IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform 17" W x 15" D: zaZen I (25 lbs Max)

This is perhaps the best $220 you will spend to actually (and dramatically) improve the listening experience of your analogue rig. The increase in clarity and imaging was noticeable as soon as I place my Rega Planar 3 on top of the Zazen II isolation platform and started spinning the first vinyl. Soundstage was immediately improved and tonality and separation of instruments immediately recognized. I was rather skeptical these platforms would actually improve sound , but hearing is believing. Super recommended.

Great product and buying experience.

The platform works perfectly for my Rega RP10. Considering other options it is a more cost-efficient option that looks great and has very good isolation properties.

I’m using it to isolate a pro-ject x2 turntable with a Hana MC cartridge. The Hana moving coil is rather sensitive and I was getting a fair amount of low end rumble. I am using an Adam Sub15 so yep, there are great lows. I did a lot of research, especially on IsoAcoustic products. It came down to a decision for the Delos or zaZen. While my table is under 25lb, I chose to get the zaZen II thinking that more mass is better (and it’s not that much more $). It does work. Most of the rumble is gone. There is just a very little bit that remains but it’s really not that noticeable. If I didn’t notice any faint rumble, I would have given this 5 stars.

Good look and quality.

I don’t enjoy bagging on any product, especially when I truly want it to work well and look “top shelf”. IMO the ZaZen misses twice. I’ll start with the finish. It’s a dreadful compromise speckle paint. Ok it’s not anodized for lots of reasons, but if you are going to paint something, do a good job. An extreme example, Steinways are painted, this box looks as if it went a couple rounds with a heat gun. This probably has a lot to do with “slapping” logo badges corner to corner front and back. If this device was magical, I’d give it some badge visibility. Last esthetic item, look at the corner profiles, they don’t match. It’s TIG welded (very good) then ground down by hand, (Only way I know) but imprecise.Function. My observation is, I have the same number of needle jumps as before I installed this device. Maybe slightly less. My gear is on the second floor. Construction is 3/4” real plywood, then a vap barrier, then a pad, lastly Berber wool carpet.I think the concept of the ZaZen product is great. I would pay more for one that belongs under a Thorens class turntable. Mine’s just a starter.If IsoAcoustics fixes the finish and leave one side blank, it’s a screaming deal. Does a knockout job on the finish, raise the price $25 - $50 Mondo product. Think Steinway. Bondo & Laminate? Gives crazy options, laser cutouts, etc. Crazy cost IDK?I’m a 6’4” big dude. Between that, structure, and table needle bounces are reality. Maybe I can’t hang that on ZZ.I built everything in the photo except the Thorens 148a turntable. Perhaps the hairpin legs are the culprit. I love the sound of the 300B drivers. The receiver “valves” are 1958 Bugle Boys D getter. The amp pairs well with the Ortofon Blue Cartridge. I put balanced XLR’s on the amp and built a phone-preamp with XLR input and RCA to the Thorens. The power supply is toroidal. The last audio system one would own is the one you build. “Problém solv-éd”

I wasn't very positive about how much if any at all that this could change my sound but I'm stunned. I have a small space and cerwin Vega D7s right next to my turntable and I could feel the vibrations and hear how muddy my sound was. Well this fit my fit my thorens 160 perfect and the sound is amazing. Bass is tighter and sounds more clearer in all aspects. Having one of these is a must in a loud sound area for your turntable. 👍

If you have a turntable, adding this will clean up the sound at loud volumes - especially in the lower end of the frequency spectrum. Everything becomes cleaner and more defined and much less muddy. If you don't have an isolation solution already in place you'll be amazed at the difference. I say go for it - I'm very glad I did. Nice product. No complaints.