Audio T Verdict
The IsoAcoustics DELOS combines a substantial hardwood butcher-block platform with integrated directional isolators to provide a stable foundation for turntables and vibration-sensitive hi-fi components.
Its platform mass helps resist movement, while the patented isolators reduce structural vibration travelling between the equipment and its supporting rack, shelf or furniture.
This is particularly valuable with a turntable, where the stylus is attempting to follow extremely small movements within a record groove. Footsteps, loudspeaker energy and vibration from the supporting structure can all interfere with that process.
DELOS is also an excellent solution for turntables with separate motors because the main deck and motor can sit together on the same isolated platform, maintaining the correct height and belt alignment.
Two footprints, two butcher-block thicknesses and Maple or Walnut finishes provide options for equipment weighing up to 45.4kg. Choosing the correct version requires checking both the equipment weight and the position of its feet.
IsoAcoustics DELOS Turntable and Hi-Fi Isolation Platform
The IsoAcoustics DELOS is a substantial isolation platform designed for turntables, valve amplifiers and other vibration-sensitive audio components.
It combines the mass and stability of a laminated Maple or Walnut butcher block with IsoAcoustics’ patented integrated isolators.
The platform is available in two footprints and two wood thicknesses, with four or six isolators selected according to the size and supported load.
Select the Correct Model Before Ordering
DELOS models have different dimensions and equipment weight limits.
Check the net weight of the turntable or component and measure the distance between its feet. All supporting feet, and any separate turntable motor, must fit safely on the selected platform.
Eight Current DELOS Variants
Each size and thickness is available in either Maple or Walnut. The wood choice changes the appearance rather than the intended isolation performance.
DELOS 1815M1 or 1815W1
- 455mm wide
- 380mm deep
- 45mm butcher-block thickness
- Four integrated isolators
- 29.5kg equipment capacity
- Maple or Walnut
DELOS 1815M2 or 1815W2
- 455mm wide
- 380mm deep
- 76mm butcher-block thickness
- Four integrated isolators
- 24.9kg equipment capacity
- Maple or Walnut
DELOS 2216M1 or 2216W1
- 560mm wide
- 405mm deep
- 45mm butcher-block thickness
- Six integrated isolators
- 45.4kg equipment capacity
- Maple or Walnut
DELOS 2216M2 or 2216W2
- 560mm wide
- 405mm deep
- 76mm butcher-block thickness
- Six integrated isolators
- 40.8kg equipment capacity
- Maple or Walnut
Understanding the DELOS Model Names
The first four digits describe the approximate platform size in inches. An 1815 model measures approximately 18 × 15 inches, while a 2216 model measures approximately 22 × 16 inches.
The letter identifies the wood. M denotes Maple and W denotes Walnut.
The final number identifies the butcher-block thickness. Model 1 uses a 45mm block, while model 2 uses the thicker 76mm block.
Model-Code Examples
1815M1: 18 × 15-inch footprint, Maple, 45mm block.
2216W2: 22 × 16-inch footprint, Walnut, 76mm block.
Turntable Isolation
A turntable cartridge generates an electrical signal by following extremely small movements within the record groove.
Vibration reaching the turntable through its supporting furniture can interfere with this process, contributing to acoustic feedback, low-frequency colouration, reduced clarity or instability during playback.
The DELOS creates a stable isolated foundation intended to reduce structural vibration before it reaches the turntable.
Footsteps and Suspended Floors
Turntables used on suspended timber floors can be particularly vulnerable to movement caused by footsteps.
The mass of the DELOS and its integrated isolators can reduce the effect of structure-borne vibration travelling through the furniture into the turntable.
No platform can compensate for a rack or floor that moves excessively, so the supporting structure must still be rigid, level and safely positioned.
Isolation Cannot Correct an Unstable Rack
The supporting shelf or furniture must be strong enough to carry the combined weight of the DELOS and the equipment.
Do not position the platform on furniture that rocks, flexes heavily or cannot support the complete installation safely.
Lowering the Mechanical Noise Floor
Mechanical vibration can obscure subtle musical information even when it is not strong enough to cause the stylus to jump.
Reducing this interference may allow low-level detail, ambience and spatial information within a recording to become easier to hear.
The scale of any improvement will depend on the turntable, supporting furniture, floor construction, loudspeaker position and existing isolation.
What Improvements Might You Hear?
- Reduced sensitivity to structural vibration
- Greater low-level detail
- Cleaner bass definition
- Improved soundstage focus
- Clearer midrange reproduction
- A quieter perceived background
The DELOS is designed to reveal more of the performance already available from the supported component rather than change its fundamental tonal character.
Ideal for Turntables with External Motors
A turntable with a separate motor requires the motor pulley and platter to remain at the correct relative height.
Placing isolators only beneath the turntable chassis can raise the deck while leaving the motor below it, potentially altering the angle or alignment of the drive belt.
The DELOS provides one large level platform that can support both the turntable and its external motor together.
Measure the Complete Turntable System
Include the separate motor, power connection, belt path and any external control unit that must sit beside the turntable when checking the required platform size.
Ensure that every supporting foot remains fully within the usable platform area.
Suitable for Other Hi-Fi Components
Although primarily promoted as a turntable isolation platform, DELOS can also be used beneath compatible valve amplifiers and other vibration-sensitive audio components.
The equipment must fit safely within the platform dimensions and remain below the published weight limit for the selected model.
Ventilation openings must not be obstructed, and the component manufacturer’s clearance instructions must still be followed.
Valve Amplifiers
Valve amplifiers contain glass valves and other components that may respond to mechanical vibration.
A DELOS can provide a stable isolated base while supporting the amplifier on its existing feet.
Allow sufficient open space around and above the amplifier for heat to escape. Do not place a valve amplifier inside tightly enclosed furniture simply because the DELOS fits within it.
Heat and Ventilation Remain Essential
The DELOS is an isolation platform and does not provide cooling.
Follow the amplifier manufacturer’s ventilation instructions and keep the wooden platform away from excessive heat or direct contact with hot valves and heatsinks.
Laminated Hardwood Butcher Block
The platform is constructed from individual hardwood rails or staves selected, cut and laminated together.
This creates a substantial and stable butcher-block structure with an individual pattern of wood grain and colour.
The mass of the block complements the integrated isolators and provides a solid foundation beneath the supported equipment.
Maple Finish
Maple DELOS platforms have a light amber appearance that works particularly well with lighter furniture and natural wood equipment racks.
Maple is a dense and durable hardwood with strong resistance to everyday dents and scratches.
The laminated construction produces natural differences in colour and grain across each platform.
Walnut Finish
Walnut DELOS platforms have a darker brown appearance with more prominent changes in grain and tone.
They provide the same intended isolation performance as the equivalent Maple models, so the choice can be made according to appearance and the surrounding furniture.
Natural variation means that no two Walnut platforms will look exactly alike.
Maple or Walnut?
Choose Maple for a lighter amber appearance or Walnut for a darker and richer finish.
IsoAcoustics states that both woods provide the same level of intended performance. The primary difference is visual.
Every Platform Is Visually Unique
Natural hardwood varies in grain, colour and pattern.
The individual laminated sections are selected and combined to create a stable structure, but the appearance will differ from platform to platform.
These variations are part of the material rather than manufacturing faults.
Satin Protective Finish
The hardwood block is sealed with a urethane-based satin finish intended to resist stains and many common solvents.
Clean the platform using a soft dry or slightly damp cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners.
Do not allow liquids to remain on the wood and do not use aggressive chemicals without confirming their suitability.
Patented Integrated Isolators
The isolators are based on technology developed for IsoAcoustics’ GAIA Series.
Each isolator uses interacting upper and lower sections with an internal connector, avoiding a simple rigid path between the live equipment and the supporting surface.
The shape, material and hardness of the isolators are tuned for the intended load range of each DELOS model.
Partially Recessed and Securely Fitted
The isolators are partially recessed into the underside of the butcher block and fastened securely in place.
This gives the platform a strong and integrated connection rather than relying on loose isolation feet positioned underneath it.
The complete DELOS platform can therefore be positioned as one finished unit.
Why the Weight Limit Matters
IsoAcoustics determines its weight limits using the performance curve of the isolators.
The platform may physically carry more than the quoted figure, but isolation performance begins to decline when the supported load exceeds the specified range.
Select a DELOS model whose published equipment capacity covers the complete turntable or component weight.
Do Not Deliberately Exceed the Published Capacity
The weight limits are set to preserve the intended isolation performance.
Include every item placed on the platform, such as an external motor, power controller or separate component, when calculating the supported load.
Why the Thicker Platform Has a Lower Equipment Capacity
The 76mm butcher block contains more hardwood and therefore adds more mass to the isolation system.
This leaves a slightly lower published capacity for the equipment placed on top than the corresponding 45mm model.
The thicker block is chosen for its additional mass, not because it carries a heavier component than the thinner version.
45mm or 76mm Butcher Block?
Choose the 45mm Model When
- A lower overall installation height is important
- The higher equipment load capacity is required
- The supporting rack has limited vertical clearance
- A less visually substantial platform is preferred
- The Product Selection Wizard recommends it
Choose the 76mm Model When
- The additional platform mass is preferred
- The increased height suits the installation
- The component remains within its lower load limit
- A more substantial butcher-block appearance is wanted
- The Product Selection Wizard recommends it
1815 or 2216 Footprint?
Choose the 1815 Platform When
- A 455 × 380mm surface is sufficient
- The equipment feet fit safely within the platform
- The component weighs no more than 29.5kg or 24.9kg
- The supporting furniture has limited width
- Four integrated isolators suit the required load
Choose the 2216 Platform When
- A larger 560 × 405mm surface is required
- A wide turntable or external motor must be accommodated
- A component weighs up to 45.4kg or 40.8kg
- The supporting rack can safely carry the larger platform
- Six integrated isolators suit the required load
Measure the Equipment Feet
Measure the distance between the outer edges of the component’s supporting feet rather than relying only on its published cabinet dimensions.
Some turntables have feet set well inside the plinth, while others place them close to the outer corners.
All feet must remain fully supported without balancing on or extending beyond the platform edge.
Cabinet Size Alone Is Not Enough
A component may appear to fit within the overall platform dimensions while one or more feet extend beyond the usable surface.
Check the actual contact points before selecting the DELOS model.
Supporting Furniture
The DELOS must sit on a rigid, stable and level rack, shelf or item of furniture.
The supporting surface must be large enough for all integrated isolators and strong enough to carry the combined weight of the platform and equipment.
Do not allow any DELOS isolator to hang beyond the edge of the shelf.
No Height or Levelling Adjustment
DELOS platforms do not include adjustable feet or an independent levelling mechanism.
The underlying shelf or rack must therefore be level before the platform is installed.
Turntables should be checked with an appropriate spirit level after installation and adjusted using the turntable’s own approved method where available.
Installation Guide
- Confirm the complete equipment weight
- Measure the position of every supporting foot
- Include any external turntable motor in the measurements
- Select the correct footprint and capacity
- Check that the furniture can support the combined load
- Clean and level the supporting shelf
- Position every DELOS isolator fully on the shelf
- Use two people where the platform or component is heavy
- Carefully position the component on the butcher block
- Confirm that every component foot is fully supported
- Check turntable level and external motor alignment
- Arrange cables so they do not pull against the equipment
- Recheck the complete installation before use
Take Care with Heavy Components
A large DELOS supporting a heavy turntable or amplifier can create a substantial combined load.
Use appropriate lifting assistance and never attempt to slide the platform across delicate furniture while fully loaded.
Cable Management
Power, signal, earth and motor cables should have sufficient free movement after the component has been raised onto the platform.
A tight or heavy cable can create a mechanical connection between the isolated component and the rack, reducing the benefit of the platform or pulling the equipment out of position.
Arrange cables in gentle curves and avoid placing heavy connectors under strain.
DELOS or zaZen?
Choose DELOS When
- The component weighs more than 18.1kg
- A larger platform is required
- A substantial hardwood block is preferred
- Maple or Walnut suits the system
- A heavy turntable or valve amplifier is being supported
- Capacity up to 45.4kg is required
Choose zaZen When
- The component weighs no more than 11.3kg or 18.1kg
- A lower-profile platform is preferred
- A smaller 432 × 381mm surface is sufficient
- A black finish suits the system
- A more affordable platform solution is required
- The Product Selection Wizard recommends it
The IsoAcoustics zaZen Series provides a lower-profile platform for lighter turntables and components weighing up to 18.1kg.
DELOS or OREA?
Choose DELOS When
- A complete flat platform is preferred
- The component’s feet should remain in use
- A separate turntable motor must sit at the same height
- A substantial platform mass is useful
- Simple one-piece installation is preferred
Choose OREA When
- Individual isolators can contact the chassis directly
- A lower-profile installation is required
- The component shape does not require a full platform
- Three-point or four-point isolation is suitable
- The correct model and quantity match the weight
The IsoAcoustics OREA Series uses individual isolators positioned beneath compatible turntables, amplifiers, digital sources and other audio components.
Safety and Stability
The complete installation must remain stable once the platform and equipment are in place.
Do not use a DELOS that overhangs the supporting furniture, rocks on an uneven surface or causes the rack to become top-heavy.
Additional care is required in homes with children or pets and where the equipment may be knocked.
Do Not Use an Unsafe Combination
The platform cannot compensate for unsuitable furniture, insufficient shelf capacity or poorly balanced equipment.
Use the IsoAcoustics Product Selection Wizard below or contact Audio T if the correct platform size and capacity are uncertain.
FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR ALL YOUR ISOLATION NEEDS USING THE SELECTION WIZARD BELOW:
IsoAcoustics Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Isolation platform for turntables and hi-fi equipment
- Suitable for compatible valve amplifiers
- Ideal for turntables with external motors
- Supports deck and motor at the same height
- Patented IsoAcoustics isolation technology
- Integrated directional isolators
- Isolators based on GAIA technology
- Isolators partially recessed into the platform
- Substantial laminated hardwood construction
- Butcher-block mass adds stability
- Designed to reduce structure-borne vibration
- Designed to reduce reflected vibration
- Can help lower the mechanical noise floor
- Can improve perceived clarity and detail
- Can improve bass definition
- Can improve soundstage focus
- Two platform footprints
- 455 × 380mm smaller footprint
- 560 × 405mm larger footprint
- 45mm butcher-block option
- 76mm butcher-block option
- Four or six integrated isolators
- Equipment capacities from 24.9kg to 45.4kg
- Maple finish available
- Walnut finish available
- Maple and Walnut provide equivalent intended performance
- Natural grain makes each platform unique
- Urethane-based satin protective finish
- No height adjustment
- Level supporting surface required
- One complete platform supplied
- Integrated Product Selection Wizard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IsoAcoustics DELOS?
It is a hardwood isolation platform combining a substantial butcher block with integrated IsoAcoustics isolators.
What equipment can it support?
It is designed primarily for turntables and can also be used with compatible valve amplifiers and other vibration-sensitive components.
Is it only for turntables?
No. IsoAcoustics also recommends it for suitable audio components, including valve amplifiers.
Why is it useful with an external turntable motor?
The turntable and motor can sit together on the same platform, maintaining their relative height and belt alignment.
Does it completely eliminate vibration?
No isolation product can guarantee the removal of every vibration. DELOS is designed to substantially reduce structure-borne vibration and resonance.
Can it help with footsteps?
It can reduce vibration reaching the turntable through its furniture, although the result depends on the floor, rack and severity of the movement.
What sizes are available?
The smaller platform measures 455 × 380mm and the larger platform measures 560 × 405mm.
Which butcher-block thicknesses are available?
Each footprint is offered with either a 45mm or 76mm hardwood block.
Does the stated thickness include the isolators?
The figures describe the butcher-block thickness. The integrated isolators add to the complete installed height.
Which woods are available?
The current range is available in Maple or Walnut.
Does Maple sound different from Walnut?
IsoAcoustics states that both provide the same intended performance. The principal difference is their appearance.
Will every Maple or Walnut platform look identical?
No. Natural variations in colour and grain mean that every laminated hardwood platform is visually unique.
What does 1815 mean?
It identifies the approximate 18 × 15-inch platform footprint.
What does 2216 mean?
It identifies the approximate 22 × 16-inch platform footprint.
What do M and W mean?
M identifies Maple and W identifies Walnut.
What do the final numbers mean?
Model 1 uses the 45mm block, while model 2 uses the thicker 76mm block.
What is the capacity of an 1815M1 or 1815W1?
The maximum recommended equipment weight is 29.5kg.
What is the capacity of an 1815M2 or 1815W2?
The maximum recommended equipment weight is 24.9kg.
What is the capacity of a 2216M1 or 2216W1?
The maximum recommended equipment weight is 45.4kg.
What is the capacity of a 2216M2 or 2216W2?
The maximum recommended equipment weight is 40.8kg.
Why does the thicker model have a lower equipment capacity?
The thicker butcher block adds more mass to the isolation system, leaving a slightly lower published capacity for the equipment positioned on top.
Can DELOS support more than its quoted limit?
IsoAcoustics states that the platform may physically support additional weight, but isolation performance begins to decline above the published limit. Exceeding it is not recommended.
How do I choose the right size?
Check the complete equipment weight and measure the distance between its supporting feet. Use the Product Selection Wizard above where required.
Do I measure the turntable cabinet or its feet?
Measure the position of the feet because these are the points that must be fully supported by the platform.
Does it have adjustable feet?
No. The DELOS is designed for use on a level supporting surface and has no height adjustment.
Can it level my turntable?
No. The rack or shelf must first be level. Use the turntable’s approved levelling method where adjustment is required.
Can I use it beneath a valve amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier fits safely, remains within the weight limit and receives all required ventilation.
Can it be used beneath digital components?
It can support other compatible audio components, although a zaZen or individual OREA isolators may provide a more compact solution for lighter equipment.
What is the difference between DELOS and zaZen?
DELOS uses a larger Maple or Walnut butcher block and supports equipment weighing up to 45.4kg. zaZen is smaller, lower profile and intended for equipment weighing up to 18.1kg.
What is the difference between DELOS and OREA?
DELOS is a complete platform supporting the equipment on its existing feet. OREA products are individual isolators positioned beneath compatible equipment.
How should the wood be cleaned?
Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, aggressive chemicals and leaving liquid on the wooden surface.
Is the turntable included?
No. The selected DELOS isolation platform is supplied without a turntable or other audio component.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable isolation demonstrations
- Equipment weight and footprint checks
- DELOS model-selection guidance
- Maple and Walnut finish advice
- External-motor turntable setup assistance
- Rack and shelf compatibility checks
- Turntable levelling guidance
- Comparison with zaZen and OREA products
- Valve-amplifier isolation advice
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm the correct IsoAcoustics DELOS platform for your turntable, external motor, component weight and supporting furniture.