thoghts about isolation.


Our discussion has to take place with mechanical isolating non-source components such as amplifiers and preamps.

My thought was wether we realy need to mechanically isolate non-source components or not. The impact from internal vibrations caused by the mainly power supply transformer will less-likely affect the operation of active elements fo the circuit such as tubes or transistors imo. The same thing comes onto mind about passive elements such as resistors and capacitors. What can affect the performance is the electrical isolation of power transformers especially in the power amplifier domain(that's why I prefere not using integrated amps). That's why it's very often beneficial to have an outboard power supply(not necessary battery) for the preamplification(phono, line or DAC)

I want to give some example where I've seen the PS300 power plant placed on the tip toes and I wonder why?

If we take source components, there are certainly good reasons for it such as mis-recepting the laser beam by CD transport or mis-tracking the record that can even be cause by the measurable amplitudes. In addition for the turntables the amplitude of a signal can somehow be matched and certainly cannot be neglected with amplitude of intermal vibrations caused by friction of a platter, motor that is transfered to the tonearm and cartridge as well.

IF YOU'RE LAZY TO READ THE WHOLE THING YOU CAN ANSWER JUST THIS GENERAL QUESTION:

Do all audio components need to be mechanically isolated?
marakanetz

Showing 5 responses by theaudiotweak

Why try to isolate anything, it cannot be done. You will waste your time, money, and only be frustrated with the results. Oh yeah, there will be a difference, but how often do we mistake differences for genuine improvements? Common to all systems is ground. There are products that collect spurious noise, those generated both internally as well as externally and speed their exit to ground. These devices have made a marked improvement in every system device I have tried them on. Rubber does not improve reality, it only detracts from its ultimate sensation. The transfer of energy must not be impeded but must be inhanced. Do you buy speakers because they are slow and sluggish? Have you replaced all of the high speed output devices in your mega-buck amp with 1960's technology? Increasing the sensitivity and efficiency of any device can be provided by a high speed transfer of resonance to ground. Remember the phrase "Get the lead out"? Well grandmom was right about that, it also slows energy transfer down.
Again you cannot isolate vibration ,you can only change the amplitude and its frequency.The best way to dissipate it, is to speed its path to ground.You can bet this method is based on sound physics.
Imagine just for a moment ladies and gentlemen,that your son or daughter or some other special loved one was playing at a cello recital. Imagine that your loved one ,who trained for so long, and who was so dedicated and was so gifted, was required to place and then play their cello on a leaded base,or a kids sandbox,or a inner-tube or place upon it a leaded piece of wood or how about a stone.Your loved one would probably be disappointed with the texture and dynamic character they had trained so long to convey, from their selves and then on to their audience.
The devices I am using can be described as reactive devices that collect and then pass to ground, mechanical, electrical as well as airborne vibration. These designs are not isolation devices and are not designed to store energy in a box or a shelf or a bladder. These products are designed with the Coloumb Law of Friction in mind. Remember, all things are always in motion. This motion creates friction,which in the realm of audio creates noise, distortion, and a loss of efficiency. The proper chosen ratios of inertia, mass, frequency and correct materials dictates the the size and shapes of these devices. Because these devices have such a wide bandwidth they sound as if they work in a linear fashion across the full frequency spectrum. I have been using the Audiopoints for the last 8 years. They blew me away then and they still do. In the last 2 years I have been using the Sistrum stands and platforms which is a huge continuim of the whole Audiopoint workings. The difference is staggering and is broadband and in no way frequency selective. Once you have tried these products you won't go back to the clamp racks, the lead, the crystal, the solid steel,or the rubber. They have it all wrong in trying to kill vibration. It can't be done.
No more than writing about valid upgrades to Dunlavy products in the speaker forum.Tom