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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
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 

listener57 ...thanks.

I'm inclined to try several of the above notions in isolating system devices... which one, however,is another matter entirely.... tube rings are for sure... Symposium roller blocks are likely too... and those platforms from nuance are also on the list of candidates. Perhaps even those wood blocks that were mentioned.

As I've torn down the rig's rack and am reassembling it to redistribute and consolidate I've already seen the advantages of going with three 'pucks' vs. four.. as I put them into play on the HT system components. Marvelously open and with far less fuzz about things... again, a subtractive measure that until tried, isn't really noticed much, if at all. But I was impressed. those iso pucks were the pods and cones I was using from Vibrapod. They'll stay in the HT rig... as it's the 'trickle' donw system... that gains it's improvements as the main system improves...

Thanks for the mention and reminder of the mat too. I did forget all about it concentrating on the tube gizmos... it's now on the list too.
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
Lastly... to either dispell or confirm... is there indeed truth in the notion a 'good' rack is in no need of ancilliary iso devices?

...or will all racks allow performance boosts from the incorporation of pucks and/or platforms?

My thinking here is that if, (and I likely will), go the route of pucks and/or shelfs that'll run upwards of 700.00 - 800.00 or so... looking at both enhancements and esthetics, would the additional expense be the bhetter route, and just buy a decent rack, say like adona or the like for around $1200?

Thanks much
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I use a Salamander Synergy cabinet, and use isolation devices with it...Neuance shelf, Aurios and Rollerblocks. One great thing about Ken Lyons is that he will custom make a Neuance shelf to exact dimensions. He made one to replace a Salamander stock shelf. When I received the Neuance, it was 1/8" off...my error, not Ken's. He gladly resized the shelf 1/8" smaller, and it's a perfect fit.

The Salamander systems are not designed with isolation in mind, but I find that mine is quite sturdy, and I could absolutely not live without the rolling casters.

I have looked at the Adona products, and they appear very good for the money.
cdc
1,412 posts
 
I've used rollerblocks and did not like the sound. No one wanted to buy them from me so I guess they are not a popular item.
I like ceramic foot sanding stones. Only a couple of bucks and these provided the best sound unless you want to "tweak" the sound with more bass, more treble, etc.
tvad
9,467 posts
 

06-26-06: Cdc
I've used rollerblocks and did not like the sound. No one wanted to buy them from me so I guess they are not a popular item.
Should have emailed me. :)

You might have experienced a lack of interest depending on when you tried to sell them. Now is not a good time. In any case, don't assume that because you did not sell yours that they are not a popular item. I've seen periods where several sets have sold within a few weeks of being listed.
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