Spring Theory


In difference to all the talk re: springs, I thought I should try them out in my system.  I tried to find a cheap way for my experiment, and found Nobsound springs to place under my components.  I have an all Ayre system...Unniversal silver disc player, amp, preamp.  All these pieces are anchored to their bench with the use of Audio Point solid brass cones.  The Nobsound devices are well made.   I have read the springs were detached, but the 4 units I got had the springs strongly affixed to anti-slide rubber or similar material on both the bottom and top of the units. The first trial was under the CD player.  At first listen, I immediately preferred the springs, but in my experience, any change would elicit a positive experience in my system, so I sat down to just enjoy the music.  The obvious difference was the positive increase in highs which seemed to provide more definition, air, separation of instruments....all good stuff.  In their favor this increase in the high end brought absolutely no increase in fuzz, haze, resonance, etc.  When returning to the Audio Points, after a bit more listening, I found the reduced high end was not a detriment to the overall sound.. it was like a change in venue, but with the same performers.  One of the CD's I used was Dolly Treasures the CD cut 2 ----Today I Started Loving You Again. Dolly's voice can be harsh on some systems....both the Audio Points and springs reproduced it with clarity....until the middle of the song after a key change and a male voice accompanies her.  At this point, there is a blurring of the voices....maybe a 1/2 degree or less of fidelity.  My preamp has 2 outputs....I use one to connect to my main amp, the other to my headphone amp.  When both outputs are connected at once, there is a very minor decrease in fidelity.  When I discovered that and spoke to Ayre, they told me they are aware, so now I disconnect either of the amps.  I suspect when the duet on Dolly's began and the additional mike was switched in the board, the results followed....all the instruments...drums (dead center) etc. remained the same.  Anyway, my takeaway from this experiment was that both Audio Points and Nobsound are excellent at what they do...the AudioPoints provide a more "golden" sound.   I returned the Nobsound because they weren't a definite improvement,,,,,, and are damned ugly in place..   I do recommend them for their excellent performance.
128x128stringreen
There were no instructions given in the package of 4 I received....however, there was compression of the springs under each of the components.   The CD player is very left heavy, so I tried to balance the weight with the 4 gizmos left situated. The preamp is evenly weighted the amp is back weighted.  The amp is over 100 lbs and almost compressed the springs too much.,,the preamp and CD player are about 25 or 30 lbs.   The springs had absolutely no  effect on the power supply of the preamp..25/30 lbs. and neither do the cones when used or not.
stringreen,
Thanks for that comparison. I have been curious about the Nobosound springs. I'd like to add that if you upgraded from the brass Audio Points to one of their Apprentice platforms you would notice a dramatic difference, even when used on a good quality audio equipment rack.
Thanks for your post Greenbean (😊). I just received my first set of Nobosound springs… thanks for the tip MillerCarbon. They had a positive effect under my 36 pound CD player / DAC… quieter background. So, I ordered three more sets. It would never dawn on me to take them apart. In the past, if I saw springs like that… I was really concerned of them comping apart and not being able to put them back together.

So MC…. 3 for 30 pounds, 4 for 45 pounds, 5 for 65 pounds, 6 for 80 pounds, all for 100? You must have a rule of thumb. I have gotten lazy in my retirement. 75 to 95hours of work per week, sometimes more for 40 years… I’m enjoying enjoying the music. Better system is good too.




I don't know where y'all got your Nobsound springs but mine did not come preassembled. If the ones you ordered did they were probably pre-owned and returned, No biggie as far as that goes.

I got 4 sets of four. I had intended to use them under my speakers but even with all 7 springs they are too heavy. I've got a set under my Parasound Integrated, under my Carver 5 channel amp, under my receiver and just for giggles I have a set under my Bluesound Node.

I only need 3 springs in each puck.