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Post by MartinT on Aug 28, 2014 1:46:10 GMT
Right, I've decided to dismantle and rebuild the system on my return. I shall remove the sprung feet and replace with six spikes. Pull the whole rack 15cm forwards to allow better dressing of the cables behind. Lay everything out carefully. Use RDC Cones throughout, apart from the turntable (Isonoes + Techniboots) and disc spinner (Deflex Superpods). Some time later, my Coherent 6D power cable should be ready.
I shall evaluate the system rack spikes versus springs with no other changes and report back on how it sounds.
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Post by jandl100 on Aug 28, 2014 6:13:26 GMT
System shakedown! I hope you'll only do this after at least several days of re-accustomising yourself to the sound it makes now?  --- I always have to re-adjust to my own system after an extended time away from it, even just a few days, even more so if I've been using other music sources in the meantime. |
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Post by jandl100 on Aug 28, 2014 6:25:14 GMT
Re: RDC cones. Yep, good things, I've used them for decades!
I almost always prefer solid footers to squishy ones, and the RDC "compound" seems to be very effective sonically - have you tried the RDC1 under your Techie tt, Martin?
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Post by danielquinn on Aug 28, 2014 8:13:24 GMT
DQ - no leap of faith is required for establishing that all components are affected by vibration to a greater or lesser extent, and respond well to footers of some kind. You only need to try it to hear the difference.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 28, 2014 15:33:16 GMT
That's it, it's about time I rebuilt it. Knowing what I've learned about absorbent versus conducted isolation, I sense that spikes may give me an improvement. No harm done if it fails, as I can always put the sprung feet back in. |
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Post by John on Aug 28, 2014 16:20:12 GMT
DQ - no leap of faith is required for establishing that all components are affected by vibration to a greater or lesser extent, and respond well to footers of some kind. You only need to try it to hear the difference.
For me it's been a mixed bag So when I had a ear 864 pre made a noticeable difference on the nu vista cd player no difference |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 1, 2014 20:56:03 GMT
I'm trying to ascertain what spikes I need before I disassemble the whole system only to find, once I have the rack upside-down, that I haven't got what I need in order to finish the job. I have established that the thread is M8 and I have some 50mm M8 spikes but I'm not sure if they're long enough, so I'm ordering some 57mm length ones as the longest I can find online. My only other choice would be to buy some threaded rod and make my own.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 3, 2014 18:34:19 GMT
System stripped down, everything placed elsewhere carefully. Turn the system rack upside-down, remove the first sprung footer and attempt to insert the long spike into the deeply recessed hole. Hello - it's turning but not going in. Inspect the hole more carefully and . . . there's no thread. Aaaaaaaaargh!
Go into my garage, find a set of thread taps I bought about 20 years ago, set to it and I've got the first hole threaded with some considerable difficulty. Only 5 more to go...
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Post by ChrisB on Sept 3, 2014 18:42:42 GMT
Oh dear. Watch out where the swarf goes!
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 3, 2014 19:27:02 GMT
The classic arse and alligators scenario that stops me making changes
Are you sure it is ok to be threaded ?
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Post by MartinT on Sept 3, 2014 21:00:28 GMT
Are you sure it is ok to be threaded ? Yes, the tube is threaded the other end to connect to the next section of leg. That was an arse of a job, will continue tomorrow night. |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 4, 2014 12:12:18 GMT
Ok, all holes now threaded. The next problem is that the holes are too recessed for the spikes I have, necessitating some lengthening and strengthening. I have some M8 exhaust manifold studs and hex connectors on their way. E-Bay to the rescue, it's very good for bits and pieces that you can't find anywhere else. I'd rather wait another day or two to make a good job of it.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 5, 2014 22:47:33 GMT
The original Solid Tech rack sprung feet, followed by the problem - the problem being that the central column is deeply recessed and not threaded, unlike the other end!
 
The solution was to tap an M8 thread (quite difficult because of the recess) and use an M8 exhaust manifold stud, a long hex nut, an M8 spike and a short M8 tightening nut. The overall assembly is very strong and rigid.
Spikes all done and rack ready to be repositioned.
Ah, that's better. Everything back in place, all supported on RDCs, SuperPods or Isonoes/Techniboots. The rack is rigid with no wobble on its six spikes into the concrete.
The system is still too cold for me to properly evaluate, so I'll leave it powered up over the weekend and evaluate as I go. |
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 6, 2014 9:51:05 GMT
Be very interested to hear what you hear.
Still trying to get my head around this isolation, damping stuff
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Post by ChrisB on Sept 6, 2014 10:09:04 GMT
Those 3 webs that connect the central cylinder to the outer cylinder look quite thin Martin. Will they cope with the weight of the entire system? I realise that they must be doing so now, but a sudden shock force might cause a shear?
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Post by MartinT on Sept 6, 2014 11:02:34 GMT
They go all along the cylinder, Chris. Based on how hard it was to tap, it's pretty strong. I lay on it while cabling up, not even a creak.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2014 17:43:03 GMT
I've been quiet about spiking the system rack for a few days now for good reason. Not having had a proper listening session until tonight, all I could think was "it's different". Really quite tricky to put my finger on it, but then tonight I dug out Ry Cooder Bop Til You Drop on vinyl and all has become much clearer. Remember also that I'm without the 6D power cable that Tony loaned me for long enough that it made an indelible mark on my listening (where's mine, Tony?).
Recap: system rack now spiked through the carpet into the concrete floor (previously it was sprung with the feet resting on the carpet). Phono preamp + PSU, turntable PSU, preamp + PSU, power amp, regenerator all on triple RDCs. SACD player on Superpods, turntable on Isonoes + Techniboots.
The system sounds punchier, with a greater sense of rhythm and drive. I have never heard BTYD sound so boppy, it's a very infectious record as-is but tonight it just draws me more into the music. The soundstage is well focussed, a little more so than before, and everything sounds clear, well resolved and 3D. I'm not quite as convinced about CD replay yet, but will select a couple of faves and have a listen now.
Next things to try: SACD player on RDCs. Granite placemats (Morrisons) on top of SACD player (I can feel it resonating with the music), preamp + PSU, regenerator (if it fits in the gap). |
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 8, 2014 20:07:44 GMT
Mana racks next  |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2014 20:13:23 GMT
Never! Too ugly, for starters Now then, I tried three RDC 1 cones under the Ayre SACD player and bonanza! What they seem to do is bring it closer to vinyl replay with loads of soundstage and room cues. Incredible sense of space and vivid reproduction. I am really liking this so back to listening, no time for chat... |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2014 22:44:08 GMT
Very interesting evening. Both vinyl and CD playback are the best I've ever heard, by small but audible increments. Everything is cleaner, better delineated, less harsh but more detailed, with a deeper soundstage offering better air and space.
One downside: I'm now getting feedback from the turntable at just about my loudest listening volume. Not the usual howl-back but a very deep, throbbing, bass which goes away if I reduce the volume by a couple of dB. I think the 'grounded' system rack is allowing more through (as I would expect) and I'm hearing the limiting effects, or possibly even resonance, of the Isonoe/Techniboot feet.
So, a new plan: I have ordered 4 x RDC 1 Cones with M6 studs, 4 x RDC Cone Cups and 4 x RDC Combi Bases. RDC claim that bass suppression is the forte of the Combi Bases, so we'll see if that lot does the trick.
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