Vibration Control for Lightweight Tube Components

Spencer wrote,

@geoffkait
Every post you write should be signed like this:
"Geoff Kait
machinadynamica.com"

Anything less is a lack of disclosure and doing a disservice to this community. You've been around long enough and involved in enough controversy to know better.

It's a shame this has to be brought up again.
Cheers,
Spencer

It's actually never been brought up before.  I thought everyone knew me.  Thanks for being Johnny on the spot, Spence.

Lowrider asked,

"@geoffkait , interesting.
"OUR NEW PRODUCT!! - Super compressible MINI ISOLATORS - VERY LOW RATE SPRINGS FOR ISOLATING REALLY LIGHT THINGS."

Are these springs heavy enough to stand on their own? Will a board placed on top with a component be stable?"

I have several types of springs.  They should be used in sets of four or more.  They are very stable when used with the proper weight.  They are especially stable being low profile compared to larger springs I used to sell. As I said earlier the springs will isolate any component - with or without a board - weighing from 1 lb to 250 lb, depending on which spring is selected.  Obviously the heavier the component the stiffer the spring has to be since you obviously want to avoid compressing the springs to the point where the coils start to touch. If you use a board you need to add the weight of the board to the weight of the component to get total weight so I know which springs to send. For example, a preamp weighs 8 lb and the board weighs 4 lb, the total weight is 12 lb. Thus 3 or 4 of the medium stiffness springs will be appropriate for that load.

I'm now convinced that I should use a suspension system for isolation. I'm going to take adg101's advice and use a bamboo cutting board with either the Moongels or geoffkait's springs beneath it.
Thanks to all for your input.

@r_f_sayles, thanks for the detailed explanation and the preamp is a UV-1.

With a preamp that light, just like a small phonostage, or DAC, what-have-you, you need to be aware of not "loading" the preamp chassis with a heavy mains cable dangling from it, causing an energy path from whatever the cable is also in contact with.

I did think about that and swapped the heavy Audience cable with the stock PC for now. I'm also supporting the ICs so they don't hang on the shelf.

Good point about the power cord or ICs tending to pull the component down on one side, ruining the isolation effectiveness or, in the case of CD players, putting the CD transport out of absolute level, unless the power cord and ICs are suspended or otherwise dealt with. I also want to point out that my new Super Stiff Springs are the ticket for very heavy objects such as VPI turntables, Verdier turntables, really big amplifiers such as the Classe flagship. Four Super Stiff Springs will support and isolate objects up to around 150 lb. Use five Super Stiff Springs for a 200 lb object and so forth. Give me the right spring and I’ll isolate the world.

Lowrider57, I encourage using whatever mains cable makes your preamp sound best and then just try to relieve any hanging weight with some kind of support, even a pull-tie noose with the cable hanging, creating a service loop would do the trick and remove the transference of energy by relieving the tension.

Do let us know about your progress in vibration control as it comes together. We look forward to your impressions as you get closer to your music.

As a side note: I would love to add a Atma preamp to my kit, I have had MA-1 Silvers for quite some time and have heard the compo, and it's magic. Otherwise, could not be happier. 

Happy Listening!