2. analog
  3. 150881-90127

Ceramic insulator cone under phono stage shocker!

I have used small ceramic insulator cones underneath my phono stage for quite some time.
Previous phono was a Gold note ph10 and it did not make ANY audible difference I could detect which way up the cones were so I had left them cone upwards.

When I changed my phono to a Manley Chinook I just left the cones same way.
This afternoon I decided to flip them over so cone down just to see.

I honestly could not and cannot believe the difference!
I may have lost a smidge of low bass but everywhere else is improved in spades.
Much more detail, resolution, air, imaging, dynamics.
Just completely shocking how much better a small change has made.

But I am perplexed why such a huge change on the Chinook where I noted nothing on the ph10?

Any theories here?
128x128uberwaltz
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Perhaps I will give the Super DH cones a try too. I hear there's nothing quite like ballistic audio.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,644 posts
 
With all due respect, if @three_easy_payments is still think of decoupling from the floor, I don’t know if the DH Cones are the best solution. I saw, for sale, here, Stillpoints 5...4 for 1500.00. As far as Stillpoints go, that’s a great deal. I pondered buying them myself.

Remember when you decouple your rack, all the other components will benefit as well.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@slaw 

I wouldn't use the DH Cones under the rack, I'd only try them under individual components if I were to give them a try.  I agree on going with a better decoupling/isolation solution under the rack feet - like the Townshend products for example or even the Stillpoints (which I saw but are pricey - I guess it's all relative).
bjg's avatar
bjg
29 posts
 
I’ve used Herbies audio slider discs under my Maple shades rack’s brass pointed feet - they isolate the rack and also allow me to slide the rack out if needed -  I would check out their web site - you can also ask them for suggestions - as they are very knowledgeable 

bart 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Decoupling the rack feet might prove uh, challenging. But it could be done. And I know how to do it! 🤗 

Pop Quiz - first person to answer get a free tweak, How can the rack feet be decoupled from the floor?
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