Tweakers' Asylum: Re: Blue-Tack on top of capacitors and chipsets by Dave Ingels

There are some ICs that can be mass loaded for a significant improvement in sound quality in jitter sensitive circuitry. The ones I have found to be most sensitive in a separate DAC are the input receiver, digital filter and DAC chips. In a CD player there would not be an input receiver and in some cheaper models the digital filter and DACs are combined into one IC.

The most effective method is to cut a piece of .062" thick lead sheet to the size of the IC package, spread a thin layer of blue-tak on top of IC then press lead into place. Make sure it is the same size or smaller than the plastic part of the IC so there is no danger of touching leads. I have never had a problem removing the lead later. It has proven much more effective than rubber or other damping materials.

Other areas that show improvement are transformers and capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors are dramatically improved when wrapped in a layer of silicone and lead especially if you can remove the outer plastic covering before application. Film capacitors also respond well to the treatment. I have even found analog circuits such as op amps to sound better when mass loaded as above.

If you try any of these ideas, follow normal precautions in the handling of lead.

Dave