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Tiny bridges everywhere, but why?

As I am getting closer to my first "complete" system, I am starting to research and get opinions on smaller tweaks. The cherries on top, so to speak. The term "smaller" covers the size, cost and possible impact to SQ. 

I do not know what they are called but I am seeing all sorts of devices holding up cables. Don't know why but they remind me of Navy Seals running out of the ocean with a telephone pole over their shoulder...

Thanks to this forum I have learned that everything in some way impacts SQ, so whatever these thingamabobs are called, do they impact SQ or are they a form of cable management? Both? Do materials matter? Am I going to have to splurge on rosewood versions treated with stain containing ash from one of Jerry Garcia's guitars, or could I use old shoes for now to accomplish whatever mission these fulfill?

I could have Googled this topic, but I want to hear from you - Your experience, choices, etc. 
128x128izjjzi
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
@lowrider57 I am nearly tapped-out for the year in terms of funds for big tweaks like cabling, for example. I am a month or less away from committing to a steaming / dac solution and the room treatments were not cheap. That said, I can only afford to play around with inexpensive tweaks like elevators and anything else people may suggest like perhaps that liquid you can paint onto the ends of cables? I’m up for anything but started here because I’ve seen all kinds of elevators used in nearly every system photo, most of which appear to be wood. My guess is that this could be done on the cheap and suggestions are streaming in, with thanks.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
I understand and it can be done on the cheap. I wasn't referring to expensive tweaks like IC's and speaker cables. More like component isolation (many cheap options) and improving your power delivery. Research AC receptacles and there are many excellent low-cost power cables available for audition.
These are tweaks that will provide a great return in performance.

Consider these tweaks after you get your streaming and DAC squared away.


onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,212 posts
 
I looked at the photo of your system and you have other cable management issues that are more important than risers.  It looks like a jumbled cable mess behind your rack.  Sort that out first.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,429 posts
 
@izjjzi,

Great move with GIK panels! My advice, pace yourself; keep your focus on things you’re already committed to. A streaming/DAC setup will not sound its best out of the box. There are few things you must do to isolate ‘noise’ between your router and DAC/streamer.

Read up on some of the recent threads on network switches and Ethernet noise filtering devices.
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
@lowrider57 Exactly what I was hoping to learn. Thank you.

@onhwy61 LOL... I know. Baby steps. I am far from final setup. I have to paint the room, put up the treatments, etc. Asking questions now so I can get to the end result of listening. I am also home auditioning steamers / DACs, so swapping is a constant thing. 

@lalitk Thank you. In hindsight I wish I had treated the room before AB'ing pieces. A well established echo needs to get squashed asap as most tracks sound like I'm in a great hall with high frequency reverb... not pleasant! I only have a 1m ethernet (Merging) cable from the router in my photo. Do I really need something for it?
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