NEW! FLUANCE Isolation Base – A TURNTABLE FORTRESS!
United States of Analog | April 3, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the brand new Fluance IB40 anti-vibration isolation base, which the host describes as being released just days before filming. The host is examining whether this $120 isolation platform can effectively reduce harmful vibrations that affect turntables and other audio equipment.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Fluance IB40 Anti-Vibration Base [00:01:17]
- Price: $120 [00:01:24]
- Weight: Over 10 pounds for the plinth alone [00:01:36]
- Construction: Dense MDF plinth with silicon rubber isolation feet [00:01:36, 00:03:05]
- Finishes: Natural walnut, gloss black, and piano white [00:02:53]
- Features: Built-in bubble level, height-adjustable feet [00:01:48, 00:03:07]
- Claims: Improved low-end reproduction, clear signal, improved imaging [00:03:19]
- Fluance RT81 Plus turntable [00:03:01] – Host mentions owning this model
- Technics turntable [00:04:16] – Used for testing the isolation base (feet overhang slightly)
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The host is excited about getting one of the first units off the production line [00:00:56]
- He considers $120 “incredibly inexpensive” for isolation equipment [00:04:04]
- He believes isolation is most critical for turntables compared to other audio equipment [00:03:33]
- He thinks the product would be “probably worth it” even if it delivers only half of its promises [00:04:13]
- He’s uncertain about the market for this product given its low price point [00:01:22]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- The host emphasizes that “bad vibrations” are “the enemy of all audiophiles” [00:00:04]
- He stresses that turntables are particularly vulnerable to disturbances from footsteps, speakers, air conditioning, and other vibrations [00:03:38]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Opening joke: “I know you’ve heard about good vibrations, but you know what? There’s never been a song written about bad vibrations” [00:00:00]
- Self-deprecating moment: “that’s my stomach” while describing the product [00:01:17]
- Humorous description: Describes the product as “basically a turntable without the turntable” [00:01:28]
- Playful comment: “Like, subscribe, hit that notification bell so I can keep bringing you exciting videos like isolation tables” with apparent sarcasm about how “exciting” isolation tables are [00:02:13]
Summary
The video opens with host Bob from United States of Analog introducing the brand new Fluance IB40 anti-vibration isolation base, a product that just hit the market for $120. He’s particularly excited because this appears to be one of the first reviews of the product, having received it fresh off the production line. The host establishes the central premise that vibrations are the enemy of audiophiles, particularly affecting turntables, and positions this isolation base as a potential solution to these problems.
Bob provides detailed specifications of the IB40, highlighting its construction from dense MDF weighing over 10 pounds, silicon rubber isolation feet that come to a point to minimize surface contact, and a built-in bubble level. The base is available in three finishes matching Fluance’s turntable lineup and is sized slightly larger than typical Fluance turntables to accommodate various brands. He demonstrates its compatibility by showing it with both his Fluance RT81 Plus and a Technics turntable, noting minor overhang with the latter.
Throughout this opening portion, the host expresses skepticism about whether such an inexpensive product can deliver meaningful vibration isolation, given that most isolation solutions cost significantly more. However, he maintains optimism, suggesting that even if the IB40 delivers half of its promised benefits – improved low-end reproduction, clearer signal, and better imaging – it would represent excellent value at $120. He acknowledges that while the base can be used with various audio components, turntables will likely be the primary application due to their particular sensitivity to environmental vibrations.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Fluance Isolation Base (IB40) – [00:07:36]
- Mophie Studio Deck turntable – [00:04:27]
- Fluance RT81 Plus turntable – [00:04:50]
- Technics turntable – [00:04:45]
- BDI cabinet – [00:04:49], [00:05:56]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The isolation base fits perfectly under Fluance turntables and is slightly wider than needed – [00:04:50]
- Successfully eliminated finger tapping resonance that was previously audible through the BDI cabinet – [00:06:24]
- Cannot solve heavy-duty vibration problems like fist bumps or jumping, which still cause needle skipping – [00:06:36]
- Considers it a “peace of mind” purchase – not entirely sure what it does but low risk due to reasonable cost – [00:07:10]
- Has reservations about the aesthetics, saying “it’s a lot” but sound quality takes priority over looks – [00:07:31]
- Sound quality was not negatively affected – [00:07:53]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Tested vibration isolation by tapping fingers on the BDI cabinet – previously could hear sound resonating through the turntable, but with the Fluance base this was eliminated – [00:06:16]
- Performed more aggressive tests (fist bump, jumping) which still caused needle skipping – [00:06:36]
- The “Jurassic Park method” (glass of water on platter while tapping) was attempted but deemed unproductive – [00:05:03]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- Mentions $120 investment won’t fix serious vibration problems – [00:06:57]
- Describes it as low risk due to reasonable cost – [00:07:18]
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Tom Petty’s “Mojo” album was being listened to during testing – [00:08:01]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Recommends BDI cabinets despite being “a little pricey” because “when you get it, you never look back” – [00:05:56]
- Notes that his listening room setup includes wall-to-wall carpet and solid BDI foundation – [00:06:04]
- Explains the challenge of testing vibration isolation scientifically – [00:04:58]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “It’s great for dinosaurs, not so good for isolation platters” (referring to the Jurassic Park water glass test) – [00:05:17]
- “I call it a peace of mind thing, a peace of mind piece of gear where you’re not really sure what it does but it didn’t cost you a lot so there’s just a little risk there” – [00:07:10]
- “I’m out of my depth” (regarding vibration testing) – [00:05:35]
Summary
In this portion, the host tests the Fluance IB40 Isolation Base with various turntables, noting compatibility issues and planning to use it primarily with his Mophie Studio Deck. He acknowledges the difficulty of scientifically testing vibration isolation, dismissing his “Jurassic Park method” of using a glass of water as unproductive and admitting he’s “out of his depth” with vibration analysis.
The host conducts informal testing in his carpeted listening room, which features a BDI cabinet setup. His tests reveal that the isolation base successfully eliminates minor vibrations (finger tapping resonance), but cannot handle more severe disturbances like direct impacts or heavy footsteps, which still cause needle skipping. He sets realistic expectations, noting that a $120 investment won’t solve serious vibration problems.
Despite uncertainty about the isolation base’s exact benefits, the host frames it as a “peace of mind” purchase – reasonably priced with low risk and probable benefits. While he has aesthetic concerns about its substantial appearance under a turntable, he prioritizes sound quality over looks. He confirms that the device doesn’t negatively impact sound quality and was testing it with Tom Petty’s “Mojo” album during his evaluation.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Fluance IB-40 anti-vibration bass/platform [00:10:46]
- Fluance turntables [00:10:10]
- Hardware store bubble levels as alternative to “audiophile levels” [00:10:33-00:10:43]
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
- [00:08:06] Felt the bass was “a little more focused” but acknowledges uncertainty about whether it was imagination or reality
- [00:08:39] Considers it “a good solution” that’s “priced for the common man”
- [00:08:25] Believes it’s “probably a better solution than going down to Ikea and buying a bulky cutting board”
Final Recommendations
- Consider/Buy: [00:08:22] “it’s kind of worth the risk” at $120
- [00:08:53] Recommends it for those with “small vibration problems or you think you do in your system”
- [00:09:13] If you have a Fluance turntable, get matching finish; otherwise “just go with basic black”
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
- [00:09:04] Warning about gloss black finish: “your problem is going to be fingerprints and dust”
- [00:10:29] Recommends getting an additional bubble level from hardware store for $3 [00:10:33]
- [00:09:49-00:10:14] Confusion about leveling when both platform and turntable have adjustable feet – suggests leveling the platform first, then adjusting turntable feet
How the Video Wrapped Up
- [00:10:51] Product is “brand new” and “currently sold out at the time of this taping”
- [00:10:59] Asks viewers about their vibration problems and solutions
- [00:11:10] Invites debate about whether it’s “audio snake oil”
- [00:11:15] Standard sign-off: “I’ll see you next time, my friends, in the United States of Analog”
- [00:11:32] Bonus content showing behind-the-scenes moment about crooked hat
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- [00:08:42] “I think it’s priced for the common man who drives the common van such as myself”
- [00:10:37] Joke about selling $3 hardware store levels “for like fifty dollars as audiophile levels”
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host gives a cautiously positive assessment of the Fluance IB-40 isolation platform. While admitting he’s uncertain whether the perceived bass improvement was real or imaginary, he concludes that at $120, it’s “worth the risk” and represents a better value than DIY alternatives from Ikea. He positions it as an accessible solution for “the common man” dealing with minor vibration issues.
The host provides practical advice about finish selection, warning about fingerprint issues with the gloss black option, and recommending buyers match their existing Fluance turntables or stick with basic black. However, he encounters confusion about the leveling process when both the platform and turntable have adjustable feet, ultimately recommending viewers purchase an additional bubble level from a hardware store rather than relying solely on the embedded one.
The video concludes with the host noting the product’s current sold-out status and engaging viewers with questions about their own vibration challenges and skepticism about audio accessories. He maintains his characteristic conversational tone throughout, mixing genuine product assessment with humor about “audiophile” pricing and ending with a behind-the-scenes moment that adds personality to the technical review.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
