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WHAT HAS WORKED FOR YOU? ISOLATION PLATFORMS, FOOTERS, ETC. for a DAC?

What is reasonable to expect in SQ gain with respect to a DAC, since there are no actively moving parts?

Footers only? Platforms only? Or is a combination of both best?

Keeping this open ended (as well as budget wise) to see what Audiogon Members recommend and advise.

However, thoughts on Gains v.s. Spend with the specific products you are recommending are welcome and will be very helpful.

The only footers I have used in the past are those from Herbie's Audio Lab.  I have used two different 'audio' racks (which have been dismantled) and I am using their shelves as isolation platforms for my speakers and other components (but not the DACs).

The DACs in use are a Schiit Yggdrasil and an Exogal Comet Plus. The stock rubber footers with the Yggdrasil are as basic as they come; The Comet has an acrylic plate with rounded metal screws.

THANK YOU!
david_ten
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
occasional substance abuse works very good for me.
lordcloud
155 posts
 
In my opinion, everything should be able to function at its best. Which to me means that every component should operate as free as possible from vibration. Otherwise, you're listening to a component, plus the vibrations.

I try to address vibration with every component I have.
respected_ent
189 posts
 
I put a bamboo cutting board between the carpet and my dac, and it did make a noticeable difference to the sound.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Definitely footers under the DAC. The cheap stock footers used by Schiit offer no isolation. Herbie's Tenderfeet will absorb and neutralize vibration. As stated above, placement of footers makes a difference.
Also, a damping weight on top helps when the unit utilizes a toroidal transformer, (I think the Yggy uses R-core transformers).
http://edensoundaudio.com/shop/category/damping-weights/

And totally agree to use an aftermarket power cord. And replace SMPS wall-warts. I've heard good things about IFI...
https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/ifi-ipower-outboard-supply
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@geoffkait : thanks for the clarification.

@chayro : Sage advice. And I do trust my ears. And more than a little bit. Your words put a smile on face...thanks.

@folkfreak : 1. all of my components are housed in an all wood Standout Designs cabinet. 2. I'm using Triode Wire Labs power cords. 3, 4, 5: Thanks for your thoughts. I will look into Marigo.

@randy-11: I'm using a HD Plex 100 Linear Power Supply and an Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.  The Comet DAC, my Preamp, and my HeadAmp all have dedicated power supplies.

@czarivey : let's make that substance assistance...I don't want to get in trouble. :)  

@lordcloud : how do you address vibration with your components?

@respected_ent : Might also help with the cheese and crackers and charcuterie to go with @czarivey 's suggestive direction.

@lowrider57 : Thanks and agreed.  Also, I'm almost finished replacing the wall warts...router and ethernet port switch still need to be connected to something like the HD Plex. I'm beyond the iFi unit at this point.
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