DK Design VS.1 Reference mkII - Optimization

I think I misunderstood Tom's point. I thought he was suggesting that removing the top increased vibration due to a less rigid case structure (which is the case in automobiles...coupes being more rigid than convertibles in the same models), when it appears Tom was suggesting that removing the top decreases case vibration. Sheesh, I'm confused.

I don't know whether to remove my Magic Fingers motel bed from my listening room, or to keep it in.

Hey guys my thoughts were that removing the top changed the vibrational pattern and therefore the sound...for the better or for the worse. I am very comfortable with myself knowing that vibration can be given a pattern as well as direction in all things that are in motion, which is everything. Removing the case which is more likely less massive than the main chassis would probably reduce the amount of various resonance points that could be transfered back to the main chassis and electrical components to be reamplified in the mix. Most of you know my previous history and thoughts ..mass loading versus mechanical direct coupling..anyway the case removal altered the vibrational direction and flow..Proper mechanical grounding of all the boards, transformer and power supply caps to the main chassis and all of this direct coupled to a greater mass {the floor of your home} would transfer vibrational energy away from and out of your component..The result would be greater resolution and dynamic scale. So I have experienced.. Tom

07-08-06: Theaudiotweak
Hey guys my thoughts were that removing the top changed the vibrational pattern and therefore the sound...for the better or for the worse.

Indeed.

I dont think vibration is an issue with the DK amp. It is a very massive peace of equipment and there is no vibration to speak of. This brings me back to the EMI issue. The concept is quite simple, some of the EMI bounces off the aluminum cover and goes back into the circuitry, creating a sort of a negative feedback circuit. When a small amount of signal goes back into the circuitry it gets amplified again. This is the reason I believe the amp sounds better with the cover off.

What I hear is that the midrange becomes even more open and organic when the cover is off. There is also a bit more detail and texture in the bass.

If you believe it sounds better with the top off, then that's all that matters in your system.