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
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
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.🙂
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.🙂
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.
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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