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...

rolox

I’ve got an extremely revealing system as well.  If you don’t want to spring for Townshend, the next best thing and far cheaper are Nobsound springs.  I put the heavy duty ones under my rack and the light duty ones under each component.

 

You can hear an immediate change in focus.

If you can find a peer reviewed, scientific explanation of why vibration, any vibration, changes how electricity flows through wires, not even mentioning 1s and 0s, you'd have a better idea what the best isolators would be for your situation.

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

 

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’d give it a full 200hrs of signal thru it break in time if it’s new and see if it changes for the better. If not, move on. No footers going to fix synergy issues or a bad sounding component.

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.