Wood blocks underneath components?? snake oil?

This type of "discussion" comes up a lot with regard to cables as well. Is there a way we could implement a 2 step approach to determine whether the wood blocks are making a difference? For example, could we use a real time analyzer to look at the systems in-room characteristics with an without the wood blocks (or cables, or magic clocks, etc...) in place, then with the wood blocks in place. Obviously you may need to schieve a baseline via averaging repeated measurements, but hyptothetically could we establish whether or not, in room there is any difference, even if it is as minute as "80 hz is always -1db when the wood blocks are in place". If there was any consistent difference proceed to step 2, which would be to determine whether or not the human ear / brain interface is capable of distinguishing between the 2 scanarios.

I have never seen great data on what the human ear can and cannot detect, and I guess it could be different for any 2 individuals. Still I think there are probably some general characteristics regarding hearing that could help determine whether a reported difference is plausible or not.

Mind you I don't know if this is even possible, but I had to ask.

Sdatch, Why would you think that vibration control would effect the frequency balance of a components output? Perhaps it has a greater effect on vibration induced distortions which while audible to those sensitive to their presence do not alter the frequency response at all. Just a thought...........

Perhaps a better test would be to get something super sensitive and measure a components intrinsic vibrations both under static as well as live conditions (stuff in use in a system) with and without the vibration controlling devise in place. Probably you would have to spend some bucks to get the instrument (maybe a seismograph) and set up a place to do the tests.

That would be step 1. Now, assuming you measured a change in the vibrations, perhaps you will be able to figure out a way to determine the effect, if any, of these vibrations on the sound of components and system. I have no real suggestions to resolve that issue but others may.

Think of all of the rest you would give to the minds of the naysayers who insist on telling other that its not in their hearing, its in their minds. Perhaps you can take up a collection from these naysayers and move forward.

I'll look forward to hearing the results. :-)

I always like the "I don't believe in dbt - I know what I hear" (I just don't have the cojones to objectively prove it apparently). Sorbothane is most effective against vibration, but apparently many don't like it - go figure

The emperor is naked, no wait, maybe he's got clothes on, hmmmm, I can't really see (or hear) that good, maybe I don't know after all, damn, for this amount of money they better do something, or I got suckered, oh well, Mr. Golden Ears says they work, and who am I to argue.

If it makes you feel good, do it.

Next discussion, "soundstage champ power cords - on wood blocks or not".

Tone woods really can make a difference under your components. I was very skeptical myself until I tried a few products from Monument Reference. www.monref.com and was blown away at what it did in my system. They were definitely more expensive than the Cardas Blocks but the results were worth the money in my setup.

This company uses wood like Cocobolo and Brazilian Rosewood to make their products which are treated with a varnish very similiar to what is used on Violins. Being a guitar enthusiast and familiar with these woods, it just makes sense to me..

Anyway, I now use the signature posts (Brazilian Rosewood) under my Amp, CD Transport, and DAC. My system is a different animal entirely without them.

Anyway, huge believer in the wood!

Chris

The_kid: do the Monument Ref just sit underneath the component? Are they physically attached in any way? Also, I noticed that only 3 posts are given in a set. I assume 1 is positioned at the front center position and the other 2 in the rear side position making a triangle?