Any suggestions where I might source a spiked (granite?) platform for my hi-cap please. Have run out of slots on the Fraim! Ideally not to break the bank!
Lots of off cuts available on eBay. Some worktop places even Offer them free. You can add your own spikes. Is granite the best material? I’d heard that thick birch plywood was better. Interested in others thoughts.
Thanks. But I have virtually zero practical skills…..
Hicaps are nothing like as sensitive to their supports as turntables, source components and preamps. I’d just place it on a piece of MDF or plywood. If you really want granite, the idea of an offcut is very good. I have a piece that I got from a stone supplier, and had polished edges added. I bought it to support a MusicWorks mains block but it made the sound worse, so we now use it beneath a set of scales so they work on carpet.
Have you considered buying an extra Fraim base and splitting the rack in two. Not only would it sound much better, you’d then have a shelf for the Hicap.
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Nice thought, but no room to split the Fraim.
Or you could ditch the CD plsyer and just use the streamer. Voila, space for a Hicap.
You really don’t need any. Granite (or wood) off cut. Self adhesive spikes at each corner ( or 3 if you prefer). Job done. £10.
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No can do. Way too many cds and vinyl. I am a collector……
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I would just buy some 10mm toughened glass 4 Naim ballbearings and cups if you don’t want to just stick the Hicap straight on a shelf.
Lots of people stick them on pre cut chopping boards. 
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If you go for granite (off cuts?) make sure they’re completely sealed, all 6 sides, with an appropriate lacquer/sealant. Inhaling radon gas, even microscopic quantities, is not good for your long term prospects…..
ATB, J
We have granite worktops in our kitchen, which aren’t sealed underneath. They are perfectly safe, so an offcut of 1/1000th the size, will also be safe.
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Hi @jayarr
My Hicap lies on its side on the carpet next to my rack.
As a by product it damped the hum and improved the sound, to my ears.
I have not experienced any sort of detriment by having it on its side on the carpet
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Heterodoxy!
Maybe a Mission Isoplat or similar ?
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The IKEA chopping board (as recommended above) would be an ideal first port of call. Cheap as chips means nothing to lose.
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Fraim doesn’t isolate the component with spikes. They are for isolating the rack, and glass+ball joints for components.
I’m worry if put on a spiked platform would affect the sound quality in an unexpected way even though I agree a Hi-Cap isn’t as sensitive as other components.
And the HiCap would inherit the sound of the platform it sits on. Try with soft wood and you will know. So choose wisely otherwise audible disjoint.
I literally put my HiCap and Geddon on floor and work best for me. (concrete floor tho)
I am on a similar mission, though for my Atom, which sits on top of an oak console table. While there is a support brace across the middle, the top of the table is very thin so I don’t know if that affects the sound. I therefore feel the urge to experiment though I really don’t want to spend lots on a platform for it to make things potentially worse! I priced 10mm toughened glass from a local business and they quoted me £90, but to be honest I don’t want to risk that! So I am looking around for a suitable granite/slate/marble/wood one, though I have no idea what will work best.
Whilst granite is used for speakers, I’ve never seen it in a rack. Probably us one but most seem to be glass or wood shelves.
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