Wool Felt Footers?


I am curious whether any of you have tried using thick wool felt as footers, or as a vibration damping layer under equipment.  I view the material as performing a similar function as the Owens Corning 703/704 material that AV Room Services, Ltd. uses in their Equipment Vibration Protectors, or EVP footers (link).

According to AI:

"Yes, wool felt is an effective vibration damping material due to its unique structure and properties. It absorbs vibrations, reduces noise, and is suitable for various applications, including automotive and industrial uses. 

Wool felt’s porous structure and the way its fibers interlock allow it to absorb and dissipate vibration energy, converting it into heat.  The same properties that make it a good vibration damper also make it a good sound insulator. It can effectively reduce noise transmission..."

What I have tried so far is placing a one-inch thick layer of dense wool felt completely beneath the platforms that are supporting a heavy Aries Cerat Helene DAC (90+ lbs. including the brass damping discs on the top) .  The one-inch thick felt is attached to and positioned directly beneath a Zoethecus Z-slab (constrained layer platform), which supports a Black Diamond Racing shelf (carbon fiber) on which the Helene DAC sits.  Right now the footers supporting the DAC are platinum silicone hemispheres but I may try other options, including footers made from the one-inch thick felt.

mitch2

I know from past experiences that both Squash Ball Hemispheres and Hockey Pucks have been used by individuals within the Plinth for a TT and to mount the Plinth on.

Balls and Pucks having spent their energy are also recommended and should not have a cost. Speak to a Local Sports Centre where Squash is played or the local Hockey Club and either will happily assist with collecting the Spent Energy Balls or Pucks.

Another Cheap version to be effective as a footer is in the Link described in Item 7& 8 in the List with directions. The same can be achieved using a Spoon with Handle removed and the Steel Ball, there are plenty of these simple design footers in use, but unfortunately there are large and unnecessary price tags for the items. .

https://barrydiamentaudio.com/vibration.htm

Interesting topic with so many options…one surprising discovery I stumbled upon is …after I made my speaker towers I was having to move my speakers around into the room find the best positioning.  Started using the felt furniture pads to slide  them out on hardwood floors.  Worked but to make it easier thought I would try 2” black vinyl castor wheels $30 on Amazon.  They are great for pulling the towers into position and I was shocked how well they sounded. Sitting on the small tips of the vinyl wheels with brackets sure worked for me.  Also, I use felt furniture pads under my wood AV cabinet which may be an added plus I never thought about it prior to this thread.  On my components I use mostly iso springs which now I may try attaching wool felt to their support pads.  Never know until you try…

It interesting, Isoacoustics Gaia 1 feet were wonderful under my speakers, but when I put their other products under my other equipment I noticed absolutely no difference.  I ended up using the clothes washing machine rubber isolators under my amps and subwoofer.

Isoacoustics Gaia feet need to be matched by weight to the item they are being used to support in order to be effective.  They are very effective if applied correctly.  I have them under both speakers and turntables and they do make a noticeable difference.

fyi, I have a concrete floor at ground level with wood floor covering it.  I am running Adona Altair Racks with Herbie’s wide footers and felt pads.  I am also running GAIA I footers with felt pads under my speakers.  I also think felt pads under each piece of equipment can help.   Here are some crude vibration tests I ran when I put the rack together.   I am cranking the volume to ear splitting levels with a bass heavy song without even a miniscule disturbance in the water.  you can see the levels by the meters in the preamp shown in the pictures.