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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
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Exactly Elizabeth.
Tbh the success I have had with my el cheapo ceramic cones gives me a similar opinion on what I could possibly expect.
For example when I placed 3 under my SUT I was expecting a gain but not in the magnitude it gave. However it was extremely positively addictive!

Sigh! I suppose with that being said I should also try 2 down/ 1 up with those too.......

So many variables, so much music,so little time!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,967 posts
 
@elizabeth 

I agree and you more thoughtfully explained what I failed to.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
So I tried my new DH medium cones (got for $35 including shipping from a shop listing them on USAM) over the weekend.  I used them together with the Golden Sound DH squares under my Herron VTPH-2A.  I have to say...really positive impact on detail, clarity and depth of soundstage!  I'd say the results were most comparable to finding really good tubes to go with your favorite analog gear.  Thanks for the ideas borne from this thread guys ;-)  
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Question, was that compared to the Back Diamond Racing Cones and squares? Because if you still using the BDR Cones under the turntable, ....you know.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
GK,

I'm still using the BDR cones and carbon discs under my TT.  I don't have enough DH cones to try them under both components at the same time.  These initial results are compelling although I'm wondering if the BDR cones will continue have better synergy with BDR "Source Shelf" compared to the Golden Sounds products.  I realize there is only one way to find out.
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