Footers- Break In? Such A Change.


So, I know components and cables break in and this has always been a source of mystery, not to mention the EE’s and the naysayers who believe firmly it is just not possible.

I am of the mindset based on my actual experience that electronics need power run through them for a time to perform their best. And that may mean hundreds of hours of electrical energy running through the item to fully form.

So, with this understanding I use this as the preamble to what I will describe next.

Footers. You know those little devices we put under our components, speakers etc., to isolate or stabilize the item.

Well, I must disclose that I have always been a tweaker and have tried many of the accessories we add to get the best out of equipment. I have also tried so many footers, many brands, types, even some DIY etc.

Critical Mass makes racks and footers. I have always wanted their racks, but due to my needed configuration just never have tried a rack. But I have tried the footers. The ones I have are called the Center Stage 2(CM2). I have them in the 1.0 and the 1.5 versions. There is also now a newer version called the 2M.

Anyway, these CM2’s is amazing. When you first place them under the equipment the music becomes dull, soundstage is narrow and the highs/lows are restricted. First comments you will have is; WTH?

But, wait about 7-10 days and these footers really open up and improve in all aspects that is important in sound reproduction.

How the heck a footer breaks in is amazing to me? The only thing that makes sense is that they must be adjusting to the weight that is on top of them and it takes that long to adjust.

Anyway, these are kinda relatively expensive but since the newer versions are now out perhaps you can grab some at a good discount. These will probably be the last footers I will ever own… Maybe?

I highly recommend them, even as strange as they are with break in.

ozzy

128x128ozzy

Ozzy,

do you think that the CMS LS footers for speakers will be better than the Townsend podiums under the speakers or have you compared those two?

magnuman,

I am not sure about the Critical Mass footers for speakers. However, with my new speakers: (Clarisys Minute, when they arrive) they may / or may not be an option, I’m not sure. The new speakers look to have aluminum feet so it may be a balancing act to use the Critical Mass LS footers.

But they are like $5K a set!

ozzy

@sns : +1 Agreed. I've not experienced break in with any footersd I tried. However, repositioning them, even a 1/2 inch, could result in  a marked improvement or degradation of the music presentation. I currently am using Marigo Audio Mystery Feet throughout my system. Good listening. Jeff

Well, I just set up the Clarisys speakers. Whew they are heavy!

Anyway, I don't see any practical way to put Critical Mass LS footers or podiums underneath them.

Too bad someone doesn't make a footer that can double as a furniture mover disc.

ozzy