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To couple or decouple? That is the question.

This is one of my favorite subjects and pet peeves.Is this just a matter of semantics or a misrepresentation of the principles applied in the set-up of equipment. My experience tells me that coupling is what you work for. This is the principle that is expoused in the early Linn literature. The mechanical connection that doesn't introduce or take away any information. This seems important with componets with transducers primarily turntables and speakers. Different materials, like sorbothane, are used to attenuate frequencies but are used in conjunction with metal cups to physically couple to your stand, shelf, floor, etc. Coupling also allows mechanical/acoustical energy to travel away from a componet. The designers at Mission in the early 80's were right on to this. Questions or comments please.
rickmac
hpshps
66 posts
 
Have you ever heard a fully decoupled system? My guess is not.
"The mechanical connection that doesn't introduce or take away any information." If that is the definition of coupling then coupling were the same as decoupling. Even decoupling needs some sort of mechanical connection unless someone invents gear that magically floats in the air.
tsouthworth
59 posts
 
I would guess that most buildings are pretty well coupled to earth, otherwise they'd fall down. Yet, you have feel an earthquake or even a nearby moving train through them. This would definitely add 'information' to the component you are trying to drain vibration from because coupling is a two-way street, not a mechanical diode. (Some buildings are floated, mounted on rollers, etc. to deal with vibration, like Frank Lloyd Wright's earthquake-resistant Imperial Hotel in Japan.)

No easy answer would be my response and my stereo has been extensively experimented upon since I first owned a Linn turntable, with its footfall problem, 26 years ago.
tsouthworth
59 posts
 
I would guess that most buildings are pretty well coupled to earth, otherwise they'd fall down. Yet, you have feel an earthquake or even a nearby moving train through them. This would definitely add 'information' to the component you are trying to drain vibration from because coupling is a two-way street, not a mechanical diode. (Some buildings are floated, mounted on rollers, etc. to deal with vibration, like Frank Lloyd Wright's earthquake-resistant Imperial Hotel in Japan.)

No easy answer would be my response and my stereo has been extensively experimented upon since I first owned a Linn turntable, with its footfall problem, 26 years ago.
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