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Sometimes I had conversations with people who claim that mechanical decoupling of transformers with accessories such as spikes can give sound benefits. I also personally know a local, very respected audio system builder who has his output transformers of his SET amplifier in a separate enclosure with resonance control tweaks and spikes.
I have played with resonance control by placing various kinds of woods on top of the transformers of my SET amplifier and noted the alteration of the sound signature each kind of wood does, so I do believe that mechanically decoupling any transformer can also alter the whole sound signature. The question if it will do it better or worse.
Some of my little experience has shown me that any audio device DISLIKES chassis and stress tension. Any device that, for example a wooden board under tension can drastically benefit if this tension is released, for example if a bent wooden board forced to stay straight when using screws is unloosed.
So I have a suspicion that any transformer that has been tightened with a classical 4 screws method has some tension.
But this is only one aspect... The mechanical coupling is another.
So.. I would like to hear if someone has played with this kind of stuff. Thanks!
Follow Ups:
I might posit that while there may be benefits from such mounting strategies-making sure that the transformer is well wound- tight windings with out bulges etc. that affect the placement/alignment of the laminations, ant then securing a tight lamination stack well- followed by vacuum potting should get you further down the road.
Happy Listening
I like the idea about mechanically decoupling devices, such as transformers, guaranteed to vibrate, from those devices guaranteed to be microphonic.
I'm not sure I understand the warped wooden board analogy other than any thing under stress (a screw to a transformer, or a screw to a board)acts as a type of coupling which can affect sound (and vibration transmission).
Is that what you're saying?
Along the same lines, I have been curious about mechanical coupling/decoupling and I'm confused about something like a metal case for a cd player. Doesn't the circuit board attach to the metal case via screws or rivets, leaving a space between the electronic parts and the circuit board? Don't we spend a lot of time and money replacing the stock rubber feet that support the metal case that supports the circuit board? Is there any other method of attaching circuit boards (or transformers) that would be more sonically pleasing other than metal surrounds? Wouldn't it make more sense to decouple the circuit board directly BEFORE it is attached to a metal case?
Anyone? Thanks!
Years ago the Hammond 200 Series Classic power transformers had a reputation for vibration and I began putting EAR SD-40 under them. The 300 Classics are better and more recently Heyboers are fine but I continue to use the SD-40 under everything magnetic.
Like hum measured but not heard, there's something lurking there.
Can't hurt and beats spending time watching old Gilligan's Island reruns, so why not?
I don't know about spikes but I have been tempted to get more of these grommets I used under the turntable motor I'm redoing. They work well in isolating the motor from the turntable.
No affiliation...etc etc...blah blah
Edits: 04/14/16 04/14/16
Don't think the metal inserts make sense. You might look into EAR isodamp grommets. Neoprene can quiet down transformer better than anything else I tried. Nothing is going to completely isolate the tranny but something is likely better than nothing. I love the EAR Isodamp C-1002 for vibration damping, best rubber type stuff sound wise from what I've tried, IMO. It is made for this kind of thing and there is science behind it. Tweaker And don't forget, YMMV
Unless placed over an oversize hole, those don't isolate anything. The metal axle will make contact on both ends, negating any damping properties.
Peace,
Tom E
berate is 8 and benign is 9
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