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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
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
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Spencer---Actually, in my post way up above I mentioned placing a trio of roller bearings (the generic term for what Symposium calls their Roller Block) between the pre-amp and Baltic Birch plywood shelf I suggested. I didn’t name a specific brand (such as Symposium) because there are a few people making them.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Since there are six count ’em directions of motion for which isolation would need to be applied and since springs isolate quite well in the vertical direction and isolate somewhat less well in two of the rotational directions and, practically speaking, not at all in the twist rotational direction or in the horizontal plane, a comprehensive solution would be mechanical springs plus roller bearings, which are rather good at isolating in the twist direction and the other two rotational directions as well as the horizontal plane, but hardly at all in the vertical direction. Voila!
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