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Suggestions for DAC isolation?


My DACs transformer hums/buzzes slightly and I would like to control some of the associated vibration. The DAC is relatively light weight (not in sound). Contacted the manufacturer who said it's normal.

It currently resides on a 3" thick maple slab with 2 VPI bricks on top. Large Audio Points brass cones under maple slab. Thinking about Still Points, Finite Elemente, Black Diamond type units between the maple and DAC.

Maybe something like the Finite Elemente Resonator/The Sound of Silence on top.

1. Has anyone had similar problems?
2. Any suggestions for controlling vibration under DAC?
3. Mass loading or vibration dissipation better on top?

Thanks for any insights you can offer.
128x128rja
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
rja...mine will be here end of this week. i am very anxious to get it! what digital cable/power cable do you use with it?
rja's avatar
rja OP
2,370 posts
 

I've been through a lot of digital cables in my day. Right now I'm happily using a Kubala Sosna Emotion 1.5m XLR cable that I bought used here on Audiogon. I'm not sure how critical it is with the Berkeley though.
dob
577 posts
 
If transformer in DAC behaves like one in power amp then read from Spectron Audio Web Site:

"Mechanical humming from the mains transformer is caused by a varying DC component on the mains grid's AC voltage. The DC component comes from unbalanced loads on the mains grid, such as hair dryers and is present in most households. The amplifier main transformer's vibrations degrade performance of the power supply and when audible can be annoyance as well. Spectron solved this problem by building appropriate filtering circuit below one watt, which is extremely low."

I had it until Spectron changed design of its amp to include appropriate circuitry. You can buy external devices which filter DC component out: one was sold by PS Audio...do search.

All The Best
Rafael
rja's avatar
rja OP
2,370 posts
 
I'm trying 4 Herbie's Tenderfooters between the DAC and maple platform for starters.
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