A house is built on a foundation. The foundation of a truly excellent hi-fi system is its placement either on a hi-fi rack or on standard furniture fitted with suitable equipment bases. Such a stable setup ensures that there are no, or significantly fewer, mechanical disturbances caused by unwanted mechanical vibrations within the hi-fi system that impair sound quality.
The advantages are as follows:
1. Vibration isolation/reduction of microphonic effects
Vibrations and airborne noise can generally cause distortion due to microphonic effects. This occurs when mechanical vibrations are converted into electrical signals and then mix with the music signal. An effective equipment base acts as an effective barrier in this regard.
2. Improvements to the stereo image and detail resolution
By preventing parasitic oscillations, the cleaner sound ensures greater clarity and a more enjoyable listening experience, particularly in all time-based parameters (spatiality, soundstage width and depth, timing, and impulse response).
3. Extending the service life of the equipment
In particular, drive bearings or tube sockets, for example, can sometimes last longer if they are subjected to less mechanical stress caused by vibrations.
The Lehmannaudio 3S isolation bases are highly effective hybrid designs for mechanical decoupling. At first glance, three layers are visible: CDF (similar to MDF but significantly denser), followed by a heavy plastic film, and then another layer of CDF. In addition, however, a 0.4 mm thick layer providing magnetic and electrical shielding – itself consisting of 20 layers – is incorporated. That alone would already be an effective solution. However, depending on the size, the 3S fabric discs are then fitted underneath, resting on the mounting surface via cork discs. The height of this entire assembly is only 20 mm. This makes 3S insulation bases significantly less conspicuous to install than many other products.
The 3S insulation bases are available in three sizes: 3S Base 480, 300 and 150.
In addition, optional base plates are available, each with the same number of fabric discs facing upwards to cascade the effect. The total height is then just under 30 mm. All 3S isolation bases are supplied with a hand-cranked music box, which is an excellent way to test and demonstrate their effectiveness.
Specifications
3S Base 480
Dimensions:
480mm (W) x 380mm (D)
Load capacity:
up to 75kg
3S Base 300
Dimensions:
300mm (W) x 380mm (D)
Load capacity:
up to 50kg
3S Base 150
Dimensions:
150mm (W) x 380mm (D)
Load capacity:
up to 25kg