Affordable Isolation

[Dizzie]

I am looking for affordable isolation devices. By affordable I will state a limit of $500/component. By component I mean a DAC preamp, etc. not one isolation device.

I have 4 components to isolate. Two amplifier monoblocks (12.5 pounds each), a DAC, and a preamp. The amps are on walnut butcher block platforms. The DAC and pre are on walnut butcher block shelves.

Thanks for suggestions.

 

[Mike]

ISOAcoustic OREA series. It’s what I use at home. Outstanding at dissipation (you don’t want isolation).


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[Dizzie]

ISOAcoustic OREA series. It’s what I use at home. Outstanding at dissipation (you don’t want isolation).


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How do they compare with devices like Finite Elemente and Stillpoint footers and other devices that take a different approach? That being hard material against hard material instead of absorbent material. I worry about too much dampening doing the same to the sound.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Herbie's Audio Lab, I bought some Tender Feet and they worked great, the improvement in sound quality was noticeable, and very reasonably priced.

I haven't compared them to similar, I ordered mine after hearing what a difference they made in my friend's system. A return policy if not happy but I suspect he don't get many back.

I just had my components sitting on the shelf of the rack so I imagine some isolation was warranted, I just had no idea how effective this type of treatment could be. I made a post after getting the Tender Feet where I may have more information than I remember now.

 

[jmusica]

Have had good results with various IsoAcoustics, Synergistic MIGs, Gingko Cloud (but not the wool half-balls), Herbie’s dots.

 

[Mike]

How do they compare with devices like Finite Elemente and Stillpoint footers and other devices that take a different approach? That being hard material against hard material instead of absorbent material. I worry about too much dampening doing the same to the sound.

Far better than stillpoints.


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[rrwmd]

ISOAcoustic OREA series. It’s what I use at home. Outstanding at dissipation (you don’t want isolation).


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+1 on the OREAs. I've tried others including Stillpoints and Herbie's Tenderfeet and the OREAs worked best in my system.

 

[Rnrmf]

As best as I can figure and possibly specific to this piece of furniture, I found that using Oreas under the pictured Butcher Block Acoustics platform sounded more natural than without the platform and more natural than an expensive isolation footer either directly on the furniture or in addition to the Oreas and platform combo. YMMV.

 

[Hear Here]

Has anyone used the IsoAcoustic Pro Audio equivalent of Orea - the Puck range?

They are appreciably less costly than Orea and seem to offer much the same.

Incidentally, for a quick test to see if alternate feet make an iota of difference to the sound, it is valid to simply lift the amp (or whatever) with your fingers so it becomes separated from the supporting shelf? Then return to its feet. Peter

 

[Barry]

I mostly use expensive stuff, but here's something really cheap with a good industrial pedigree, Sound Damped Steel, also sold under the trade name "Soundeck". I use 2 sets of the round damping feet under my 140 lb turntable with pretty good results.

They make a variety of products including a turntable mat. Here's a vid:




You can order them here, and shipping's pretty quick to US:

50mm Soundeck Damping Feet | soundeck

 

[Dizzie]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am listening.

Any experience with isolation devices for a Shunyata Denali 600/S v2 beside the stock Shunyata Isolation SSF-38 Footer?

 

[brodricj]

I can't help but think people get trapped in this mindset of finding solutions to problems which don't exist. My Denali is strapped to the wall in a vertical orientation using velcro. My Stewart electric projection screen - which is a 2 person lift - did a kamikaze off the ceiling, collected the Denali whilst in free fall, ripped it off the wall and both crashed on the floor. The Denali survived, the screen did not. All the while the Denali kept doing its thing unperturbed. And to think we fuss over vibration and isolation devices. If people want to throw their play money at vibration devices and other black magic solutions to problems which don't exist, my suggestion is to use that money to buy better speakers. Better speakers result in better sound. Isolation devices under a Denali - for eye candy purposes maybe, but not a quantum leap towards better sound.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Falling on the floor and continuing to play is hardly the same as vibration issues. Like noise you aren't aware of until it's gone, either via power conditioning or better cables the same with vibration, when it's goen or improved on the sound is improved. Unless you've experimented yourself you should refrain from condescending bashing. You have pretty nice cables, are those just for looks? If so, you are sort of calling the kettle black. If not, I don't get the point of your post at all.

I can't help but think people get trapped in this mindset of finding solutions to problems which don't exist. My Denali is strapped to the wall in a vertical orientation using velcro. My Stewart electric projection screen - which is a 2 person lift - did a kamikaze off the ceiling, collected the Denali whilst in free fall, ripped it off the wall and both crashed on the floor. The Denali survived, the screen did not. All the while the Denali kept doing its thing unperturbed. And to think we fuss over vibration and isolation devices. If people want to throw their play money at vibration devices and other black magic solutions to problems which don't exist, my suggestion is to use that money to buy better speakers. Better speakers result in better sound. Isolation devices under a Denali - for eye candy purposes maybe, but not a quantum leap towards better sound.

 

[JCS123]

ISOAcoustic OREA series. It’s what I use at home. Outstanding at dissipation (you don’t want isolation).


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Mike, which component(s) do you think would benefit the most from using the OREA's? My system: Monoblocks, a preamp, a streamer/network player and a CD player. I've been very happy with Herbie's Tenderfeet under all components, but the tweaker in me is curious if the relatively affordable OREA's might offer a noticeable improvement on one component. My budget won't allow for 4 under everything.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike]

Mike, which component(s) do you think would benefit the most from using the OREA's? My system: Monoblocks, a preamp, a streamer/network player and a CD player. I've been very happy with Herbie's Tenderfeet under all components, but the tweaker in me is curious if the relatively affordable OREA's might offer a noticeable improvement on one component. My budget won't allow for 4 under everything.

Thanks in advance.

Number 1 by a mile:

CD player.

Number 2 (close second): Streamer

Number 3 preamp

Number 4 amps (leave until very last. My findings have been mixed here. Big heavy SS amps, meh. Light flea watt tube = yes!


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[jmusica]

I can't help but think people get trapped in this mindset of finding solutions to problems which don't exist. …. If people want to throw their play money at vibration devices and other black magic solutions to problems which don't exist, my suggestion is to use that money to buy better speakers. Better speakers result in better sound. Isolation devices under a Denali - for eye candy purposes maybe, but not a quantum leap towards better sound.

I’m puzzled by your post, to be honest. For a guy who’s dropped the kind of $ on his system that you have, including expensive racks - which are basically about vibration management - it seems odd you’d say something that many have experienced benefits from is black magic.

Do you not have vibration management under any of your gear? The Magico’s for instance, or under the gear that sits on your racks.

 

[u-sound]

Number 1 by a mile:

CD player.

Number 2 (close second): Streamer

Number 3 preamp

Number 4 amps (leave until very last. My findings have been mixed here. Big heavy SS amps, meh. Light flea watt tube = yes!


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i would add switches and reclockers to nr1. clocks seem to be highly sensitive imho

 

[u-sound]

I can't help but think people get trapped in this mindset of finding solutions to problems which don't exist. My Denali is strapped to the wall in a vertical orientation using velcro. My Stewart electric projection screen - which is a 2 person lift - did a kamikaze off the ceiling, collected the Denali whilst in free fall, ripped it off the wall and both crashed on the floor. The Denali survived, the screen did not. All the while the Denali kept doing its thing unperturbed. And to think we fuss over vibration and isolation devices. If people want to throw their play money at vibration devices and other black magic solutions to problems which don't exist, my suggestion is to use that money to buy better speakers. Better speakers result in better sound. Isolation devices under a Denali - for eye candy purposes maybe, but not a quantum leap towards better sound.

an everest would have cracked that screen properly

 

[Hear Here]

I’m puzzled by your post, to be honest. For a guy who’s dropped the kind of $ on his system that you have, including expensive racks - which are basically about vibration management - it seems odd you’d say something that many have experienced benefits from is black magic.

Do you not have vibration management under any of your gear? The Magico’s for instance, or under the gear that sits on your racks.

Do you not think that the ultra $ components in the system already have very carefully designed feet, crafted specifically for the unit they support? Chucking more dosh at already very costly and properly designed kit (including feet) seems somewat daft to me!

 

[Dizzie]

Do you not think that the ultra $ components in the system already have very carefully designed feet, crafted specifically for the unit they support? Chucking more dosh at already very costly and properly designed kit (including feet) seems somewat daft to me!

Stock feet may be a cost compromise. The shelf or platform the equipment is placed on plays a factor in what isolation is optimal. Equipment manufacturers have no control over final placement. Less expensive equipment may have nothing special used as footers. But for $200 a set of OREAs can be tried.

I have ordered some OREAs. For what I have invested in my system they seem like a very affordable option with technology behind the design. I use GAIAs on the speakers in the room with a tile floor.

I do not understand the bellyaching about trying something. If it works, great. If it doesn't move on. I consider the speakers in my two systems endgame. I am not looking at other brands. Moving up the line is out of my comfort zone for expenditures. I also don't have the space for the next level of speaker.

My goal is to optimize the room and ancillary equipment. Experimenting with isolation is not a crime and not "daft". In fact it makes perfect sense to me since I have experienced positive results in the past.