Gents,
I have found the best spring configuration after 5 days of experimentation. In brief summary, the Nobsounds have brought an appreciable improvement to my system. They are used on a Class A integrated amp, 4 footers under the component's feet. I have another set of Nobsounds which will be tested with the DAC and pre/power amps in another system in due time.
I initially started with 6 springs on each footer. Due to the unbalanced loading of the amp which caused an uneven compression of the footers (the amp is heavier at the front), I later switched to 5 springs @ front, 4 springs @ rear. For ease of illustration, here’s the configuration I’ve tried in chronological order with their corresponding gap between the top and bottom aluminium alloy pieces;
6 springs @ front and rear (8mm gap)
5 springs @ front ; 4 springs @ rear (7mm gap) = 50% compression
4 springs @ front ; 3 springs @ rear (5mm gap)
3 springs @ front ; 2 springs @ rear (3mm gap)
I was expecting the best result with the smallest gap but that didn’t work for me. I then slowly got back up to 6/5 before finally settling with 5/4 which is the best sounding set up to my ears, in my system. Coincidentally, this configuration gave a 50% compression of the springs.
The sound quality is noticeably different with each spring set up. In brief summary, too many springs (low compression) will produce a sound that is lean and light with reduced bass weight. Too little springs (high compression) reduced the airiness and 3-dimensionality. When it sounds right, you will know it and everything just sounds great.
Impressions as follows;
6 springs @ front ; 5 springs @ rear,
- overall presentation is lean and light with certain hollowness to the sound
- bass weight is reduced as it lacks punch and drive
- slight smearing in the midrange
- percussion sounds soft and lacks bite
5 springs @ front ; 4 springs rear (best sound)
- best sound from this set up with the springs at 50% compression
- everything just sounds right as music just flows out freely from the speakers
- notes have more energy with a tube-like quality
- treble sounds airier and has better extension
- improved macrodynamics, airier and 3-dimensional sound with space between instruments
- thwack of drums and percussion all sound snappier and real
- bass weight is back with improved definition and punch
4 springs @ front ; 3 springs @ rear
3 springs @ front ; 2 spings @ rear
- reduced airiness and 3-dimensionality as the sound is slightly dull and flat