Nobsound springs - load range

I am a total beginner here. I only use three under components and I pick where they go for stability and ignore the existing feet. I took the feet off all my subs and only use three nobs for them as well.

So far as springs go, since this essentially is a static application as I see it (I doubt I can see electronic vibrations…), as long as the spring is compressed down into the specified ‘travel range’ it doesn’t matter how much or how little compression (or squashing) of the spring happens. The rate remains the same.

But, the Nobsound supplied springs seem to have compression rate of about 20-25lbs/inch which seems far, far too high to me, with far too little travel. Somehow I think I want a ‘pillow’ spring where there is higher travel per pound. But is this erroneous?

QUESTION?    To achieve the best isolation for components or speakers does one seek a very high compression rate, assuming the weight will compress the spring down into the ‘travel range’ of the spring chosen. What is the ideal resonance (although I cannot measure it)?

And to get to that resonance, what makes more sense, lots of low rate springs or one high rate spring?  Both must be utilized in their respective ‘travel’ ranges of of course. I am about ready to buy a slew of 9.3lb springs to have more ‘bounce’ for push downward. Is this a logical thought?  I’d totally appreciate any thoughts from the more science minded out there.  Thanks.    Mark

@hm9001

I measured the compression of the springs, it takes ~2.5 kg per spring to compress it to 50%. Based on 50% compression target, this yields the following sweet spot configurations (only stable ones, total equipment weight):
- 3 units, 3 springs each: 22.5 kg
- 4 units, 3 springs each (or 3 units, 4 springs each): 30 kg - 4 units, 4 springs each: 40 kg
- 3 units, 6 springs each: 45 kg
- 3 units, 7 springs each: 52.5 kg
- 4 units, 6 springs each: 60 kg
- 4 units, 7 springs each: 70 kgLoad can be considerably higher than expected (somewhere I read about 36kg, which is presumably for 4 units).

May I ask if your Nobsounds are the aluminium alloy versions? I found that it takes 1.6 kg per spring to achieve 50% compression. Have you measured the gap between the top and bottom aluminium pieces? Without load (0% compression), the gap is 14mm. With 50% compression, the gap would be 7mm. Are you getting these same numbers?

Hm9001 has some hard data and some mock it? Ugh. 

I have 16 total Nob springs and 4 of the knock off version that are smaller and have acrylic (I guess) tops/bottoms. I have been playing with spring load and trying them under multiple components. To my ears they added some color I didn't like under my Monoblocks but I think they may have improved the sound a bit under my streamer and Dac. Gonna move them in and out to see if I feel the same way over time.

In the end...its a cheap and fun thing to experiment with. 

Gents,

I have found the best spring configuration after 5 days of experimentation. In brief summary, the Nobsounds have brought an appreciable improvement to my system. They are used on a Class A integrated amp, 4 footers under the components’ feet. I have another set of Nobsounds which will be tested with the DAC and pre/power amps in another system in due time.

I initially started with 6 springs on each footer. Due to the unbalanced loading of the amp which caused an uneven compression of the footers (the amp is heavier at the front), I later switched to 5 springs @ front, 4 springs @ rear. For ease of illustration, here’s the configuration I’ve tried in chronological order with their corresponding gap between the top and bottom aluminium alloy pieces;

6 springs @ front and rear (8mm gap)

5 springs @ front ; 4 springs @ rear (7mm gap) = 50% compression

4 springs @ front ; 3 springs @ rear (5mm gap)

3 springs @ front ; 2 springs @ rear (3mm gap)

I was expecting the best result with the smallest gap but that didn’t work for me. I then slowly got back up to 6/5 before finally settling with 5/4 which is the best sounding set up to my ears, in my system. Coincidentally, this configuration gave a 50% compression of the springs.

The sound quality is noticeably different with each spring set up. In brief summary, too many springs (low compression) will produce a sound that is lean and light with reduced bass weight. Too little springs (high compression) reduced the airiness and 3-dimensionality. When it sounds right, you will know it and everything just sounds great.

Impressions as follows;

6 springs @ front ; 5 springs @ rear,

- overall presentation is lean and light with certain hollowness to the sound

- bass weight is reduced as it lacks punch and drive

- slight smearing in the midrange

- percussion sounds soft and lacks bite

5 springs @ front ; 4 springs rear (best sound)

- best sound from this set up with the springs at 50% compression

- everything just sounds right as music just flows out freely from the speakers

- notes have more energy with a tube-like quality

- treble sounds airier and has better extension

- improved macrodynamics, airier and 3-dimensional sound with space between instruments

- thwack of drums and percussion all sound snappier and real

- bass weight is back with improved definition and punch

4 springs @ front ; 3 springs @ rear

3 springs @ front ; 2 spings @ rear

- reduced airiness and 3-dimensionality as the sound is slightly dull and flat