doucanoe
Registered Audio Abuser
In a never ending search for ways to improve or change the sound of my setup, I decided to experiment with Granite and Marble for component isolation. Being in the construction remodel business, I have excess to sink and fixture cutouts in these materials. My supplier for Granite and Marble countertops has stacks of these sitting around and available to the public for a reasonable fee. Different sizes with polished tops and usually 1 1/4" or more in thickness.
Originally I thought that these would be great for isolation and vibration damping because of their sheer mass. After doing some research, It seems this might not be the best way to achieve component isolation because the Granite and Marble has a tendancy to "ring" in spite of the weight. Also, the use of G/M might elevate (brighten) the mids and highs which can be a good or bad thing dependent on your current set-up.
Someone had commented about the fact that I was using a Townsend Siesmic Sink under my TT. This is an air bladder platform and the thought was that it might not be recommended for use under a TT. I haven't checked to see what the manufacture has to say and confirm this yet.
I found a pair of Electro Voice SP15b's a while ago and dropped them in a pair of Altec cabs the had a 15" cutout already in the baffle. The cab's are really too small for the drivers so Im running them with the backs removed (ala open baffle). They sounded o.k. but the bass was less than I expected for a 15" woofer and the mids and highs were not as clear and defined as my SP12b's in similar sized cab's. Elevating them @1'-0" off the ground helped quite a bit but still not as defined as the SP12b's in any areas.
All of this got me to thinking, My problem is that everything sounds "there" but is a tad muddy. I had a piece of marble 1 1/4" thickness that would be just the right size for under my TT. So out came the air bladder platform and in went the marble. The Marble slab is supported by (3) brass cones and the TT sits on top of the works. The sound in the mids and highs has become more defined and tilted upward. Brighter, yes, but not in a bad way at this point. I will have to listen for some time to see if its annoying in the long run.
Maybe just removing the air bladder platform would yield the same results but Im not sure yet -or- using something that might be undesireable in most system is working for mine :scratch2:
Anyone have any of there own experiences or thoughts regarding the use of Granite or Marble isolation?
RC
Originally I thought that these would be great for isolation and vibration damping because of their sheer mass. After doing some research, It seems this might not be the best way to achieve component isolation because the Granite and Marble has a tendancy to "ring" in spite of the weight. Also, the use of G/M might elevate (brighten) the mids and highs which can be a good or bad thing dependent on your current set-up.
Someone had commented about the fact that I was using a Townsend Siesmic Sink under my TT. This is an air bladder platform and the thought was that it might not be recommended for use under a TT. I haven't checked to see what the manufacture has to say and confirm this yet.
I found a pair of Electro Voice SP15b's a while ago and dropped them in a pair of Altec cabs the had a 15" cutout already in the baffle. The cab's are really too small for the drivers so Im running them with the backs removed (ala open baffle). They sounded o.k. but the bass was less than I expected for a 15" woofer and the mids and highs were not as clear and defined as my SP12b's in similar sized cab's. Elevating them @1'-0" off the ground helped quite a bit but still not as defined as the SP12b's in any areas.
All of this got me to thinking, My problem is that everything sounds "there" but is a tad muddy. I had a piece of marble 1 1/4" thickness that would be just the right size for under my TT. So out came the air bladder platform and in went the marble. The Marble slab is supported by (3) brass cones and the TT sits on top of the works. The sound in the mids and highs has become more defined and tilted upward. Brighter, yes, but not in a bad way at this point. I will have to listen for some time to see if its annoying in the long run.
Maybe just removing the air bladder platform would yield the same results but Im not sure yet -or- using something that might be undesireable in most system is working for mine :scratch2:
Anyone have any of there own experiences or thoughts regarding the use of Granite or Marble isolation?
RC