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"BDR" was founded to explore the application of advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber, to alternate structures. Familiarity with these types of materials was first achieved during 30 years of Yacht racing. In this field, maximum performance, virtually regardless of cost, is the goal and measured to hundredths of a knot! Combined with passion for audio spanning over 20 years, blending the two seemed a logical choice. What transpired was an R & D effort costing 20,000 hours and a literal fortune. It was found that vibration is having a far more significant effect on audio then most people realized. It was also found the materials and structures in use are generally only somewhat effective. Our research and testing, including evaluation by some of the best equipment and ears in the world, indicated it was a combination of high rigidity along with high damping rates, that provided by far the best results. |
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The Black Diamond Racing isolation products are a series of structures designed to provide a flexible system for approaching the problems of Vibration Control. These structures are complimentary in nature, working together in a manner that may be developed or expanded as your needs require, achieving higher levels of performance with every step. We have found that different types of components frequently require different characteristics of the same basic structure for optimal performance; hence the Mk.3 and Mk.4 versions of several of our pieces, and two different types of carbon fiber platform. In all cases the Mk. 3's are "warmer" in nature, while the Mk. 4 version is more "detailed" in character. It is advisable to try both types of structures, particularly the Pyramid Cones, to see what works best in your system. Our extensive research and testing effort concluded that the combination of high rigidity and high damping rates provides the best isolation performance over the broadest array of applications. This approach results in a structure that is not only extremely resistant to resonance, but will damped off the vibrations to which it is exposed.
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The Pyramid Cones are the basic building blocks of the "BDR" system. They are, in most cases, the initial interface in a vibration control system, and should be the first pieces utilized in developing your setup. Overall results have almost always been best when an entire system has been fitted with the Pyramid Cones, rather then concentrating on a single component. The Pyramid Cones have proven an effective means of vibration control under all types of components: speakers, turntables, transports, CD players, preamps, DAC's, amps, crossovers, video gear, even medical and computer equipment. With a crush point of 10,000 pounds "each" , the Pyramid Cones can be used virtually anywhere. The best results will be obtained when the Cones are placed under or near the critical elements of the component: drive mechanisms, power supplies, transformers, tonearm mounts, motors, etc. The proper placement will significantly effect the performance of the Cones. The rule of thumb is the tip of the Cone should be toward the resonant surface. For example, under a CD transport sitting on an MDF shelf, the tips of the Cones should be pointing down. A general guideline is to start with the Mk. 3 Cones under solid state and digital equipment, and the Mk. 4 Cones under tubes. (Please note: this is only a suggested starting point, as we have a number of cases where people prefer the opposite Cones under the exact same component.) Room acoustics, rack structure, personal taste and other considerations all come into play.) In addition, the two different types of Cones may be mixed together for "in-between" results if desired. Under a lightweight component on carpeting, we recommend the Pyramid Cones be combined with.................
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The Pucks, Screw and Round Things
These "Things" are of carbon fiber construction approximately 2.75" in diameter (either square or round) and include a female threaded insert as in the Pyramid Cones. They are screwed together with the Cones for use under speakers or components, placing these "Things" against the chassis or plinth of the component, with the tip of the pyramid Cone pointing down. This combination provides about 70% of the performance of The Shelf, and can be used as a cost effective system either on their own or in conjunction with The Shelf, The Source or The Pits. All else being equal, the performance of the Round Things is generally preferred over Those Things. We have also had a number of customers tell us they are using these pieces "on top" of the component, again over the critical elements of the piece, sometimes supporting a weight. Usually they prefer to have a Cone screwed to it, with the tip of the Cone facing up. Must be that Pyramid Power!
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These are similar to Those Things, with the exception of having a dimple on one side rather then a threaded insert. They are primarily used as a "Cone Cup". They are the best performers for this application, and are slightly less expensive then Those Things. They are also very effective when used in combination with Those or Round Things and the Pyramid Cones under speakers or components, forming a "sandwich" with the Cones in the middle.
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Exhibiting 25 times the Q (resistance to resonance) of 8" of Granite, along with four times the damping rate of 2" MDF, The Shelf may well be considered the most sophisticated isolation platform available. As have our other products, The Shelf has been successfully used to control vibration under all manner of electronic and mechanical components. Place the component on top of The shelf, using the Pyramid Cones between the component and The Shelf under the critical elements of the component. Place offsetting Cones between The shelf and your existing rack or cabinet structure, so that they are not directly opposed to the Cones under the component. Used in this manner, you will get the maximum benefit of The Shelf in your isolation system, taking the best advantage of the panel's physical characteristics. Unless you are using Those Things or Round Things in conjunction with the Pyramid Cones as mentioned above, it is generally best to keep the the flat of the Cone to the Shelf on both sides of The Shelf. For Top Performance, Those Things, Round Things or The Pits can be added to the system as previously described.
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This is the appropriate panel selection for a mechanical component, such as a turntable or transport, or a moderately heave component such as an amplifier. Used with the proper piece of equipment, The Source can provide significantly better performance then The Shelf. Curiously, components such as preamps or DAC's prefer The Shelf hands down. In the case of the lighter weight CD player, use The Shelf. Under a significantly heavier player, The Source is a better choice. The same approach with regard to one usage and placement should be taken as noted above with The Shelf. Please note: Separating the Shelf or Source from your original rack or cabinet structure is essential for optimal performance. If there is not sufficient height to use the Pyramid Cones, a damping material or other similar product may be utilized with an accompanying loss of performance.
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to tweaking is an objective analysis of your system and its surroundings. Be aware of the influence of other factors and structures in the setup. For example, metal cones will tend to sound "bright" while structures incorporating sand, damping materials or MDF will tend to sound "dull". See the Big Picture! It is not unusual, when tweaking one component, to run into the impact of structures elsewhere in your system. Start with the Pyramid Cones, trying both types to hear what works best under specific components. Get the entire system up to a higher level of performance before taking the next step in vibration control. You will almost always get the most benefit by developing the entire system in a balanced manner rather then concentrating all your efforts on one component. The single most important rule however is, Trust Your Own Ears!!! |
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