Wood cabinet for amplifiers?

jeepy · 21st November 2011, 11:48 AM

Hello,
I am just wondering if some people noticed a difference in the sound (could be imaging or any other factors) when using wood chassis or cabinet rather than metal for a power amplifier.
Thanks,
Jeepy

Xoc1 · 21st November 2011, 12:26 PM

I have experienced microphonic effects with audio electronics.
I would say that generally source equipment, and pre-amps are more effected by microphony than power amplifiers.
Changing the construction or material to make the cabinet will change the dampening & resonance of frequencies so might tailor the sound.
Best improvements I have acheived have been by positioning the equimpment on a non resonant support that is solidly mounted to stop any accoustic vibration (such as a shelf mounted on a solid supporting wall).
Improvements subjectively involve better stereo focus, timing, and detail.

Brian Oshman · 21st November 2011, 12:58 PM

Possibly with tubes at high volume levels, not with solid state.

Speedskater · 21st November 2011, 02:09 PM

In this day and age, I would think that the differences in sound are caused by interference.

lduarte1973 · 21st November 2011, 03:22 PM

isnt metal better for heat dissipation ?

roline · 4th December 2011, 03:43 PM

Just put slots around the tubes for ventilation....

tvrgeek · 5th December 2011, 09:42 PM

Wood looks better, but it does not serve the required functions for shielding. Wood can be used if it is augmented with shielding. Look at the Grado head amp for example.

Solid state is absolutely sensitive to micro-phonics, just as tubes are. I assume you have heard of the piezo-electric effect. There is a camp that believes DAC's are fairly sensitive. The same techniques work: board isolation, potting, mass. Maybe not as bad as tubes, and of course, it varies with tube design.

My personal bias (sorry about that) is to mechanically isolate the transformers, as I can measure the effect on my 6ay7's from their vibration. I use wood for decoration.

21st November 2011, 11:48 AM	#1
jeepy diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2010	Wood cabinet for amplifiers? Hello, I am just wondering if some people noticed a difference in the sound (could be imaging or any other factors) when using wood chassis or cabinet rather than metal for a power amplifier. Thanks, Jeepy

21st November 2011, 02:09 PM	#4
Speedskater diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Lakewood, Ohio	In this day and age, I would think that the differences in sound are caused by interference. __________________ Kevin

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21st November 2011, 12:26 PM	#2
Xoc1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Devon UK	I have experienced microphonic effects with audio electronics. I would say that generally source equipment, and pre-amps are more effected by microphony than power amplifiers. Changing the construction or material to make the cabinet will change the dampening & resonance of frequencies so might tailor the sound. Best improvements I have acheived have been by positioning the equimpment on a non resonant support that is solidly mounted to stop any accoustic vibration (such as a shelf mounted on a solid supporting wall). Improvements subjectively involve better stereo focus, timing, and detail.

21st November 2011, 12:58 PM	#3
Brian Oshman diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Stewartsville, NJ	Possibly with tubes at high volume levels, not with solid state.

21st November 2011, 03:22 PM	#5
lduarte1973 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lisbon	isnt metal better for heat dissipation ?

5th December 2011, 09:42 PM	#7
tvrgeek diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Md	Wood looks better, but it does not serve the required functions for shielding. Wood can be used if it is augmented with shielding. Look at the Grado head amp for example. Solid state is absolutely sensitive to micro-phonics, just as tubes are. I assume you have heard of the piezo-electric effect. There is a camp that believes DAC's are fairly sensitive. The same techniques work: board isolation, potting, mass. Maybe not as bad as tubes, and of course, it varies with tube design. My personal bias (sorry about that) is to mechanically isolate the transformers, as I can measure the effect on my 6ay7's from their vibration. I use wood for decoration.

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