Tweaks

Frepec,

I sincerely apologize. It was a rough day and I couldn't believe your question. That is until I realized that you are indeed new to this game.

That's why I suggested to read, read, read, there are many threads concerning these items with many different opinions.

In the end, it's not the tweaks that are the most important, it is understanding why these tweaks exist. They exist to try to deal with those sound waves bouncing around the room, because when they hit the components, the components will vibrate and that will cause the components to modify or distort the signal being generated.

Dealing with removing these vibrations so that the signal sent out of the components is as clean as possible is the why. The Vibrapods, Audio Points, etc., etc., etc. are different ways to try to keep the components more stable in order to send a cleaner, more true signal.

I thought that it was more important for you to understand the why, then read all of the zillion threads and differing opinions and thoughts on which one is more suitable. There's no best, only what works to your ear. I really like Sistrum stands and Audio Points, but have recently found the opposite way of thinking device, the Harmonic Resolution platforms, equally as good.

AC and signal leakage from and into other cables is also why people say to cross cables at a 90 degree angle. I also like using the Mapleshade tripod that raises the cables 8" off of the ground and also allow for cable stringing and isolation.

But the best route that I found for me was to find cables that are very well shielded, both from leakage out and penetrating in.

Please understand the whys of these tweaks, and I believe that the different solutions and tweaks will make much more sense since you'll know the problem areas that they're trying to address.

Again, I sincerely apologize for being short and rude.

Chuck

Nicely done Krell man!

I can only give you feedback on one of the three things you asked about - anti-vibration devices certainly can make a difference in my experience.

I would qualify that, and further comment on any of the input you get here by saying this:

The differences made by any of these devices or techniques are going to be largely dependent on two important factors - how resolving is your system, and how discriminating are you as a listener? An encouraging answer to both to pursue this further then begs the next question - are the differences you hear worth the price you paid (which I guess is at the core of why you are taking a poll here)? Really, only you can answer this question yourself by trying various things in your own system. I would say that if it is NOT a very resolving system then some of these tweaks may not have a very discernible effect. If it is, then you may want to buy used and listen for yourself. If it doesn't warrant the price, resell them here at a minimal, if any, loss. If you decide to invest in one of those clever little clocks, or telephone calls that transform your entire system, I would warn you that you will not likely recoup that investment anytime soon.

In all fairness to the 'other school of thought', some of the science associated with tweaks is a little .... weak? Solid State Microphonics? Tubes without question, but SS? I can also see doing something with a CD / optical player. But what? Isolate? Couple to a surface? Hi hysteresis rubber? Lo? On granite? On Maple? or try a Maple / Granite laminate?

I'd love to give some of this a try, but my pockets simply are not deep enough and there is not enough time for testing.

Everyone says to 'experiment' with little or no convincing / consistent theory, as near as I can tell. Even the Stereophile article assumes the effect and how it works with no objective proof.

As for isolation devices, there is a ton of info on AA and in particular, a "shootout" of several well know devices conducted by Zog under "isolation devices binge" in the Tweaks/DIY section.