CDP isolation options for improved HF?


Following recent thread on shelf material, I'd appreciate advice on supplentary isolation/vibration devices for my old CDP (Rotel 855). I'm mulling over new digital front end options, but meanwhile want to eliminate HF roughness now evident in my new ref system, without reducing PRAT or resolution. So how do I optimize the use of this CDP until the revolution? Some have suggested that air bladder suspensions compromise timing. Is this often true? Thanks. Ernie
subaruguru

Showing 3 responses by megasam

Ernie you must experiment some, and add to your collection of isolation devices. If you are looking for detail cones are useful like Polycrystal or DH or Black Diamond racing, my experience with cones is you get an exciting sound but tends to emphasize upper midrange and treble, not my cup of tea. Bearing devices like Rollerblocks and Aurios MIB give detail without disturbing tonality, however they can be hard to use in practice especially if you have heavy AC cord to deal with. I use partially inflated 12" bicycle innertube under my CDP (cost $6)I find this gives me the best tonal balance, after trying the above items, commercial versions of this include Bright Star Air Mass and Townshend Sinks. Your Dac has great influence on HF quality, you may need to explore this area, also Auric Illuminator can remove some HF edge/glare,Sam
Ernie, bearing devices like Aurios MIB and Rollerblocks are perhaps the best isolation tweak for improving resolution without altering tonalty. The downside is they are somewhat expensive and can be sometimes hard to setup especially if you have stiff AC cords. Good review for Aurios MIB at stereotimes.com in the "archives" from a few months ago.
HDM, I also like vibrapods and use them where my partially filled innner tubes won't fit, like under DAC. If you want to use them under CDP without taking feet off I place them on 4x4 ceramic bath tiles, this height will clear most component feet and allow flexible positioning of vibrapods, as they should directly contact component body. The partially filled inner tube does the same things as vibrapod only slightly better. Some people also damp body vibrations by using "little rock" or DIY alternative. It also pays to use small level to make sure CDP is level after tweaks are applied, Sam