Need to open up my DirectStream to find and re-install a loose nut (my bad). Might as well stick some vibration dampening like Dynamat inside leftover from another project while the unit is open.
Is there any benefit dampening it from the inside? Where to stick it? I guess the bottom and top plates being the largest would be preferred? My DS sits on a PowerBase so vibrations should be minimal to begin with. I know I’ll need to be careful to avoid electrical shorts due to the Dynamat as well as wear anti-static wristband and gloves.
I recall not too long ago Ted was talking about internal components that could use some damping. Caps mostly if I recall, I searched but didn’t find the thread. Perhaps this will jog someone else’s memory and they’ll find and post the link.
The best use for damping material like Dynamat or, far better IMO but lots more expensive, Soundcoat the Thicker, is on panels that vibrate. The lids of the M700s I have ring like bells–Im NOT exaggerating!–when off the unit, which means they still ring when on the unit. I stuck a piece maybe 6X12" to the inside of the top and a piece maybe 3X12" inside on the bottom plate towards the front of the unit. Do take care with Dynamat; I believe its aluminum coating is conductive.
a) Many versions of dynamat do not have the aluminum top layer. I’d suggest using these in thicker versions, instead of the alu-surface type.
b) I was the guy who suggested damping the flat end of the caps, after having seen this done as part of several aftermarket electronic upgrades. Ted said (paraphrasing) “can’t hurt, might help”.
There are four or five of them in the DS power supply, and the flat side is on the top, so no worries about a small adhesive disk coming loose inside the box.
If you’ve got the DS open, it’s an easy ten-minute tweak.
Thanks all for all the input. While I’m waiting for the arrival of #4-40 all thread to aide in removal of the top I’m starting to have second thoughts. My DirectStream is wedged between two shelves and as such runs fairly warm as is (it is always on). I fear covering part of the walls with dampening sheet will make this worse.
Maybe I’ll try dampening on the outside first (eg. ziploc with sand) to test and see if there’s a benefit in my system and if temperature doesn’t increase too much.
Exactly. We’ve rejected a few warranty returned units because of excessive damping stuff in there. Make sure it’s all removable in case you should need service.
There used to be an anti vibration paint called Avm. I knew people that sweared by it on everything from tubes, speaker cabinets, crossover components, etc. It was quite expensive and dense. Doesn’t look like they are in business any longer but I believe at the time other companies had similar products. Take a look at this review where they treated inside a Dac among other things.
