It can be demonstrated fairly easily the best approach, generally speaking, to vibration isolation and resonance control is the deliberate and coordinated implementation of a combination of mass on spring type isolation and vibration damping for the top plate of the iso system. The art of isolation comes in when interfacing the component to the top plate and interfacing the iso system to the floor or rack, not to mention the choice of damping method and material for the top plate. This attack will address very low seismic vibration, acoustic vibration and “residual vibration” on the top plate that arises from several sources. If it was easy everyone could do it.
Vibration Isolation
I came across these the other day and for the price I couldn't pass up trying them. I've spent as much as $75 each for vibration isolation pucks and seen pucks going as high as $900 each. I have to say that these $0.62 wonders work as well as anything I've tried and much better than the cork ones I've seen advertised for $6-$7 each. Even though my VPI turntable has factory cones and feet I did notice an improvement in smoothness and clarity. Too few bargains in high end audio not to share. I now have these under my monoblock amps, turntable and turntable motor. Hope this helps someone looking for an inexpensive way to dampen vibration.
https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-MP-2E-EVA-Anti-Vibration-Pad-2-x-2-x-7-8
https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-MP-2E-EVA-Anti-Vibration-Pad-2-x-2-x-7-8
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I recently contacted Diversitech (email) and asked about the Durometer spec on the 2x2" EVA (blue center) pads. Hoping for a reply. FWIW - one of our senior members had recently opined that these will do nothing for audio as they are too hard. I am not voicing an opinion in that regard. I have both blue center EVA pads as well as the cork center pads. It would be helpful to know the Durometer value and relevant Shore scale as this will allow comparison to some products from Herbie’s Audio Lab (with which some of us are more familiar). If interested see also the chart at the link below. https://www.smooth-on.com/page/durometer-shore-hardness-scale/ |
In my experience too much rubber of any sort under too many pieces of gear in one system can mess with timing (PRaT), darken the sound up too much and/or slow or loosen the bass too much. Took me a few years to work the rubber/cork/rubber out of my system and into Herbie’s Tenderfoots, then out of those and into an even mix of Daedalus Isolation Devices ( ball bearings incorporated with dissimilar materials) and Isoacoustics ISOpads (yes, some rubber implemented but mainly spring based), both in the right places. I realize this may be in a completely different price bracket as the thread subject but just saying to be careful using too much thick rubber under your components. In my experience it can give a false sense of warmth and body that is actually screwing with the presentation of your music. In general possibly robbing the music of some of its life and breath. —Revealing/transparency level of your system will dictate this outcome...or not |
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