Well it's been a couple of days of experimentation withe the Herbie's audio tenderfeet, and I must declare they have rendered my system as musical and close to "perfection" as it's ever been.
Now, I started down this path by both intent and chance. Vibration and isolation were always down on my list of system to-dos. I have a pretty standard Sanus system hi-fi stand and I was never under the impression it was the end all and be all in that department, what with 10,000 dollar racks out there (See system pic in gallery). After a little construction project at home and had a couple of 5 x 1/2 inch wooden square blocks left over. I had taken the plunge on room treatments and that was a revelation against all expectation, so I felt why not try these under my components. I did so and the change to the sound was drastic.
It could have been my rack's use of tempered glass was not conducive to start with. The changes were an increase in internal instrument detail (micro-dynamics?) clarity, resolution (deeper sound cues etc.) and a more detailed sound. Conversely, I lost a lot of bass, body and punch. The use of these wooden, maple blocks under each additional component cause an incremental shift in the sound of my system. Initially I was taken in by the novelty of the sound, also, I had always felt I needed more detail and definition from my system. However, I wasn't enjoying things as much as i used to, so I knew something was wrong.
I had read about Herbie's tenderfeet. They were cheap, worth a shot and shipped expeditiously with the audiocircle coupon as an added bonus. Now their performance helped me rescind my decision to get the Vibrapods, since as of yesterday everything had clicked into place, after much trial and error. My layoff due to patellar tendon knee surgery allowed me to listen to one of the following iterations per day, all day long (in order of preference):
1. Herbies tenderfeet under component feet, then on rack
2. Herbies tenderfeet under component chassis, then on rack
3. Herbies tenderfeet under component feet, placed on maple blocks, then on rack
4. Herbies tenderfeet under component chassis, placed on maple blocks, then on rack
5. Maple block under component feet, placed on tenderfeet, then on rack
6. Maple block under component chassis, placed on tenderfeet, then on rack
All I can say is the tenderfeet coupled to the bottom of the Red Wine Audio component feet always resulted in the best sound. The maple blocks were always deleterious. I also preferred 4 feet per component to 3. They always took away from the gestalt of the music. Keep in mind these are not your audiophile grade maple blocks; just leftovers from Home depot (check out my system picture in gallery). They opened my eyes to the changes that could be reaped from further testing. One can go crazy with so much testing; doubt creeps in, second-guessing comes visiting, and so losing sight of your original aim could happen (assuming you knew what it was to begin with). It is with this in mind and my contentment with the sound that I reneged on trying any other product.
I am wholly satisfied with the sound I have now. I have maintained the weight and body and pace of the music (Red Wine Audio sound). I have managed to counter the negative effect of my current rack by adding more see-throughness, definition, and detail. Thus bringing the full message of the music to me. Hope this encourages others to try out different methods on their own and discover the blessings it may bring.
E
Disclaimer: I have no connection to Herbie's Audio Lab or Home Depot. Also, I have no beef with Sanus systems. The rack matches my basement decor to the "t".
