SM - this is not an argument it is a discussion and has so far been civil and I would hope to keep it that way. However I find it somewhat frustrating that you and AK are not giving me technical arguments in support of your position. This is why I keep fighting my corner as you have not really given me an opposing rationale other than saying you think active isolation is snake oil, even after I copied the thread. Dont be so quick to judge - if you can provide me with a compelling argument then I will take it on board. I will defend my position tenaciously but not dogmatically. Doesnt a cartridge allow the deck and arm to function as intended?

Daryl - I absolutely agree with your comments concerning mass. The active SEM isolation solution I was looking at previously didnt have a granite top for exactly those reasons, as both granite and marble ring like a bell in the most sensitive part of the audio spectrum at the dimensions likely to be used for a support. I come from a theoretical physics background for what its worth ;-). I spent quite a bit of time actually trawling the web for the physical properties of all these materials and eventually reached the same decision that you have.