Sistrum SP1+Pass Labs XA160 = pretty good results

Last night I placed my XA160 amps on the Sistrum SP1 amp stands that I borrowed from my friend. I have heard a lot of good things about the Sistrums so I was curious to try them out though I must admit I was not expecting much. I mainly got the SP1's because I like the way they look as an amp stand. Fast forward through some sweating, cursing, and groaning as my wife and I struggle to place the amps on those three little spikes.

First of all, I do like the way they make my amps look like they are floating. I also like how they do not add anything to the overall look of my system. I did not want to have another shelf or platform adding to an already crowded space.

What I heard was unexpected though not surprising because of all the great things people have been saying about Sistrums. I heard an immediate improvement in my soundstage depth which is something I have struggled with for some time. I can now actually "see" the different layers of instruments. Is the depth where I want it to be? No but it is a great improvement. The second thing I noticed was a bit more detail. I played a cd that I know very well and actually heard things I never heard before. For example, in one part of a song, the vocalist actually is saying "Wai...ting". I have never heard the "ting" part which she almost says under her breathe.

The last thing I noticed was that my amps are running cooler. This could be due to the fact that they are no longer sitting on the carpet. Perhaps being raised up 4 inches allows more air to circulate all around the heat sinks.

Overall I am impressed. I am going to be adding the speakers stands and eventually the audio rack soon.

The last issue I have is giving these stands back to my friend. Not only do I like what they do for my system, I am in no physical condition to move these amps again! My wife will probably laugh at me if I ask her to help me again.