Wooden isolation platform for turntables
IsoAcoustics Delos is an isolation platform for turntables: a solid wood butcher block, made of laminated staves, resting on integrated IsoAcoustics isolators. The stylus tracing the tiny variations of the groove is a delicate system that is very sensitive to vibration: the Delos decouples the turntable from the furniture it stands on and dramatically reduces structural vibrations and resonances.
The mass of the block and the patented isolation work together: the result is a low noise floor that lets clarity and detail come through. The Delos is not only for turntables: it also suits other components, such as tube amplifiers, and is the recommended choice when the turntable has an external motor, because it keeps platter and motor at the same height.
Maple or walnut, two thicknesses
The block is available in maple, with a light amber colour, or in walnut, dark brown with visible grain. Both are hardwoods, also used in instrument making; maple has a Janka hardness of 1450. IsoAcoustics states the same performance for the two woods: the difference is in the appearance. The staves are selected by hand and every block has a pattern of colours and grain unlike any other. The surface is sealed with a urethane-based satin finish that resists stains and most solvents.
Each size comes in two thicknesses, 45 and 76 mm. The thicker block has more mass, which adds to that of the component and makes the damping of vibrations and resonances more effective; for the same size, however, its weight capacity is slightly lower.
Integrated isolators
The isolators are based on the design of the Gaia series: a top isolator, a bottom isolator and a connector, which together avoid a direct path between the component and the supporting surface. They are partially recessed into the wood and fastened to the block; shape, durometer and material are tuned to the weight capacity of each model. The 455 mm platforms have four of them, the 560 mm ones six.
The Delos is meant for a level surface and has no height adjustment. It is chosen by the weight and footprint of the component, comparing the distance between its feet with the width and depth of the block. The weight capacity is based on the performance curve: above that figure the platform holds without harm, but isolation begins to decline. For lighter turntables and components IsoAcoustics offers the zaZen series.
Models, sizes and weight capacities
Each Delos is sold as a single piece, in maple or in walnut: sizes and capacities are the same for both woods.
- Delos 1815M1 (maple) and 1815W1 (walnut): single piece; 455 × 380 mm (width × depth); 45 mm thick; 4 isolators; capacity 29.5 kg (65 lb).
- Delos 1815M2 (maple) and 1815W2 (walnut): single piece; 455 × 380 mm; 76 mm thick; 4 isolators; capacity 24.9 kg (55 lb).
- Delos 2216M1 (maple) and 2216W1 (walnut): single piece; 560 × 405 mm; 45 mm thick; 6 isolators; capacity 45.4 kg (100 lb).
- Delos 2216M2 (maple) and 2216W2 (walnut): single piece; 560 × 405 mm; 76 mm thick; 6 isolators; capacity 40.8 kg (90 lb).
