Which would you choose to isolate your turntable?

Hi Willster,

I have the same 3 units on my short list. MinusK and Vibraplane were alone on my short list for possible upgrades to my system, with MinusK having a slight edge based on technical information. I was getting ready to order a MinusK unit when I got a call from Brent Rainwater (Brainwater on Audiogon) of Rainwater Audio raving about the Critical Mass System platforms. He claimed that in direct comparison with his Vibraplane, the Critical Mass platform was far superior. My ears perked up because Brent is a long time user of the Vibraplane in his reference quality system and because he has a great pair of ears. He couldn't stop talking about the Critical Mass, and he wasn't even a dealer for it at the time. So I have added the Critical Mass to my short list and will in fact try it first instead of the MinusK. I'll keep you posted. Perhaps, Brent could chime in and share the details of his observations. On the other hand, he may not because he has since become a dealer for Critical Mass.

Best Regards,
John

Willster,

The $1,800 MinusK model (BM-6) you mentioned is their benchmarck. It's vertical and horizontal frequencies are in the neighborhood of the Vibraplane's. Since Brent Rainwater reported that Critical Mass System (CMS) is far superior to the Vibraplane, I was not even considering the BM-6. I was considering their models with better specifications: BM-1, 4, 8, and 10. However, these are much more expensive: all are between $2,300 and $3,950 (with no discounts in sight). According to the Positive Feedback Online review in issue 24, the top of the line Critical Mass' Grand Master is $1,700 (or $1,500 each for 2 or more). The middle of the line Master is $1,250 ($1,100 each for 2 or more) and the benchmark Reference is $950 ($850 each for 2 or more). These more favorable numbers, together with Brent's report persuaded me to start my upgrading with couple of the Grand Masters. If I am fortunate, perhaps I will eventually have an opportunity to compare the Grand Master to MinusK's better models.

Great Listening,
John