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Post by ChrisB on Jul 26, 2014 22:10:29 GMT
Have you ever done something to your system that achieved a big improvement by using ingredients that didn't come from a hi-fi source?
For example, one of the biggest improvements I ever made to my old SD Acoustics speakers was bolting 8mm of steel plate to the bases and tilting them back about 5 degrees. It cost just over a tenner and the guy who owned the engineering company thought I was bonkers!
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Post by Dave on Jul 26, 2014 22:38:33 GMT
I have used cork demijohn bungs between my DM2's and the top plate of my Atacama stands to good effect, although I've now refined that to self-adhesive cork pads which work even better. Also utilised the bungs under my old Valhalla which worked really well for preventing floor born vibrations from the suspended floor travelling up through the rack and into the amp   |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 5:09:07 GMT
The old one of a bicycle inner tube in a wooden surround used to work wonders. These days, coins of the realm with a dimple drilled in them, under spikes, is the nearest I get to upgraditus.
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Post by John on Jul 27, 2014 5:34:35 GMT
Not sure if this counts
Changing the baffle design on my speakers
I started with the recommended 3/4 birch play and without using a separate mounting plate
Moved to 40mm MDF and a separate mounting plate
Difference a lot more body to the the sound
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 28, 2014 6:57:14 GMT
Makes you wonder what 80mm would do!
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Post by John on Jul 28, 2014 13:49:55 GMT
Or even slate
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Post by danielquinn on Jul 28, 2014 13:57:10 GMT
Got drunk .
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 28, 2014 21:19:07 GMT
Squash balls - they're an interesting proposition. Much touted as an effective squishy isolation device but how do you use them? Some people cut them in half. Well OK, that's one way I suppose, but now it's only half as squishy! If you leave them intact, then how do you stop your expensive gear just rolling off? What sort of weight will they take? A while back, I bought some to have a play with and I came up with Wazoo's Klub-Feet Take an Ikea tea light holder, price £0.49p  A squash ball fits perfectly into the hole in the base. Place the item of equipment on top. If the existing feet fit in the top hole, then all the better. I tried my bigger Levinson power amp on 4 of these. It weighs 36kg and when placed on top, it settles with about 1 or 2mm clearance between the glass and the shelf. They seem to work best for me underneath my valve pre-amplifier.  |
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Post by Dave on Jul 28, 2014 21:44:31 GMT
There's a theme developing here
Four years ago I was wandering around our local branch of The Range and spotted some granite chopping boards in their kitchen section for just £11.99 a pop. Hmmm, I thought and picked up three of the blighters. After a quick browzaroo on ebay I discovered a shop in Hong Kong selling gold plated, turned brass isolation feet and cups at four for £9.99. When said feet arrived I married them with the granite blocks eh voila, do it yourself isolation platforms...
Another couple of years down the road whilst moving the kit into a new rack I accidentally knocked one of the platforms against a piece of furniture and it rang like a bell. So much for that experiment then... 
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Post by Dave on Jul 28, 2014 22:07:24 GMT
I've always thought these were an inspired idea Chris. I remember your original thread on AoS which IIRC you posted around the same period I assembled the platforms above  |
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Post by Firebottle on Jul 29, 2014 6:31:51 GMT
I suppose some galvanised steel cable and eye bolts could be included in this thread. The wife's inspired suggestion to suspend the 'statics from the roof timbers worked out exceptionally well. No more compromise with furniture positioning, the speakers being well out of the corners as required really opened up the sound stage. The 'stats are even further out and lower now than when the picture was taken, to better effect, the sweet spot has widened considerably:  :cool:Alan |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 29, 2014 6:58:38 GMT
What did you do with the cables Alan? Did you clip them to one of the suspension wires or go for the dangly look?
EDIT: - Oh OK I see them now!
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Post by MartinT on Jul 30, 2014 20:21:39 GMT
Morrisons do a nice line in very inexpensive granite place mats and coasters. Combined with Chris's IKEA glasses and squash balls it could be a hit!
Let's not forget the Lidl washing machine feet for heavier equipment.
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Barry
Rank: Trio
Posts: 195 
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Post by Barry on Jul 30, 2014 23:20:26 GMT
I suppose some galvanised steel cable and eye bolts could be included in this thread. The wife's inspired suggestion to suspend the 'statics from the roof timbers worked out exceptionally well. No more compromise with furniture positioning, the speakers being well out of the corners as required really opened up the sound stage. The 'stats are even further out and lower now than when the picture was taken, to better effect, the sweet spot has widened considerably: :cool:Alan Do you like the sound of the musicians being at least 10' tall, or elevated to a similar height? |
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Post by Firebottle on Jul 31, 2014 6:26:12 GMT
You have to imagine they are performing on the top of the oak unit  Actually when reclining in the chair the ears are pointing in the right direction for the soundstage  Is is a little compromise but one that we have got used to, :cool:Alan |
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