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Turntable Isolation Feet: How They Improve Sound Quality and How to Select the Best Ones

ByPaul Kester

You’ve invested in a quality turntable, but are you getting the best sound possible? Turntable isolation feet can make a big difference in your listening experience. Let’s explore why these small components matter and how to pick the right ones for your setup.

What Are Turntable Isolation Feet?

Turntable isolation feet are specialized supports that sit under your turntable. They’re designed to minimize vibrations that can interfere with sound quality. These feet replace the standard feet that come with most turntables.

Turntable Isolation Feet

A Brief History

The concept of isolating audio equipment isn’t new. In the 1970s, audiophiles began experimenting with ways to reduce vibrations affecting their gear. Early solutions included placing turntables on concrete slabs or suspending them from the ceiling! As technology advanced, dedicated isolation feet became more common and sophisticated.

Why Isolation Feet Matter

Your turntable is sensitive to vibrations. These can come from:

  1. The speakers themselves
  2. Footsteps in the room
  3. External sources like traffic or appliances

When vibrations reach your turntable, they can cause:

  • Skipping or mistracking
  • Distorted sound
  • Loss of detail in the music

Good isolation feet absorb these vibrations before they reach your turntable’s delicate components. The result? Clearer, more accurate sound reproduction.

Types of Isolation Feet

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for turntable isolation. Different materials and designs offer varying benefits:

Rubber and Silicone

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Effective at damping high-frequency vibrations
  • Easy to find and replace

Cons:

  • May not handle low-frequency vibrations well
  • Can degrade over time

Sorbothane

Pros:

  • Excellent at absorbing a wide range of frequencies
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

  • More expensive than rubber
  • Can be affected by temperature changes

Cork

Pros:

  • Natural material with good damping properties
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons:

  • May not be as effective as synthetic materials
  • Can compress over time

Metal Springs

Pros:

  • Great for isolating low-frequency vibrations
  • Can be adjusted for different weights

Cons:

  • May not handle high frequencies as well
  • More complex to set up

Hybrid Designs

Some isolation feet combine materials for broader spectrum isolation. For example, a metal spring core with a rubber or Sorbothane outer layer.

How to Choose the Right Isolation Feet

Selecting the best isolation feet for your turntable involves considering several factors:

  1. Weight Capacity

Your isolation feet need to support your turntable’s weight. Check the specifications of both your turntable and the isolation feet. Using feet rated for a much higher weight than needed can reduce their effectiveness.

  1. Height

Isolation feet can change your turntable’s height. This might affect your tonearm’s vertical tracking angle (VTA). Look for feet that maintain a similar height to your turntable’s original feet, or be prepared to adjust your tonearm.

  1. Material

Consider the primary vibration sources in your listening environment. If you’re dealing with footfall or low-frequency rumble, metal springs or Sorbothane might be best. For higher frequency issues, rubber or cork could work well.

  1. Adjustability

Some isolation feet offer height adjustment. This can be useful for leveling your turntable or fine-tuning its performance.

  1. Aesthetics

While sound quality should be your primary concern, you might also consider how the feet look with your turntable.

Here are a few worth considering:

IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck Series
These come in different weight capacities and use a proprietary isolation material.

kwmobile Turntable Isolation Feet
Silicone anti-vibration pads with self-adhesive backing for easy installation

Monosaudio Turntable Isolation Feet
A more affordable option that still offers good vibration control.

Tertullus Aluminum Turntable Isolation Feet
CNC machined aluminum feet featuring removable non-slip rubber rings for effective vibration isolation and improved audio clarity.

DIY Solutions

If you’re handy and want to save some money, you can create your own isolation feet:

  1. Tennis Ball Feet
    Cut tennis balls in half and place them under your turntable. The air inside helps absorb vibrations.
  2. Squash Ball Feet
    Similar to tennis balls, but denser. They work well for lighter turntables.
  3. Sorbothane Discs
    Buy Sorbothane sheets and cut them to size. Layer them for better performance.
  4. Cork and Rubber Sandwich
    Alternate layers of cork and rubber for a custom isolation foot.

Remember, DIY solutions may not perform as well as professionally designed products, but they can be a fun and cost-effective experiment.

Installation Tips

  1. Clean the bottom of your turntable before installing new feet.
  2. Ensure your turntable is level after installation.
  3. Place isolation feet at the corners of your turntable for best stability.
  4. If your turntable has three feet, maintain this triangle configuration with new isolation feet.

Beyond Isolation Feet

While isolation feet are important, they’re just one part of optimizing your turntable’s performance. Consider these additional steps:

  1. Wall-Mounting
    If possible, mount your turntable on a sturdy wall shelf. This can significantly reduce floor-borne vibrations.
  2. Isolation Platforms
    A dedicated isolation platform can provide an additional layer of vibration control.
  3. Room Treatment
    Acoustic panels and bass traps can improve overall room acoustics, benefiting your entire system.
  4. Turntable Placement
    Keep your turntable away from speakers and foot traffic areas.

Check out our comprehensive guide on vibration control here.

Measuring the Difference

It can be hard to quantify the improvement from isolation feet. Trust your ears, but also consider these methods:

  1. Record and compare audio samples before and after installation.
  2. Use a vibration measurement app on your smartphone (place it on the turntable platter).
  3. Watch the cartridge under a magnifying glass. Less visible movement during playback indicates better isolation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Over-isolating: Too much isolation can make your turntable sound dull or lifeless.
  2. Ignoring weight ratings: Using feet not rated for your turntable’s weight can lead to poor performance or damage.
  3. Forgetting to re-level: Always check and adjust your turntable’s level after changing feet.
  4. Neglecting other factors: Isolation feet won’t fix a poorly set-up turntable or bad cartridge alignment.

The Future of Turntable Isolation

As vinyl continues its resurgence, we’re seeing more innovation in turntable design and accessories. Future isolation feet might incorporate smart materials that adapt to different vibration frequencies or integrate with turntables for automatic calibration.

Wrapping Up

Turntable isolation feet are a relatively simple upgrade that can yield noticeable improvements in sound quality. By understanding the principles behind them and carefully selecting the right type for your setup, you can take your vinyl listening experience to new heights.

Remember, the best isolation feet are the ones that work well in your specific environment. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options to find what sounds best to you.

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