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Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?

98.14.180.171
Posted on May 24, 2020 at 10:21:57
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 I know there are a lot of isolation suggestions out there, but I would first like to try a bunch of these. I think I'll be using 2" squares with two under each foot of a tube amp and one under each foot of a tube pre and a tube phono pre.

So any advice between cork and EVA? And what about more expensive EVA versus the cheaper EVA?

Or does it matter?

Thanks in advance.

 

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RE: Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?, posted on May 24, 2020 at 14:17:18
Uncle Mike
 I've had them under my tube amps for years, as well as the 'fridge. The cork type as I've been away from chillers and compressors for a long time I haven't had a chance to get a hold of EVA. A local refrigeration supply house should have an assortment to choose from.

 

RE: Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?, posted on May 24, 2020 at 18:06:33
moray james
Manufacturer

Posts: 1599
Location: Calgary on the Bow
Joined: May 19, 2002
 given the [rice of the cork ones why not just buy a set and find out for yourself?
moray james

 

RE: Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?, posted on May 26, 2020 at 02:24:54
PAR
Audiophile

Posts: 1732
Location: South London, UK
Joined: June 4, 2019
 I have some similar items but have not found them effective in audio use ( I was trying to see if I could place them on the top panel of a pre-amp to damp it).

They are intended to be used under vibrating machinery ( such as the fridge of Uncle Mike below). I suspect that they are designed to cope with low frequency, relatively high energy vibrations rather than the low energy or micro vibrations in the audio band that are usually our concern in isolating equipment.

Still maybe it's worth experimenting if you are happy to write off the cost if unsuccessful.


"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams

 

+1 (nt), posted on May 26, 2020 at 05:21:40
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 nt

 

RE: Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?, posted on May 26, 2020 at 06:23:55
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 Thanks, I appreciate the responses.

At the exorbitant cost of 28 cents each I think I am ready to try.

Successful audio tweaks often make use of devices and materials designed for completely unrelated uses. After all, my TNT turntable is held up, and VERY successfully (if I change them every 4 or 5 years) isolated, by 4 handballs. People tuning in could probably name many more. Could be the subject of an interesting thread.

My expectations here are quite limited.

 

RE: Isoblocks: Cork or EVA?, posted on May 26, 2020 at 11:59:15
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Since neither version is intended for the audio application you have in mind, you might consider trying both to hear which one might shift the resonant characteristic in the most pleasing manner. Perhaps a combination of each type would sound best rather than only the cork or the EVA version. That said, the cork version likely stores less vibrational energy than the EVA version, so if given a choice the cork version would seem to be a better option.

 

Felt + EVA Pads, posted on June 1, 2020 at 12:03:55
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002









Image: Yelanon Felt + EVA Grippers

An audio project involving many small-size and some full-size audio components motivated a purchase of this vibration control product for an "off-label" audio application. The 25.4mm x 5mm pad fills the bill for an anti-skid footer, with both felt and EVA layers for vibration control purposes, and an aggressive adhesive backing. The design should perform well-above typical hardware store type Bumpon vinyl feet, and provide a substantially better anti-skid function that I seek. The question is whether or not the felt + EVA pads are complementary for audio purposes vs. what the design is intended for. Only about 20 cents each when purchased as a pack of 48. I'll post my findings, soon.

See link:

 

RE: Felt + EVA Pads, posted on June 6, 2020 at 12:05:47
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12587
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Hey what did you figure out?

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Felt + EVA Pads, posted on June 10, 2020 at 19:23:56
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 An unavoidable shipping delay from Amazon, Dawnrazor. The felt + EVA footer does provide very effective anti-skid function, even for a lightweight audio component, and the product sounds substantially better than the vinyl Bumpon feet they replaced under the small footprint devices. I like the product, especially for the low-price involved.

 

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