TLDR but springs decouple.
Please recommend decoupling footers for DAC
Hi everyone,
For context: my system (Horns, multi-amped, 105dB average sensitivity) is EXTREMELY revealing of tweaks, perturbations, brun in phenomenon, vibration control, etc. I do not wish to discuss the reality of the matter with the usual "it’s all in your head" crowd, to whom I would just say "come and listen, or just refrain from commenting".
I recently purchased a new (to me, it’s a second hand item) DAC: a Gustard X26Pro.
This DAC seems very sensitive to cables, power, and last but not least vibration control. To the point that, in my system, I’m currently struggling a bit.
Now I don’t own a high end rack, my audio sits on a rack made with IKEA "Lack" coffee tables. I have a "high end" rack that I recently purchased (Phil Design MV950) on a flea market, it is big and heavy and very rigid but the shelves are made of glass and I’m reluctant to use it because of that; it’s been sitting in a spare room ever since I bought it. Maybe I should give it a try.
In my current situation, every component I own sits on an IKEA aptitlig butcher block each with their specific combination of footers.
But with my new DAC, nothing seems to be "right there": I have NEVER owned a component that shows such dramatic differences between various decoupling or coupling footers.
Right now, I have it sitting on the IKEA bamboo slab, with three AliExpress copies of Finite Elements Ceraball in steel with ceramic balls, and under the bamboo are 4 "Audio Bastion" absorbers. A weight on the top to calm down the treble and yes, bass is phenomenal, precision as well; but it gets raspy sometimes and the whole thing looks like a wedding cake - which wouldn’t Bother me if it wouldn’t start to block the view from the TV behind (hidden behind the plaid).
Let me tell you, that DAC doesn’t sound good when sitting directly on the shelf.Not in my system always. Well, not good enough for me.
If someone would recommend me some footers that wouldn’t break the bank but would allow for a simpler set up and provide good balance And precision, I would happily try them. Maybe something from IsoAcoustics?... I don’t know.
Uisng horns, it can get too hot in the treble quite easily, but I can’t stand dull and slow either ^^
Thanks folks!
PS I would happily post pictures but I forgot how to do it...
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The EAR footers are still available @ Parts Connexion. They worked well on components heavier than the Bel Canto DAC (which only weighed 4 pounds). https://www.partsconnexion.com/ear-isolation-devices-feet.html
DeKay |
As you mentioned a couple of things that – ahem – resonate, I'll chime in. 😀 Over the years I had previously used Herbie's Tenderfeet on a few components (they are dirt cheap compared to most vibration control products on the market), and with some seemingly positive results. But as I upgraded my system substantially over the past year and a half, and moved into a newly renovated home, I was tempted to try to refine the sound further, and did a fair amount of research on various well-regarded devices. The first one that I bought was a set of Stillpoints Ultra SS V2, to try under my amp. I did this partly because it sits not on a dedicated stand, but rather in the middle of a (low) sideboard which sits between my speakers. Note that I have never used any such devices under an amp previously, but lo and behold, there was a very audible difference with the Stillpoints. I do not assume that the Stillpoints are necessarily superior to other well-designed devices, as I haven't compared them, but decoupling my amp from the furniture had a clearly positive impact, not least of which being a tightening up of the bass. I frankly have no idea why vibration control would be effective under an amp, but it certainly was in this instance. After that experience, I bought a set of Stillpoints ultra minis, and tried them under my DAC. If there was a positive change, it must have been subtle, and the explanation is likely that the DAC sits on a Quadraspire rack, which does, at least, provide some vibration control on its own. Or perhaps vibration control under a DAC is less important. Finally, I chose to replace the spikes with IsoAcoustics Oreas under my stand mounted speakers, and, like the experience with the amp, the results exceeded my expectations. None of the brands/models of devices that I mention are cheap, but within the context of the value of my system, and given the improvements in sound, I would say that they represent excellent value. So, in your case, I would suggest that the DAC, and any other component sitting directly on the IKEA furniture, would likely benefit significantly from vibration control. I'm happy with the stillpoints, but there are plenty of other options. |
Townsend is top of the heap. I would buy from Norm Varney A/V Room Service. normanvarney@avroomservice.com He will show you test results for all his products The wedge squares are what I suggest
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Most of the components will react to power cord and interconnect changes. Doubt that this DAC is any more unique in this regard. Looks like you just don’t like how it sounds. |
I use Vibrapods here and there as they keep things from sliding around, but I think the "audiophile vibration paranoia syndrome" (AVPS) wastes time and money. Vibration is part of life...what are you doing about the wires inside your speakers? Yeah...keeps you up at night...get a child's wading pool, fill it with some thick goo and float all your gear in it. Worry no more. |
a large number of manufacturers ... you never know in advance how electronics will react in specific conditions - you need to test! ... you need a dealer who will give you a whole box of different headers and footers and you can choose the ones that will make friends with your system. (or try the material at hand - different wood, brass, sand trough, springs, leather, cork, rubber ...) |
The bamboo block is probably as good as you can get - just stay away from glass or perspex! I have found that the thickness of the bamboo is important - probably more than 1 inch would prduce too heavy a sound I foiund by trial and eror that my tungsten footers work best NEXT to my preamp as so much was bouncing betweenthe preamp and base, and it "absorbed" that activity in the base, which was contributing some "rasp" that you refer to
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My components with the exception being my monoblocks are all sitting on a very old inexpensive 25 year Target rack. What has given me great performance is most but not all components are now sitting on top of either new or used Symposium Acoustics platforms and symposium rollerblocks/ingress engineering. Pretty good deals come up on the used market but you have to be patient and when the price is right quick to purchase( they move fast). The sound of my system has really opened up, with great imaging, transparency, and soundstage. On certain recording I can actually hear instruments playing behind me. Can’t wait until I can afford to get a Symposium Foundation rack and see how that improves the sound further. |