Stack Audio Auva Isolator

So if they apply for a patent in the good old USA they may be in violation of my patent for that method for legs and points under speakers and equipment. Also applies to resonance grounding of musical instruments. Isolation can only exist in the absence of matter. Oh they can’t grasp that reality. If they could then they would better understand how to make more and better music.TomD

kennyc,

Thank you.

It is the best of the three. Kinda plain looking, and it doesn’t stick out in the room.

I hope you get them; I would be interested in your thoughts.

ozzy

@ozzy 

Big thanks for opening this thread as I first targeted Gaia, then Townsend, but this seems better.  Much appreciated 

Ozzy62,
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel has reviewed both the 70 and 50. Like Ozzy stated, Hans also said you get more isolation. I went for the 100, but I bet the 70 would be great also. 

Thanks, nwres for your update.

I think... as they continue to settle the sound improves. Although my speakers weigh about 239 lb. each so that may matter.

ozzy62, Like your moniker...

From what I can determine the difference between the products has more to do with increased isolation. So, to me go for the model 100 to obtain the most effectiveness.

ozzy

Has anyone tried the lowly AUVA 50s? For the "bargain" price, are they in the neighborhood of their bigger brothers?

Yes, the AUVA 100's arrived Monday. So far I have compared several tracks I know well and that I felt could sound better. Along with tracks that reviewers used to describe the AUVA sound. The AUVA's are besting the Podiums in clarity. Not night and day, but instruments and vocals are more clear. And tracks that sounded a little boomy before now have better low end articulation with no boom. One of the reviewer's test tracks, No Time To Die by Billie Eilish (not on my radar before, but I get it now) sounded fine with the Podiums. And with the AUVA's her voice/lyrics, which was not that easy to understand before, was cleaner and the vibrato was easily distinguishable and her voice is now floating in space better. The orchestral section was a little cloudy before, and now clean. Soundstage width is about the same, but depth is slightly improved. For me, complex music is the most improved, where smaller simpler music less so, or not significant. I took notes on my test tracks with the Podiums and then with the AUVA's. Have not switched back to the Podiums yet. 125 pound speakers and carpet spikes on the AUVA's is a chore to swap. All digital so far, Qobuz and SACD. No vinyl yet, but I will get to it.

nwres,

Did you get the Stack Audio footers? Anyone else?

I still am very impressed with them. Consider that the component footers (Stack Auva EQ) for a set of 4 costs way less than one Critical Mass footer!

ozzy

painter24,

I also have the Stack Auva EQ underneath my Lumin X1. They replaced a Critical Mass CM 2M 1.5" footers. They seem to be just as good if not better.

So, I moved the Critical Mass footers to another component. Two upgrades for the price of one!

ozzy

@ ozzy

Definitely need to update my system page 😊

Major component upgrades to include one of a kind top shelf builders; Radu Tarta 4P1L DHT Tube Pre-Amp and Ken’s outstanding 300b PP 20 Watts Mono Blocks Amps from Otoman Labs, Japan.

Wig👌

I've been looking at the Auva EQ's for my components/rack and Puritan 156. I have Solid Air Audio - Dark Stars (UK company) under my ATC SCM40's, but from the comments here, I maybe looking at the Auva 70's or 100's

I have an old suspended wooden floor, with a layer of Oak floor panelling over the top; wondering which model would be more beneficial

Wig,

Thanks. I agree! BTW, it looks like in your system page you had the Iso-Acoustic footers,

nwres,

I am interested in your comparison.

ozzy

Just ordered the AUVA 100's. I will compare them to Podiums. Josh sent me a discount code that is good for this week, saved $91.86. The 30 day return may be of use. We will see.

@ ozzy

Thanks for the update! I primarily listen to acoustic string instruments and some jazz and feel much less cabinet interactions, giving me a more spacious and dimensional soundstage after installing the AUVAs. 🎵🎶

Wig

My recollection of when I owned Focal’s and installed the Townshend podiums was that the improvement was revelatory. So, I wonder how the Stack Audio Auva 100’s would compare to the Townshend’s? However, I won’t ever be able to find out because of the shape and weight of my present speakers.

I now have had a couple of days with the Stack Audio Auva 100’s and I think I can make some observations / comments comparing them to the Iso-Acoustics Titans. I should add that my speakers, Clarisys Minutes, are full ribbon and the dealer claims that the cabinets/frame do not vibrate and after-market footers should have no effect. But I did notice positive improvement with the Iso-Acoustics Titans anyway.

The Auva 100’s arrived very quickly from England in a rather nice wooden box(s) and were very easy to install.

Appearance wise, they are plain looking compared to the Titans.

Physically, they are a little shorter but wider than the Iso-Acoustics Titans. And I did install the spikes, just as I did with the Titans.

First off, I do think there is a short settling period. At least with my speakers, which weigh 230 lbs. each. Lighter speakers might react quicker.

Sound Quality: What it’s all about isn’t it? The sound quality differences that I have observed compared to the Iso-Acoustics Titans is there seems to be a little deeper bass and perhaps more depth, more of the image comes from the middle, between the speakers. But it does sound very natural.

Overall, a positive improvement, and I’m glad I purchased them.

ozzy

The fact that bearing material has been added to audio devices is nothing new or novel. It was used back in the 90’s to load inside and around audio conductors to provide an additional method of shielding and in addition provide a means to dissipate electromechanical vibrations from around the conductors. Many materials and geometries were tried along with their dimensional sizes. Any single change could be easily heard. Wrong choice of material and size could create over damping even around a conductor. At least 2 companies-built cables with these varied ingredients and properties. Star Sound Technologies now known as Live Vibe Audio and the previous Virtual Dynamics.

In the 50’s sand was added as a fill material to a hollow space in speaker cabinet walls, it worked so well it was a detriment. Example of over damping.

Lead shot was added to speaker stands and filled to the brim. They too were overdamped and shut down the space and air the speaker could actually project. Darkness was the result. Steel shot works really well as it has a lower mass than lead and is more reactive. Selection of bearing size is also important as to small an OD can create over damping as can filling beyond the resonance point of the tube or the rectangle being filled. Over the top is not always the best choice.

In my US patent 9858903B2 I show how different filler materials including magnetic spheres preferably gold-plated can act as a wave guide and affect the acoustic outcome of stringed instruments which includes and applies to speaker legs and feet. Shape geometry is also crucial in reducing and even preventing the occurrence of interfering energy returning back into the device in play. Right angles are bad for sound. Exposed threads and nuts pollute the signal with their multiple paths and continual collisions of shear wave interference that do return into the signal path. Many of these conclusions can be heard while listening in person to a stringed instrument most of which then can be applied to an audio component.

This patent was granted in 2018 and is still actively held.

TomD

Tone Acoustics and Live Vibe Audio

Man, the last couple of posts were over my head. I just care if it improves the sound quality.

ozzy

Worst acoustics are presented by right angles stacked one atop the other with right angle transitions hooking them altogether.

The top nail in the coffin starts at the top with a nut attached to a machine screw with many adjustable threads creating more interference along its decline into more dissimilar materials inside of the stacked right angles. Delay Delay Delay. generates more interfering energy..Tom D

@wyoboy

Coupling is relative.  The ideal situation IMHO is to minimize transfer of sound to the floor AND minimize the back and forth motion of the speaker due to the woofer motion.

Most of the acoustic coupling happens from the speaker panels vibration in the middle, not the corners (more or less, depending on internal construction).  That is, by minimizing the surface area of the bottom panel which comes into contact with the floor you've achieved most of your goal.

The other issue is the  energy needed to move a speaker back and forth.  You can test this somewhat yourself by pushing back on the top of the speaker.  Small speakers on stands with powerful drivers can be the worst offenders.  The woofer motor pushes against the frame, effectively reducing the overall amplitude because the speaker moves in opposite directions of the driver.  Weight sometimes helps here.

Of course, this is all relative.  Narrow, tall speakers of moderate weight and woofers up high are going to have a harder time than big heavy speakers with the woofers at floor level.

I will be interested in your experience--my understanding is that AUVA w/ spikes will couple (not isolate) the speakers to your concrete floor while your podiums were de-coupling your speakers from the floor--one would think the results would be vastly different but since you're using different speakers than with the podiums i wonder if a true A/B is even possible?  Maybe try them with and without the spikes?

Personally, I noticed improvement immediately. As time went on, my system got a little better - smoother mostly and better soundstage and clarity as well. But improvement was immediate. 

Here is what Stack Audio replied to my question.

"The AUVA Loudspeaker Isolators have a burn in time to let the particles settle. We estimate around 6-7 hours although customers have noted continuous improvement up to the 20-hour mark in the past."

"Just a follow up note – I should also mention that several customers comment that no burn in time is required and there is an immediate impact. I think it varies on a case-to-case basis.

ozzy

I have Stack Audio Auva 70 under my Sound Anchors stands, with ATC SCM19v2 speakers.

Have a set of Auva 50 to put under my audio rack this weekend.

And Auva EQ under a Puritan PSM156.

@ozzy - I agree with Wig, no settlement time

Ozzy,

Not really, just a bit of shaking before install.😁

Wig

Received the Stack Audio Auva 100 footers today! Wow, that was fast! I’ll probably install them tomorrow.

Question:

Do these need time to settle?

ozzy

@ozzy   The instruction guidelines would suggest that you use the spikes, but as I mentioned above I'd verify with Josh for your situation if unsure about doing so

"Each isolator either comes with 3 spikes that screw into the underside for use on carpet covered surfaces or a ring-shaped circular protective adhesive felt pad for use on hard floors as specified on ordering. Please note the felt pads will come fitted if specified"

Thank you, I will.

ozzy

@ozzy  It may be best to just reach out directly to Josh and ask about your situation

email is info@stackaudio.co.uk

Do also have carpet under the speaker spikes? I have a very thin carpet with no padding over a cement floor.

ozzy

Ozzy I have the AUVAs under my Legacy Audio Signature SEs. I am also using the spikes. My experience is very close to Wig’s. Wider soundstage, smoother yet more detail. I really like them. Sorry I can’t compare to any others as after researching these were the ones I went with. I also got the EQs for components. Liked what I heard with those as well. 

Here is another review.

Stack Audio AUVA 100 - hi-fi+ (hifiplus.com)

ozzy

Yes, Stackaudio Customer Service is Outstanding!

Wig

Thank you.

I will start with the spikes underneath them.

BTW, they have already been shipped! Thus far, very good communications and customer service.

ozzy

@ Ozzy

You may want to experiment with the spikes on your low carpet on concrete as I have heard from other members with similar situations that the spikes sounded better by suspending the AUVAs.

I’m using spikes under mines as I have very thick carpet and padding on top of concrete.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised moving from bearings or spring type devices when you hear your loudspeakers firmly planted on AUVAs...

I saw the Aussie Audiophile Stackaudio review and he was quite impressed. I have been using my AUVA 100 for over a year and have the AUVA Eq under all of my components with a noticeable difference in details, soundstaging and imaging.

Wig

@facten Sorry. I went by the online picture.

@ozzy John at Townshend said it was essential to use the correct cells on the podiums. Too bad the Townshend’s don’t fit your new speakers as all you’d have to do is order E or F cell pods($100?) and unscrew and replace the lower spring pods on your podiums.

I hope someone does a sonic comparison between the podiums and the Stacks....2 very different isolations. Hard coupling to the floor/rack vs decoupling from the floor. and rack...And the Townshend’s can mitigate sonic waves. I don’t if the Stacks can....

Thanks for the added comments. I appreciate it.

I have owned the Townshend podiums with my Focal speakers, and I thought they were very good. Better in fact than Iso-Acoustics Gaia 1’s.

But I sold the Focal’s and moved on to the Clarisys. They are the Planar type that weigh about 230lb. The base dimension is about 30" x 15". The Townshend size available will not fit, and I would be concerned about the weight and the possibility of them tipping. So, at present I have Iso-Acoustic Titans underneath them.

So, to me, the Stack Audio seems like it would work well. If it is as good or better than the Townshend’s I would be very pleased.

Should I use the Auva 100 spikes with them or not? I have a thin carpet (no padding) over a concrete floor.

ozzy

@vinylshadow  - Can you clarify for me your point that "Stacks are spikes"?  They only incorporate spikes if you install them into the bass for use with carpet. On hardwood there is no use of them. Thanks

Speakers and components vibrate from sonic waves to each of them and they each vibrate from within.

Spikes are hard coupling to the floor and rack while heavy springs are decoupling.

Science should be able to show the difference between the two. 

I have, but have not yet used, Townshend Seismic speaker podiums. I too have Townshend Isolation Corners on my Sound Anchors rack and pods under subwoofer, amps and componenents. My 150 lb.speakers currently use those spikes that fit into metal discs.

An acquaintance of mine who makes cables for a living and has great ears bought a pair of the Townshend Podiums and he said that the Townshend podiums were the most remarkable thing for his speakers. Like a component upgrade. He was floored. And again, he uses his ears for a living in cable design. 

I messaged Shane(An Aussie Audiophile) about the Stacks and he told me that he used Townshend's and that while they were very, very good, he felt Stacks were better. That the Townshends "smeared imaging slightly", that the baffles slightly moved(which Townshend refutes and says that the correct cells must be used and speakers isolate down to 3hz) and Townshends were more expensive. Although I don't know why cost was even brought up..... But- Shane has suspended wood floors. I have tile on concrete slab so I wonder what effect Shane's wood floors have in the equation. I'd hope someone could do a comparison video of Seismic podiums and pods against Stacks. Max Townshend did a video on the Podiums vs Spikes. Stacks are spikes. Some people like spikes. Some people like rigid springs. Curious on the science. 

 From Max Townshend on Speaker Isolation 

Ozzy,

My Auva 100 are the best isolation devices I have ever heard to include Stillpoints, Isoacoustics, Audiopoints and Symposium Roller Blocks.

You will hear immediately, tighter image focus, better soundstaging/layering, more ambiance retrieval, disappearing speakers and the bass is tight and impactful...

From my reading, the reviewers liked the AUVAs as they mentioned the Townsend were adding something to the sound and would boil down to preference but they are way more expensive.

Wig

These will be replacing my Iso-Acoustics Titan footers that I am using with my Clarisys Minute speakers.

ozzy

facten,

Ok thanks.

ozzy

facten,

The link did not show.

ozzy

I have them but I can't compare to the others you mentioned.

here's a link to a 2023 thread about them which has a few comments