StillPoint Ultra 5's

**highEndguy** · August 15, 2014, 06:15 PM

Is hard to resist
When my MS arrived I installed the Ultra SS without no AB test
Why to waist my time , stillpoints rules

**TommyC** · September 17, 2014, 05:36 PM

How well does Stillpoint work for tube CD players? I'm researching some isolation footers for my Modwright OPPO 105D. Stillpoint and Wave Kinetics seem to be at the top.

**highEndguy** · September 17, 2014, 06:35 PM

You will be amazed on how good it is with them

**highEndguy** · September 17, 2014, 06:36 PM

I Tried the CD9 and is a plus plus upgrade

**TommyC** · September 18, 2014, 01:34 AM

Thanks. I will start saving money for 2 sets.

Does the Ultra 5 have any negative impact on light weight components? The Modwright 105D and PS9.0 are not too heavy.

**highEndguy** · September 18, 2014, 09:39 AM

No, but I recommend you to invest on ultra 5 on speakers first
Get ultra SS for the oppo

**CPP** · September 18, 2014, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I heard Stillpoints under Alexia's at a dealer and it was the best I ever heard them. Hmmm....

Hey Mike did the dealer remove the Stillpoints and let you listen to them without them. Maybe it was the 'good' room that you are actually hearing

**allvinyl** · September 18, 2014, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by TommyC

How well does Stillpoint work for tube CD players? I'm researching some isolation footers for my Modwright OPPO 105D. Stillpoint and Wave Kinetics seem to be at the top.

See my post on page 75 of this thread: "... start with the speakers, then move to power related components (conditioners, distribution units, etc), then components with large transformers (amps, etc), then to source components. Try moving them around under the chassis; directly under transformers, transports, anything that generates a lot of vibration. Experimenting is key to extracting ultimate performance from any of the Ultra product line."

The Ultra 5s will be very effective under a tube disc player.

John

**allvinyl** · September 18, 2014, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by TommyC

Thanks. I will start saving money for 2 sets.

Does the Ultra 5 have any negative impact on light weight components? The Modwright 105D and PS9.0 are not too heavy.

We have not experienced any negative results using Ultra 5s under lightweight components. We have, however, experienced even better results with lightweight components when the Ultra SS or 5s under the component are used in conjunction with an LPI on top of the chassis. I use lightweight OTL components in my system and both perform very well with Ultra SS/Ultra Bases under the components and an LPI on top of each. If the component is heavy enough (5 - 10 lbs) the component weight should successfully 'load' the technology pockets of our products. In that case you wouldn't necessarily need to use an LPI on top, though you would only know by listening to determine best performance.

John

**highEndguy** · September 18, 2014, 10:42 AM

+1

**allvinyl** · September 18, 2014, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

No, but I recommend you to invest on ultra 5 on speakers first
Get ultra SS for the oppo

Yes, Nelson's recommendations are echoed by us at Stillpoints.

John

**TommyC** · September 18, 2014, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

No, but I recommend you to invest on ultra 5 on speakers first
Get ultra SS for the oppo

I'm using new spikes made for the Devore "i"Silverbacks. They are voiced together. I read that using different spikes on Devore speakers will alter the sound signature. So, I'm leaving the speakers alone.

Originally Posted by allvinyl

We have not experienced any negative results using Ultra 5s under lightweight components. We have, however, experienced even better results with lightweight components when the Ultra SS or 5s under the component are used in conjunction with an LPI on top of the chassis. I use lightweight OTL components in my system and both perform very well with Ultra SS/Ultra Bases under the components and an LPI on top of each. If the component is heavy enough (5 - 10 lbs) the component weight should successfully 'load' the technology pockets of our products. In that case you wouldn't necessarily need to use an LPI on top, though you would only know by listening to determine best performance.

John

I will look into the LPI as well. My only concern is that adding Stillpoints will make the sound brighter (like Finite Elemente and other metal footers).

**highEndguy** · September 18, 2014, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by TommyC

I'm using new spikes made for the Devore "i"Silverbacks. They are voiced together. I read that using different spikes on Devore speakers will alter the sound signature. So, I'm leaving the speakers alone.

I will look into the LPI as well. My only concern is that adding Stillpoints will make the sound brighter (like Finite Elemente and other metal footers).

No, TODO LO CONTRARIO!!
you will hear lots of hiding info
Try to have a demo from your local dealer and I bet they will stay at your house.

One truly advise,
Keep your wallet far from your dealer you will want more and more
Is addictive

**Naim101** · September 18, 2014, 11:23 PM

Hello, I am going to be ordering 2 sets of the Stillpoint quater - 20 Ultra Minis without base to put it under my speakers. They each weigh 50 lbs.

I was wondering if these would make any difference to my speakers. They are called Tekton Lore Reference speakers and retail is only 1,000.00.

I know most use these on really expensive speakers and have found good results using them but was wondering if anyone tried it with the lower line of speakers and have had good results?

I haven't bought the speakers yet so I just wanted to get some opinions on them. I can either get a 2,200.00 used or new speakers or get the Tekton Lore reference speakers and spend the 1,000.00 on the stillpoints... I don't know which will give me better sound.

Any suggestions?

**sharkmouth** · September 19, 2014, 03:50 AM

Stillpoints under anything is an improvement imho & not by a maybe or I think so margin either. My experience has been "holy shite" within the first 10 seconds or so with familiar material previously played.

**highEndguy** · September 19, 2014, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

Stillpoints under anything is an improvement imho & not by a maybe or I think so margin either. My experience has been "holy shite" within the first 10 seconds or so with familiar material previously played.

Exactly Kevin,
You are 100% correct

**allvinyl** · September 19, 2014, 10:28 AM

Yes, you will realize performance benefits using the Ultra Minis under your Tekton speakers. The technology provides consistent results, regardless the cost of components. I encourage you to post your impressions after you have installed the Minis and compare before and after.

John

Originally Posted by Naim101

Hello, I am going to be ordering 2 sets of the Stillpoint quater - 20 Ultra Minis without base to put it under my speakers. They each weigh 50 lbs.

I was wondering if these would make any difference to my speakers. They are called Tekton Lore Reference speakers and retail is only 1,000.00.

I know most use these on really expensive speakers and have found good results using them but was wondering if anyone tried it with the lower line of speakers and have had good results?

I haven't bought the speakers yet so I just wanted to get some opinions on them. I can either get a 2,200.00 used or new speakers or get the Tekton Lore reference speakers and spend the 1,000.00 on the stillpoints... I don't know which will give me better sound.

Any suggestions?

**Steve** · October 20, 2014, 11:40 AM

Who's tried the Stillpoints Ultra SS threaded under their loudspeakers (hats down)?

I'm thinking about this. Currently spiked onto Quadraspire QX7s onto a wooden floor on joists. The current QX7 solution is effective but very difficult to move or experiment with loudspeaker placement given the point load onto the QX7s.

**Dpod4** · October 20, 2014, 11:48 AM

I have them threaded into my Magico s5 but with ultra bases floor side. I didn't do a/b testing but my setup sounds awesome. Symposium ultra or svelte bases also do wonders under speakers.

**gardener1** · October 20, 2014, 04:31 PM

I don't know what I did wrong but with my s5's the ultras sounded very wrong
Under turntable and pre amp fantastic
It may have been my room

**Thedubemaster** · October 23, 2014, 07:24 PM

Greetings. Has anyone else tried Track Audio isolation spike kits? The reviews in The Audio Beat raved about them and I have them under my Wilson's and my Micro Seiki RX-5000. They may not be the price of the Ultra 5 but when you see and handle them they are very well engineered. Wondering if anyone else had any experience with these? I'm very pleased with them. Cheers
Nick

**Mike** · October 23, 2014, 07:35 PM

Welcome Nick.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Harlequin** · November 8, 2014, 07:43 AM

Good Day Folks,

I have been fortunate in having had the use of a full dealer demo kit for a while and thought that I would share my findings with the forum, as they present a somewhat left field set of results thus far, and at odds with the received wisdom in respect of the Ultra SS and Ultra 5's.

The associated equipment comprising of Martin Logan CLX Anniversaries, ARC Ref 150, Ref 5se, MF NuVista CDP, located in an reasonably sorted room, accousticly, and sporting circa 1910 Parquet wooden floor over joists.

Having tried just about every combination of kit and feet conceivable,thus far, and for my part, I arrived at a set of results that, When taking into consideration all that I have read, are at Best confusing, at Worst has me residing in an Parallel Universe!!!

I did not find any combination of SS or U5's that I was entirely happy with, under either ARC gear or CDP.

I did not find any combination of U5/Bases , threaded or plonked, under the ML CLX's. Again that I was satisfied with.

I have found there to be a notable improvement utilizing Ultra SS, with bases, under the CLX's, over both stock spikes and Ultra 5's.

Now we venture into the Twilight Zone!

Placing at least a single Ultra 5, dome down, on top of the the rear cabinet of the CLX's, housing the crossovers and PSU, imparted a perceivable gain in weight, liquidity and 3D imaging.

Placing a single Ultra 5, dome down, over the mains Traffo on top of the Ref 5se, noticeably, added to the above effects phenomenon. Placing a second U5 front left imparted no real further gains.
Placing 4 x U5's equidistant ditto, 2x U5's front, single U5 centre rear and Boom ! More of the above, whilst refining and increasing the presentation of my suite of intermately known test tracks even further.

Delighted whilst perplexed of Planet ZoG here!

Jasper.

**LL21** · November 8, 2014, 03:17 PM

Harlequin,

thanks for posting...i will say i found something equally odd with my CJ. Placing 1 Ultra 5 on top in a odd location off-center made a really noticeable improvement in clarity. It bugged me just sitting there off-center like i forgot to clean up or something...but everytime i tried to center it even a bit...the benefits disappeared. And another Ultra 5 on the other side to balance it out...did nothing.

Then a year later, i spied a photo of the inside of my CJ GAT...and wouldn't you know it. The internals are assymetrical, and there is a bunch of circuitry directly underneath where my Ultra 5 sits. Hey - in your case if it works go for it. I will say, transformers and power were the biggest beneficiaries in my electronics.

**Kt77** · November 8, 2014, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Thedubemaster

Greetings. Has anyone else tried Track Audio isolation spike kits? The reviews in The Audio Beat raved about them and I have them under my Wilson's and my Micro Seiki RX-5000. They may not be the price of the Ultra 5 but when you see and handle them they are very well engineered. Wondering if anyone else had any experience with these? I'm very pleased with them. Cheers
Nick

Hi Nick,

Welcome to the family........., and I must agree with you on the Track Audio Spikes, as I've their Spike Kit ( total of 10 ) used into my Sound Anchors 3 Post Signature Speaker Stands as well as Amp Stand, and upon opening their wooden box was very impressed with the quality and detailing that went into producing them, and what weighty little devices they're - and the scary part for me was.........., thinking the actual tips would snap off, seeming they look so delicate. This was for me a worthwhile upgrade to the standard spikes supplied by Sound Anchors, and one I'm glad I made.

Nice kit you've there by the way. Here's hoping to follow your Quest.

Be well.

**asindc** · November 8, 2014, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by Kt77

Hi Nick,

Welcome to the family........., and I must agree with you on the Track Audio Spikes, as I've their Spike Kit ( total of 10 ) used into my Sound Anchors 3 Post Signature Speaker Stands as well as Amp Stand, and upon opening their wooden box was very impressed with the quality and detailing that went into producing them, and what weighty little devices they're - and the scary part for me was.........., thinking the actual tips would snap off, seeming they look so delicate. This was for me a worthwhile upgrade to the standard spikes supplied by Sound Anchors, and one I'm glad I made.

Nice kit you've there by the way. Here's hoping to follow your Quest.

Be well.

Which Track Audio spikes did you use, the big ones for $675 a set or the small ones for $200?

**Kt77** · November 8, 2014, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by asindc

Which Track Audio spikes did you use, the big ones for $675 a set or the small ones for $200?

Hi asindc,

I got the smaller ones shown here:

http://www.trackaudio.co.uk/floor/floor.html

TRACK AUDIO SPEAKER SPIKES at Music Direct

As the guys at Sound Anchors told me all their stands use the standard 3/8 - 16" threaded cones/spikes, I got the set of 8, plus an extra 2 special ordered via Music Direct for another $40, but in the end........, it was well worth it.

**Olskool** · December 20, 2014, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Steve

Who's tried the Stillpoints Ultra SS threaded under their loudspeakers (hats down)?

I'm thinking about this. Currently spiked onto Quadraspire QX7s onto a wooden floor on joists. The current QX7 solution is effective but very difficult to move or experiment with loudspeaker placement given the point load onto the QX7s.

Steve, I'm not sure if anyone responded to you regarding this question but my VA Beethoven's have the Ultra SS threaded under them (3) with the top hat down and they are wonderful! Very detailed, with excellent extended bass grip. I did not try them with the top hat up so can't speak about that. I originally ran 4 Ultra's under each speaker and think the sound was a tad better when reduced to 3. There certainly seemed to be no loss at the change.

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**Thedubemaster** · December 22, 2014, 06:14 PM

To all who replied thank you. I have never felt so welcome as with Audioshark. I find as far as forums go it has some of the best posts and terrific information and the members are extremely knowledgable but at the same timevery approachable. The moderators keep the conversations focused and polite with no bad mouthing or belittling of anyone. Cudos for that. I am very much enjoying this terrific

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**allvinyl** · January 9, 2015, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by LL21

Harlequin,

thanks for posting...i will say i found something equally odd with my CJ. Placing 1 Ultra 5 on top in a odd location off-center made a really noticeable improvement in clarity. It bugged me just sitting there off-center like i forgot to clean up or something...but everytime i tried to center it even a bit...the benefits disappeared. And another Ultra 5 on the other side to balance it out...did nothing.

Then a year later, i spied a photo of the inside of my CJ GAT...and wouldn't you know it. The internals are assymetrical, and there is a bunch of circuitry directly underneath where my Ultra 5 sits. Hey - in your case if it works go for it. I will say, transformers and power were the biggest beneficiaries in my electronics.

This is not unusual. You obviously found a spot on the chassis where vibration energy converged. We always recommend moving them around underneath or on top to find those areas that yield best performance. Example; put one directly under the transport of a CD player. Usually, the most difficult aspect of this is properly balancing the component such that the weight load of the component is evenly distributed across the number of Ultras under the component.

John

**Dpod4** · April 5, 2015, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by allvinyl

This is not unusual. You obviously found a spot on the chassis where vibration energy converged. We always recommend moving them around underneath or on top to find those areas that yield best performance. Example; put one directly under the transport of a CD player. Usually, the most difficult aspect of this is properly balancing the component such that the weight load of the component is evenly distributed across the number of Ultras under the component.

John

John,
I have 6 ultra 5s, three under my Innovation Wood turntable and 3 under my Air Tight ATE-2001 preamp, both resting on Symposium shelf. I have a bunch of Stillpoints Ultra SS and older aluminum versions. I have 3 under each of my Magico S5 speakers, and others under my cd transport, and under my Airt Tight ATE 2001 power supply to the ATE-2001. I don't have anything under my Marantz mono blocks or power conditioner. Should I move the Ultra 5s (with ultra bases) to my Magico S5 speakers, and the Ultra SS to my monoblocks and power supplies, etc. ? Before I start swapping, moving, and sweating, thought I would ask for your counsel first.

**Dpod4** · April 5, 2015, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by allvinyl

This is not unusual. You obviously found a spot on the chassis where vibration energy converged. We always recommend moving them around underneath or on top to find those areas that yield best performance. Example; put one directly under the transport of a CD player. Usually, the most difficult aspect of this is properly balancing the component such that the weight load of the component is evenly distributed across the number of Ultras under the component.

John

John,
I have 6 ultra 5s, three under my Innovation Wood turntable and 3 under my Air Tight ATE-2001 preamp, both resting on Symposium shelf. I have a bunch of Stillpoints Ultra SS and older aluminum versions. I have 3 under each of my Magico S5 speakers, and others under my cd transport, and under my Airt Tight ATE 2001 power supply to the ATE-2001. I don't have anything under my Marantz mono blocks or power conditioner. Should I move the Ultra 5s (with ultra bases) to my Magico S5 speakers, and the Ultra SS to my monoblocks and power supplies, etc. ? Before I start swapping, moving, and sweating, thought I would ask for your counsel first.

**Mike** · April 5, 2015, 12:31 PM

I finally got the little adapters for my Ultra SS's and added 8 Ultra SS's (4 under each speaker) under my Focal Scala V2's this morning. Bass tightened right up. Huge improvement. The Focal's have about 400 hours on them now and the change during break in was quite dramatic. The tweeter went from "oh boy" to "buttery smooth". What amazes me most about the Scala V2's is how well all the drivers integrate and how musical they are to boot. I really don't understand why Focal doesn't get more attention. The speakers are well designed (and designed by engineers), they are adjustable (tweeter/bass) to fit the room, quite efficient (8 ohms/93db) and sound so musical.

Adding the Ultra SS's tightened up the bass and now everything is so balanced. I never tried the stock spikes, but I was told they work quite fine as well.

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