Matt's HiFi Products : Clearlight-Audio RDC Product Range

Clearlight Audio Products

So what is RDC?

RDC stands for Resonance Dampening Compound. We know that acoustic waves, resonance, spreads within a homogeneous material at a constant speed and direction. If we introduce another material, speed and direction are effected, resonance is influenced and cannot pass without being affected by the physical change in material. Therefore inhomogeneous materials do not conduct resonance well.

RDC has been created from micro-granules of materials at each end of the elasticity module with the same mass. The result is a very high mechanically stable inhomogeneous material that offers equal treatment of resonance frequencies across the audible range. Resonance is dampened equally.

"RDC breathes natural colour and expression into a system." - Roy Gregory, Hi-Fi+.

This unique compound was voted Hi-Fi+ Product of the Year, and has won awards from What Hi-Fi, and Hi-Fi Choice.

RDC Cones

RDC cones are now more than ever in demand as contemporary, apartment style, living, hard floors, and glass furniture/shelves in particular etc., all create the greater need for damping of resonance. Loud speakers, speaker stands, hi-fi components and now combination gaming/hd/blu-ray machines alike, can all benefit, not to mention taming the sub woofer!(There are 100’s of uses – even non hi-fi) Please see below to see where and how RDC cones can be used. RDC will last a lifetime and is, as has been quoted many times, the only accessory upgrade that enhances your system without taking anything away. In fact if anything it will expose areas of the system to be improved upon which may have been masked previously.

RDC 1 Cones
£45 per pack of 4

Large cone measuring 40mm in diameter and 37mm tall, load capacity 25kg per cone.

The Clearlight Audio RDC 1 is ideally suited for the replacement of spikes on floor-standing loudspeakers and are available unthreaded or with a choice of 6mm or 8mm threaded inserts.

On solid floors the RDC 1 cone helps to isolate the loudspeaker cabinet from its environment, giving a clearer, more natural tone to vocals and a tighter control of bass.

Even on carpeted floors the nature of the RDC material reduces the effects of cabinet resonance, even if the cone does not penetrate through to the solid floor below.

This can be superior to spikes where cabinet resonance is transmitted down through the spike to the solid floor, where it is then reflected back up through the spike and back into the loudspeaker cabinet causing colouration. RDC Cone Cups can be used to reduce the risk of cones slipping on solid floors, whilst at the same time improving the level of decoupling of the loudspeaker from its environment.

On wooden floors the RDC 1 cone offers protection from damage, whilst at the same time reducing the effect of resonance transmitted into the floor. This is especially useful on suspended floors, where excessive bass can be transmitted to the room below.

This can be reduced further with the use of RDC Cone Cups and Combi-Bases.

The Clearlight Audio RDC 1 is also perfect for replacing spikes on the bottom of loudspeaker stands using threaded cones costing ten pounds more per pack at £55. (m4 m6 m8 m10 threads available)

RDC 2 Cones
£35 per pack of 4

Smaller cone measuring 30mm in diameter and 27mm tall, load capacity 25kg per cone.

The Clearlight Audio RDC2 cone can be used to replace spikes on smaller floor-standing loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands and are also available unthreaded or with 6mm and 8mm threaded inserts.

The performance gains are identical to those of the RDC 1, but in addition their size makes them ideal for use under electronic components, to isolate from platforms or shelves.

They are also suitable for use with the RDC Cone Cups and Combi-Bases.

RDC 3 Cones
£50 per pack of 4

The Clearlight Audio RDC3 cones are large diameter cone measuring 50mm in diameter, but only 23mm tall, load capacity 25kg per cone. The larger flat surface area of the RDC 3 cone provides a better, more stable support for electronic components. Its composition and shape offer improved dissipation of vibrations of a lower modulation, which can adversely affect the performance of electronic circuitry.

RDC 4 Cones
£130 per pack of 3

A two-part cone measuring 55mm in diameter and 25mm tall, load capacity 35kg per cone. The Clearlight Audio RDC4 cone has a flat base section which incorporates 8 Sorbothane pads and a domed top section which rests on these pads. The effect of this construction is to further isolate electronic components from whatever support or shelf system you may use and this in turn affords your system a more neutral environment in which to perform. Ideal as a platform support bearing high end turntables.

RDC 5 Cones
£25 per pack of 4

A smaller cone measuring 30mm in diameter and only 10mm tall. The Clearlight Audio RDC 5 cone is ideal where a more discrete means of isolation is preferred and can be used under electronic components, on the top of loudspeaker stands to isolate the loudspeaker cabinet. The RDC5 is ideal for use with the RDC Cone Cups and Combi-Bases, to further enhance the dissipation of unwanted resonance or vibration.

RDC 6 Cones - NEW for 2009
£TBA

A smaller cone measuring ??mm in diameter and only ??mm tall. The Clearlight Audio RDC 6 cone is ideal where a more discrete means of isolation is preferred and can be used under electronic components, on the top of loudspeaker stands to isolate the loudspeaker cabinet. The RDC6 is a smaller version of the RDC3. They come with the 2009 model Superposition Platform (see below) and will be general availability will be during 2009.

RDC Cone Cups
£25 per pack of 4

Diameter 30mm and 8mm tall.

Designed to provide a stable support for RDC 1, 2 and 5 cones. The Clearlight Audio RDC Cone Cups can either be used on their own to reduce the chances of equipment slipping whilst improving the effects of isolation. Or they can be used in conjunction with the RDC Combi-Bases, to enhance your system performance even further.

RDC Combi-Bases
£50 per pack of 4

An RDC cup with a Sorbothane pad insert (blue or red) is designed to support either the RDC 2 or 5 cones, or the RDC Cone Cups. The RDC Combi-Base improves the dispersion of harmful resonance within your audio system and over a wider frequency range. When used as a loudspeaker support on suspended floors, the Combi-Base significantly reduces the transmission of bass frequencies to the room below.

Turntable Products

RDC Record Puck
£75 each

The Clearlight Audio RDC record puck helps to control the resonances relating to spindle and record surface. Construction is from steel, and the now familiar award winning RDC with a rubber ring on the inside edge. Should fit most turntables. Not really a record clamp, more a resonance stabilizer.
Can be used either to damp spindle vibration (hence snug fit) or to load the record to avoid skidding. Being non threaded avoids any over tensioning issues.

Linn LP12 RDC base platform
£150 each

Linn LP12 turntable owners will be delighted to hear that Clearlight Audio have developed a replacement base for your favourite turntable. Utilising the SPP Platform technology these bases not only control the unwanted resonances that often smear the stereo image but also give the sound, heightened space and air. (LP12) Soundprotector SPP with 4 RDC 2-M8-Spikes Colour: thinly structured black lacquer Load capacity: 50 kg max. Dimensions: L 425 x W 330 X H 19 mm (without spikes) "The SPP from Clearlight Audio just is it: best effect on the whole soundstage in all tests among the good value platforms! It is just enormous!."-Test Audio

Isolation Platforms

RDC Record Puck
£75 each

Linn LP12 RDC base platform
£150 each

HiFi Racks

RDC Record Puck
£75 each

Linn LP12 RDC base platform
£150 each

OEM

RDC Record Puck
£75 each

Linn LP12 RDC base platform
£150 each