Something Solid DS2 Dissipating Shelf

The DS2 (Dissipating Shelf mk2) is a superb sounding shelf that we highly recommend for use under turntables and electronics.

As the name suggests this shelf is intended to dissipate vibration and it does sound by using end grain balsa wood on the top surface that the equipment sits upon. Balsa wood is a remarkable material, it's incredibly light (so doesn't 'store' energy like heavier materials), is very well damped (so doesn't produce an obvious sound of its own) and yet very strong when used as an end grain as found here.

The balsa blocks are bonded to a stiff but thin plywood backing and there's a cosmetic plywood frame around the outside. The shelves are remarkably strong considering their design and can be used under heavy equipment without issue (items with spiked feet will sink into the balsa but unless exceptionally thin, long and sharp this will not be a problem).

Sonically this shelf has some of the least 'character' of any I've tried. I would describe its influence as very natural, quiet and neutral. That's not to say it loses any dynamics or clout, quite the opposite, it just doesn't seem to have the intrusive negatives that other materials exhibit (i.e. MDF= grey and flat, Chipboard= thick/muddy/coloured, Glass=hard and forwards, and so on!). It appears to have the effect of almost drawing vibration out of the equipment placed upon it.

The only shelf I've found that is better is the DDS, the Double Dissipating shelf detailed here.

  

Due to the use of blocks of Balsa there can be visible gaps on the upper surface, this is quite normal and to be expected from this material. 

It is sized to suit most equipment and equipment supports, please see the dimensions below: