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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?
128x128marakanetz
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Rumor has it that the mechanical isolation of energy tranfer is really a two-way street.

I don't know much, but it is my understanding that mechanical isolation serves two purposes. In addition to preventing the transfer of energy of all outside vibrations from entering into the components, it can be just as important to retain the engergies generated inside the component by preventing their tranfer to the outside world.
mdomnick
332 posts
 
with isolation, is it a good idea to weight down the components that are on points? ie: use shot to stabalize the component?
theaudiotweak
2,801 posts
 
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.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
The simple answer to your question is YES. Different components react differently, in my experience, but this is more to do with the quality and type of the construction of the component than with anything else. All seem to benefit from a supporting structure that is light, rigid and damped. Some people have preferred heavy and damped supports, but my experience is that this is usually a preference for the damping that is easily achieved with a heavy support, over the superior pacing (or PRAT) of a lighter support. Up until the day I tried a shelf that was truly light, rigid and damped, I had experienced difficulties with light supports because of peaky resonances. Now I know the ideal combo is achievable I stick with the light/rigid/damped approach.

In any case Marakanetz, I don't believe that one's enjoyment of this hobby is enhanced by trying to deduce what will be musically beneficial from one's understanding of general physics principals, and that you are best to retain a more open mind that there are influences and trade-offs that are not immediately obvious, and therefore mix your scientific musings with a healthy dose of "suck it and see".

I can attest, from experience, to the fact that good vibration isolation should be considered for all of your components, including power conditioners.
beavis
272 posts
 
For good article on vibration isolation, see

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?52

Heavy reading, but will make you think. Article probably has some things you've never thought of & weren't really interested in. Article appeared in November, 1995 Stereophile & is by Shannon Dickson.

beavis
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