Spring Theory


In difference to all the talk re: springs, I thought I should try them out in my system.  I tried to find a cheap way for my experiment, and found Nobsound springs to place under my components.  I have an all Ayre system...Unniversal silver disc player, amp, preamp.  All these pieces are anchored to their bench with the use of Audio Point solid brass cones.  The Nobsound devices are well made.   I have read the springs were detached, but the 4 units I got had the springs strongly affixed to anti-slide rubber or similar material on both the bottom and top of the units. The first trial was under the CD player.  At first listen, I immediately preferred the springs, but in my experience, any change would elicit a positive experience in my system, so I sat down to just enjoy the music.  The obvious difference was the positive increase in highs which seemed to provide more definition, air, separation of instruments....all good stuff.  In their favor this increase in the high end brought absolutely no increase in fuzz, haze, resonance, etc.  When returning to the Audio Points, after a bit more listening, I found the reduced high end was not a detriment to the overall sound.. it was like a change in venue, but with the same performers.  One of the CD's I used was Dolly Treasures the CD cut 2 ----Today I Started Loving You Again. Dolly's voice can be harsh on some systems....both the Audio Points and springs reproduced it with clarity....until the middle of the song after a key change and a male voice accompanies her.  At this point, there is a blurring of the voices....maybe a 1/2 degree or less of fidelity.  My preamp has 2 outputs....I use one to connect to my main amp, the other to my headphone amp.  When both outputs are connected at once, there is a very minor decrease in fidelity.  When I discovered that and spoke to Ayre, they told me they are aware, so now I disconnect either of the amps.  I suspect when the duet on Dolly's began and the additional mike was switched in the board, the results followed....all the instruments...drums (dead center) etc. remained the same.  Anyway, my takeaway from this experiment was that both Audio Points and Nobsound are excellent at what they do...the AudioPoints provide a more "golden" sound.   I returned the Nobsound because they weren't a definite improvement,,,,,, and are damned ugly in place..   I do recommend them for their excellent performance.
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Showing 3 responses by oldhvymec

Springs under components is the place you will notice decoupling the least. The single component that has to be isolated VERY well is a TT, maybe a CD player.

Under your main speakers, bass bins or subs that’s the BIG difference, I have always noticed. I used inner tubes under some heavy bass bins, with great success to.

The density and compression of the enclosure in pretty important too. It has to sound dense even if the actual material isn’t. MDF vs HDF add Weight and then adjust the spring load WITH dampening..

Just springs, only do so much.. BUT they work BETTER if loaded and dampened correctly. Add ear plugs to the inside of the springs..

Too many springs... that's a no no to.. This is not a theory they been tuning suspension or removing vibration a LONG LONG time.. It's just kind of new in the stereo world..

Regards
If you use ear plug roll them up put them inside the springs you use. You will really notice a difference in the Nobsound spring. 

I've sprayed the springs with Flex-Seal it works well as a dampening agent for the springs too. Pull ALL the springs spray them and install ear plugs inside the springs..

Your only getting HALF of what you could get for 10.00 worth of Flex-Seal and 2.00 dollars worth of ear plugs.. 50% spring compression is perfect.

Regards
For peanuts Master M, and for you any time...

MC hit the nail on the head.. there is a LOT going on.. Look at a flippin' race car suspension compared to a semi. LOL This stuff has been going on sense the time of chariot races.. Ben-Hur.. :-)

sorbothane Yes it may work great good idea..

Remember the memory foam for the gummy puffers (ear plugs)

Just like the upgrade to a Thoren. They did a lot of research and memory foam was a keeper for dampening and so was silicone jell and silicone compounds that set up..

Progressively wound springs would have been an option too, ay? Tighter wound as they compress, less as the raise, Add or remove weight to tune...

With great respect and regards