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Science Behind Spikes for Racks?

Posted by aggielaw on May 17, 2017 at 09:33:21:
Good morning inmates! I've been researching sound ideas (forgive the pun) for building a DIY audio rack for several months now. To the extent manufacturers disclose their designs I've researched and studied several designs, including looking for scholarly articles that discuss principles manufacturers discuss in their designs.
One problem I've yet to solve is how to level the shelves of the rack. The options present issues to think through in themselves. I'd like to be able to level each shelf independently. I originally wanted to use standoffs such as what Tate Blanchard uses for his excellent Ultrasonic Audio racks (one of which I own, but can't afford to buy more). However, it's very expensive to have the standoffs machined for reasons I don't understand.
My next thought is to both isolate and level by using spikes between each shelf. My thinking is I can simply not screw a spike in completely if I need to level the shelf. Does anyone have experience with such an approach, recommendations as to characteristics the spikes should possess, or specific spikes suited for this purpose?

In thinking through this I began to wonder if the spikes should point up or down. I've often read references to using spikes pointing down along with the rationale that this "drains the vibration down to the floor." But is that scientifically sound? Does vibration necessarily travel downward with gravity? Regarding the use of spikes at all, I once read someone speculate that spikes might be counterproductive because they focus the vibration in a tiny spot. Of course, if I use spikes between each shelf the vibration has to go somewhere from the tip of the spike, which I assume would be in to the protective discs attached to the next shelf to protect it from the spike. But then, how do I protect the shelf against that vibration fed to it through the spike? And if I have isolation platforms between the shelf and the component, does it matter if I isolate each shelf, whether by spikes, viscoelastic washers, or some other means?
Super complicated post, I know. Thanks to all for any advice you can share!