Boost system performance via isolation?

Herbies tube dampers make a significant improvement in clarity in tube preamps and Amps. However, try contacting Cesar Moreira [cem@intewe.com] for some very inexpensive heat-resistant tube rings which are almost as good and certainly worth a try for 10-12 dampers for $15. Not sure if they are still available since I haven't seen his listing on A'Gon for a while, but worth contacting him to see if they ar available. I am currently using them on my Mac equipment.
Most of my friends think I'm wacko regarding resonance control. Except for one who has seen significant improvement with his $150/pair Sony speakers, CDP and receiver. Makes me wonder if I would have been as compulsive on the upgrade bandwagon if I'd tried resonance managment on my previous modest systems.
By the way, let me know if you'd like me to send yoou some wood blocks.
One other very cheap and effective resonance control device is the V-Pad. Essentially a ribbed-rubber/cork/rubber 'sandwhich' measuring about 3"x3" and avaliable at heating and airconditioning suppliers for about $2. apiece. The same as the IsoBlocks offered by Mapleshade but lots cheaper.

well, now we're talking... Thanks for the Herbie update. I had forgotten all about that one.

I've seen the changes that come from using 'spongy' iso devices first hand. I tried some styrofoam under some lightwieght itmes like mass fi DVD players and cable boxes... there are some advantages there... as it sofftens things up a bit in the upper ranges... also lowers/lessens the bottom end punch too. But it sure opens up the Sound scape. It's currently the 'thing' for the cable box and 400 carosel, (which really needed some attenuation in the treble and was a big help in that regard). 2 inchs thick insulating styrofoam. Maybe a tad thicker but less than three inches

I've also seen the advantages of wood.. different sorts should wel be able to introduce different characteristics... having a 'thin metal' rack, using the MDF was a help but using spruce was better. Other sorts depending upon their, I suppose, 'densities', should change things accordingly. I do suspect it is the density that allows for the differences, as density relates directly to resonance transmission/reduction.

I "E'd" Peter, at Symposium today. I'm going to get with him about trying some of his product (s) pretty soon.

My main concern is losing the richness and warmth my main system provides currently. As related above in the "I should have done..." department by another poster, I've had others and they were quite dynamic, articulate, and bright... very clean and clear and for rock, not bad at all. I've changed up a bit now and am looking to gain a touch more resolution as I think it and myself, can take it... Adding some new power cords and another passive conditioner presently, is helping me towards that end... so isolating things some with warmth and sweetness still in mind does interest me a good deal. Cleaning up the sound a mite also shouldn't hurt, though it's uncleanliness isn't audible to me. I liken it to power line conditioning though... I didn't hear the junk on the line till I plugged in a conditioner. Same, same I guess.

I've also heard Walker makes some iso pucks... but I've not heard any first hand thoughts about them.

lastly is there myth or magic to setting cones on top of tube gear? I suppose on top of the cover just above the tubes...???

Mass loading (putting some weight on top) components is supposed to reduce external vibration. It's worth a try. I sometimes put a 5# weight on top of my CD player. Can't say if I notice a difference, but intellectually I think it should be beneficial.

thanks, Tvad. I'll bear that in mind. Intellectually speaking, of course. I have seen folks mention those mini slabs or rocks that sit atop rotating sources... I can't see any other reason for them save their damping effect... and Lord, the prices! ...for rocks! It is gonna be a while before I get into that arena... that's the one where I'd have more dollars than sense.

Looks like with the 'adding of weight' or reducing of pods I'll need another set to account for the poundages... or maybe not I think I got the ones that range from 10-15 lbs... certainly, I'll give these I have, a shot first. Thanks.

Blindjim, Try the Herbie's Grungebuster 2 CD mat for the silly low price of $12.50, and be prepared for wonderful synergy with any other system helping tricks. (Even if you end up choosing somebody elses's footer ideas.)
There is a ninety day home trial period, and it shouldn't take more than a few days to be impressed with greater resolving of recording details (more reality) without any loss of your preferred warmth and sweetness.
Although it is not really the subject of your original question, it is just too easy to try for so little money. One can say it acts to isolate the spinning CD from effects of vibrating CD player mechanism.