Solidsteel Supports Gain Scientific Validation

After over three decades of producing popular hi-fi component supports alongside loudspeaker and amplifier stands, not to mention platforms for musicians, Solidsteel has gone the next step to gain scientific recognition for its anti-resonance and vibration-damping designs.

A series of technical studies were conducted with the expertise of Prof. Ing. Dario D'Orazio, an acoustics professor at the University of Bologna's Mechanical Engineering department, and his research team. These studies aimed to analyse the vibroacoustic characteristics of the S5-3 and HF-4 electronics racks, chosen as they represent key models from the Solidsteel catalogue, along with the iconic SS series speaker stands.

The main objective of the analysis was to identify the parameters describing the vibroacoustic behaviour of the systems under real-use conditions, with a particular focus on the materials used. This allowed for an accurate evaluation of the coherence between the system's performance quality and its corresponding cost.

Both the S5-3 and HF-4 racks were placed inside the electroacoustic listening chamber of the University of Bologna. Frequency response was measured using a pair of accelerometers positioned on different furniture components. To simulate real-world usage, both mechanical and aero-acoustic excitations were applied. A mechanical impulse was generated using a calibrated hammer, while aero-acoustic excitation was provided through a frequency sweep emitted from the chamber's audio system.

The results indicated that both racks effectively decoupled the shelves from each other and the structure from the floor.

The SS series stands also underwent a similar analysis to characterise their vibroacoustic behaviour, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. A speaker was placed atop the stands, playing a frequency sweep, while accelerometers placed on different parts of the stands captured frequency response. This setup effectively replicated real-world usage.

The results showed that the stand decoupled the speaker from the structure, reducing signal transmission by 10-15 dB, especially at low frequencies. The stand's high structural rigidity, due to both its geometry and material, played a crucial role in its optimal performance.

Congratulations to Gaetano and the Solidsteel team on receiving this technical certification.

If you want to read the complete technical studies, they are available on Solidsteel's website in Italian and English.

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