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Vibration - What are the Main Sources?

A current thread discussing the best tweaks gave consistently high ranking for component isolation. I am curious to know where all the vibration is coming from that we are addressing with isolation. I understand that high volume listening can create significant vibration, but for the sake of this discussion let's assume we are listening at moderate levels. Can the vibrations from moderate sound levels affect the quality of sound? Are there other common significant sources of vibration that we are guarding against that can dramatically affect sound?
zlone

Showing 2 responses by fleschler

fleschler
1,923 posts
 
I am satisfied with my 190 lb. speakers resting on cone feet on 12" 3000 psi steel reinforced concrete floor. For seismic reasons, I don’t want to put them on any sprung or moving platform.

I am satisfied (couldn’t live with) my VPI TNT VI without the Townshend Seismic Sink (a bladder, analogous to a sprung platform). It works fantastically well for me.

I use Stillpoints on pre-amps, phono power controller, isolation transformer.  I use SR Mig SX footers under my EAR 890 amp.   My COS Engineering DAC D1 sounds best on it’s own custom feet with it’s superthick and heavy chassis.  My transport has a unique DIY solution, 3 1" ceramic marbles sitting on 1 1/8" rubber grommets.  Better than commercial footers.  Why, I don't know.  Friends use them under their CD players as well.

Then there are airborne vibrations which are treated with Synergistic Research HFTs (36 on room walls and speakers) and two pair of Hallographs. The room is isolated through 16" thick custom engineered sound walls (with built in bass traps made of chambered activated charcoal), no openings (2 17" doors of same construction).

Vibrations are a way of life. I don’t worry about those that I haven’t treated.
fleschler
1,923 posts
 
I tried mass loading the top with 60 lb steel plates.  Robbed the life out of the speakers.  Others had similar experience.  3-12" woofers per speaker, plenty of bass down to 25 Hz in a 19'6" X 15' X 10' room.   I don't want any more bass than I have as it is tuned with HFTs and balanced with the mids and highs.
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