Thanks for the replies. I have tried various footers under the Niagara, some seemed to do nothing and some actually tilted the frequency spectrum up.
So was wonderin' about the Critical Mass footers.
ozzy |
stereo5,
I really like the Niagara 7000. I also bought a 1200 and 1000 for my other dedicated lines. I had a Shunyata a few iterations ago, but, I was really impressed with the Niagara, it actually produced greater dynamics with my power amps plugged into it!
Anyway, still on the fence about footers under the 90Lb Niagara.
ozzy
|
Well I just received and immediately installed the Critical Mass Footers 2 1.0 version underneath the Niagara 7000. And though I know it will take much time to break in (or adjust), at this moment, I am clearly hearing better separation of the instruments within the soundstage.
So, though I am expecting things to improve further in the next few weeks with additional settling time, I can honestly conclude that the Audioquest Niagara 7000 does improve considerably with using the Critical Mass footers.
ozzy |
lowrider57,
Sounds like you are on the right track in tweaking the best from your system.
ozzy |
lowrider57,
The Niagara 7000 has some massive transformers, that is why it weighs 90lbs!
ozzy |
millercarbon,
I actually did try a set of springs under the Niagara it didn’t seem to help.
BTW, the Critical Mass 1.0 footers cost twice what you have stated.
ozzy |
I also tried Stillpoints Ultra SS’s underneath the Niagara, I actually preferred the Niagara’s installed feet better.
So, this adds to my question, will the Critical Mass footers be an improvement underneath the Niagara?
ozzy |
lowrider57,
The Audioquest Niagara is sitting at the bottom of a Stand Design rack. This rack not only has spikes at the floor (that I have Herbies footers underneath) but there are also spikes underneath each shelve.
Yes, I have the Iso-Acoustics GAI 1's underneath my speakers.
The Critical Mass footers really are amazing though, I have them underneath my Lumin X1 and Carver M350 tube amps. They are expensive, but they really do perform well in these places.
Just not sure about under a power conditioner.
ozzy |
Well as I stated, I was really surprised at the performance improvement with my other equipment with the Critical Mass footers. It's hard to put a percentage on it, but I would say, it greatly enhanced my sonic pleasure. 0-100.
If you have an opportunity to try them, you will hear what I mean...and, you will buy them.
ozzy |
There has been some very good and interesting comments on this subject and I thank you.
I think the Niagara 7000 is a different animal than many power conditioners because of the huge transformers inside. When you place your ear close to it you can actually hear it hum.
I went ahead and ordered a set (4) of the Critical Mass 1.0 footers for the conditioner. The funny thing about these footers, they go through a weird break in stage. I know, hard to believe, footers breaking in. But, with my other equipment they first sounded just ok, then bad, horrible, and then about 10 days later glorious!
So, if they do improve sound quality underneath the Niagara, I wonder if these too will go through the same break in phenomenon.
ozzy
|
Well, I did try the springs that Geoff sells, Stillpoints Ultra SS along with a few others I had. Best results was with the footers that are attached to the Niagara.
ozzy |
Again, I say the Niagara 7000 is a different animal when it comes to power conditioning. It has some very large isolation transformers. That is why I think the Critical Mass footers could help.
I don’t know for sure, that is why I asked the question. Soon, I will have them to try. But as aubreybobb stated and I have found that the Critical Mass footers go through a weird break in.
ozzy |
aubreybobb,
To put the Critical Mass break in in perspective... I added one set under my Carver tube mono blocks. And then about a month later I added another set under the second mono block.
When I added the second set I noticed that the soundstage image moved in the direction of the Critical Mass footers from the original placement.
Sure enough, about a couple weeks later the left channel started to come into its own and the soundstage became complete.
These footers do have a strange break in.
I'm not sure if all conditioners benefit from after market footers, but my guess would be they do, I suppose it really depends on the power conditioner and the footers.
But for all you tweakers out there, it's worth a try.
ozzy |
lowrider57,
I agree with you. What are the EVP's?
ozzy |
aj523,
The 5000 units are great, but if you have a chance to place some of the Critical Mass footers underneath it, you will buy them.
ozzy |
lowrider57,
Thanks for the link. It is odd though that they suggest to place them under the components feet.
ozzy |
There was a huge upgrade with the CM footers under the X1. Highly recommended! It seems everything matters with the X1, even the type of cables used. It just keeps getting better.
There was also an improvement using them under the Nagara 7000 but not as much as under the X1.
ozzy |
lowrider57,
The CM footers under the conditioner are keepers. Yes, they cost more than others but once you have them they will support and improve any future upgraded conditioners.
Now, with that being stated, I have owned both the combo you describe and I am sorry to say that the Niagara 7000 is in a different league from the Core products.
So, probably better to get the Niagara before spending money on the footers.
ozzy |
Yes, I did, I was ok. But the CM footers are the best.
ozzy |
