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Calling all Panzerholz Aficionados

This marks my first journey into the Analog domain. My question is for all those who know about the engineered wood material, panzerholz. I'm a digital guy, and over in the digital section, no one seems to have discovered the virtues of panzerholz for digital audio. Hence my journey here, where panzerholz plinths abound. I have some panzerholz left over from my audio stand project and I can't quite decide how to use it. Any suggestions?

Dimensions of panzerholz left over (all 40mm thick):
1. 40" x 8.5"
2. 30" x 9.75"

My ideas:
- platform for my floorstanding loudspeakers (two 18"x15")
- platform for subwoofer (21"x18")
- platform for future additional components (29.5" x 20" (matches two of my other audio stands)

I thought about making bases to screw component circuit boards into, but I don't think I want to get into that mess. After all, my audio stand platforms will all be panzerholz, and all of my components are dampened with Dynamat (where applicable).

Anyway. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Aaron
aaronknock
14 responses Add your response
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
With all the people using panzerholz I thought this thread would've been ripe with responses. Are there really no opinions as for the next best uses for panzerholz in an audio setup?
lewm
12,451 posts
 
I am not sure that your underlying assumption (that lots of us use Panzerholz) is valid. Panzerholz, as you know, is very expensive and very very hard, therefore hard to build with. Moreover, if one uses it to build a plinth one is not necessarily an expert on how else to use it. You might ask Albert Porter for his opinion; he and his carpenter/plinth builder have the most experience with this type of wood.
maczurak
28 posts
 
I cut component top weights to reduce resonance for my monitors, DAC etc. Jointed the bottom flat, beveled the edges, light sanding with a Danish Oil finish.
chayro
2,925 posts
 
Heavier is not always better when it comes to platforms. It totally depends on the components and the system. The old Neuance platform felt like it was made of hollow cardboard, but it worked wonders under my Linn LP-12. Yet, when I moved turntable to a wall shelf, a Corian platform sounded much better than the Neuance. You should build a couple of nice platforms in generic sizes and see if they work for you. If not, maybe you can sell them here.
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
Thanks Maczurak, but I can't see the top weight application taking advantage of the superb absorption characteristics of panzerholz—just it's weight. I think other heavy materials would work just as well for top weights.
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
11-29-12: Lewm
I am not sure that your underlying assumption (that lots of us use Panzerholz) is valid.
I'm just going by my search results on AudiogoN. Thanks for Albert Porter's name.
lohanimal
659 posts
 
Why not try contacting the people at Clearaudio. They are quite helpful and approachable.
I think it works best when sandwiched with aluminium plates.
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
Thanks for the idea, Lohanimal. If they respond with anything helpful, I'll share.
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
Thanks Lewn. I've messaged Mr. Porter.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Hello Aaron, The only place I use Panzerholz other than our plinth is the platform the two Vibraplanes sit on.

The Vibraplane plus Technics MK3 turntable is quite heavy, nearly 300 pounds. Two 20 X 24 inch pieces were all that was needed and I think it worked out well for this requirement.

That being said, I cannot confirm if Panzerholz in this position is superior to another high quality wood product as a support shelf for equipment plus Vibraplane.

The other factor here is which Panzerholz. Most people don't mention the fact there are dozens of varieties produced by the Germans. Some are produced with higher fill and epoxy and cooked at different pressures (and heat?).

Bottom line, since you already own the material I see no reason to not enjoy a project made from it.
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
11flat6
55 posts
 
i have a d.i.y. rack with 4 x 20mm thick Panzerholz B25 shelves, & a double-thick (40mm) top-shelf.

top-shelf supports nearly 350lbs (Vibraplane 2210 + Micro Seiki SX5000 t/t with mods, motor & HS80 flywheel).

i've not done comparisons / do not know what sonic character Panzerholz imparts, but this material seems very inert & strong (shelves do not sag unlike some "high-end" racks i've owned).
aaronknock OP
44 posts
 
11flat6: Do you have any pictures of your d.i.y. rack?
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