This Sistrum stuff works


Hi. I just got a bunch of Sistrum products to add to my system. The package arrived, with 2 Sistrum Speaker Platforms, 2 Sistrum Equipment Platforms, 2 sets of AudioPoints, a pair of Sonoran Plateau Desert Speaker Cables, and a pair of Sonoran Plateau Cactus RCA Interconnects.

I wanted to try an entire line of products that were designed to work together, using the unique vibration management system that the Sistrum and Sonoran products have. I thought this approach could have some merit.

I put the products into the system, 1 by 1, and listened for differences. I started with the speaker platforms. I immediately noticed that the slight "boxiness" that was present primarily in the lower midrange was almost eliminated. And the bass, and midbass was much more defined than before. Overall clarity seemed improved, but it was already quite clear to start with. One of the more interesting benefits was that I could play louder than before, with less audible distortion. Then I tried the equipment platforms under my preamp and amp. This improved the focus of the entire presentation by several percent. And again, I could play even louder before noticing any distortion occurring. The next candidate was the Audiopoints under my Teres TT. This was where I noticed an increase in detail and lowering of the noise floor. I had already used BDR cones and Cocobolo Cones under the TT, and these beat both of those quite convincingly. The final thing was the Sonoran Cables. These need some time to break in, but after about 4 hours of playing, this package is giving me the best sound that I have ever gotten from this system. The cables, even right out of the box, were quite open and detailed, with no high-frequency rolloff that I had experienced with some other cables I've tried, like Cardas Golden. After just a few hours, the bass was really showing excellent tonality and control. The mids were as open as my DIY cables, which had previously slain all comers. I expect these Sonoran cables to improve over the next couple of weeks, and that will be a nice treat, because they are already sounding quite good indeed.

Now, I have to admit that I have not tried a boatload of different cables, but I have tried a few. My cone and support situation was in need, and I didn't have a very good vibration control system in place before I got this stuff. Maybe other stuff can do very well too. But I can say that this Sistrum and Sonoran stuff does exactly what it says it does, and I am very pleased with the results that I got on my system.

In addition, I really like the appearance of these products, and that never hurts, even though my audio room looks more like a workshop than a living room. I go primarily for performance, and not looks. The sound is the key issue for me. But good looks are always a positive, if the sound is also good.

I would say that I recieved an honest 15% improvement in the clarity, tonal quality(especially in the low end), and in maximum SPL that I can now attain. Although I didn't measure it, I feel that I got an additional 3db SPL over what I was getting before. And with the improved clarity and tone at the same time. With my low power tube system, this was a very big plus, because it was like getting more power out of my amp. Sistrum claims that when you use their products, you get better efficiency from your system, including amps and speakers, due to proper vibration management. I now believe that this is true, because I experienced that in my testing with my system.

I could heartily recommend these products to others, because I feel that if they work on my system, they will work on others. The technology works. I'm happy.

While other isolation products may be very good, and also other cables may be very good, I feel that these are doing a great job, and have good neutrality, but let the sound and dynamics come through crystal clear, and from top to bottom.

This package wasn't cheap, at about $3000 retail for all the items I got. But it is not anywhere near the high price that alot of other cables and racks cost. I think it strikes a very good level of performance for a reasonable price. I can't buy $8k speaker cables, or $5k audio racks.

I'd recommend them for anyone to try out. They really do work, just as the manufacturer claims.
twl

Showing 1 response by tireguy

I have listened to a system that used a Sistrum SP-5, the sistrum amp stands many many times and it was nice- how ever the owner of that system heard a very similar system to his with a rix rax hoodoo and well needless to say the sistrum was sold and his hoodoo should arrive in a week or so. He considered the Grand Prix but neither he nor I liked the design- between the lack of support on the rear of the shelf(it must flex??) and the some what gimmicky isolation and the simple fact that he didn't have a chance to listen to one. The Rix Rax have a great reputation and I am looking forward to hearing it- and comparing it to the old sistrum. I was always impressed with the look and simple function of the sistrum- I do see how many like it. How ever I have found an isolation device that puts all others to shame, not only functionally but aesthetically pleasing- I have hired some of the girls from my old job ;) to lay my gear on when I am listening(I use 2 for my amp-its pretty heavy- and a spare to change my disc upon request) you would be amazed how good it works, it turns out humans make a great dampening/isotation device.

Sean- Angela is alive and well(the last I talked with her- about 1-2 weeks ago) she had some things to take care of on the east coast and then back home to settle in- she was sick and busy with the move so I wanted to give her a little space- I am surprised she hasn't been posting by now. Speaking of posting again, I am glad to see Brulee's participation again- he was MIA for quite some time- weather you agree with him or not its nice to see one of the original members back. He keeps us on our toes its sort of like having a cornfedboy light(low in carbs. and just one calorie :) on hand.

Brulee- All I can say to you is- and this is just for old time sake- "trust me I am a tireguy".......well it just doesn't have the same ring to it :)