Good-day to all of you,
I am impressed and gratified that there are audiophiles now focussed on and studying this topic.
First off, I am a manufacturer who produces products that pertain to vibration control. I do not know if I am permitted to speak within the text of this forum. I will remain anonymous as this information will hopefully not be analyzed as a sale’s pitch. We only wish to further your interests on the topic.
A few of our clients have written information into these forums about our latest products. They telephoned me for additional information and as a favor to them I promised I would review the challenges your feedback proposed to them. My hopes are that audiophiles will discover how multiple types of resonance, including the huge air-borne category, produce problems that extremely limit their equipment’s musical performance.
Out of curiosity, why are you investigating or what process has driven you to this topic? What are you searching for?
We have been dealing with the study of resonance for years within this Specialty Audio Industry. Our opinion is that this category of products are positioned way down there somewhere in the tweak, hocus-pocus, smoke and mirrors and just a plain little old accessory type product design category. It seems our portion of the Industry has never gained the audience needed to improve the reviewers and/or users positioning on the ‘ladder of hope’ that can improve ones ‘emotional’ listening enjoyment.
Our goals and product development will prove beyond any doubt that a rack; loudspeaker stand or a cone combined with new mechanical grounding processes have just as great an impact on your listening enjoyment as your amplifier, speakers, etc. That said, let’s open the doors to some information and have some fun.
A stethoscope will permit you to listen to some resonance patterns and provide you an idea of where and how vibration originates, but will not provide a cure. We highly applaud your insight as we too many years ago began our company using this instrument. One problem with this type of study is you are missing much of the resonance patterns, which are inaudible to the human ear and usually are located at the origin of the demise of the equipment’s performance.
Another method to see small vibrations and their changing movement involves an oscilloscope used in conjunction with an accelerometer. Depending on purchasing a used or new O-scope this equipment could run anywhere from a $500 to a $5,000 investment.
Most of the test equipment that is required to really get involved with this topic is expensive to purchase. The initial financial outlay is usually the problem and what makes the going extremely tuff.
I would like to provide you a company’s web-site that provides information and PC software structured around mechanical engineering that can take you further into the study on a more economical approach. The software programs start at $1,000.00 and can climb into $5,000 range depending how deep you wish to become involved. ALGOR, Inc. also has multiple listings on books dealing with various subjects of vibration, as this is always the most affordable approach to furthering your education.
Here you can find information from an understanding of micro resonance to vibration controlling methods used for large machinery. They too provide various educational programs that you can actively participate.
We highly recommend this company as they have an effective product and support team as well.
ALGOR (Pittsburgh, PA) www.algor.com
We are currently involved with the study of static stress and fluid flows to name a few topics that have taken us away from our usual research programs. I must say this new information has opened even more avenues of study and testing for future product’s development.
We thank all of you who are interested in resonance control and hope this brief bit of information will maintain your interest. At some point I hope our paths do cross.
Very truly yours,
