Basalt Slabs For Isolation Platforms

[fleecy_ears]

Does anyone know where to purchase Basalt Slabs which I can get cut to size for isolation platforms.

I'm guessing this the same stuff that Bocchino Audio is trying to flog for $200 per slab. Shoud be able to get it for say $20 - $30 per slab.

I know someone who bought these from bocchino and thinks they are terrific and compare very well with his Grand Prix rack for his amplifiers. Food for thought...

Is this the same stuff people refer to as Bluestone?

[junkmail]

Hello fleecy_ears

you may wish to try someone that specialises in Natural Stone Granite Kitchen Bench tops and Countertops

in your local area

[Aslan]

Hi Guys..............I have found what we need................see attached link:

http://www.ndtjames.com/catalog/ultrasonic...ndardbench.html

I haven't worked up the courage to ask for a quote on supply?

[JA]

Hello fleecy_ears

you may wish to try someone that specialises in Natural Stone Granite Kitchen Bench tops and Countertops

in your local area[/b]

Hello JM and FE,

From a stonemason for benctop material typically 19-20mm thick, figure around $300 to $400 per benchtop meter (600mm wide). $20 to $30 will get you a thick paving tile or slab possibly in natural stone or concrete. Sometimes the benchtop guys will have offcuts at nowhere near this price and you may be lucky. Getting them to cut it (let alone polish the edges) is another matter.

Best

JA

[Guest guru]

Does anyone know where to purchase Basalt Slabs which I can get cut to size for isolation platforms.

I'm guessing this the same stuff that Bocchino Audio is trying to flog for $200 per slab. Shoud be able to get it for say $20 - $30 per slab.

I know someone who bought these from bocchino and thinks they are terrific and compare very well with his Grand Prix rack for his amplifiers. Food for thought...

Is this the same stuff people refer to as Bluestone?

Evening,

Years ago when I worked in retail selling audio gear for a shop that wouldn't discount,I often had customers come back to me to ask questions about their new stereo that they had bought down the road in order to save the $100 that they had received off from a retailer who hadn't demonstrated the gear,who hadn't discussed the client's room and who didn't have exactly the same speakers,but they were a close match.When they got it home and set it up,it didn't quite meet their hopes but perhaps I could help them out with there problem because I had been so helpful in advising them in the first place.Guess what....

Basalt is bluestone but not all bluestone is the same in density and internal structure so you may buy your slabs but they may not quite be the same as your mates,so you may need to borrow his to take along to compare,but it will have to be a very cheap slab to begin with ,probably around the 50 cent mark because you will need to have it machined flat,arrased on the edges [very sharp and bitey if not],cleaned,wrapped and packed for freighting.When I did my research on it the only stonemason's who handled it were in Victoria.Seems like our local boys only like carrara marble or South Australian granite.

Regarding Bocchino's pricing,I use to buy his connectors and they are expensive but the sound from those things was worth every cent.The man makes an excellent product and knows what he is talking about.I figure the man has to eat and feed his family,if you can't afford the product don't speculate that he is ripping you off,it comes across as petty and cheap.You did the same thing with the other post you started regarding the expensive and probably overrated rock maple.May be Terry was right,start with pine and work your way up.

regards,guru.[/b]

[JA]

<blockquote>The man makes an excellent product and knows what he is talking about.I figure the man has to eat and feed his family,if you can't afford the product don't speculate that he is ripping you off,it comes across as petty and cheap.You did the same thing with the other post you started regarding the expensive and probably overrated rock maple.May be Terry was right,start with pine and work your way up.

regards,guru.</blockquote>

Hello Guru,

No one is suggesting that Bocchino (great name BTW :blush: ) doesn't make a good product or is not entitled to make a profit/feed his family. FE asked whether it could be had from elsewhere for much less $. A retail price of 5 to 10 times manufacturing cost is not uncommon. So I dont see the harm in the question and that is why I answered him in the most helpful way possible.

Best

JA

[Guest guru]

<blockquote>The man makes an excellent product and knows what he is talking about.I figure the man has to eat and feed his family,if you can't afford the product don't speculate that he is ripping you off,it comes across as petty and cheap.You did the same thing with the other post you started regarding the expensive and probably overrated rock maple.May be Terry was right,start with pine and work your way up.

regards,guru.</blockquote>

Hello Guru,

No one is suggesting that Bocchino (great name BTW :blush: ) doesn't make a good product or is not entitled to make a profit/feed his family. FE asked whether it could be had from elsewhere for much less $. A retail price of 5 to 10 times manufacturing cost is not uncommon. So I dont see the harm in the question and that is why I answered him in the most helpful way possible.

Best

JA[/b]

Evening JA,

I apologise for not typing faster as I was not aware of your reply,however I to included relevant and helpful information for the enthusiastic builder of a VERY HIGH END NO COMPRIMISE DESIGN AUDIO RACK FRAME.My problem was the assertion of the flogging of what he considered an aggressively priced item and the man.Wouldn't it have been better to enquire as to other members experiences with this product and if they were able to source it elsewhere without the negative connertations regarding Carmine Bocchino and his particular product.

regards,guru.

just between us ,what does BTW mean?

[Jake]

Wouldn't it have been better to enquire as to other members experiences with this product and if they were able to source it elsewhere without the negative connertations regarding Carmine Bocchino and his particular product.[/b]

you did the same thing with the other post you started regarding the expensive and probably overrated rock maple.[/b]

Guru....mate, pull your head in. Fleecy's post about the rock maple didnt even mention anyone but a german company. And as for Bocchino, his products are apparently exceptionally good, but I dont know anyone with enough money to actually buy any of it. Or do you have a bee in your bonnet?

[JA]

Evening JA,

I apologise for not typing faster as I was not aware of your reply,however I to included relevant and helpful information for the enthusiastic builder of a VERY HIGH END NO COMPRIMISE DESIGN AUDIO RACK FRAME.[/b]

Hello Guru,

The other thread (Maple) is not what I was referring to in my reply. I was replying in this thread to the question, in THIS thread.

My problem was the assertion of the flogging of what he considered an aggressively priced item and the man.Wouldn't it have been better to enquire as to other members experiences with this product and if they were able to source it elsewhere without the negative connertations regarding Carmine Bocchino and his particular product.

regards,guru..[/b]

Flogging is a slang term for selling, possibly agressively, but it doesn't neccessarily mean ripping off or selling at outlandish prices . He is simply asking where to purchase (vesicular) Basalt like the Bocchino product. Only FE can say what he felt/meant, but I take his question to have no negative implications.

just between us ,what does BTW mean?[/b]

BTW= By The Way

Best

JA

[Guest guru]

Guru....mate, pull your head in. Fleecy's post about the rock maple didnt even mention anyone but a german company. And as for Bocchino, his products are apparently exceptionally good, but I dont know anyone with enough money to actually buy any of it. Or do you have a bee in your bonnet?[/b]

Hello Jake,

Thanks for your polite responce.The connection between the 2 posts started by Fleecy is the assertion of both material in the case of the maple being over priced and possibly over rated and then the basalt slabs from Bocchino being over priced for what they are.

In the case of the maple,it's hard to gauge what is expensive when you are comparing an imported product ,limited in supply and specifically graded and that of a locally sourced product of non specific similarity.As for the basalt,what I was suggesting that by the time Fleecy was to purchase his basalt and finish it to the same standard as Bocchinno's product including delivery,he might be up for a similar price,so it might not be such an expensive markup after all.And yes I do use his b7 rca's and the matching sockets,nothing else, so no bee's in anyones bonnet.Play the ball,not the man.

regards,guru.

[Jake]

Hello Jake,

Thanks for your polite responce.The connection between the 2 posts started by Fleecy is the assertion of both material in the case of the maple being over priced and possibly over rated and then the basalt slabs from Bocchino being over priced for what they are.

In the case of the maple,it's hard to gauge what is expensive when you are comparing an imported product ,limited in supply and specifically graded and that of a locally sourced product of non specific similarity.As for the basalt,what I was suggesting that by the time Fleecy was to purchase his basalt and finish it to the same standard as Bocchinno's product including delivery,he might be up for a similar price,so it might not be such an expensive markup after all.And yes I do use his b7 rca's and the matching sockets,nothing else, so no bee's in anyones bonnet.Play the ball,not the man.

regards,guru.[/b]

Actually guru, my response wasnt polite, and I apologise. Im just getting a little disappointed by SNA and what I see as people picking on each other. I was no better just then.

However, I see no problem with what fleecy had written myself.

Cheers,

Jake

[JA]

Goodnight Guys,

Have fun and play fair :biggrin:

Best

JA

[Guest guru]

Actually guru, my response wasnt polite, and I apologise. Im just getting a little disappointed by SNA and what I see as people picking on each other. I was no better just then.

However, I see no problem with what fleecy had written myself.

Cheers,

Jake[/b]

Don't worry,I've got one of those tough hides,you know sticks and stones...

If the Bocchino price of $200 hadn't been followed up by his assertion of getting it for maybe $20 or $30 then I wouldn't have an issue. The fact that it implies an aggressive price hike between what he expects to get it for and what Bocchino charges,when there is no indication of similarity in the end result.I'm not saying he can't make a saving in what he wants to do,just do the real sums before making a bold statment of your impending success.

regards,guru.

[Keith_W]

Actually guru, my response wasnt polite, and I apologise. Im just getting a little disappointed by SNA and what I see as people picking on each other. I was no better just then.[/b]

I'm not ... if anything I am proud to be part of a forum where people are civil to each other, and when they are not, they are man enough to apologize

[fleecy_ears]

Sorry, no harm was ever intended to Bocchinno or any other audio equipment reseller. It's just human nature to be inquisitive to just found out what makes a product work the way it does and whether there is room for improvements or alternatives offering similar levels of performance.

I could very well go out tomorrow and purchase the slabs from Bocchinno or the genuine rack from Germany, but before I hand over my cash, I think it's only fair for myself and others on this forum who are interested get all the information they need. furthermore, I also think emails such as this to promote greater awareness of the actual / orignal brands, which can only serve to help those companies in the long run

It's all about choice, so all possible options are laid out before you, prior to making that final decision. Can it be done for less money with similar results, maybe or maybe not. Forums like this allow people to better learn and explore this wonderful hobby in a manner not available by tradional means.

Guru, have a look at John Risch's web site and all the other DIY type articles on the Internet. It's these articles that make the hobby so appealing and really serves to extend the reach of this hobby to a much larger target audience then would otherwise.

After all, this thread was labelled DIY which is no different to all the other millions of DIY arcticles on the internet. eg Bass traps, audio racks, cable lifters, interconnects and all the others that try to emulate a commercial product.

In closing, it's good to know there are many types of Bluestone and thus the performance may vary and that finishing/polishing the basalt may result in a similar cost to the actual Bocchinno product. If in the end I'm not satisfied with my own conclusions based off the generous postings from fellow members, I may just give him a ring and order a pair, so everyone need not worry.

[soundfan]

Does anyone know where to purchase Basalt Slabs which I can get cut to size for isolation platforms.

I'm guessing this the same stuff that Bocchino Audio is trying to flog for $200 per slab. Shoud be able to get it for say $20 - $30 per slab.

I know someone who bought these from bocchino and thinks they are terrific and compare very well with his Grand Prix rack for his amplifiers. Food for thought...

Is this the same stuff people refer to as Bluestone?[/b]

I am waiting for a pair that should be delivered to me within the next couple of weeks and Carmine Bocchino will be delivering them himself. One will be used with my turntable, and am still tossing up whether to use the other slab for my CD player or my tube preamp.

And the slabs cost me $175 each. One needed to be larger due to the large footprint my TT leaves. Still saving for the Mecado Isolation feet, but the guy recommended a simple $40 quad of feet from Jaycar which will do the job until I get the Mecados.

I will give my impressions of the slabs once I have them up and running.

Chris

[Aslan]

Great stuff Chris...........cant wait for your thoughts.

[Bronal]

Actually I thought Bocchino's price was quite reasonable (in hi fi terms).

I'm thinking of getting a couple myself. If they do what he says they do, then my money will have been well spent.

[fleecy_ears]

Hi All,

Okay, I've just placed an order with Bocchino for two Basalt slabs to house the SET monoblocks.

Looking forward to receiving them in one months time.

[junkmail]

fleecy_ears

let us know how they perform when you get them

[TheGiantPanda]

Often a rock may only cost a few dollars at the quarry gate but weighing up to 18Kg and having it wrapped in copious amounts of bubblewrap and other specialised packaging and paying up to $80 just for the wrapping an postage and then onsending this to an end user adds up to the price of such an item; By all means one can go to the source quarry, which is over 900km round trip with all the fuel and can get the rock cheaper!

Edited April 5, 2009 by TheGiantPanda

[null object]

Hi there, this is a little off topic but I thought I'd post my first with an idea I read once in a HIFI magazine. depending on your house and style of floor you could always spend a weekend jacking up your floor from beneith. If you have floor boards in a typical aussie bungalow, shoot out to the car wreckers and buy yourself a dozen jacks. Goto a wood supply company and nick some offcuts and simply build some supports to hold the jack and jack it up to brace the floor. This would greatly improve the sound of the room and It would cost hardly anything. If Rudd gives me enough in this bonus thingo, I'll buy a nice house and do that.

[aertex]

Fleecy Ears, what you may be looking for is slate, as in tiles and stuff which goes under pool tables. Tiles would be cheaper. I am starting to explore this option myself. Slate is common, soft, cheapish (tiles), and relatively easy for a DIYer to cut and "face".

Slate is now used under high end turntables as plinths. They are very good sonically and expensive to buy. Google and you will see. As far as granite, marble, concrete and similar slabs go, they are very easy to cut and shape with angle grinder or circular saw fitted with $3 masonary disc/wheel. I have done this several times very successfully and easily.

Hope this helps in some way.

cheers

Alan

[Mick35]

Basalt and slate, all natural stone in fact varies greatly in quality. Basalt is the most common form of igneous rock most volcanoes spew this stuff, it can vary in density quite a bit from light weight almost pumice like to very dense weighing around 100kg/m2. I'm not sure how these two materials would go as far as isolation goes with audio gear. The reason being is that good quality slate and basalt SHOULD RING WHEN STRUCK WITH A HARD OBJECT. If it DOES NOT and sounds dull then this is due to sediment layers within the stone or impurities fishers and internal cracking.

Basalt is 'CHEAP' as it should be. It is the most common, and found in many places throughout the world.

Slate is more expensive as good quality slate is only found in ITALY and SPAIN. TURKEY is a new contender in the slate and marble arena, but the quality is lacking by a long way.

As a side note most natural stone these days, even the stone that is mined here in Oz is shipped to China for processing then Imported back to the wholesale and retail markets, likewise stone from Europe is also shipped to China sent back to Europe then Exported to Oz and around the World.

Go Figure

[Kiat]

Basalt and slate, all natural stone in fact varies greatly in quality. Basalt is the most common form of igneous rock most volcanoes spew this stuff, it can vary in density quite a bit from light weight almost pumice like to very dense weighing around 100kg/m2. I'm not sure how these two materials would go as far as isolation goes with audio gear. The reason being is that good quality slate and basalt SHOULD RING WHEN STRUCK WITH A HARD OBJECT. If it DOES NOT and sounds dull then this is due to sediment layers within the stone or impurities fishers and internal cracking.

Basalt is 'CHEAP' as it should be. It is the most common, and found in many places throughout the world.

Slate is more expensive as good quality slate is only found in ITALY and SPAIN. TURKEY is a new contender in the slate and marble arena, but the quality is lacking by a long way.

As a side note most natural stone these days, even the stone that is mined here in Oz is shipped to China for processing then Imported back to the wholesale and retail markets, likewise stone from Europe is also shipped to China sent back to Europe then Exported to Oz and around the World.

Go Figure

Basalt is indeed cheap but to have a quarry prepared to cut some up for you, and if you only want a couple of pieces, it is not going to happen. Even if you decide to order 100 pieces, they may agree to do it but then the packing and freight to your place will be about 3 times the price of the basalt. Add up all the cost, it is no longer as cheap. But if you have an uncle that owns a quarry, and you speak nicely to him, he might just get one or two cut up for you but then you will have to drive out to the quarry to collect them, but then that is only a visit to your uncle's place and you can't count that into the cost. so in that case your rock isolation is indeed cheap.