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Inmate's Systems Pics : Question

80.176.73.121
Posted on April 23, 2016 at 02:50:34
PAR
 In the thread on this page below "Care to share a pic of your main system..." a couple of inmates post pictures of their laptops placed upon resonance control platforms.

Presumably the laptops are being used as audio file servers. But why would a resonance control device affect this function of the device? I am not a "bits is bits" type of person and realise that there are considerations aside from data theory that may affect the practical interface between server and DAC. But these are all electromagnetic in nature. What can be gained from improving the mechanical support of a server?

 

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RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 07:37:45
Gary
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Location: New York, NY
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 I've wondered about that one myself. Even if the source machine is using an HDD instead of an SSD does resonance control make an audible improvement?

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 09:22:16
AbeCollins
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I think it's mostly hopeful speculation and old school thinking that resonance control of a laptop will appreciably improve the sonics.

That being said, I suppose the vibration from the laptop's HDD or fan could affect other components in the rack. But a laptop is nothing like an electroacoustic vinyl rig with analog transducer where vibration or resonance control is truly meaningful.

YMMV but IMHO, there are better places to focus on in the case of a laptop or PC audio in general.

P.S. I saw just one laptop in that entire picture posting thread.


 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 09:54:47
TubeDriver
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Posts: 794
Location: East Coast
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 My system has a MacBook Pro. In the older picture I posted in that thread, it does not have any footers.

It currently does, I got a bunch of the Mapleshade type footers from a plumbing supply house for a few cents each. I got 24 of the blue ones and 24 of the cork ones.

I figure it looks better when the MacBook, DAC and preamp all have matching blue feet and the bottom of the MacBook get slightly warm so perhaps the better airflow will drop the temps a degree or two?

photo image_zpsl5e8fvus.jpeg

 

Most of us who have been at this a while have experienced..., posted on April 23, 2016 at 10:14:31
musetap
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 the benefit(s) of various resonance control devices for TT's, CDP's... most audio equipment.

You raise a fine point in wondering about the benefits in a server though that has so
much going on in addition to serving music.

I'd be curious to know who has gone to this extreme (see link) for a server (even an ipod)
to combat nasty, detrimental vibrations and if it made a noticeable improvement.





"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 10:46:23
Gary
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Location: New York, NY
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 Which racks are those? Thanks.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 11:21:44
TubeDriver
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Location: East Coast
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 I believe they were called StandDesign and were made in the 80/90s. They are welded metal, modular and the shelve size is 18x18 (overall stand dimensions are 20x20). Each shelf is supported by 4 adjustable spikes which makes leveling fairly straight forward. I got a bunch of these stands a while back and have used them ever since then. I can't say they are sonically great but they hold stuff without issues. I don't think they are still in business?

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 11:31:36
AbeCollins
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 I had a StandDesign rack where the shelves were stair stepped, each shelf set back slightly working from the bottom shelf up to the top. I still have a solidly built StandDesign amp stand.

I'm sure those blocks under your laptop help with airflow and wouldn't hurt for possible vibration control. I have my Mac Mini on footers to raise it slightly for airflow.


 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 11:51:41
Mike B.
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 I suggest you go to the PC audio forum. Mercman writes for a computer audiophile site and I believe he reviews something called Tranquility base for this application.


 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 15:23:39
PAR
 If it's for aesthetic reasons and to improve cooling then that is a good enough reason for me.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 15:39:37
PAR
 "P.S. I saw just one laptop in that entire picture posting thread."

Just for the record, apart from TubeDriver's, Jim Smith also posted a picture of a system with PC/Mac on a resonance control platform plus footers. Actually I had hoped that he might respond to this thread.

Yes, I agree that PC Audio (for example) is a better forum for the question but its genesis was in the picture thread on this one and I needed to refer to it. So I judged, rightly or wrongly, that in this case General is the correct place.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 17:30:58
AbeCollins
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I had no comment on which forum your question was posted to, but thanks for pointing out that there were at least two photos of laptops.


 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 17:35:07
AbeCollins
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If it's for aesthetic reasons and to improve cooling then that is a good enough reason for me.

Cooling and aesthetics are good reasons but as you know resonance and vibration control are completely different topics.




 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 23, 2016 at 18:29:19
PAR
 Sorry, clearly my misapprehension as I thought that your remark " IMHO, there are better places to focus on in the case of a laptop or PC audio" was referring to my posting here. Thanks for your comment as I can now understand it hopefully as intended by you.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 24, 2016 at 06:16:29
Gary
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Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000
 I asked about the stands because I think they contribute to a very nice look for your system. You're right unfortunately - no longer available.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 24, 2016 at 07:27:29
AbeCollins
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Posts: 46280
Location: USA
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Ah, I can see how that might be misunderstood. I was suggesting that areas other than resonance and vibration control will net better sonic results and bang for the buck when it comes to computer audio.

 

I employ sandbox isolation, posted on April 24, 2016 at 07:37:29
genungo
 Not because it sounds better, it's where they make me keep all of my toys.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 24, 2016 at 07:52:03
TubeDriver
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Location: East Coast
Joined: February 16, 2007
 Thanks. They work well enough and look good enough that I have not been tempted to spend $$$ on one of the newer, more elaborate stands that are available now.

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : Question, posted on April 25, 2016 at 23:24:03
fantja
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Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
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 Nice Rack!

 

RE: Inmate's Systems Pics : " Nice rack", posted on April 26, 2016 at 08:43:03
A.Wayne
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Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
 In today's zeitgeist, you have to be careful and more specific ... :)

 

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