valve vibration control

[novalves]

There is a big market in valve rings to prevent vibration. I tried some on the valves in my Pre3 but there was no difference to the sound. What did seem to make a huge difference (bass improved tremendously - more tuneful) was bolting the PCB down in the 4 corners and in the middle across the 2 sides. Now it just may have been an amazing coincidence and something else is the cause like better seated valves.

Then I placed 4 "Pyramid Racing" cones (carbon fibre filled) under the Pre3 and bass quality went up another notch.

So for valves a rigid box and a vibration free/absorbing platform appear to be well-nigh essential.
Anyone else experimented in this area ?

PS
So now the sound quality with vinyl (phono pre-amp directly into Pre3), in my system, can only be matched by silver disc after it has been upsampled and run through a digital processor!

[stewartwen]

I certainly have noticed this effect NV.
It is more noticeable with small signal valves as well, imho.
Feedback with any valve can have a tremendous effect on the sound quality.
I always mount my pre on foam blocks never on any rigid support.
Have tried the spiked route....................didnt work.
S

[novalves]

The cones are sitting on a cork tile. Maybe it's just that ?!