Tightropes Vibration Control Devices

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Introduction   After going through a half dozen or so footer reviews I wasn't really intent in doing yet another one, at least not for a while. Well that decision certainly didn't hold long. I came across these interesting devices with a quite unique approach to component isolation. They use a web-like suspension system that I haven't seen in use before. Given that I'm tickled by novel and distinctive tweaks I simply couldn't resist trying these out. Now, if you haven't seen these before there's a simple reason: Their origin is across the pond, they are made in Germany under the name: CD-STR5+. The North American name is: Tightrope Vibration Control Devices and they are available for the price of $189.95 plus shipping. I obtained my two sets on a loan basis directly from the manufacturer Mr. Blotevogel and had them in use for well over three months now.   If you haven't read our Perspective segment, you may want to do so now as a prelude to this and all other tweaks we review. Description   Some devices work on the principles of energy grounding (e.g. spikes and cones) others based on lossy coupling (e.g. Vibrapods), the Tightropes on the other hand work on the principles of component isolation. Their appearance is unique, the very first time I saw them they looked like tightly sprung mini trampolines. But if you look closer you will soon appreciate high levels of carefully thought out design. First of all they are larger than your average footer. They have an outer rim of 4" in diameter which is made out of extremely tough plastic. On each side of the rim there are markings identifying the product and its origin. Also on each side of the rim are three small protrusions of the same material, arranged to complete an equilateral triangle. These little bumps are there to ensure minimal contact with the shelf when in use. If you can imagine a hexagon then five of the six vertices have small pulleys through which a non-stretching string is intertwined. The sixth has a nut and bolt around which the same string is looped. The nut is used to pull in our out the bolt effectively tightening or loosening the tension in the string and the entire web assembly. This allows for fine adjustments and tuning in respect to equipment weight. The total combined allowable weight for a set of four is 100 kg (220lbs).   next page: