My cdp needs to gain some weight

Phil · « **on:** 14 Jan 2007, 09:37 pm »

After experimenting with my existing footers (aurios) and various heavy objects, I'm convinced that adding weight to the cdp sounds good (the unit contains a tube which already has a damping device on it). The unit sits between the speakers but that is an unavoidable problem.

Anyone tried these damping plates http://www.avisolation.com/dampingplate.html or other such stuff? Mapleshade records also has brass weights that are less expensive.

Thanks.

Phil

arthurs · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Jan 2007, 09:53 pm »

I saw at an audio store some older wooden boxes, like cigar boxes, filled with sand and weight that was used on top of equipment, made one for my own cdp (5 lbs) and it works just great....and the price was right...

mfsoa · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Jan 2007, 10:44 pm »

Ankle weights.

nature boy · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Jan 2007, 11:46 pm »

Your cheapest alternative is to double zip lock bag some playground sand. Use the good zip lock bags. They don't look great, but they work great.

I have these place on top of my CDP and DVD players.

NB

tvad4 · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Jan 2007, 11:57 pm »

How about some scuba diving weights. Available as plastic coated lead, or as lead shot in mesh bags. Various weights available. A 2 lb. coated weight is $4.75.

Scroll down on the linked page to see the weights.

arthurs · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 12:05 am »

Nice one Tvad, may pick up a few of those....

eric the red · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 12:40 am »

Crown Royal velvet bags work well, plus...

FredT300B · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 12:57 am »

Here's the link to the damping material I used to line the interior of my components. It adds a significant amount of weight and, more importantly, deadens the metal enclosure panels very well. It's especially effective with those components that use an inexpensive modular chassis. A knuckle rap used to produce a ringing sound; now it produces a dull thud. Don't be turned off by the fact that it's not intended for audio use.

http://www.armstrong.com/resflram/na/tile/en/us/prod_detail.asp?itemId=76289.0

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 01:09 am »

To the extreme....weight wise....at the bottom of the pile a Phillips CD-80 cdp, then a Sony 7700, then a ECD-1 dac, and on top an AudioSector amp....adds plenty of weight...and not a tweak in sight.

You could also try a plastic covered barbell weight....I do use them on my speakers...one 8 lbs. on each SP Tech TP2. Try a smaller one on your player.

Phil · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 01:25 am »

Thanks all. Great suggestions. I should have mentioned that the listening room is the livingroom too, so WAF is a high priority. That crown royal looks good.

I should have also mentioned that my player has a tube inside and runs pretty hot, so whatever nice looking stuff I place on top needs to be heat resistant. TVAD, do you think the padded weights would work? That is a great suggestion. Can't beat the price.

I suppose the vinyl tile would work but I think there is some damping material on the inside already...

Phil

Hogg · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 01:26 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42 on 15 Jan 2007, 01:09 am

To the extreme....weight wise....at the bottom of the pile a Phillips CD-80 cdp, then a Sony 7700, then a ECD-1 dac, and on top an AudioSector amp....adds plenty of weight...and not a tweak in sight.

You could also try a plastic covered barbell weight....I do use them on my speakers...one 8 lbs. on each SP Tech TP2. Try a smaller one on your player.

Chris,
You didn't mention the most important part of your tweak... the towels

Jim

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 01:31 am »

Quote

Chris,
You didn't mention the most important part of your tweak... the towels..

I hate to scratch anything Jim....and those huck towels work well....cotton.

Gordy · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 03:34 am »

Quote from: Phil on 15 Jan 2007, 01:25 am

I should have also mentioned that my player has a tube inside and runs pretty hot, so whatever nice looking stuff I place on top needs to be heat resistant.

Phil

Phil, no need to worry about the mesh fabric of the diver's weights, Cordova/textile type nylons won't be affected by the relatively low heat from the tubes in a cdp (65-85 deg. C typically).

tvad4 · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 03:41 am »

Quote from: Phil on 15 Jan 2007, 01:25 am

I should have also mentioned that my player has a tube inside and runs pretty hot, so whatever nice looking stuff I place on top needs to be heat resistant. TVAD, do you think the padded weights would work? That is a great suggestion. Can't beat the price.

Phil

IMO, the heat from your tubed CDP will not be an issue. However, if you're concerned about the coated weights, then you can use the mesh bag weights or you can also purchase uncoated diving weights. Just do a Google search for "diving weights". Heck of a lot cheaper than the "audiophile approved" weights.

As another alternative, your local sporting goods store may sell individual 1 1/2 lb or 5 lb barbell weights (or check E-Bay).
I use a 1 1/2 lb barbell weight on my Lehmann Black Cube SE phono preamp, but I'm intrigued by the black coated diving weights.

Jim N. · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 04:07 am »

I lined much of the inside of my universal players with sound deadening sheets from Parts Express. Self adhesive 10"x10" sheets are 2.60 each or 2.15 each in quantity. Also used Mortite on the chassis.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=268-010

I've also placed large softcover books on top of the players to damp vibrations.

I may try the lead shot scuba weights on the player. I have four 6 pound neoprene bags of them that I've used on the base of my speaker stands. Cheap ankle weights are usually filled with sand.

rabpaul · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 06:15 am »

Hi,

You might want to try Gutwire Notepad on top.

Rgds

rollo · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 04:00 pm »

Weight is a good thing,but to much can deaden the sound be cautious.
For me isolation of the CDP worked best as the transport is very susceptable to vibration.I've found that isolating the CDP and using a drainage system such as cones is very effective.
rollo

BoemPaukeslag · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 09:06 pm »

But why does adding weight improve the sound? Isn't the main purpose to reduce vibrations of the housing? That could also be achieved with (self-adhesive) damping material inside the housing, as for example Sirex (which the Dutch DIY-company hawk-audio is using), but there must be other, cheaper options. This way it may not be necesarry to cover everything with lead-slabs (note WAF)...

TONEPUB · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 01:08 am »

Before you pile a bunch of stuff on top, you might want to give a pair
of Fat Padz from Symposium a try. They are quite good at resonance
control and should hide inside your rack pretty well....

Phil · « **Reply #19 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 01:51 am »

I forgot that my wife has some 2.5 lb ankle weights (containing iron). I'm supposing she will feel sorry for me when she sees it on the cdp. The cdp already has some damping material on the inside.

NOTE: If this kind of tweak raises your blood pressure, do not continue reading.

Rollo, you are entirely correct: I tried one weight, then two. Two (5 lbs!) really helped the highs (the tube seems to ring a bit) but kind of deadened the sound a bit. One seems to do the trick. I suppose it is a matter of how it interacts with the aurios that are under the cdp.... What we audiophiles do in the name of good sound.

I also tried it with Nike symbol down and Nike symbol showing. Nike showing is definitely better.

Just kidding, really.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Saved me some $$ for music. I'd like to try the diving weights to see how they work but am probably too lazy to carry through. I could get a whole nautical look going.

Phil