Aurios vs Stillpoints, any experience?


I have a set of Aurios 1.1 under the feet of my Sota Star Sapphire turntable, and have been very happy with the results.

Recently I had the opportunity to audition a set of the Stillpoints. I am concerned about the fact that there is unlimited travel with the Stillpoints so theoretically it is possible for a piece of electronics to roll off of the bearings. I wanted to use the Stillpoints under the TT but because of the amount of motion involved with the TT I am worried about the TT falling. Between opening and closing the dustcover, swinging the arm, and removing LPs I am worried about possible damage.

I installed the Stillpoints under my amp and it has not moved at all, but the amp is close to the floor, and is moved much less than the turntable.

Does anyone have any experience with these bearings and how did the compare to one another??? Is it possible for equipment to roll off of or around a level shelf??? Are these valid concerns???
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Showing 3 responses by gilas

Had used Aurios, tried Stillpoints.

The Aurios (esp Pro) are very good but can add a metallic sheen to the sound. They work better loaded with more mass(eg under the rack, heavy amp stands, etc) rather than lighter components (eg CDP). TCBs help but I prefer brass cones spiked into the central depression of the Aurios. This arrangement is more stable as well.

The Stillpoints are more subtle, seems to have less of an overt impact but more neutral presentation than the Aurios. I had experienced less setup hassle with them than the Aurios.

I would not imagine using either will result in the equipment "rolling off" the shelf in normal use. However, if you have little fingers or cats at home, it may not be the best idea.

I now use Aurios under my amp stands and equipment rack only. I have Neuance shelves under the amps and source components. I found the Neuance presentation most natural, for the lack of a better description. They were so good, I did not feel the urge to play the isolate/couple game any more.

Norm, I managed to further "improve" or at least differentiate with various footers on either side of the Neuance shelf. The type of footer can make a dramatic difference. And, some footers even take time to settle in ??
Yes, Norm. You're right - it is partly the points settling into the shelf. If you look carefully at the points of contact, there are signs of pressure induced depressions.

However, I tried some titanium cones w/o the Neuance shelf elsewhere. Was warned that the cones will take a few days to settle in. Of course, did not believe it. Had to eat my words when that settling in effect was observed.

So, I think there are some happenings I do not understand fully and cannot explain with logic.

Tom
Yeap, the X-files ....

Norm, of topic question. Do you have any experience with parametric EQ in the bass, mid-bass region ? Would like to compare notes if you have. You can sent me a private e-mail.

Thanks,

Tom