Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why is an Isolation Platform Necessary?
- Turntable Vibration Isolation – How Does It Work?
- The Best Turntable Isolation Platforms
- Gingko Audio Cloud 11 Vibration Control Platform
- Dawn’s Depot Maple Audio Isolation Platform
- Butcher Block Acoustics Audio Isolation Platform
- Right Choice XL-Pro Subwoofer Acoustic Sound Isolation Platform
- Pyle’s Audio Acoustic Noise Isolation Platform PSI08
- PUREST AUDIO Turntable Isolation Platform
- Pro-Ject Isolation Platform
- Pyle’s Sound Dampening Speaker Riser Audio Acoustic Noise Isolation Platform PSI15
- Auralex Acoustics SubDude II Subwoofer Acoustic Isolation Platform
- Auralex Acoustics GRAMMA v2 Isolation Platform
- Conclusion
Introduction
For any audiophile or vinyl collector, the quality of sound provided by your turntable may be a crucial part of your musical experience. Turntables usually already have sound quality that requires some improvement, and vinyl aficionados understand how necessary it is to have isolation platforms for their turntables, in order to ensure high quality sound. Vibration minimization is a significant factor in ensuring that the sound provided to you is of high quality, and this can only be done by an isolation platform.
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Why is an Isolation Platform Necessary?
When you play music using a turntable or record player, structural vibrations from the floor and air have a significant effect on the vinyl being played. The resultant sound ends up being smeared and distorted, with low sound quality being the most noticeable effect. Turntable isolation platforms are meant to eliminate such vibrations and optimize sound quality.
Turntable isolation platforms are simply a long term solution to a permanent, and otherwise unmanageable, problem. While they may seem expensive, they work to provide you with the sound experience you deserve, and one that can only be achieved with the use of a turntable.
Turntable Vibration Isolation – How Does It Work?
A turntable isolation platform may just seem like a tiny table or platform to the eyes of amateurs; however, avid vinyl collectors and turntable owners understand how valuable it is in their experience of sound. An isolation platform basically works to control any extraneous vibrations that negatively impact sound quality. It isolates the turntable, and places it on a platform to ensure great balance of the already delicate device. At its core, the turntable isolation platform controls the bass register of what is being played.
The Best Turntable Isolation Platforms
The following are some of the best turntable isolation platforms available:
Gingko Audio Cloud 11 Vibration Control Platform
This turntable isolation platform may look pretty simple when it meets the eye. However, it has been designed with deep divots in the bottom platform to incorporate up to nine balls, making it highly sturdy, and a safe hold for your turntable. Each ball of this platform can carry up to 10 pounds of weight, making this isolation platform suitable for a number of turntables, especially VPI (which are usually heavier than average). Also, the thick bottom platform and the skirt of the top platform provide extra balance, and ensure that up to 99% of external vibrations remain reduced.
This turntable is not of a standard size; its dimensions are 22.25”x17.25”x2.5”. It can carry much heavier turntables with great ease, and the fact that Gingko Audio has incorporated 9 balls between the two platforms means that you can remain worry-free about the safety of your delicate turntable. The platform is available in an acrylic black finish.
Pros
- Can support heavy turntables,
- Has two platforms connected with balls,
- Heavier bottom platform allows for better vibration reduction,
- Thicker top skirt for better balance and deformation reduction,
- Simple design.
Cons
- It is quite expensive, so it may only suit you if you own a state of the art turntable,
- Only available in one color and design,
- Dimensions are not standard,
- Originally designed for heavy VPI turntables.
Dawn’s Depot Maple Audio Isolation Platform
This is a very simple turntable isolation platform, but its design is quite sophisticated. Made from hard rock maple, this isolation platform is perfect for vibration absorption, as hard rock maple has been used by turn table aficionados for decades. This wood is amazing when it comes to isolation, and it provides a great amount of density for the perfect tone in sound quality. This platform has a satin finish, making it an ideal and aesthetic addition to your lounge area.
This platform is also reversible, which means both sides can be used, as it does not have a defined top or bottom. This platform is available in two different sizes, which means it is versatile and can be used for both smaller and larger turntables. The sizes include 21”x18”x3”, and 21”x21”x3”. It is also compatible with other accessories, and its simplicity allows for you to make ample use of things like brass or copper isolation cones. The cost may seem to be pricey for a wooden platform, it is actually justifiable because of its fine craftsmanship and high quality material.
Pros
- Reversible,
- Available in two sizes (so people with less space can also buy it),
- High quality wood,
- Ideal for controlling sound tone,
- Simple, so it can be used with other accessories,
- Classic design,
- Material has been proven to be effective (as it has been used for decades).
Cons
- Only available in one color and one finish,
- May seem expensive for a simple wooden platform,
- Not very thick (only 3 inches).
Butcher Block Acoustics Audio Isolation Platform
Another turntable isolation platform made of high quality rock hard sugar maple, the Butcher Block Acoustics Audio Isolation Platform provides the perfect amount of vibration reduction and balance to your turntable. This square turntable platform with squared corners is available on Amazon in two sizes, including a small size with dimensions of 19”x16”x1.75”, and a larger size with dimensions of 22”x16”x1.75”. Thus, this isolation platform can be used for different sized turntables, and it can accommodate your room no matter its size. The platform is laminated with edge grain, ensuring a non-slip finish. It is also available in two colors, including maple (a lighter beige) and walnut (a darker brown).
While this simple wooden block seems too simple to be an effective turntable platform, it is actually quite useful, as the rock hard maple it has been fashioned out of has been used for several years to reduce external vibration. Also, many people criticize this platform for only being a wooden block, but it is an effective tool to use against vibration. Do not let looks deceive you when it comes to this isolation platform.
Pros
- Made of high quality rock hard maple,
- Affordable,
- Available in different sizes,
- Available in two colors,
- Designed for the best sound quality and vibration reduction,
- Laminated with edge grain,
- Can be paired with other turntable accessories.
Cons
- Very simple design,
- Not very thick (only 1.75 inches),
- May only look like a wooden block.
Right Choice XL-Pro Subwoofer Acoustic Sound Isolation Platform
This isolation platform has been crafted out of dense foam, which is one of the most effective materials when absorbing extraneous vibrations. It efficiently helps in optimizing sound quality, and allows you to enjoy your sound experience without any hurdles. It keeps sound isolated in the room, and strengthens the bass. This platform is available in a dark black color, and does not include a brand label. It is also reversible, which means it can be used on either side.
This laser cut platform in available in one size, with dimensions of 13.75”x15”x3”. This isolation platform is one of the most affordable ones on this list. Its affordability, modern design, and material are what make it completely worth its price. However, it has not been designed for solely accommodating turntables, and can be used for other systems as well. While some may see this as a drawback, it actually makes this isolation platform more versatile than the other platforms on this list.
Pros
- Very affordable,
- Versatile, as it can be used for other devices as well,
- Made with high density, laser cut foam,
- Reversible,
- Foam density makes it easy to carry turntables,
- Keeps sound isolated in the room,
- Strengthens the bass,
- Simple design pairs well with other turntable accessories,
- Modern design.
Cons
- Not made specifically for turntables,
- The foam may not be the best at optimizing sound quality,
- May be too small for some turntables,
- Only available in one color,
- Does not have the best thickness (especially since it is foam),
- Design is very simplistic.
Pyle’s Audio Acoustic Noise Isolation Platform PSI08
PSI08 is an isolation platform that allows for optimal sound quality to be achieved. It promotes cleaner sound, and completely reduces vibration to its minimal level. It is made with dense and durable foam that is ideal for sound dampening. It also has a non-slip base, which ensures that your turntable will remain safe no matter what. The base has been fashioned out of rubber, while the top plate of the platform has been made out of thick steel. The platform’s base has also been made out of strong carpet material.
This platform can carry up to 67 pounds, which makes it perfect for any kind of turntable. Although it is available in one color, there are several different sizes available, including 7.5”x9.1”, 10.4”x13” and 13”x11”. These sizes are ideal for smaller turntables, but may not be as functional for larger, more robust turntables. Also, this isolation platform is only 1.8” thick, which may not be suitable for some people looking for platforms that are over 3 inches in thickness.
Pros
- Very affordable,
- Includes a steel top,
- Base is very firm,
- Can carry up to 67 pounds,
- Versatile (as it is used for other devices as well),
- Is available in three different sizes,
- Optimizes sound,
- Minimizes vibration,
- Quite heavy duty.
Cons
- Only available in one color,
- The sizes are quite small, and may not be ideal for larger turntables,
- Not very thick,
- Not reversible,
- Has not been designed for turntables specifically.
PUREST AUDIO Turntable Isolation Platform
This turntable isolation platform has been designed specifically for accommodating the weight of turntables of any size. It has been crafted out of high quality dense foam, and provides a lifted platform for the best sound quality and isolation. It minimizes mechanical feedback, and even improves low frequency sound. This platform is available in a dual toned, black and light grey design. The dimensions are perfect for medium sized turntables, as they are 17.7”x14.2”x1.7”.
It weighs 5.7 pounds, making it easy to be moved around if necessary. This cannot be found with other platforms, which are usually too heavy to shift elsewhere. However, this platform has not been cut with a laser, so its cuts may not be consistent. However, the design is quite simple and it does what it was meant to do (minimize vibrations for optimal sound quality). Also, its simplicity makes it perfect for pairing with other turntable accessories.
Pros
- Very affordable,
- Dual toned (light grey and black),
- Made from high quality dense foam,
- Minimizes vibration,
- Easy to move around as it is lightweight,
- Minimizes mechanical feedback,
- Improves low frequency sound,
- Can be easily paired with other turntable accessories.
Cons
- The dimensions are only ideal for medium-sized turntables,
- The cuts of the foam are not very sharp,
- Only made of foam, so may not support heavier turntables,
- Not reversible,
- Very simple design.
Pro-Ject Isolation Platform
This is the second most expensive isolation platform on this list. While that may seem like a hefty price tag for an isolation platform, this platform is worth it for anyone that owns a high quality turntable, and wants to ensure that they have the best sound experience in the market. This particular platform is quite heavy duty at 23.9 pounds, making it highly sturdy, and the best support for your turntable.
This isolation platform comes with 4 adjustable legs, which allow for your turntable to be completely separated from the ground that the platform is on. This guarantees that any vibrations will remain minimized. The dimensions are ideal at 23.9”x20.5”x6.9”. This is the thickest platform on this list, and it is also the sturdiest one. It offers the best isolation out of all the platforms on this list, and has been found to have significantly higher sound quality when in use.
Pros
- Heavy duty,
- Very sturdy,
- Stands on four legs for better separation from floors and shelves,
- Very thick,
- Great dimensions,
- Offers great isolation,
- Can support very heavy turntables.
Cons
- Very expensive,
- Only ideal for costly turntables, or if you have the money to spend on a platform,
- May be too large for some rooms and most tables,
- Harder to move as it is so heavy,
- Only available in a single color,
- Only available in one size.
Pyle’s Sound Dampening Speaker Riser Audio Acoustic Noise Isolation Platform PSI15
Another isolation platform by Pyle, this high quality and budget friendly platform provides you with everything you would want for your turntable. It is portable and easy to move around when needed. The platform dampens sound, and optimizes the quality to provide you with the best experience possible. This is a universal platform that can work with all types of devices, and is ideal for turntables. It has been made with thick and durable foam with a non-slip rubber base. It is quite sturdy, and can support up to 90 pounds of weight. It is available in three different sizes, including 15”x15”, 22.3”x15” and 22.5”x17.8”. It has a 1.8 inch thickness. The edges have been cut precisely, so that the look of the platform is neat and sharp.
It provides a great amount of value for the money you give, as it is a good quality product. However, the foam material may be undesirable for some people, as it may not provide the long term strength that many people are in search for.
Pros
- Very affordable,
- Portable and easy to move around,
- Dampens sound,
- Minimizes vibration,
- Can support up to 90 pounds of weight,
- Very versatile,
- Non-slip base,
- Dense foam material,
- Designed with sharp edges and corners,
- Gives you your money’s worth,
- Available in three different sizes.
Cons
- Not very thick,
- May not be ideal for long term use,
- Only available in one color.
Auralex Acoustics SubDude II Subwoofer Acoustic Isolation Platform
The Auralex Acoustic Isolation Platform is a high quality and very affordable platform that provides you with your money’s worth. It has a simple design, with a smaller base and a wider top. It has been designed to tighten the bass and control low frequency sounds for the best sound experience. It completely minimizes vibrations, and maintains the authenticity of the audio being played.
This platform supports up to 200 pounds of weight, making it highly sturdy. The platform has a non-slip velour covering that will keep your turntable completely safe. The dimensions of this platform are 15”x15”x1.75”. The dual-toned design is classical and sophisticated. This is an ideal platform for anyone looking for a product that is affordable and will do the job.
Pros
- Quite affordable,
- Can support up to 200 pounds of weight,
- Very sturdy,
- Great for controlling low frequency sounds,
- Tightens bass,
- Minimizes vibration,
- Non-slip material,
- Compatible with other turntable accessories,
- Made of high quality material.
Cons
- Only available in one design,
- Only available in one size,
- Not ideal for larger turntables that do not fit the dimensions,
- Very simple design,
- Not specifically designed for turntables.
Auralex Acoustics GRAMMA v2 Isolation Platform
You can get this amazing turntable platform made from good quality material. It has been made as a lower platform for the purpose of ensuring stability for weights as large as 300 pounds. It also has great dimensions of 23”x15”x1.75”. It provides low and mid frequency sounds with control and stability. It guarantees vibration minimization. It has been made with the best isolation material called Ozite, and has been designed with a smaller base and a larger top to maximize stability and provide vibration absorption.
This platform is also quite versatile and, even though it was made for amplifiers, it is actually ideal for turntables. It has great performance, and ensures amazing sound quality. This platform is easy to move around, and has a handle to ensure that it is portable, especially with the 6.7 pound weight.
Pros
- Very affordable,
- Great dimensions which are ideal for any sized turntable,
- Can support up to 300 pounds of weight,
- Made with high quality material that supports isolation,
- Minimizes vibration,
- Portable,
- Handle which makes it easy to carry around,
- Best for low and mid frequency sounds,
- Best performance,
- Very versatile.
Cons
- Only available in one design,
- Only available in one size,
- Made for amplifiers, not specifically designed for turntables.
Conclusion
The platform with the most value on this list is the Pyle’s Sound Dampening Audio Noise Isolation Platform PSI15, as it is affordable and has all of the qualities you would be looking for in a turntable isolation platform. The second pick on this list is the Auralex Acoustics SubDude II Subwoofer Acoustic Isolation Platform, since it has been proven to provide a significantly better sound quality to turntables. The number one pick on this list is the Auralex Acoustics GRAMMA v2 Isolation Platform because of its perfect dimensions, high quality material, and ideal weight limit.
The above-mentioned products are some of the best turntable isolation platforms available on Amazon, and while some may seem to be quite expensive, they are very well worth their cost for the improvement that they bring to the sound quality of your turntable. Good quality and sturdy turntable isolation platforms may be hard to come by, but the ones mentioned on this list have all of the qualities you would need.
They may not seem like a necessity at first, but once you get the chance to listen to music with and without it, you will see what a huge difference it makes on your overall experience, and what you were missing out on before it came into your life. However, the final decision is completely up to you – whether you buy one of the turntable isolation platforms listed above or not.
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