5 Best Turntable Isolation Platforms: Everything You Need to Know

Published Categorized as Vinyl Gear Guides

Are you fed up with your listening experience constantly being interrupted and ruined by pesky external vibrations? Have you tried everything else and now want to know how a turntable isolation platform can help?

Then step right up for today, we will be exploring the concept of the turntable isolation platform, why it is so important, as well as listing some of the leading examples in turntable isolation platform technology today.

Table of Contents

Turntable Isolation Platform

Why is a Turntable Isolation Platform Important?

Turntable isolation platforms are a must for serious vinyl enthusiasts precisely because they make a real difference to the sound quality. Most anyone who has listened to vinyl knows that it is not exactly the most robust medium for listening to music. It can easily fall prey to the odd unwanted vibration, sometimes so much that it can knock the stylus completely off course, causing the record player to skip.

This is where sound isolation comes in, allowing all kinds of acoustic feedback to be prevented. Some choose to use a record clamp, others isolation feet, and others might even ignore it entirely.

1. Auralex ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform

For a reasonably low price, you can get some serious vibration isolation for your audio equipment. Protect the frequency range of your floor-standing speakers from unwanted vibrations with this superbly constructed supporting structure. As audio accessories go, this really is a must-have for eradicating excess vibrations.

Auralex ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform

2. Butcher Block Acoustics Audio Isolation Platform

In contrast to the rather stylish isolation platform above, this is what looks to be a pure hunk of unadulterated wood. Tube amps disperse, and beware of who goes lurking at night.

Butcher Block Acoustics Audio Isolation Platform - Edge Grain - with Threaded Brass Inserts - Includes ISO-FEET (18" x 15

3. IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform

Using patented isolation technology, the folks over IsoAcoustics sure know how to keep vibrations away from vibrations, if you can dig my parlance. The frequency range of this vessel is particularly impressive.

IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform 17" W x 15

4. Pro-Ject: Ground It E Turntable Base

The minimalist aesthetic of this isolation platform will greatly appeal to fans of Pro-Ject’s other products. Constructed from heavyweight MDF, it is designed to do plenty of leg work at your behest, to bring you the highest quality playback possible, and to improve performance across the board.

Pro-Ject: Ground It E Turntable Base

5. Thorens – TAB 1600 Absorber Base

Finally, we have another turntable manufacturer that has turned its eyes to the manufacturer instead of turntable isolation platforms. While this does not do quite the same job as Sorbothane isolation pads, the result is still incredibly admirable and will no doubt suit those without much taste.

Thorens - TAB 1600 Absorber Base

Final Tones

So, there you have it! Hopefully, you are now feeling a little more clued up on turntable isolation platforms, ready and prepared to even purchase your own and rid yourself once and for all of pesky external vibrations.

FAQs Turntable Isolation Platform

Do I need a turntable isolation platform?

This remains to be seen. Do you suffer from the interminable effects that external vibrations can wreak on the sanctity of your listening experience? If so, then it is very likely that you might need to invest in a turntable isolation platform. Sure, the issue might be caused by some other part of the turntable, but you would do your best to invest in one anyhow. Some opt to use turntable isolation feet instead, though these have been known to limit the frequency range of a turntable or to otherwise block out certain frequencies.

How do you isolate a turntable?

You can do this at home yourself. One of the main things would be to work out what exactly is causing the issue of wreaking its external vibrations onto the turntable. If you can find that, then you can try to limit its effects somewhat. Alternatively, if this is not possible or is not as effective as you would like, you can use turntable isolation feet or a turntable isolation platform to increase the distance between these vibrations and the turntable so that they do not have as much of an effect.

How do you isolate speaker vibration?

One of the best ways to isolate the vibration of the speakers from the turntable and vice versa is to place the speakers on an isolated platform. This can not only help with the transference of vibrations but can also improve the quality of the sound overall, ensuring the bass does not travel where it is not meant to. In addition to this, you can also use turntable isolation feet or an isolation platform to really seal the deal and ensure those vibrations do not get a chance to interfere with your listening experience.

By Robert Halvari

My name is Robert Halvari - audio engineer and a total audiophile. I love vinyl because it has that natural character which brings music to life. I've been using and testing vinyl record players for around 15 years and I'm sharing my love and knowledge of vinyl by publishing all I know at Notes On Vinyl

2 comments

    1. Hey Fred,

      That’s great to hear and I’m ever so glad your listening experience has been enhanced by this. There isn’t much better than chucking on a record and isolating yourself and your music from the world, so to hear that this experience has been enhanced in any way really brings me pleasure.

      Yours,

      Robert.

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