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 are a lot of variations on the Nobsound springs. Mine were machined aluminum that came completely disassembled, with springs in one bag, aluminum pucks and rubber adhesive pads all separate. But some use plastic, acrylic, etc and with different pads. The one thing they have in common, being springs they must be tuned to the load.

The OP clearly didn’t do this and so sorry nice try fuzztone but you can’t pre-empt this one it was user error. Complete with the audio description that I spotted fits to a "T" exactly the sound I knew to expect from his mistake.

Amazing how when you know this stuff it is possible to predict these things so easily. Almost like I know what I’m doing.

All springs need to be compressed at least 1/3 to about 2/3 to work properly. Within that range small adjustments allow tuning that when done properly easily bests all other non-spring solutions other than Soundsmith, which are damped. It is the fact Nobsound aren’t damped that makes tuning so important.

It is a shame the OP didn’t bother to do a search and read any of the dozens of comments from people explaining this. Especially since he went and posted his opinion that will now serve to mislead others who aren’t paying attention. Springs will be written off by him and half a dozen others who could have had better sound but listened to the wrong advice.

Editorial standards (the lack thereof) strikes again. DYODD.
I’ve seven sets of Nobsound springs in use for over a year. All but one came unassembled. They sound better with no pads stuck on. I’ve found that using one middle spring per pod also works for light loads. Try using three pods per device rather than four. You can even tune further by using two pods and one cone or one pod and two cones.
Very Interesting!

I had been using Machina Dynamica Springs, both cryoed and HD springs under all but my speakers for 5+ years. The Nobsounds are significantly better

At first I was using 4 under each component but was short a few to place under my outboard power supplies, so took a few away, leaving 3 per component (placing one directly under the power supplies, which sounded cleaner, a little faster if you will. That said, I had not thought to try removing some of the springs. Why oh why did you have to plant that idea??? ;))
If you use ear plug roll them up put them inside the springs you use. You will really notice a difference in the Nobsound spring. 

I've sprayed the springs with Flex-Seal it works well as a dampening agent for the springs too. Pull ALL the springs spray them and install ear plugs inside the springs..

Your only getting HALF of what you could get for 10.00 worth of Flex-Seal and 2.00 dollars worth of ear plugs.. 50% spring compression is perfect.

Regards
If you use ear plug roll them up put them inside the springs you use. You will really notice a difference in the Nobsound spring.

I've sprayed the springs with Flex-Seal it works well as a dampening agent for the springs too. Pull ALL the springs spray them and install ear plugs inside the springs..

Your only getting HALF of what you could get for 10.00 worth of Flex-Seal and 2.00 dollars worth of ear plugs.. 50% spring compression is perfect.

Regards
 Wow! thanks very much for this idea! I will keep it....

My best to you and to your chickens...