Hi Asa, The "older" versions - like yours - actually did have transformers (or something) in the rear domes. The newer Suprateks do not. The new Suprateks are feather-weights and seem to respond well to the added mass.
For example - without the dampening material in my preamp, even a light touch on the top of the metal chassis would cause an audible effect. It sounds much like a single piano note. NOS tubes further increase the problem....
The increass in mass stops this from happening.
The added dampening material does not effect the sound other than making it quieter.
Removing the four plastic feet on the power supply and resing it on the frame seems to be the best so far on all Suprateks I've come across. Vibrapods are way too soft. Placing it on anything softer than MDF sounds sloppy. Anthing harder (for example granite) - can sound shrill (with the feet removed). If the PS had to be placed on a hard surface, the vibrapods would help.
I also added Bybee devices to the AC input and post rectification stage in the power supply which initially added dark flavor but after break-in sound quite nice vs. without.
For example - without the dampening material in my preamp, even a light touch on the top of the metal chassis would cause an audible effect. It sounds much like a single piano note. NOS tubes further increase the problem....
The increass in mass stops this from happening.
The added dampening material does not effect the sound other than making it quieter.
Removing the four plastic feet on the power supply and resing it on the frame seems to be the best so far on all Suprateks I've come across. Vibrapods are way too soft. Placing it on anything softer than MDF sounds sloppy. Anthing harder (for example granite) - can sound shrill (with the feet removed). If the PS had to be placed on a hard surface, the vibrapods would help.
I also added Bybee devices to the AC input and post rectification stage in the power supply which initially added dark flavor but after break-in sound quite nice vs. without.