How an audio rack can enhance your amp/pre




Just thought I would share my recent experience with upgrading my sound star technologies rack to the new rhythm rack.

Every now and then, I have a visiting audiophile who really appreciates my system…and traditionally asks – “wow, what makes it sound so good?” My typical answer is it all makes a difference, even down the equipment rack, which can and certainly should be considered a component…but in many cases is overlooked…

Star Sound introduction

About 10 years ago, I was introduced to Star Sound Technologies Sistrum platforms and Audio Points. Audiopoints has always been known for its manufacture of well-designed and beautifully manufactured brass cones used under equipment and as an integral part of an audio stand. This ultimately led to the design of stands designed to transfer vibrations out of components and down to ground. What I didn’t know at the time was how good the Sistrum platforms ‘sounded’. So, I bit the bullet and tried several Sistrum Platforms - what intrigued me about the stands was the design of the Sistrum Platform which allowed a pre-determined pattern of energy, known as Coulomb Friction to develop and dissipate via a high-speed calculated conductive pathway to earth's ground. Which made sense…how do you deal with airborne energy dissipation? I know you could put cones to reduce vibrations from the ‘ground up’ so to speak, but how could you eliminate airborne vibration? We’ve all held our hand on our equipment when music is playing only to feel the equipment vibrate, so how do you deal with it? Draining it quickly to ground made sense, but at the end of the day, all I really wanted to know was…does it improve the sound?

To say I was shocked is an understatement - the Original Sistrum Platforms offered – smoother sound, better transients, dynamics and a lower noise floor. And, the cool part is that you could turn up the sound and the music would flow with greater ease…well worth the investment. Robert at Star Sound was extremely helpful in guiding me through which racks made the most sense for my system.

Rhythm Platforms

Which brings me to 2015…it had been a while since I last spoke with Robert curious as to what his engineering team was up to…which led me to check out the ‘new’ model of Sistrum Stands – the Sistrum Rhythm Platforms.

These new platforms / shelves were substantially heavier, with a nicer overall finish than the original stands, with more grooves allowing for substantially more options to place points in various places under your equipment to refine the sound even further. In addition, the shelves were engineered to deal with resonances in a more efficient manner…The brass cones at the bottom of the rack were substantially bigger in size - 3 inches and quite heavy. The brass cones under the equipment were attached with nicely crafted screws that could be hand tightened and no longer required a screw driver… a nice feature making it both easier to put together but also the amount of tightening could influence the sound. The brass and platform rods are modular, making it easier to put together and painted in a beautiful black finish – in combination with the brass I would say the improvement in the WAF factor is significant – the stands are really impressive to look at. As for structure, these things were a solid as could be – and heavy! Not going anywhere, even in an earthquake!

My system includes VAC equipment, preamp, amps, DAC and a transport. As well as power supplies. Most of which now rested on the new Rhythm Platform.

Listening Impressions:

My first impressions were clearly a lower noise floor with enhanced dynamics, while also being able to hear deeper into the soundstage, which now extended well outside of the speakers. Tempo was faster, due to better-defined, leading edges. The high end was ‘cleaner’, with more sheen and decay on symbols and hi hats. Brass had that right bite to it, without over doing it…Bass lines were tighter which led to better ‘rhythm’ … and best of all, I could crank up the volume and the dynamic range seemed to extend effortlessly, which was a nice surprise.

One thing I noticed, that was true of my initial experience with Sistrum Platforms, is that the newer Rhythm Platforms sounded progressively better after 3 days of ‘settling’ and reached full potential after about 1 week. So some form of break in is required.
Over the years, I’ve tried different racks and various cones under equipment, whether if be soft, hard, ceramic, rubber (or some variation of ‘absorbing material’ etc.) you name it. All of which ‘altered’ the sound, but nothing came close to the Sistrum Stands holistically; while the new Rhythm stands, just take it all to a higher level…
While I cannot expound eloquently on science of Coulomb’s Friction, I can tell you that whatever they are doing at Star Sound visa vie their racks, it works…and it’s not subtle. This is a very audible improvement in your listening experience. If you want your system to perform at its highest level, I would suggest that you maximize your investment in your equipment by letting it do what it does best and put it on a Sistrum rack that will allow it to perform at its best. And if you want the best, I would strongly recommend the Rhythm Platforms.
wisper
Wolf_garcia, I have always said, as have others, that sarcasm is often misunderstood as we have no body language to so judge your meaning.
07-27-15: Wolf_garcia
Since Agear is obsessed with my background, I will note that I did have long hair in the 60s and 70s, but I was a full time musician then and learned about sound by necessity and exposure to live and studio experiences…I eventually fell into small venue concert sound design and operation about 20 years ago which is a fun thing to do and has taught me a lot about what works, and I seem to be good at live sound mixing which is surprising in that extremely handsome elderly semi professional longboard surfers rarely do that sort of thing. I have never claimed to have "golden ears" (they're more "fleshy" toned) and recommend that people claiming they do should never be trusted. I have real issues with using this forum for unpaid advertising and shilling products, and feel Star Sound has crossed the line repeatedly both by their own ridiculous self promotion and tacit approval of what I think is an utterly over the top and bizarro rant by the OP…I'll go after that sort of thing every damn time, or whenever I feel like it.

So that probably means your hair cells are fried and you have tin ears like a lot of X-musicians I know. When was the last time you had them tested? How old r u? An audiophile friend of mine fraternizes with one of the guys from Kansas and his ears (by his own admission) are fried. Due to his tinnitus and overall damage, he is not even able to appreciate stereo reproduction (which may be a blessing in disguise given all the sourness of demeanor it generates on these forums....).

Robert would indeed send the racks but questioned whether you were seriously interested since your focus (as a non-SS user) appears to be mudslinging (framed by brittle attempts at humor)....
I take issue with specific things said here using convoluted statements that are clearly nonsense (clearly…just carefully read some of this stuff), and have no beef with tweaks people find useful…I might have a comment or 2 about those tweaks though…heh...Regarding TBGs comments, I did NOT claim the spike didn't work as designed, I merely was having some fun with it (I know I'm supposed to practice mirth control but pretentious gasbags are simply such low hanging bullshit fruit it's impossible to not "skewer" this stuff) and still think it would make a great barbecue device. Roxy is apparently unable to detect sarcasm and parody, but I've found that many around here lack the humor gene, and she (he? both?) can rest assured that Star Sound is extremely unlikely to send me any samples as their offer included the word "may," and I'm not interested in disassembling my rack anyway. Since Agear is obsessed with my background, I will note that I did have long hair in the 60s and 70s, but I was a full time musician then and learned about sound by necessity and exposure to live and studio experiences…I eventually fell into small venue concert sound design and operation about 20 years ago which is a fun thing to do and has taught me a lot about what works, and I seem to be good at live sound mixing which is surprising in that extremely handsome elderly semi professional longboard surfers rarely do that sort of thing. I have never claimed to have "golden ears" (they're more "fleshy" toned) and recommend that people claiming they do should never be trusted. I have real issues with using this forum for unpaid advertising and shilling products, and feel Star Sound has crossed the line repeatedly both by their own ridiculous self promotion and tacit approval of what I think is an utterly over the top and bizarro rant by the OP…I'll go after that sort of thing every damn time, or whenever I feel like it.
I prefer sapphire threads or if I'm pinched for money bungee cords.
07-25-15: Geoffkait
Just in case nobody else mentioned it already there is a slight, uh, difficulty with many racks and that is they actually amplify vibrations. It all depends on what the designer had in mind and hiw he was able to execute his design. As I am find of saying for the best sound the floor is often the best place to put stuff.

I prefer to amplify my vibrations. I come from the "Spinal Tap" engineering school of thought. If I was examining gnat testicles using SEM, then maybe an active stand?
I do not post much here, because of all of the "baby talk" that goes around. A side note : I know a guy who owns a very sophisticated sports car, and tweaks it till no end. I would ride in it, after something else he has done, and, he would ask me if I feel the difference in the ride ? ( I am the passenger ). The truth is, NO. He would visit me and, I would ask him if he hears the difference in my system, since the last time he was here, and he would say NO. Different hobbies, different senses, different interests. The point I am trying to make, without using sophisticated words, or scientific babble, is quite simple. Listening to music is a part of all of our lives. My sister, who enjoys listening to music as much as I do, listens to a $500. Bose radio, and, " she enjoys it, immensely ". I envy her. Being an audiophile ( spending money on equipment, and tweaking ), brings us closer to "the real thing", which, shows individuality amongst us, but shares our interests, senses, and of course, hobby. Hearing people bicker about right or wrong ? Enough of the BS already. This is a fun hobby, for me, anyway. I want a sound. Each of you want a sound. It IS ALL audible. Lets just enjoy, share, and learn. To all of you who bash "snake oil", well, good for you. The non like of horn based systems ( or box, or panel), well, good for you. Those who prefer tubes vs. ss, or the reverse, good for you. I would rather listen to music, through my system, than read these forums, particularly, the bantering. Just saying. I mean no harm to anyone. Just everyone, grow up. MrD
Tbg,
I couldn't have stated it better. If I'm understanding correctly, Starsound is giving him platforms to review. If so, that makes me sick. How could he possibly be impartial when reviewing platforms when he has already decided that they have no merit and are no better than sorbothane.
His ego-driven rants are really boring too. I hope that he discovers how good Starsound products are just so he'll have to eat...crow.
NO insult to engineers on here, esp. to Al who in no way resembles following tale.

I was at a history seminar once upon a time where a Navy Admiral came to talk about the roots of Naval Aviation .
One ex submarine guy asked the Admiral why the Navy recruited engineers heavily as pilots .
Reply was" because they are smart guys who understand what one needs to be a good carrier pilot, but lack the imagination to imagine crashing " .
I don't know if that's just a standard pilot joke, but he wasn't laughing .
Wolf_garcia, what has always perplexed me about engineers is their belief that we know everything about natural laws. But I've sat in civil engineering doctoral defenses and heard of "safety factors" to assure buildings will stand. I heard of engineers tracking what happened in the Challenger disaster and finding too many holes in the rings holding in the O rings caused them to break one after another with the O rings popping out.

We don't know everything. We know how to build building that mainly stand, circuits that mainly work, etc. You know you cannot explain why Tom's cello spike works so you think you are smart deriding his efforts, without having a clue about what you are talking about. And then you turn around and say you "anxiously await" vibration research.

Finally, if people hear differences where engineers say there can be none, should good engineers or scientists focus on why people hear those differences rather than saying there can be none?
Just in case nobody else mentioned it already there is a slight, uh, difficulty with many racks and that is they actually amplify vibrations. It all depends on what the designer had in mind and hiw he was able to execute his design. As I am find of saying for the best sound the floor is often the best place to put stuff.
Appreciate the info and review of these racks. Vibration control is an important part of getting the most out of your system.

Thanks
07-24-15: Wolf_garcia
"Star Sound’s adaptation is to transfer resonance at high-speed via conductive pathways away from the source of vibration keeping everything related to and the signal in constant motion." Hmmm…a line certainly worthy of any Faith Based Audio mythology discussion as it makes exactly ZERO sense…what also mystifies me is that there is any connection between claims of lowering the temperature of amps and providing profound tempo improvement using pointy things stuck to racks (!), and damping unwanted vibration in lathes and microscopes (necessary), except as it applies to the History of Damping. I do think the cello spike could make a great barbecue skewer though…and has the added benefit of making burnt food sound better. Underwater Earthquake Flight Research notwithstanding, I anxiously await the results of "further research" into the science of how vibration control (read my paper, "Microscopes and Subwoofers, a Paradox in Waiting"…Merkel Press $2.95) yields a "common single understanding" boiling down to "personal opinions on likes and dislikes when listening to or making music." Seriously, statements like can provide me with what surfing genius George Greenough described as "the innermost limits of pure fun."

Wofly, there are several engineers who are part of the SS conglomerate (http://www.audiopoints.com/aboutUs.php), so maybe we can get one of them to chime in for a more exhaustive discussion? They typically don't waste time with these forums, but it might be worthwhile since this subject is treated with such scorn by many without backgrounds in mechanical engineering.

Robert told me that back in the 60s and 70s, one of the primary prerequisites to getting a sound "engineering" gig was long hair. Was that part of your pedigree? :)

As for the temperature thing, I have made personal observations to that extent. Maybe its a matter of simple ventilation, etc. Who knows. I know Robert did measurements.
"Star Sound’s adaptation is to transfer resonance at high-speed via conductive pathways away from the source of vibration keeping everything related to and the signal in constant motion." Hmmm…a line certainly worthy of any Faith Based Audio mythology discussion as it makes exactly ZERO sense…what also mystifies me is that there is any connection between claims of lowering the temperature of amps and providing profound tempo improvement using pointy things stuck to racks (!), and damping unwanted vibration in lathes and microscopes (necessary), except as it applies to the History of Damping. I do think the cello spike could make a great barbecue skewer though…and has the added benefit of making burnt food sound better. Underwater Earthquake Flight Research notwithstanding, I anxiously await the results of "further research" into the science of how vibration control (read my paper, "Microscopes and Subwoofers, a Paradox in Waiting"…Merkel Press $2.95) yields a "common single understanding" boiling down to "personal opinions on likes and dislikes when listening to or making music." Seriously, statements like can provide me with what surfing genius George Greenough described as "the innermost limits of pure fun."
Hello Atmasphere,

Sorry for missing your previous thread information on the cutting lathe and hopefully we stand corrected.

Are you sure the cones were not used as a truer means of leveling and stability requirements or were actually designed for vibration management purposes? It is long recognized that cones positioned into a cup provides a more efficient means for restricting slippage and movement.

We would really appreciate it if you could refer us to any information where Scully quantifies this system was designed as a method of vibration management. This would be the first documentation we have ever come across pre 60’s related to our studies.

Our answer to your previous writing with regards to vibration was ‘specific’ in that you cannot “eliminate” vibration. However your new statement is correct with regards to “getting rid of vibration” by converting the vibration into heat. Conversion through multilayered damping is a well applied methodology but we find those techniques to be a much slower process in comparison to our approach.

Star Sound’s adaptation is to transfer resonance at high-speed via conductive pathways away from the source of vibration keeping everything related to and the signal in constant motion. The earliest research we found on Resonance Energy Transfer was published in the IBM Journal dated 1968 titled - The Resonistor - A Frequency Selective Device Utilizing the Mechanical Resonance of a Silicon Substrate by R. J. Wilfinger, P. H. Bardell and D. S. Chhabra.

Regards to the microscope isolation tables, Bell Engineers improved the techniques of stabilizing electron microscopes during the development of the world’s first transistor production line implemented by Western Electric, Allentown PA in 1951.I know this statement to be accurate as it was a principal project my father participated in. We understand and definitely relate to why isolation tables were developed but have issues with their applications in audio reproduction where sub-harmonic frequencies and chassis micro motion play an extremely small role related to musical instruments and the audible range of human hearing.

The only comparisons in performance we have obtained related to these devices used in audio was provided by Norm Luttbeg who recently published a review on the Rhythm Platform for StereoTimes Magazine and Ddraudt a well experienced audiophile here on AudioGon. I am sure you can contact both of them for their opinions.

We have discovered situations where a science and product developed for minimizing vibration dedicated to other purposes such as microscopes, heavy machinery, underwater or flight research or building foundations related to earthquakes generally does not provide sonic results that one might imagine when applied in conjunction with audio equipment and listening environments.

It has become obvious to us that there is a great deal of information and technology yet to be discovered and understood linking the various sciences of vibration control to a common single understanding especially when it boils down to personal opinions on likes and dislikes when listening to or making music.

Robert Maicks
Star Sound Technologies, LLC
07-23-15: Atmasphere
however we do Not agree with your comment “proven effective for the past 6 decades”. If you are implying ‘sixty years’ of vibration management in audio;

To the best of our knowledge:

Audio Points was the second ever conical shaped product in the audio marketplace and began selling in 1988. Tip Toes was the first and began selling in late 1987. In the mid 1990’s audio racking was still largely referred to as furniture. We can trace the first absorption stands using sand, lead and rubber based systems from companies such as Zoethecus and Bright Star along with the first mechanical grounding racks from RoomTune and Sound Anchors to the early 90’s. The Sistrum Platforms™ release was in 2000 and was the first audio racking system marketed bearing the name recognition as a “platform”.

You might want to take a look at my prior posts. As I mentioned in them, my Scully LP mastering lathe employs a heavy steel table which has adjustable points built into its feet. It was made in the late 1940s. Upon the table is a special vibration-damping platform, on which the lathe itself resides. The lathe has three feet, all quite pointed and adjustable which engage cups built into the platform.

So this use of points precedes the Mod Squad by about 3 decades and change.

It is incorrect to say you can't get rid of vibration. A proper vibration damping system translates vibration into heat. I use Ultra Resolution Technologies platforms which were developed by Warren Gehl (currently at ARC; he also designed a very effective platter pad for damping resonance in LPs; although very effective neither product is still in production) and they have proven quite effective. Platforms are also used beneath powerful microscopes for the same purpose and are shown to be quite effective- so much so that some audiophiles have used the same platforms in their home systems.

Robert's statement was correct IMO. The products that translate vibration into heat are not perfect. Their are active products as you mentioned that are analogs of what is used in the world of SEM (http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1371914466.jpg) and may have some merit, but I know people who have used them and converted to Sistrum. Furthermore, you cannot easily translate that technology for products that really vibrate like speakers, subs, and walls. ):

Do you amps run cooler on those stands? Why did they go out of production?

however we do Not agree with your comment “proven effective for the past 6 decades”. If you are implying ‘sixty years’ of vibration management in audio;

To the best of our knowledge:

Audio Points was the second ever conical shaped product in the audio marketplace and began selling in 1988. Tip Toes was the first and began selling in late 1987. In the mid 1990’s audio racking was still largely referred to as furniture. We can trace the first absorption stands using sand, lead and rubber based systems from companies such as Zoethecus and Bright Star along with the first mechanical grounding racks from RoomTune and Sound Anchors to the early 90’s. The Sistrum Platforms™ release was in 2000 and was the first audio racking system marketed bearing the name recognition as a “platform”.

You might want to take a look at my prior posts. As I mentioned in them, my Scully LP mastering lathe employs a heavy steel table which has adjustable points built into its feet. It was made in the late 1940s. Upon the table is a special vibration-damping platform, on which the lathe itself resides. The lathe has three feet, all quite pointed and adjustable which engage cups built into the platform.

So this use of points precedes the Mod Squad by about 3 decades and change.

It is incorrect to say you can't get rid of vibration. A proper vibration damping system translates vibration into heat. I use Ultra Resolution Technologies platforms which were developed by Warren Gehl (currently at ARC; he also designed a very effective platter pad for damping resonance in LPs; although very effective neither product is still in production) and they have proven quite effective. Platforms are also used beneath powerful microscopes for the same purpose and are shown to be quite effective- so much so that some audiophiles have used the same platforms in their home systems.
Just shop talk Draudt. Now back the to regularly scheduled programming.....:)

I do plan on upgrading to the Rhythm or Backstage when able. I currently use the 101s from yore....
I would say its better than Ordway in downtown St. Paul, but a much smaller space.
07-22-15: Schubert
Atmasphere, I assume you know this, but if not--- The acoustic do-over on MAC's Meirs concert hall has made as good a 350 seat space as you will hear.

How does it compare to the Symphony hall in downtown Saint Paul? Sadly, I only went once due to training....
07-21-15: Bdp24
Agear, only in the hair length sense. I too have Norwegian ancestory, the closest I come to Native American is my dad was from S. Dakoda! I used to tan, but stopped when cancer's starting showing up on skin in my 40's. Too much time at the Santa Cruz beach in my 20's!

Ha! An aging hippie like Atmasphere then....excellent. Studies have shown that THC accelerates hair growth in 50-something males.

Santa Cruz is a hell of a lot nicer than SD. UC-SC is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen (and I am not talking buildings....). If I had gone to school there, what with the open curriculum and other temptations, I would have graduated with a major in "consciousness" and not much else.

My mother-in-law is an Erickson and was raised in Southern cal. Baked in baby oil for much of her youth and got a nasty melanoma that almost killed her. My folks both grew up in Africa, and their Derm is constantly plucking little skin cancers out. Scary stuff....
Atmasphere, I assume you know this, but if not--- The acoustic do-over on MAC's Meirs concert hall has made as good a 350 seat space as you will hear.
Agear, only in the hair length sense. I too have Norwegian ancestory, the closest I come to Native American is my dad was from S. Dakoda! I used to tan, but stopped when cancer's starting showing up on skin in my 40's. Too much time at the Santa Cruz beach in my 20's!
Hello Atmasphere,

In our opinion, you have taken our statements out of context. Please understand our comments here with regards to Live Vibe Technology™ and the information regarding Star Sound products is assumed that our technology is in place inside the equipment, below the equipment, adapted to musical instruments and/or building structural frameworks.

Therefore in response to your information listed on 07-20-15 we wish to assert the following:

Energy caused from vibration cannot be eliminated - physics 101.

“The technology of points and vibration absorption materials is not going to go away” - and we agree. Live-Vibe Technology uses Audio Points™ as the initial point of contact with equipment and flooring however we do not employ absorption materials in our innovations other than brass and steel. Brasses and steels too have damping (absorptive) factors.

“A proper stand and platform design can be proven effective” - and we totally concur however we do Not agree with your comment “proven effective for the past 6 decades”. If you are implying ‘sixty years’ of vibration management in audio;

To the best of our knowledge:

Audio Points was the second ever conical shaped product in the audio marketplace and began selling in 1988. Tip Toes was the first and began selling in late 1987. In the mid 1990’s audio racking was still largely referred to as furniture. We can trace the first absorption stands using sand, lead and rubber based systems from companies such as Zoethecus and Bright Star along with the first mechanical grounding racks from RoomTune and Sound Anchors to the early 90’s. The Sistrum Platforms™ release was in 2000 and was the first audio racking system marketed bearing the name recognition as a “platform”.

My father was an audiophile. As a teenager I spent a lot of time with him at Bell Laboratories whose engineers were also avid audiophiles. They took Fisher amplifiers to another level of performance , built their own electronics designs, modified the best Garrard had to offer, constructed their own speaker systems, tuned up Fisher reverb tanks for stereo systems but never did they mention or quantify anything on vibration control. This was the 60’s.

In the early 70’s Mr. Dick Boak of the C.F.Martin & Company (guitars) built a couple equipment racks out of exotic woods for a few friends. We knew our gear sounded a bit better on the more rigid build and different woods but never understood why and could not come up with any information or knew anything about vibration control as a topic for increasing equipment performance. I have owned McIntosh, Dynaco, Acoustic Research, and Sansui during the same time period and could not locate any mentions of vibration control in any of their owner’s manuals.

Employed as a sound engineer and spending over a dozen years in the music business - vibration was only ever discussed and/or addressed in recording studios as a minor topic when studying acoustic surroundings, microphone stands and record mastering but again it was never perceived as a principle science for improving sound quality.

During Star Sound’s inception period some sixteen years ago, our group of engineers spent hours researching vibration control in consumer audio and professional sound industries and found very little information. Agreed historically there were many uses and approaches to controlling vibration outside the audio sector but again very little written, little understood in what has become a highly subjective and sensitive subject here on AudioGon.

Our primary purpose participating in this forum is to learn, gather knowledge, provide information but more importantly listen to people who experiment in sound. We cannot afford the time for debates targeting “ours is better than theirs” arguments. Star Sound is presenting a newfound technical approach to vibration management and admits we do not have all the answers.

Our technology has gone full cycle in audio related fields. We have listener accepted products and prototypes in use - both inside and underneath electronics and loudspeakers, musical instruments and structural sound room environments. Live-Vibe Technology™ is currently undergoing third party testing by a licensed UL® approved laboratory in order to quantify this proprietary vibration management science. Additional acoustic testing will be provided by two privately owned recording studios adding more data to compare with the laboratory profiles.

In closing Atmasphere, we have never stated vibration does not make a difference in performance so please do not turn around and run in the other direction. We have products available that will greatly improve the sound of your string bass as well. You are always welcome to telephone us anytime.

Robert Maicks
Star Sound Technologies, LLC
TBG…your response to my post noting it deserves no response is in fact a response, although maybe the word "responce" means something else, although more likely you can't spell the word. I will take this to mean it stands as the perfect post and all others are "post post perfection" from all but previous posters.
07-20-15: Bdp24
Long hair on a male is not a hippie aesthetic, it's a Native American one. I represent that remark ;-).

To what degree do you represent that remark? My wife and I are both essentially Norwegian/Scottish, but she is also an 1/8 Cherokee and something else. She has a beautiful mane of hair and tans beautifully while I look like I don't belong....:)

To me, long hair means you're a disciple of Robert Bly (or at least read his poetry) and run through the woods with no shoes or shirt on the way to that drum circle. For all we know, that's where Atmasphere amps were born....not in a lab with measurement devices in the throes of a sweaty, ecstatic frenzy....

I didn't know MAC used ringers.

At the time they only had one other person playing bass. So they came to my high school looking for recruits as we were close by and our orchestra was the best high school orchestra in the state. Times sure have changed!
I'm pretty sure long hair on a man these days means he knows Karate.
Long hair on a male is not a hippie aesthetic, it's a Native American one. I represent that remark ;-).
Well, to be accurate absolute isolation is not feasible but that's actually not the issue since we know all the mass on spring systems behave as low pass mechanical filters anyway. The objective of course is to construct a device with as many directions of isolation and as low a resonant frequency in those directions as possible without over damping or under damping. Most (well designed) devices have resonant frequencies circa 3 Hz which as fate would have is not low enough to filter the peak resonance of the Earth crust motion. Nevertheless, 3 Hz devices sound very good.
07-20-15: Atmosphere

Geoff, the key is to teleport the mechanical energy away from the vibrating object or at a minimum trick the mind into believing it has happened.....:)

We can easily see the effects of improper setup relating to the use of points (or lack thereof) in our cutting lathe (you can see the extra vibration in the grooves via the microscope) so I know for a fact that the above statement is incorrect.

You missed the double entendre in my statement Ralph. Geoff did not.

In terms of the correctness inherent in my joke (which does indeed allude to the SS concept), it depends. Music and musical instruments are vibratory entities and do not benefit from absolute stability like a lathe or a SEM. Speakers, walls, subs, and even tubed gear can be viewed in a similar fashion (in theory...). Sound anchor comes from a more traditional, isolation based model which can work too. I guess you could do some simple accelerometer measurements on your speaker cabinets and compare SS and SA. Ralph, have you ever tried a SS stand?

BTW, you need a haircut....the old hippie aesthetic went out the door a long time ago....:)
Roxy, if my criticism of what I perceive as an utterly over the top example of fawning over, exaggerating of, and mythologizing the benefits of pointy bits seems to you to have a tone of desperation (!), you miss my beautifully (and, dare I say, poetic?) thoughtful and scientifically, or not, hopefully Belicosity Draining points. Vibrapods and other small squishy things work for me (they also keep things from sliding around…an added plus), the 5 thousand dollars of pointy shelves Star Sound is about to give me (thanks guys…you're the BEST bespectacled geeks EVER) might sound better (emphasis on "might"), and I don't keep my weed in my rack drawer as it is RUINED by all that damn vibration. Also, I am at a loss as to how to get the vibration away from the electronic bits mounted inside my guitar amps (with the speaker in the same space, which I think is supposed to vibrate), as well as those inside my sub…all of which currently sound fabulous…makes no sense…and now with the increasing popularity of active speakers there is likely to be a complete meltdown among the Seekers of Theoretical Draining (STD), as all could be lost. I think I'm just going to squirt gallons of silicone into my gear and call it a day.
Schubert, I played string bass in a local high school and was recruited to also play in the Mac Orchestra when I was a senior in high school. I continued to play there for a couple of years and also in the St. Paul Civic Orchestra, also conducted by Edourd Fourner. But I did my engineering work at the UofM.


Geoff, the key is to teleport the mechanical energy away from the vibrating object or at a minimum trick the mind into believing it has happened.....:)

We can easily see the effects of improper setup relating to the use of points (or lack thereof) in our cutting lathe (you can see the extra vibration in the grooves via the microscope) so I know for a fact that the above statement is incorrect. This follow up statement:


Let it vibrate! The equipment, room foundation, racking, walls, floors and ceilings are going to vibrate regardless. Listening to music is a dynamic experience where everything involved in reproduction or live performances is going to vibrate; even our own diaphragms located inside our heads - vibrate.

-is thus also measurably incorrect. Sound Anchors uses a laser aimed at the equipment on their stands to show that it indeed vibrates less when on their stands.

We already know that many electronic parts are sensitive to vibration: tubes, transistors, ICs, resistors and capacitors can all exhibit microphonic properties. So it is useful to eliminate vibration as much as possible and the technology of points and vibration absorption materials, associated with proper stand and platform design has been proven effective for the last 6 decades and is not going to go away just because someone says it is imagination or the like.

In short the idea that vibration is not going to make a difference is specious, plain and simple. If anyone suggests otherwise, turn around and run as hard as you can.
Bdp24

The concepts you mentioned are easy if there is an understanding that isolation is not achievable unto itself. If it were, then electron motion would cease and that means there would be no physical matter present.

Even in a stasis mode there is electron motion. If you put any two materials together, including the same absorption composites they will generate friction which is only damped but never isolated. More friction means greater resistance and merely compounds the problems of energy transfer in a directed movement away from the audio component. So with the use of damping materials there is no real exit strategy only one of containment and a guaranteed build up of greater amplitudes of Coulomb friction.

Your question about component chassis motion: The circuit board is moving with the chassis and we agree however the electrons located on every internal part, including transistors and resistors which are induced by alternating current, forms resonance that is totally independent of the chassis movement. Every part located inside the chassis generates additional forms of friction caused from vibration and will continue to propagate on all surfaces. Applying damping techniques adds to this ongoing noise issue due to resistance caused from the added materials unless a physical exit or mechanical ground pathway is provided for this energy to exit. Tom
Thanks Tbg. I just didn't like seeing Wisper get skewered for what was actually a very useful review.
Roxy54, I agree with you about Wisper's post. I might well have written the same post. I know of many shill posts here as well as shill reviews. This was not of that character.
Wolf,
I have followed this thread from its inception, and after reading your most recent post, I went back to the OP's review, and re-read it in its entirety.
His writing was far from florid. It is concise, well balanced (if enthusiastic) and simply presented not as a hard sell, but as that of a former Starsound customer who was already satisfied with their products, and was pleasantly surprised at his perceived level of improvement brought about by the new platforms.
There was no indication whatsoever in Wisper's comments that he was a shill for Starsound, and hearing you echo that accusation casually, which happens far to often on the forums here has a desperate ring to it.
You call it "an insulting and inappropriate use of this space." That's just plain exaggeration.
I'm not sure what axe you have to grind, but it's getting pretty sharp. Maybe you'd be happy if we all agree that Sorbothanne is great. Perhaps we should all have our components on mini trampolines...even better, right?
07-18-15: Wolf_garcia
Star Sound products aren't my issue here, again, a point thoroughly missed, and my criticism isn't a "personal" thing against "wisper" (who might be a wonderful human) but specifically the content of his post. Please forgive my statement of the obvious. The "airing in public" by anyone of a florid pile of free advertising is an insulting and inappropriate use of this space, and the inability to handle criticism of this fact (also having no sense of humor apparently) is simply too bad for you. I understand that Star Sound could be delighted by the poster's unabashed fawning, but the audio babble nonsense inherent in the poster's screed should be embarrassing to Star Sound (unless Star is somehow responsible for the text).…

I get all that Wolf. Audiophilia has a religious component, so if a new piece of equipment sets us into an ecstatic frenzy, forums like this are our only opportunity to relay the experience.

besides, the only ACTUAL criticism of Star Sound's possibly life altering product line relative to what I currently use, is that there is no drawer on the bottom for my stuff.

I would not let that be the final determinant. There are other places to stash your weed and associated paraphernalia....
07-18-15: Geoffkait
Wahoo wah! Go Cavs! When I went to UVa Scott stadium was the world's largest outdoor bar.

Yes indeed. Good times. I never fully integrated into that scene while there. My Dad was also a prof (Biochemistry) so I had that cynical townie thing going on....:)
Agear, my niece majored in Biology at Macalester, graduated from Harvard Med .
The concept of isolation versus coupling is actually a pretty simple one, though you wouldn't think so from the talk here. I happened upon Barry Diament's writings on the subject on his website, Barry Diament Audio. For a no-nonsense, no-axe to grind (Barry doesn't sell the designs he describes) discussion of the topic, I would read what he has to say.
Star Sound products aren't my issue here, again, a point thoroughly missed, and my criticism isn't a "personal" thing against "wisper" (who might be a wonderful human) but specifically the content of his post. Please forgive my statement of the obvious. The "airing in public" by anyone of a florid pile of free advertising is an insulting and inappropriate use of this space, and the inability to handle criticism of this fact (also having no sense of humor apparently) is simply too bad for you. I understand that Star Sound could be delighted by the poster's unabashed fawning, but the audio babble nonsense inherent in the poster's screed should be embarrassing to Star Sound (unless Star is somehow responsible for the text). My silly posts COULD insult that paranoid manufacturer who might actually feel much of this worshipful hyperbole ISN'T crazy, but to take me to task for exercising my right to call foul on this stuff is also too bad for you. If I were ever to try a Star Sound product, it would likely involve a pointy stand large enough to stick under the foundation of my entire house, thus causing magical changes in tempo to enhance all aspects of my being…besides, the only ACTUAL criticism of Star Sound's possibly life altering product line relative to what I currently use, is that there is no drawer on the bottom for my stuff.
I was the first in my family to go to college and had to pay my own way. Fortunately, I got a scholarship to IIT (Ill. Inst. of Tech.). I started out in physics, changed to EE and then to ME and then tried to change to architecture only to be refused as I had real physics rather than that for architects, and finally into polical and social sciences. I also got involved in materials testing early on at Armour Research Foundation and early computers and building them.

I was convinced that science could resolve many questions in government and politics and decided to give up on staying in computers but to merely use them in analyses and to go to graduate school.

I then found in my career that studying humans is much more difficult than dealing with engineering issues. I studied voting behavior and found that most merely voted their party loyalty and often lied about whether they even voted or not. Later I discovered that states gather data that puts them into their most favorable perspective and lie about where they do poorly.

I also discovered that how wealthy a state is is the sole determinant with other factors controlled.

So why am I posting? My oldest grandson is now in college and my oldest granddaughter is a senior in high school. My son is her father who always knew precisely what he wanted to do and got his Phd as did his wife. I was asked often by my grandson and found I could not help.

Going to a small college has the benefit of approachability of professors and being able to ask questions in class, but usually those professor are not eminent in their fields. He choose a small liberal arts college with some strength in sciences. I hope he was right. My granddaughter has high scores and seems quite interested in Rice. She will need very high scores to get into that school and has been approached by IIT!