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Recommendations for power amp placement/dampening

Hi all,

I will be receiving a moderately hefty solid state power amp (50 pounds) within the next two weeks. 
I have a mid century modern two tier table where the pre and dac are placed. I was considering getting a 3” butcher block with steel spikes. Perhaps there is an alternative isolation dampening technique that might be more ideal. 
My floor is carpeted and plan to place the power amp underneath the table onto the floor. Thus creating a nice tidy set up. There would be more than enough room for dissipation of heat. 
Would this be an ideal setup? Or would anyone care to suggest a viable alternative without going into the hundreds. 
The butcher block is about 150 with shipping. Steel spikes about 25.00. I’d like to stay below 300.00.  The main goal is to deflect low frequency vibrations. 

Thanks!

Jacob
jred
jaybe
735 posts
 
People that know what to listen for know that isolation done right works, period. Juvenile rants speak for themselves.

It's been well established for many years that proper isolation can have a dramatic effect on audio gear and sound. 

Finite Element products under my gear (including a heavy Pass amp) made a world of difference, a huge improvement in sound quality, image more solid, improved soundstage, more detail. Other products can offer similar results.






millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
scothurwitz-
Hi jred

I personally would not bother with the butcher block, when I tried it, it made things sound worse. They are also not cheap. If it were me, I would spend the money on one of the many isolation footers out there. Some of them are expensive but if you get a good set of either 3 or 4 feet for under your new amp, it can make a huge improvement in sound quality.

I would put down a 1/4” piece of wood on top of the carpeting to give you a flat foundation for under the amp. I don’t know what your budget is, so it’s hard to recommend isolation feet. All I can tell you is I put a set of 4 Critical Mass Systems Center Stage feet under my Pass Labs amp which weighs around 100 lbs and I can’t believe how much better it made that amp sound. If those are too expensive then Wilson Audio just came out with a set of them and they are supposed to be even better than the CMS feet. A set of 3 is good for a component that weighs up to 75 lbs. There is a company called Finite Elemente that has them called Cerapucs at various price points with varying levels of effectiveness. I have had good luck with those in the past. There is also a company called Stillpoints that a lot of audiophiles like although I think those were good but not great. These would be a perfect product to find on the used market
such as Audiogon or Ebay. Good luck.

Scot 

Just about perfect. Only things I would add, the board over rug might not even be needed. Try and see. And try BDR Cones, highly effective and a bargain at $20 ea. You only need three.
jred OP
94 posts
 
Thanks all for the advice so far. 

To get a better perspective I’ll be receiving a pass labs xa25 shortly. About 50 pounds. My carpet is wall to wall. Thin office grade. 
avanti1960
1,452 posts
 
Just put the amp on a solid, stable stand with lots of ventilation and no shelf above it.
An IKEA Besta is a very reasonable solid shelf system with solid 1-1/2" top and bottom plates. I added the top tempered glass plate to mine. for additional mass and stability.
On top I have my 60lb Rogue Audio Stereo 100 and it sounds incredible and doesn’t move a mm.
If I had amps on the floor I would trip on them.  
jred OP
94 posts
 
Thanks all with various opinions and recommendations regarding amp isolation etc. 

I spoke to two very reputable people in the industry. Both stated that granite or a block of wood more than does the job specifically for the xa25. 
I’m going to take their advice. If SQ is not satisfactory. I will look into tweeks. Amp is currently not on the floor. 
My best

Jacob. 

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