Do magnets and electronics mix?


Ever since Kurt Vonegout first wrote about magneticly suspended furniture I have been in love with the idea. When S.A.P. came out with the relaxa isolation base ($500) My interest was rekindled. My first thought was that I could make my own for about $100. The only thing that bothers me is what effect rare earth magnets will have on the electronics... tubes in particular. I can not believe it would not fowl a stream of electrons. Perhaps the exponential decay of force over increased distance is enough buffer. Any thoughts, fella's? I like the idea of zero contact under my components. I wonder how many magnets would be required to lift my 200+ lb altec vott's and what havoc that would wreak.
shiitakexxx

Showing 1 response by twl

Magnetics and electronics not only mix, but are inextricably inter-related. All AC signals on a wire are surrounded by a constantly expanding and contracting magnetic field, which is changed depending upon the conditions of the signal in the wire.

However, it is precisely because they DO mix, that unwanted interactions can occur between two wires' magnetic fields or a wire's magnetic field and some other magnetic force. A moving magnet in a coil of wire is how an electric generator works or vice versa. Unwanted inductance or other interference can occur when magnetic fields are in the area of the electronics, and may produce somewhat unexpected results.

If you doubt that a magnet can move the electron stream, consider the TV tube, which has a stream of electrons moved about on the screen by magnetic fields, creating your TV picture.

But all is not lost, the magnetic fields become reduced in intensity at a distance, and may not have any effect at all, at the distances you plan to use. But they might have an effect, too. It depends on the strengths of the magnets and the distance they are from any sensitive things.

Personally, I would never decouple any of my equipment from the floor in that way. It removes any possibility of airborne vibrations ever leaving the equipment. The vibrations have no way out. I think it is a very high-tech and interesting way to screw up the sound of your system.