How an audio rack can enhance your amp/pre

If I remember correctly, I had SP-101s under the speakers and power amps, and SP-3s under preamp, CDP

If I do understand and remember the principle of the SS design correctly (as explained by Robert himself), that's how it works.
The stand rigidly couples to the component it's supporting, and transfer it's vibration into itself, sothe stand vibrates and then dissipates that energy.
Since the stand vibrates itself, and it surely does- Robert told me and I experienced that myself, you can actually feel it's vibrating as the speaker plays loud, bass- heavy passages. The stand does have it's own resonant frequency, as absolutely everything does, so it's very likely, thta it transfers that own residual (it cannot dissipate a 100% of it) resonant frequency back into the component, therefore adding that reonant frequency to the sound made by the component itself.
What I feel is, that a metal stand resonant frequency is audible, as the leading edge and upper midrange emphasis.
I belive, devices such as Stillpoints Ultra and SRA are more effective in dissipating larger portion of the equipment- generated vibrations into heat, or maybe their own resonant frequency is less intrusive and more sympathetic", than the Sistrum one.
Someone smart said something to the effect, that "all support systems sound, as they look-"metal sounds "metallic" and wood "soft", or something like that. I find that statement to be correct

07-29-15: Maril555
If I remember correctly, I had SP-101s under the speakers and power amps, and SP-3s under preamp, CDP
Maril555 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Did you do a step-wise approach going component by component (speakers first) to determine when things started going awry?

07-29-15: Maril555
If I do understand and remember the principle of the SS design correctly (as explained by Robert himself), that's how it works.
The stand rigidly couples to the component it's supporting, and transfer it's vibration into itself, sothe stand vibrates and then dissipates that energy.
Since the stand vibrates itself, and it surely does- Robert told me and I experienced that myself, you can actually feel it's vibrating as the speaker plays loud, bass- heavy passages. The stand does have it's own resonant frequency, as absolutely everything does, so it's very likely, thta it transfers that own residual (it cannot dissipate a 100% of it) resonant frequency back into the component, therefore adding that reonant frequency to the sound made by the component itself.
What I feel is, that a metal stand resonant frequency is audible, as the leading edge and upper midrange emphasis.
I belive, devices such as Stillpoints Ultra and SRA are more effective in dissipating larger portion of the equipment- generated vibrations into heat, or maybe their own resonant frequency is less intrusive and more sympathetic", than the Sistrum one.
Someone smart said something to the effect, that "all support systems sound, as they look-"metal sounds "metallic" and wood "soft", or something like that. I find that statement to be correct

The stands vibrate like tuning forks under speakers, subs and in walls (based on my experience). The question is whether that vibration is bi-direction or uni-direction and travels to "ground" as SS claims. I will let them chime in on that. Also, the resonant frequency of steel and brass of theoretically subsonic (Robert's claim).

As for Stillpoints vs SS, I did a direct comparison between the original Stillpoints and SS on my previous speakers. The SS apprentice stands had more speed, better focus, and more tonal correctness. The Stillpoints had an excellent sense of space and ambient detail but had a metallic hue in the midrange.....to my ears.

Robert, Tom....time to chime in.

Hey, what happened to the vibration coming up from the floor? That's a much bigger problem than anything the component can dish out. And that what the rigid rack amplifies. Hel-looo!

I'd be very surprised, if the process was uni-directional. Conceivably, the amount of vibration draining from the component is larger, than going back.
Obviously, significant portion of it gets dissipated somehow, but still... .
Reportedly, the original Stillpoints are quite a bit less effective, than Ultra SS, and especially Ultra 5s, so the audible results should be respectively different.
I do agree, that in some applications Ultra SS cam change the tonality, so universal results are not a guarantee (like anything else in audio).
I did introduce various Sistrum products gradually, but cannot claim, that I remember the sequence, nature and amount of changes by now. It was awhile ago.

The directional nature is dictated (theoretically) by point and stand architecture.

Stillpoints appear to work via an amalgam of mechanisms and materials, including a single steel thread, aluminum, delrin, etc. Whether that amounts to more efficient energy transfer is another matter. Believe it or not, some people still like the old version better.

07-29-15: Geoffkait
Hey, what happened to the vibration coming up from the floor? That's a much bigger problem than anything the component can dish out. And that what the rigid rack amplifies. Hel-looo!

Fair presupposition. The big boy SS racks also have tubes filled with a reactive mass (steel sand essentially) so there is a component of absorption and is not just a tuning fork.

My listening room is in the basement so cork on concrete not much motion in that ocean?

Hel-loo is right. The SS boys need to put the hookas down and answer some questions.

The cool thing about Earth crust motion is that the whole building is moved and flexed. Even the concrete slab. The Earth crust motion is similar to shaking out a carpet, that wave type action. Yeah, Baby!

I have a rough clone of Geofkait's Machina Dynamica soft spring platform under my L07D TT that I think addresses the dual problem of earth-borne and TT-propagated vibrations. Earth-borne vibrations are converted into very low frequency spring oscillations by means of soft springs under the heavy mass loading of a large sandbox, on which the unsuspended TT plinth rests. TT-propagated vibrations are handled by SP Ultra 5s underneath the Kenwood's unsuspended brass footers and motor bearing. One reported advantage of the Stillpoints is that their function doesn't depend much on the platform or rack on which they are sited. This marriage of disparate coupling and decoupling strategies seems to work.

While this or a similar approach works well for individual components, it's a stretch to apply it to a full rack of components. I'm three days into breaking in a Star Sound five-shelf Rhythm rack with an Esoteric digital stack and a two-chassis Atma tube preamp. What is this audio heresy, the notion of a rack breaking in?! Yes, the heavy mass-loaded Rhythm rack audibly forms itself over several days, perhaps similar to the strengthening of piston rods through the controlled stress applied during break-in of a racing engine. Star Sound would say that this forming process is the heavy loaded brass and steel structure organizing its pathways for vibration to ground.

I'm going to give it a few more days before full judgment. Initial impressions are of coherence, enhanced timbral nuance, neutral frequency balance, and(as contrasted with current Stillpoints Ultra SS models that formerly supported these components on a DIY cross-braced oak rack) a broadening of the LF skirt without sacrificing LF discipline and articulation. Above all, a satisfying release of dynamic energy throughout the room and sense of increased speed and transient attack. Although on the first day and early in the second day of forming the rack("forming" is perhaps a better term than "break-in") I heard a bit of what Maril referred to as over-emphasis of treble and upper midrange and leading-edges, this issue has resolved with time.

And btw for the Wolfman, sarcasm and humor have nothing in common. Look it up.

The mass on spring device is of course a low pass filter that increases effectiveness of isoaltion as frequency of vibration increases. So the idea that turntable vibrations (which are relatively high in frequency) will be transmitted from the top plate of the spring platform is probably not true. The mass on spring device is very effective by the time the frequency is say 20 Hz. This is why on my device (Geoffkait's spring platform) I incorporated dampers on the top plate to dissipate excess energy that could arise from either energy passing upwards to the top plate or from the component mounted on the top plate. Way back when I employed the Tekna Sonic dampers that work very well in this application, these days I make a different but similar device, a constrained layer damper for the top plate of iso stands, large transformers, the top of CD transports, etc.

Dgarretson,

I have a very different experience with Stillpoints Ultra devices on different shelves. Initially, I had their ESS rack with acrylic shelves. While it sounded very good, I always thought that the acrylic ruined the ESS rack. Exemplar Audio came out with their XP-2 tube preamp that has Ultra SSs mounted so that they can be used directly into the "technology" bases mounted into the ESS rails. I first just put it on the ESS with the SSs on the screws holding the shelves on. Then I removed the acrylic shelf. I did not hear much difference. Later I got the Ultra Fives and thought that I would try them more toward the center of the component on the acrylic shelf. It was awful! I could not mount the Fives directly to the railes as the SSs were in the way and it was difficult to unmount them. Much later Stillpoints came out with Grids to replace the acrylic shelves. Wow what an improvement when I mounted the Fives on them under the XP-2!

To the degree that I understand the "tchnology," I don't understand this. Almost alll vertical motion is supposed to be converted into heat. How does the shelf affect the sound?

I have also found that Fives sound quite different on Mana stands and on the Synergistic Research Tranquility Base, then on the Grids. Recently I tried them on the Star Sound Tech. Rhythm rack. Of course these companies have quite different designs. It is audibly evident!

Of course these companies have quite different designs. It is audibly evident.

That is what I was trying to convey in my original post.
Owners claim neutral sound of both designs, but in practice, they clearly "sound" different.

07-30-15: Maril555
Of course these companies have quite different designs. It is audibly evident.
That is what I was trying to convey in my original post.
Owners claim neutral sound of both designs, but in practice, they clearly "sound" different.

It gets really cloudy when you mix and match technologies....and this is where a lot of audiophules get lost in the forrest (with the only thing guiding them being a manufacturer's transcendent and vague mysticism). Just repeat the word "quantum" a few times like a mantra, and our eyes glaze over and out come the wallets.....:)

Here are some examples. You decide:

1. SRA:

The primary damping material is a “very sensitive thermal reactive copolymer,” according to Tellekamp, who I suddenly imagined wearing a white lab coat. He didn’t scratch his chin and look sideways at me when he said it, but he could have. He went on, “This patented material has the ability to change darometer --- its hardness and softness --- very rapidly.”

I looked rapidly startled, and Kevin pounced. “Think of Jell-O as it moves from a liquid to a solid --- it’s the same idea.” He checked to see how I was taking it. Pretty well, actually. “The liquid state is only possible in an air-free environment. Air contains water, of course, which would act like a hardener and make our damping compounds appear --- and feel --- like foam.

I looked startled again, so Tellekamp went in for the kill: “Yup, we assemble our stands under a nitrogen blanket --- air free --- so all the stands are air free & airtight.”

2. Stillpoints:

Stillpoints Technology
systems are about resonance
control and low mass, as mass means energy storage and that is anathema
to them.

and

The Ultra appears to have two parts: the main cylindrical structure and a loose-fitting “cap” on the end. It is actually composed of ten internal components that form an elaborate vibration-dissipation system. The internal structure includes tiny ceramic bearings that dissipate micro-vibrations. The Ultra is a two-way device, meaning that it dissipates vibration entering from either direction (from the floor or from the component resting on the Ultra). Moreover, there is no vertical path for vibration through the Ultra. This device is the highest implementation of Stillpoints’ technology, which is reflected in the price—$900 for a set of four. An aluminum version, identical in every way except for the metal, is $640 for a set of four. According to Stillpoints, stainless-steel more quickly dissipates vibrational energy.

3. SS:

ive-Vibe Technology™ is based on the science of resonance energy transfer via a high-speed calculated conductive pathway to earth's ground maintaining vibrations a state of constant motion and creating a more efficient result.

2. The technical term applied to the study of vibration in High End Audio is "Isolation" which is one of many methods of treating the ill effects of signal degradation caused from vibration.The category topic of Isolation fails to differentiate there are other or more favorable applications and terminologies dealing in vibration management.

Isolate - To prevent a circuit or device from interacting with another or with an outside stimulus.

If we isolate vibration in any instrument we restrict operational efficiency and functionality in performance.

Why invest in a costly component or loudspeaker if the intention is to smother its sonic capability?

It is our opinion that the Audio Community should change this miss represented category title and begin calling it Vibration Management. One can never totally isolate or control vibration but there are sciences that can 'Manage' it.

The information and white papers provided here is the backbone of our technology and success and yes we have confidence in a completely opposite approach to the long time beliefs, understandings and technical methodologies applied to vibration management in audio.

It's new...It's live...and yes it vibrates too. We would not have it any other way hence the name Live-Vibe Technology dictates our passion.

So, you decide which wild eyed mystic you want to follow....:)

Nice examples Andrew. All three of those brands employ different approaches as you clearly point out. Each one certainly has their camp of strong/loyal advocates. At one time I came close to buying the SRA product(never heard it). It may have worked very well in my system(who knows?). I'm very happy with the Star Sound approach.

"Here are some examples. You decide:

1. SRA:

The primary damping material is a “very sensitive thermal reactive copolymer,” according to Tellekamp, who I suddenly imagined wearing a white lab coat. He didn’t scratch his chin and look sideways at me when he said it, but he could have. He went on, “This patented material has the ability to change darometer --- its hardness and softness --- very rapidly.”

I looked rapidly startled, and Kevin pounced. “Think of Jell-O as it moves from a liquid to a solid --- it’s the same idea.” He checked to see how I was taking it. Pretty well, actually. “The liquid state is only possible in an air-free environment. Air contains water, of course, which would act like a hardener and make our damping compounds appear --- and feel --- like foam.

I looked startled again, so Tellekamp went in for the kill: “Yup, we assemble our stands under a nitrogen blanket --- air free --- so all the stands are air free & airtight.”

Some interesting reading on one of the SRA products here:

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=38482

07-30-15: Hdm

Some interesting reading on one of the SRA products here:

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=38482

Ouch. Well, it would be hard to cut the SS stands in half....

I suspect the builder and designer of the SRA poducts would not have imagined someone actually cutting the expensive product in half, interesting findings to say the least.

I have made constrained layer amp stand platforms following a similar concept to what is shown in the SRA picture. With a relatively high mass, and edenSound Bearpaws screwed into the constrained layers (but not the frame), they were quite effective under my Class A Clayton amps.
Zoethecus z-slab platforms are also made with constrained layers of different materials although a bit different in design. They are better suited to source components and preamps, but also easy to make.
Don't get me started on what I find when I take apart cables...

Tbg, my experience accords with yours that Stillpoints can be sensitive to the surfaces on which they are placed-- notwithstanding that the stated feature of their "technology" is to dissipate vertical transmission horizontally though friction within the device. As case in point, there is more coherence from my Merlins VSMs with four Ultra 5s on a hardwood floor than on an oriental rug. Based on this experience they would seem both to couple and decouple. I don't doubt that either siting of the U5s is an improvement over the stock footers, but obviously as with all tweaks there is always tweaking involved...

I haven't tried a ESS rack, but I think of the standalone SP footers as tactical devices that can be used just about anywhere to some advantage, and shunted around a system with relative ease. Their leveling feature is nice in special situations like TT. The Star Sound stuff is more strategic and requires more space and housekeeping to plan and execute-- but IMO worth the effort. Now into my fourth day with the SS RP-5 rack. This has performed something close a miracle with the K-01X. I've initially mounted the CDP on six points, and will start to reposition those and withdraw a few over time.

Dgarretson, I am in total agreement with what you say.

I just have to say that after trying to get four Audio Points in contact with the bottoms of my BMC Arcadia speaker and remembering that three points define a plane, I gave up on anything more than three.

How did you manage to get all six in contact? Four Ultra SSs or Fives, sound better than three, but one can raise or lower these individual units. Of course a screw other than a tight one is anathema for Star Sound.

The K-01X presents a perfectly flat bottom surface, and the machined tolerances of the SS APs and coupling disks are obviously very tight in order to allow six points of contact without shims.

In the 90’s when wood furniture stands and shelves transcended into equipment racks designed to control vibration, the audio world began to form methods of understanding how additional materials will alter performance in sound reproduction and have become the gospel for treating vibration in audio. These learning curves, most of which were adopted from other scientific and practiced applications of vibration control were largely borrowed from other industries.

Every equipment racking company in audio has theories as to how their products perform. Not one of them including Star Sound has produced any type of third party testing. There is no standard methodology recognized for testing products for comparisons sake.

Every equipment rack at one point or another does some of the same things attempting to manage vibration. Some employ absorbents such as sand, lead, Sorbothane® or types of rubber and foams used as damping materials where some use various stones, acrylics, others use carbon polymers and woods that have various effects on performance but the vast majority of racking has ‘one’ material in common with each other and that is metals.

Star Sound products and designs employ metals only. A Sistrum single shelf is a speaker, amplifier, component platform. The rest of the industry uses multiple combinations of various other materials to achieve their product and performance but are left with a technical approach that cannot service all equipment profiles.

What some readers may be missing is steel and brass also damp energy as each metal and alloy has specific damping factors based on their chemical makeup (damping charts are easy to research). Steel and brass also provide diffusion and phase cancellation where energy is converted into heat so we are not much different than other product in the marketplace other than we employ a mechanical grounding device designed to vibrate in a sonic environment.

We are not focused on where vibration comes from or how much vibration is created or what types of vibration disrupt product operational efficiency that negatively affects components, speakers or listening environments sonic. Star Sound products become infused as part of the overall vibration formula – joined at the hip.

In answer to the questions listed below: Star Sound comments posted here are with regards to Live Vibe Technology™ is assumed that our technology is in place inside the equipment, below the equipment, adapted to musical instruments and/or building structural frameworks.

It is also assumed that all applications and statements are determined in a musical reproduction environment. Earthquakes, locomotives, 4 Hz frequencies, earth’s crust rotations, etc related to other sciences are beyond our studies and research criterion. Star Sound limits in house testing to audio/video equipment and the sound room relative to human hearing capability.

Question: “Hey, what happened to the vibration coming up from the floor? That's a much bigger problem than anything the component can dish out. And that what the rigid rack amplifies. Hel-looo!”

Answer: With our technology implied, energy formed from vibration coming from the air, flooring, walls, and ceilings, mechanical, electromechanical or acoustic means is not an issue. We approach managing vibration as a single concept versus categorically analyzing it coming from one location or one form or one direction at a time.

We experimented with springs many years ago and determined a soft float design establishes greater amplitudes of lateral motion causing changes in speed and decay. When applied in combination with steel shelving, additional materials were required to maximize the effort as the direct instrument chassis contact area was too linear. The formula became extremely complex and the sonic results varied due to various types of equipment’s chassis mass. Rather than build products specific to weight restraints or choosing various springs for each type of component, this highly functional concept was placed aside.

The Sistrum rod assemblies and Audio Points provided a much higher speed of energy flow with no weight restrictions.

Our reply to the latter portion of this question is how can one provide proof that a Sistrum Platform ‘amplifies’ vibration from the flooring or any other source for that matter? We understand where ‘rack chatter’ originates when using wood blocks and shelving as vibrating wood produces an audible range of frequencies hence the comparisons in the sound between MDF, maple and other exotics are discussed often on this forum but having a bit of trouble in hearing noise amplified by heavy dense steel.

Question: “The stand does have it's own resonant frequency, as absolutely everything does, so it's very likely, that it transfers that own residual (it cannot dissipate a 100% of it) resonant frequency back into the component, therefore adding that resonant frequency to the sound made by the component itself.”

Answer: Yes, every form of racking design no matter what materials and processes are employed will do this. In our opinion - based on physics, laws of motion, and gravity in combination with the phenomena known as Coulomb friction the geometry of the Sistrum design maintains the majority of resonance flow towards ground. Please review previous information with analogy on our response here, dated 7-18-15 (water flow and fire hydrant).

It is also the opinion of the company that the minute amount of energy ‘feeding back into the equipment’ will not affect the sonic merit of the equipment nor infuse a hardness in sonic or ‘metallic sound’ when placed atop a Platform. The resonant frequency of the Sistrum Platforms is well above and below human hearing while functioning in a listening environment. Naturally if you hold up a metal shelf and whack it with a hammer there is quite an audible frequency ring and that will vary depending on the material used to make up the hammerhead but that situation and self generated frequency does not relate to a listening room.

We would never argue that you did not experience total satisfaction from the Sistrum performance. I began my career with this company discussing systems with hundreds of listeners and audiophiles having attained tremendous amounts of knowledge over the years. I also learned through this experience there were other variables related to system synergy such as audio components, cables mix, power and distribution, mirrors, picture frames, bookcases, lamps, rugs, curtains, windows, speaker placements, rooms, etc., creating problems that were first realized in tandem with our products.

Star Sound averages two refunds per annum for dissatisfaction in performance. With sales well into the thousands of units, we remain highly motivated by public response and acceptance. We also fully and openly admit there are unknowns that exist within our understanding and that of our systems performance. In 1999 we were the first company providing a trial period with refunds for every product ever sold. To the best of our knowledge in 2015 Star Sound the first company paying for third party testing in order to evolve the science.

Over time we have improved greatly upon the technology and overall sonic performance as demonstrated with the newer Sistrum Apprentice and Rhythm Platforms compared to the fifteen year older original Platforms and would jump at the chance to possibly get our second generation products back into your system for an audition.

Thank you for a providing good questions and participating in this thread.

Robert Maicks
Star Sound Technologies, LLC

Well said Robert.

I recently that Sound Anchor is teaming up with Stillpoints to create the ultimate speaker stand:

http://www.stillpoints.us/index.php/39-home-posts/125-coming-soon

IMO, SS already makes the ultimate speaker stand:

http://audiofederation.com/hifiing/2006/RMAF2006/report/500/part4/IMG_4185.jpg

Some of you may not know this, but Tom (Theaudiotweak) has patented a mechanically grounded endpin for the cello. The professional musicians who use it are giving him the thumbs up.

The SS technology is a flexible one. SRA or Stillpoints could not easily be used in that application or in walls like my sound room. JMHO.....:)

For the means of isolating components from very low frequencies of vibration, you know, the ones produced by ocean wave action on the shore, Earth crust motion, subways, traffic, wind, those vibrations with frequencies say between 0 Hz and 10 Hz there are precious few technologies to choose from. Let's take a look a the LIGO experiment for a second, the experiment to detect gravity waves,,gravity waves such as those left over from the Big Bang and that are notable by their extremely low amplitudes. Thus extreme measures are required to isolate the detection equipment from Earth borne vibration. So, what means of vibration isolation are required for such sensitivities, you ask? The real answer is complicated because there are now many stages of isolation in LIGO which is approaching 20 years old and just now getting ready to take data. But the primary means for the vertical stage is very high masses on special springs. Since very high isolation effectiveness is required even for say 5 Hz, as you can well imagine we're talking resonant frequencies approaching 0 Hz. Hel-looo!

Dgarretson, all that I can say is that I have never been successful with even four points. Were six better than five, etc.?

Tbg, I'll start tweaking soon from six to five, five to four, etc. Also, I want to try relocating the CDP to a lower shelf, which SS suggests may improve performance.

The only way to get the best sound is to attach balloons on
your gear and keep the system approximately 100 feet above the ground.
Don't listen music on a windy day, it may affect the sound
stage. For the better highs use more red balloons, for the bass red balloons.
Also, make sure that you have enough rope to bring the gear down.

Topten

Maybe you were referring to these 99 balloons.
Nena - 99 Luftballons - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CnDvtwYn6I

But you still have the issue of self generated noise that would need to be directed to ground and then there is always the fear of lightning. Tom

During my last abduction by the reptiles, they downloaded some of their wisdom on vibration management. The universe is ultimately composed of vibrations, and it is more important to "tune" your system to said vibrations than to squelch them. Apparently, it is essential to address what they called "nano-ripples" represent the fine, outermost ring of that universal vibration. We do not currently have measurement tools sensitive enough to measure them, but they showed me a blueprint of how to address them in an audio stand. The closest analogy to this phenomena is Schumann resonance.

I will commence work on a proprietary set of stands that will become the new benchmark in audio. The reptiles do not claim patent rights, but simply asked me to acknowledge their collective wisdom and contribution to mankind.

The source of all vibration started with the Big Bang and are still in motion. Lets hope they don't stop moving for awhile.Tom

@Theaudiotweak, The Big Bang vs Stillpoints = no contest. Putting the breaks on vibration is what they do. That's ALL they do! (sorry, Terminator moment). The bottom line: It may get hot in the kitchen, but these devices don't break a sweat. Come to think of it, Stillpoints offer great high end 'bang for the buck'!

08-01-15: Bodhi
@Theaudiotweak, The Big Bang vs Stillpoints = no contest. Putting the breaks on vibration is what they do. That's ALL they do! (sorry, Terminator moment). The bottom line: It may get hot in the kitchen, but these devices don't break a sweat. Come to think of it, Stillpoints offer great high end 'bang for the buck'!

Bodhisattva, can you detail your experiences with this subject? I thank you in advance for returning to this wheel of becoming and bestowing your wisdom upon us....

Cheers Agear, though I don't think any more or less wise than most folk here. I've been thinking of posting a thread about my experience with stillpoints, so I might post a separate thread in the tweaks section in the next day or two.

08-01-15: Bodhi
Cheers Agear, though I don't think any more or less wise than most folk here. I've been thinking of posting a thread about my experience with stillpoints, so I might post a separate thread in the tweaks section in the next day or two.

Feel free to share here. Others have in regards to competing products. You need a system page. That would provide more insight.....

So as not to pick on SRA only, here is an inside shot of an original Stillpoint that I owned (and they do indeed work):

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/Heather_Gear/Attachment-1_zpsa4khby3x.jpeg

If we open up the SS rods, you will find marshmallows or something along those lines....

Well I just discovered palm trees could be very beneficial to my system's sound, so why not Jerusalem almonds?

08-04-15: P59teitel
Well I just discovered palm trees could be very beneficial to my system's sound, so why not Jerusalem almonds?

Well, that's wobbly deductive reasoning. Its not the palm tree. Its that adult beverage on the side table...:)

Pity the poor folks who live by the ocean or on an island like Hawaii. The waves pounding the shore produce bad vibes. Vibrations thus produced not only travel quite far but have extremely low frequencies, like about 2 to 10 Hz. Just the sort of thing even really good isolation systems can't deal with very effectively.

and with that thought..

Pot this, a palm tree in a brass container mechanically grounded to the floor with Audio Points or a small Sistrum Platform.

Why not make your organic acoustic comb filter more reactive and beneficial especially if grounded by having it residing in a container made of the metal of music?

I have my deep cycle marine battery on a Sistrum Platform and that improved the sonics of my hybrid Altmann DAC. Previous I had the same platform on carpet and then on audio points. Improved grounding can improve a chemical process that can be heard. A 60 lb. battery pushing a 1 lb. dac. Better listening with the ways and means of better chemistry. Tom

Here is another take on room construction from an audio luminary and elder statesman Winston Ma: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue3/maroom.htm

08-04-15: Geoffkait
Pity the poor folks who live by the ocean or on an island like Hawaii. The waves pounding the shore produce bad vibes. Vibrations thus produced not only travel quite far but have extremely low frequencies, like about 2 to 10 Hz. Just the sort of thing even really good isolation systems can't deal with very effectively.

But the natives grow things that can, using brain chemistry, bypass those pesky vibrations....

correction I had the same battery on carpet then on points then on a platform. Better each and every time.

"Its not the palm tree. Its that adult beverage on the side table...:)"

What if I told you that while the palm trees are a newly-introduced variable, the adult beverage is a constant!

"Why not make your organic acoustic comb filter more reactive and beneficial especially if grounded by having it residing in a container made of the metal of music?"

I just realized you metallurgy guys have been going about this all wrong. Instead of spiking the gear, you need to spike the listener!

And no, Agear, I don't mean with what's on the side table...

Back in the day the chemistry of choice made the vibrations more active and apparent. Active Engagement was the descriptive term. Coupled resulted in a better body rush than isolation. Same is true in this day and age all in the context of audio reproduction. Tom

That's the old Michael Green defense. Let the vibration be free! Let them flow unrestricted and unimpeded. let us pray. LOL

Spike your chair and shake your booty and your toes tap along.
Live music sounds better when you wear leather sole shoes.

08-04-15: P59teitel

What if I told you that while the palm trees are a newly-introduced variable, the adult beverage is a constant!

Well, you have to be more precise when it comes to describing your "system"....