The Tube Anti-Vibration/isolation Discussion

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by AllanMarcus, Sep 25, 2016.

  1. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    This older thread is related to this topic:
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-vibrate-and-produce-negative-resonance.2687/
    Thanks @Madaboutaudio for the link

    ------------------------



    https://luminousaudio.com/collections/speaker-terminals-accessories/products/sorbothanec

    Anyone try these, or similar? These seem like a pretty good price ($2.50/ea in 4 packs)

    I use these under my Crack, and it's helped to reduce vibrations, which the crack is particularly sensitive to.

    http://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiT...-2-x-2-x-7-8?gclid=COKnzuP8qs8CFQOUaQod4QUFMA
    [​IMG]

    and these
    http://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-MP-2E-EVA-Anti-Vibration-Pad-2-x-2-x-7-8
    [​IMG]

    They make various size squares. Price is right, but would the sorbothane be better? For $10 I may just get some, but I'm interested in others the may have tried them.

    Also, they will be at RMAF, so I'll get to check out all of Luminous' stuff.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2016
  2. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    I don't believe in isolation, except for turntables. Oh, wait... and tube amps if they need it. I'd hate to have one that did, but, if you do, then this looks like good value.

    There is a recent thread, which begins with a description of an isolation table that would be great at everything except actually isolating --- it gave rise to some interesting conversation on the topic. I'll add the link if I can find it.

    Here: DIY Isolation Base.
     
  3. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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    Looks like you found the topic link.

    Anyway I have placed order for this(which supports more weight than luminousaudio version):
    http://www.edmundoptics.com/optomec...eadboard-accessories/sorbothane-mounts/35264/

    The product link(posted by me) above does look legit since it's not "audio-foolery" equipment company but actual industrial equipment company.

    Will photograph them once they ship over in this coming week or so. Just to share how they look like in real life.

    This is the extreme end of the spectrum for vibration isolation:
    http://www.edmundoptics.com/optomec...h-performance-vibration-isolation-system/3571


    Video on vibration for anyone technically interested (the video suggest that you require a isolation base @ roughly 17min 30sec onwards):
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2016
  4. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
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    Oh jeez.. sorbothane here..

    [​IMG]
     
  5. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I'm not about to spend any serious money on isolation. I use those HVAC isolation pads since they isolate and protect the surface. I use them for speakers and the crack.

    Let us know how the sorbothane feet work. Thanks.
     
  6. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    Hey Allan, I have been using lots of vibration control for many years and have used these before. They are just okay. They do a better job with really heavy items. I have some sorbothane since trying in the 80s. It will stain wood if you put it under a component and set on a nice piece of furniture, leaves dark marks that do not come out. Decent effect, but the best stuff I found for racks is Ikea Bamboo cutting board then use Herbies Tenderfeet under your component and place on board, or you can go without the board at first.

    I have a lots of Herbies stuff and all works very well and is not too expensive.
     
  7. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Its spreading....
     
  8. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I don't usually swear, it what the f**k is your problem? My tube amp defiantly makes noise when i simply type on my keyboard. The vibration isolator pads I use clearly help, and I spent a whooping $4 and they help. I don't have another place to put the amp, so I need good, but sanely priced, vibration reduction.

    If you don't think this equipment is needed, please stop watching this thread and get on with your life.
     
  9. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I didnt mean anything by that. It could be the answer to your problems.
    If anything, you should have quoted the other guy. We were both just referancing a topic where a guy thought sorbothane was the answer to any problem, and should be used all the time.

    Sorbothane could be your best option.
     
  10. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Ok. NP.

    Herbies has some interesting stuff. I tend to go the DIY route for stuff like this, and I might just try the HVAC pads, and IKEA cutting board platform, then anoer set of HVAC pads or the sorbothane.
     
  11. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Any thoughts on tube dampers?
     
  12. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    @AllanMarcus - If you try the cutting board get the $14 big ones and place directly on rack with component on it. Then you can try the cork / neo footers under the component. I have not had a benefit by isolating the bamboo cutting board from a shelf.
     
  13. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    If there's a problem it's that... there shouldn't be a problem. But I've been known to reach into my sack of wise fortune cookies and produce the one that says, start where you are. Which means, ok, you have an amp which is subject to vibration, and, for whatever reasons, despite that fault, you're keeping it. Same with me and my dancing washing machine that so, so badly wanted to destroy itself and the house. And yes, the answer was a heavy-duty kind of sorbothane-composite feet,

    So, back in the day that I bought those things for my solid-state amplifier, I came to understand that it was one of my more stupid purchases. But if I had your amp...

    Buying industrial, so long as the feet are not rated for much, much heavier equipment (like washing machines!) should subtract the audiophile premium. It's a good idea. I think the table under a friend's fancy turntable was industry/lab equipment, although still far from cheap.

    By the way: this is what I put under the washing machine, Silent Feet . They even have a product to isolate your bed,

    And here's another site that sells them and similar products. Enjoy!

    Oh... and that squidgy, softy, sticky sorbothane feeling. Mmmmmmm :p:oops:

    EDIT: Oh Yeah! Sorbothane Mallet! I want one!
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2016
  14. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Thanks Thad. I love my Bottlehead Crack. Partly because I made it. Partly because I just like the way it sounds.

    As for tube dampers, I also read about silicon rings like this. I understand there are similar products even cheaper on eBay.

    I too have a "walking washing machine, but I made a platform for it, and this is how I solved the issue:

    Interesting fact. That head in the steel boarder isn't there now! Must be a ghost.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2016
  15. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    Off-topic.... You missed the caption: Self-portrait in Washing-machine door rim! :)

    And mine was an LG too. It's gone now. Glad you love your Crack. One way or another, I'm just not a tube man.
     
  16. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    I posted my one experience with sorbothane here.

    I was impressed and would not hesitate to try it again if I had a vibration problem.
     
  17. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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    found some relatively cheap sorbothane feets, sheets and stuff:
    https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_ID=6421
    They even come with charts to show the effectiveness vs load.

    Interesting note on sorbothane(which should apply for any other types of springs)
     
  18. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    Was just looking into this last night for a microphonic tube of my own. Found a reco for silicone rings in this thread.

    FEP Teflon coated silicone o-rings, size 116, fits miniature (12AX7-size) tubes, silicone o-rings, size 133, fits 2A3 an 300B types: McMaster-Carr (562) 692-5911, catalog numbers 9319K26 (#116), 9396K154 (#133).

    These should, at least, be sturdier than the vanilla o rings you linked. Worth a shot at the price. Otherwise Herbie's has tube dampers somewhat more expensive. I reckon one of the RXs on the input tube would do it. Is it worth the extra? Dunno, but I figured a $1 punt on some o rings first was pretty low risk if that will solve the problem.
     
  19. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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  20. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    @AllanMarcus I had a MicroZOTL2 on my desk at work for a while that picked up keyboard vibration through 7062s (very microphonic tubes). It was completely solved by putting a composition notebook under the amp. Herbie's tube rings work well, but IMO are too expensive. I know there's actual science behind vibration dampening, but hey, whatever works. If it doesn't need to look good, there might be a solution in your deck drawer already.

    Percy has those red O-rings too. Depending on which tubes you have, I might have some that fit which I'm not using.
     

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