 to 20 lbs each
Set of 3 for Products from 30 to 60 lbs/set
Set of 4 for Products from 40 to 80 lbs/set
High-End
IsoAcoustics OREA Indigo Isolation Puck
Help your AV gear put its best foot forward by setting your components on top of Isolation Puck Feet. They provide a vast improvement to the hard rubber feet or other foot material that come attached to the chassis of your electronics.
Recommended weight range: 16lbs each, 64lbs per four feet.
Isolation Platforms
Budget-Friendly
Gingko Semi Cloud Turntable Isolation Platform
The Gingko Audio Semi-Cloud is an introductory edition of their Cloud-series, built with an acrylic platform and rubber balls to control vibrations and balance uneven loads with four degrees of freedom in movement.
Recommended weight range: Five balls optimally support up to 50 lbs.
Mid-Level
IsoAcoustics zaZen Isolation Platform
In combination with the mass from the dense platform, the integrated isolators create a high degree of isolation, allowing turntables and electronic components to perform at their best, revealing greater acoustic clarity and detail.
Recommended weight range: ZaZen 1: 15-25lbs; Zazen II: 25-40lbs.
High-End
Pro-Ject Ground it Turntable Base
Ground It and Ground It Deluxe use a heavyweight base filled with granular damping material that helps prevent vibration from your equipment rack or room from reaching your turntable. The base and damping material are anti-resonant.
See recommendations for specific Pro-Ject turntables.
More Options
Now go forth and seek out the best solution to match your budget. Audio Advisor has plenty of options spreading the gamut from Gingko, ISOAcoustics, Pangea Audio, Vibrapod and more. Vibration won't stand a chance!
If you’re still curious about other options you might have, reach out to our expert sales team! With decades of Hi-Fi experience behind them, we can promise excellent service and the best advice in the business. They've got you covered, from more product recommendations to setup suggestions and troubleshooting.