Collection: Component Isolation
Vacuum tubes are not the only components that suffer from distortions caused by microphonic vibrations. Capacitors and other electronics produce distorted signals in the presence of vibrations, adding fuzz, glare, sibilance, and other anomalies to the musical signal. Micro-electronic devices and processors in today's digital gear are acutely susceptible to these distortions.
Reduction of analog distortions caused by microphonic vibrations results in a more natural musical realism. The enhancement is a definite upgrade to a higher realm of audio appreciation.
Unlike rubbery feet that tend to dull higher frequencies and cause ill-defined or "bloopy" bass - or metals, ceramics, graphite and other rigid coupling devices that produce unique sonic signatures and harsh dynamics, Herbie's specialized and proprietary contra-vibrational products allow your components to deliver the goods as they are engineered to do.
Which feet to choose?
Because there are so many system variables and unique synergies involved with audio reproduction, it's not always possible to predict which isolation product will work best in any given situation. Recommendations are generalized only, not exclusive. Herbie's Tenderfoot isolation feet, however, perform superbly over an extraordinarily broad range of audio parameters. They are not too picky about what kind of rack, shelf, weight load or vibrational environment they are dealing with. Virtually all audio and video components perform superbly with Tenderfoot isolation feet, our default recommendation for all audio rack components. (For loudspeaker and rack isolation, we recommend Herbie's dBNeutralizer-based products.)
What it is:
Herbie's isolation materials are silicone-based elastomers with varying compliance, firmness, and specialized qualities. Herbie's compounds are not dependent on a precise weight load to be most effective. They are equally effective under a wide range of weight and, because of their loosely cross-linked structure, have little or no resonant "coloration." These unique materials are unsurpassed in their ability to absorb and block micro-vibrations and reduce audio distortion. Materials are residue-free, with excellent dielectric properties.
Herbie's SuperSonic Stabilizer is a special fluorocarbon and metallic particle composite adapted for absolute sonic neutrality and vibration-absorbing ability.
dBNeutralizer is a composite of platinum-cured silicones with barium sulfate and silica fillers.
Characteristics:
| Hardness (Shore A durometer) | Capacity (per footer) | *Recommended maximum component weight | Weight | Resistivity (ohm/cm) | Temperature Range | ||
| TenderSoft Tenderfoot |
46 | 1/2 to 40 lbs (1/4 to 18kg) |
50 lbs/4 footers | 12 grams | 1015 (excellent) |
−80ºF to 420ºF (−62ºC to 216ºC) |
|
| Extra-Firm Tenderfoot |
50 | 4 to 100 lbs (2 to 45kg) |
220 lbs/4 footers 300 lbs/5 footers |
12 grams | 1015 (excellent) |
−80ºF to 420ºF (−62ºC to 216ºC) |
|
| Soft Fat Dot | 28 | 1/4 to 24 lbs (.1 to 11kg) |
80 lbs/4 Dots | 9 grams | 1015 (excellent) |
0ºF to 380ºF (−18ºC to 193ºC) |
|
| dBNeutralizer(tm) Big Fat Dot |
70 | 1 to 90 lbs (.45 to 41kg) |
320 lbs/4 Dots | 10 grams | 1015 (excellent) |
−10ºF to 450ºF (−23ºC to 232ºC) |
|
| Stabilizer | 90 | n/a | stabilizes 24 pounds** | 156 grams | 104 (fair) |
−450ºF to 500ºF (−268ºC to 260ºC) |
|
| *Considers component weight is often unevenly distributed and other factors. **In conjunction with compliant feet; actual result will vary depending on chassis thickness and other factors. |
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