Chassis damping with Dynamat Extreme

OTL Asylum

OTL, Output Transformerless Amplifier User Group.

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This material is a lightweight elastomeric butyl and aluminum
constrained-layer vibrational damper, sold for car audio
applications where it is used to dampen auto body sheet metal.
I bought some and used it to help dampen the framework of my
Lovan racks with positive results. I liked it so much I bought
some more, and applied the material to the inner surfaces of the
bottom plates and side walls of my MA-1 DeLuxe chassis.
This is a SERIOUS improvement! All the usual audiophile cliches
apply here. I'm hearing things on my test recordings that I've not
heard before anywhere, let alone on my system. Several
recordings now clearly exhibit the acoustic signature of their
recording space.
The material is easy to apply, as it has an adhesive layer and does
not need to be heated (it is far superior to the asphalt-based
Dynamat Original and similar products such as Sound-Off). If you
use it inside your amps, be careful with the aluminum face layer,
as it is conductive. Otherwise, I think it will certainly withstand
chassis temperatures, as it is made to work in cars exposed to
sunshine.
There is a factory option for new amps to have a 3M damping
material made of polypropylene applied. This may be a better
product, but is not easily available to the do-it-yourself hobbyist.
The retail price of Dynamat Extreme is $35 for an 18 inch by 30
inch sheet, and it can be found for less on-line.
My results are specific to the MA-1 DeLuxe chassis, which is large
and likely to be more susceptible to vibration than the more
compact contemporary chassis designs. I've also fabricated some
roller bearing supports, and each step: of damping the rack
frames, replacing the shelves with struts, and installing the roller
bearings, made a small but satisfying improvement in resolution
and timbre. Damping the chassis has probably revealed the
cumulative effect of these other tweaks. This has been very
satisfying, as none of the materials are expensive.

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Topic - Chassis damping with Dynamat Extreme - Al Sekela 15:37:55 05/10/04 (6)

Re: Chassis damping with Dynamat Extreme - Michael 21:38:37 05/10/04 (5)

One caveat - Lew 07:46:30 05/11/04 (4)

Re: One caveat - Phil Starr 20:27:21 05/18/04 (0)

Agree, do not cover ventilation holes! - Al Sekela 19:46:33 05/11/04 (2)

Update - Ralph 17:06:12 05/13/04 (1)

Sure. - Al Sekela 10:00:01 05/14/04 (0)

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