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Vibration Control for Lightweight Tube Components

I'm looking for suggestions to isolate a lightweight tube preamp from vibration and resonance. Not acoustic vibration, but physical vibration from the stereo rack. When I touch the shelf the preamp sits upon, the sound can be heard thru the speakers.

I am using a heavy furniture grade stereo rack for my components, all using Herbie's Tenderfeet for isolation, including my TT. The preamp only weighs 7 lbs. and has Herbie's tube dampers applied, but needs to be decoupled from the heavy wood shelf. I've tried the Tenderfeet and Vibrapods under the preamp, but neither provided isolation from vibration.

So, what are owners of lightweight tube preamps and amps using for vibration control? (there is a limited amount of space between the shelves).
128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
I'm now convinced that I should use a suspension system for isolation. I'm going to take adg101's advice and use a bamboo cutting board with either the Moongels or geoffkait's springs beneath it.
Thanks to all for your input.

@r_f_sayles, thanks for the detailed explanation and the preamp is a UV-1.

With a preamp that light, just like a small phonostage, or DAC, what-have-you, you need to be aware of not "loading" the preamp chassis with a heavy mains cable dangling from it, causing an energy path from whatever the cable is also in contact with.
I did think about that and swapped the heavy Audience cable with the stock PC for now. I'm also supporting the ICs so they don't hang on the shelf.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Good point about the power cord or ICs tending to pull the component down on one side, ruining the isolation effectiveness or, in the case of CD players, putting the CD transport out of absolute level, unless the power cord and ICs are suspended or otherwise dealt with. I also want to point out that my new Super Stiff Springs are the ticket for very heavy objects such as VPI turntables, Verdier turntables, really big amplifiers such as the Classe flagship. Four Super Stiff Springs will support and isolate objects up to around 150 lb. Use five Super Stiff Springs for a 200 lb object and so forth. Give me the right spring and I’ll isolate the world.

r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
827 posts
 
Lowrider57, I encourage using whatever mains cable makes your preamp sound best and then just try to relieve any hanging weight with some kind of support, even a pull-tie noose with the cable hanging, creating a service loop would do the trick and remove the transference of energy by relieving the tension.

Do let us know about your progress in vibration control as it comes together. We look forward to your impressions as you get closer to your music.

As a side note: I would love to add a Atma preamp to my kit, I have had MA-1 Silvers for quite some time and have heard the compo, and it's magic. Otherwise, could not be happier. 

Happy Listening!
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mesch
1,679 posts
 
Lowrider, I have been following this thread and am very interested in hearing the results of any implementations you employ.  My concerns regarding vibrations are primarily directed at draining them from equipment. Thanks!
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
One idea for the problem of heavy cables pulling up components is the lead/brass discs that a few companies sell. IMHE, they work well sonically especially when placed over power supplies. So often 2 discs does the trick, one centered to offset the cable pulling and the other over where the power cable connects. 

For vibration draining, another solution I didn't see mentioned in this thread is the ball bearing & cup type products such as Symposium Rollerblocks. They are very effective under my preamp and phono stage, probably under digital gear too. I thought these are pretty popular here, but since they are nothing new, perhaps there isn't anything new to say...Cheers,
Spencer
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