2. misc-audio
  3. 1150734662

Boost system performance via isolation?

Hi

I need help.

I found out last year just how important isolating devices can become. I've taken some steps in that direction but feel there may well be a better path than the inexpensive Vibra items. Which for the money surely are worthwhile devices.

In isolating components such as CD player, tubed preamp, and over a hundred pound SS amp. I have a rack from “HE..” (a bit south of Heaven, if that helps).

I do understand the rack itself, plays a big part but I’ve been unable to address that aspect as yet. So I’ve tinkered with it enough so the sound is pretty good now. Using homemade and mainstream products such as Vibra Pods. Currently Vibra-pod cones & pods, as well as doing some ‘layering’. Using a sandwich sort of configuration….

ON each shelf of the rack, from bottom up, I used a piece of ¾” MDF > CONES > ½” particle board (shelf) > Pods > component. Results aren’t bad but i would like to improve upon things, especially with the amp and preamp. Also a 400 disc carosel and a couple lightweight items too such as a DAC and DVD player.

I've done nothing with the amp... just CDP & preamp.

Anyone using something other than ‘Vibra-Pods’ & Vibra-cones, that have seen definite improvements in their system… I would sincerely appreciate hearing from you… and how it changed things… and naturally what those devices are.

I’m not looking to go off for tons of bucks here but would sincerely like to get an idea of who really does make effective isolation devices for components of varying weights andd function… eg., rotating, tubed, SS, etc….

Many thanks
blindjim
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I like Aurios Pro and Symposium Rollerblocks under my tubed gear. FIM makes a product along the same lines as the Aurios and Rollerblocks that looks like it might be worth a try. It's advertised in the listings.

Also, I like the Neuance platform from Greater Ranges under my digital source.

All of these can be purchased used for around $200/ea if you watch the listings (the Neuance platform is new at that price).
jgiacalo
446 posts
 
A few very inexpensive tweaks to experiment with that have yielded significant audible improvements for me are:
1) place small hardwood blocks between your Vibrapods and the equipment chassis. Experiment with various hardwoods - maple, teak, walnut, etc. although I've found Zebrawood to be the best for both tube and SS components. Use three wood block/Vibrapod combos per component. You should be able to get 1-2' of hardwood boards inexpensively at a local lumberyard or hardwood specialist that you can cut to size - about 1"x1"x2".
2) Attach Dynamat sound-deadening material under the under the particle board shelf. Also, sometimes called Dead-Mat can be found at auto parts stores and is used for deadening metal vibrations when installing speakers in cars. It is a sheet of tarry material backed with aluminum foil and works as a very effective, inexpensive constrained-layer damping material.
3) Put 3-5 lb weights on each component; I prefer brass but most anything will make a difference and reduce/change component resonance.
4) Finally, if you don't already have spikes on the bottom of your rack, consider adding some. Inexpensive brass cones are available from Parts Express in a variety of sizes.
If you can't get scrap hardwood blocks contact me and I'll send you a few extra I have at no cost.
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
thanks Tvad &g Jgiacalo, good stuff.

I've one thing that's been bugging me as I've not run across the "Why" of it...

"How come the use of 'three' gizmos instead of four like the feet of the device?"

...and then of course, Where? Leave the feet on the component? (I left the feet on and placed the Vibra thingy's underneath them... the CD however has the cones 90 degrees out from the pods, or like in between the pods and under the half inch particle board shelf).

I've tried both putting the pods right under the feet of the BAT preamps feet, and above the PBS & under the PBS... can't remember just where now as the whole thing is torn apart... (I'm putting in new receptacles onto the dedicated ckts... and I'm running out of bandaids too)

I can't spike this rack. I can and will fill the tubes with something though before the gear gets back onto it.

I'm trying to save space and add mass to the exsisting rack, by combining two metal racks into one... and I do need the space for sure.. ultimately I'll build one this winter.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'll take a stab, although the info is regurgitated from the Symposium and Aurios websites, and I don't claim to have all the facts straight...

Three vs. four...
This has always been a major question for me as well. Essentially, it's easier to level three isolation devices than four, and three devices is one less through which vibration can travel.

Symposium recommends placing the three Rollerblock devices directly against the chassis, since this drains vibration more effectively. Arrange the devices so they essentially support the center of mass. In other words, you wouldn't place them in an equilateral triangle with the points centered unless the center of mass (generally dictated by the power supply's location) was in the center of the component. You want to shift the triangle so it favors where the weight is distributed...and the triangle does not have to be equilateral.

Finally, Syposium Rollerblocks come with stainless steel plates that are placed between the balls the the component's chassis bottom. Symposium suggests placing the plates so they come into contact with chassis screws, if possible. The theory being the chassis screws are focused sources of transmitted vibration. Believe It...Or Not...
More to discover