Synergistic Research Comes Down to Earth

Synergistic Research Tranquility Base vs. Acoustic Revive RAF-48. The Synergistic Research is nominally an anti-vibration platform. In fact that’s secondary as its primary role is to minimize RF noise in the device sitting on it. That is achieved by a set of small modules powered by a small wall wart whose output current can be adjusted by plugging in small cylinders with blue LEDs – the platform comes with two of them. I could not hear any difference between them. Under the modules is a screen plate to which you connect a wire fitted with a mains plug on the other end. Obviously ground is coupled with the earth pin. It is fairly easy to understand how it works and even easier to hear. Just remove the power supply and unplug the earth wire.

The change in sound is quite substantial. The Meitner sounded much better on the activated platform. The changes mostly concerned its midrange and treble. The latter was richer, better separated and more vivid when the platform was powered up. So too was the midrange. I really liked it because it gave music more gravitas The sound was clearer and more lucid without any brightening. Hence I was very curious to see how the U.S. platform would fare against my reference, the air-flotation Acoustic Revive RAF-48 anti-vibration platform from Japan. The difference in price between the two is double. If anyone calls the AR is expensive, one now might think twice about that.

The Meitner atop the RAF-48 platform was more austere. It was perfectly audible that the Synergistic created a golden glow which clarified but also saturated the top end. This lacked with the AR. Meanwhile the bass seemed better articulated and differentiated with the Japanese platform. The difference was not significant but repeatable and audible with each record. The Synergistic Research Tranquility Base is a very interesting product. It clearly influences the sound in a good way. It is prohibitively expensive but worthy at least a listen just to be aware of what’s possible. I think it will be very versatile and improve the sound for any type of component sitting atop it.

I auditioned the player with the Synergistic Research platform. This was the first time that some other support’s sonic characteristics exceeded those of my Acoustic Research RAF-48 air-bladder solution. I have not seen anything like it before. By reducing RF in the device placed on it, the platform improves treble quality by adding weight, musicality and improved sustains. It's an outstanding achievement!