Sonic Attributes of Various Stands

[pk_LA]

Precept: Stands tend to contribute two factors to a system. One is a reduction of background noise and the other is a sonic tweak (warming or colling affect etc) While the noise floor impact is synergistic between the stand and the components, the warming/cooling/darkening/etc addition is more consistent. While the impact on one system might be less than another, the added spice, if you will, is consistent.

If one accepts the above precept, what are the sonic signatures of various stands?

I am asking because I am looking for a more neutral to warm stand for my gear. I feel the Grand Prix stands I have are great but I want something a tick less cool.

 

[tima]

I don't know if it possible to generalize particular sonic characteristics about stands independent of what is put on them.

Vibration physically alters audio equipment. Individual audio components have unique resonance frequencies as a function of their differing material composition. Resonance occurs when the frequency of excitation equals the natural frequency of an object. When resonance occurs, the amplitude of the vibration increases; it is limited only by the damping or abatement available to the object. Resonance can lead to unwanted frequency responses and phase distortions that may impair tonality and result in false coloration of your music.

Exactly what vibrates and when it vibrates varies with the specific gear you have. This is determined by a piece’s size, weight, weight spread, resonance frequencies, transmission curves, propagation responses, and other material and vibrational characteristics. When you put a component on a stand, the vibrational characteristics, the "Q" (energy attenuation, dispersion and propagation characteristics) of both stand and component will alter. Furthermore, whatever the isolation solution sits on (wood, carpet, tile, etc.) will alter its behavior,

So component X on stand S may yield a different sonic characteristic from component Y on stand S.
The idea of tuning sound through the use of particular stands is interesting. Silent Running Audio (SRA) will build a rack or platform whose vibration dampening is specific to your component(s).

 

[treitz3]

Silent Running Audio (SRA) will build a rack or platform whose vibration dampening is specific to your component(s).

Interesting. Does this include speakers, or just components? Or is this just based upon a specific (or range of) frequency dampening? If you don't know, it's all good. Just wondering. I didn't realize there was a company out there that would even do such a thing. Nice.

@pk_LA - this is an interesting question. I have always thought to get the most heavy duty and stout stand (at least for speakers) I could find.

Tom

 

[tima]

Interesting. Does this include speakers, or just components? Or is this just based upon a specific (or range of) frequency dampening? If you don't know, it's all good. Just wondering. I didn't realize there was a company out there that would even do such a thing. Nice.

@pk_LA - this is an interesting question. I have always thought to get the most heavy duty and stout stand (at least for speakers) I could find.

Tom

I am familiar with their isolation platforms for individual components and racks. Those are custom built with a process they call Component Specific Design. I don't know if they address speakers, but have not heard of that type of application.. The guy behind the company does raft-type isolation for US nuclear submarines and vibration mitigation for manned NASA efforts. Very smart products.

A couple of my reviews go into detail:

Silent Running Audio Virginia-Class Reference isoBASE - Positive Feedback

Silent Running Audio Virginia-Class Reference isoBASE review

positive-feedback.com

Silent Running Audio Scuttle3 - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com

read audio reviews, ratings, and user opinions on audio equipment before you buy an audio system

www.theaudiobeat.com

 

[treitz3]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

Tom

 

[pk_LA]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

Tom

I recursively consider trying an active isolation stand. The idea of a custom rack built around the gear is very intriguing. Thanks!

 

[tima]

I recursively consider trying an active isolation stand. The idea of a custom rack built around the gear is very intriguing. Thanks!

One of the cool things about SRA racks is if you change a component they will update at no cost the shelf on the rack where you place it.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...same for the platforms, IIRC. The concept of building the platforms based on the weight and distribution of weight in the component seems (to me) to be the right way forward. I have had two amp stands for 4-5 years, I think. Look good and sound good.