These platforms are very clever and really work! Ideal for turntables, CD players and even pre-amps (particularly valve).
PAB anti-vibration platforms are used for placing audio and (or) video components on them, to isolate them from external vibration; thus minimizing resonances resulting from imposition of those on intrinsic vibration of electronic devices. Very good anti-resonance characteristics of those platforms come from the way the shelf, on which the equipment is placed, is suspended. This suspension is made in such a way, that there is only minimal contact with the environment [the shelf is suspended on four cables going through four pulleys and anchored in tension mechanisms].
However, we also found out, that there are some other things, that have a positive impact on those characteristics:
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Materials for the construction of the shelves and plinths (mostly birch and alder plywood, covered with natural veneers; to a lesser extent MDF and particle boards with synthetic veneer);
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Materials for the mechanisms, that keep the shelf horizontally suspended above the plinth (brass, non-magnetic steel, nylon and rubber);
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Tensioners, allowing to level the shelf and position it on a specific level (note: the platforms supplied to the users have the shelves leveled at the lowest possible level, however the muffs for the tensors have a length of a few centimeters, what allows to rise the shelf significantly and adjust the sonic capabilities of the platform to the needs of the equipment used and personal taste).
Research of the resonance abilities of materials used for the construction of the platform, and long term listening sessions proved, that the anti-vibration platforms made from birch plywood, veneered only from top and bottom with Finnish birch, so having the edges not veneered (please see the picture), sound different (although equally subtle) than platforms, which have their shelves and plinths veneered from all sides. |
