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  3. 967835185

Air Bladder Isolation, Cheap

(As reported in Soundstage) I am very impressed with sonic improvements using 12-14" X 2" bicycle inner tube under CDP with mass loading on top. Local dept store bicycle dept has tube for $6 and hand air pump for $4. Using just enough air in tube to provide 1" height when fully loaded, and placing mass loading on top......you can buy Bright Star little rock $1-200, or buy 10-25lb metal barbell plate (can wrap in black dish cloth) or use lead shot in black sock etc. Provides deeper bass and more 3D soundstage than any cone or similar device, better than vibrapod, good for detailed SS systems, anyone else tried similar set-up, Sam
megasam
kkirkpa1805
48 posts
 
I prefer wheelbarrel innertubes from Home Depot...
cowman
26 posts
 
I recommend avoiding using metal shelves or plates under or on top of audio components. In my experience this can cause audible sonic degradation, i.e. brightness and hash.
tom_nice
387 posts
 
I've used 12.5" and 16" bike tire innertubes under components for some time, but fairly recently found that they work better if filled with water instead of air. Oil might be even better, but I haven't fitured out a good way of getting it into the tube without making a big mess. I taken no responsibility for your mess if you try. [:-)]
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Yo Tom,and anyone with an interest in this discussion: What about the cans of fix a flat from auto parts stores?
gthirteen
358 posts
 
I've been using 16" bike innertubes with 1 1/4" marble slab on top. Had this under CD, pre, and amp on hardwood floor. I recently moved to new room with concrete slab under carpet. Now amp sounds better without innertubes, as does preamp. Rack is now spikes through to the slab. CD still likes it, allthough not as much (Rega Planet already has squishy feet, because its a top loader, and has no internal damping) I got the marble from a marble retailer's scrap heap, cut it with a masonry saw (lucky to have access). Some stores sell pre cut "Gardn Path" type stones, typically in maybe about an 18" square, sometimes slate, sometimes granite. Usually pretty inexpensive. IT is definately a good idea to put innertube under your shelf flat, and inflate it minimally, in my experience.
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