Isolation!

UPDATE. Last nite, I re-laid out the system isolation after literally "mapping out" where each component should go based on observations about how each isolation change adjusts the sound to each component. I have tested now on classical orchestral, soundtracks, hip hop, deep house, Norah Jones, jazz, audiophile recordings, etc.
I will continue to listen...but believe much more firmly that this is a thorough approach and conclusion. We shall see at the end of this weekend.
From the wall:
- Power Conditioner: 4 Ultra Vs & Base + HRS Nimbus Couplers
- Transport PSU: 3 Ultra 5s
- Transport: 3 Ultra 5s
- DAC PSU: 3 Nimbus. (I may try 3 Ultra 5s)
- DAC: 3 Nimbus + HRS M3
- Preamp: 3 Nimbus + HRS M3
- Wilson X1s: 4 Ultra 5s under
- Velodyne: 4 Ultra 5s under plus 3 Nimbus on top of the Velodyne to sit under each of the (3) 10kg of Brass Weights which sit atop of the Velodyne.
Essentially, in my system and for my ears, speakers, Power-related components respond best to the gripping control of the Ultra 5s+HRSNimbus. Signal components respond best to the incredible tonality, evenness of frequency and ease/flow of the HRS M3s+Nimbus.
In my system, despite the Ultra 5/Nimbus combo being remarkable across treble, mids, mid and deep bass...I mean remarkable...I still lost 'impact/weight' at 150hz+ bass (snare drum)...thus it ultimately was not for the Signal components. I am speaking of Ultra 5s with electronics here...with speakers, they are 'perfect'. (Note: in my electronics, with ONLY the Ultra 5s...I not only lost the upper bass weight...i also lost treble/mid weight in piano keyboards as well...unacceptable to me...but I did find the HRS Nimbus/Couplers on top of the Ultra 5s added ALL the treble/mid weight back...just NOT in the upper bass region unfrotunately. It took a while to figure that out...but once I moved to hip hop, it became quite obvious...I found myself unconsciously turning the volume up...not satisfying...never a good sign. I also found I started changing albums 3/4 of the way thru...also not a good sign.
The M3/Nimbus is very close in the treble, mid, mid/deep bass to the Ultra 5/Nimbus combination in terms of presentation...but it still has a slight 'haze/smear' compared to Ultra 5/Nimbus. Violins, voices, details, separation of every instrument firmly into its own space....not as clear as Ultra 5s (which make this element of albums so much fun to enjoy). However, in its favor, M3/Nimbus is perfectly even and consistent across the entire spectrum....including the upper bass weight. I can once again listen at volume 1 and be totally happy. Thus, for signal components the M3/Nimbus is a far better solution for me.
...however, I still wanted that wonderful clarity, sense of individual instruments, delineation of piano notes, staccato strikes, violin strings...
Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the the M3/Nimbus under my signal components (DAC & Preamp) benefited GREATLY from the ultra ultra grip/clarity of the Ultra 5s in the preceding sections of the system (Transport, power supply and power conditioner components). Note: I place dampers on top of all components...HRS double-thick, Artesania...or in case of Transport, 1 Stillpoints LPI. With the Sub, its Ultra 5s under and (3) 10kg of brass weights on top of (3) HRS Nimbus. Thus, each component is in its own 'isolation sandwich'.
So now best of both, but it took a system-wide approach of blending to get to where I am happy. Whew!
 
Lloyd, thanks for the write-up. Great insight of which I agree with & to top it all off you just saved me a half hour in writing it all up. One thing that happened was we removed the HRS nimbus couplers from under the Meitner DAC, replaced them with Ultra SS's & as I was standing directly between the speakers & my friend was outside of the field of the speakers & we both heard the change within 3 seconds flat. It was a holy shit moment like, "did you hear that?"!!! Didn't even make it back to our chairs for a serious listen. :)
 
sharkmouth said:
Lloyd, thanks for the write-up. Great insight of which I agree with & to top it all off you just saved me a half hour in writing it all up. One thing that happened was we removed the HRS nimbus couplers from under the Meitner DAC, replaced them with Ultra SS's & as I was standing directly between the speakers & my friend was outside of the field of the speakers & we both heard the change within 3 seconds flat. It was a holy shit moment like, "did you hear that?"!!! Didn't even make it back to our chairs for a serious listen. :)
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Nice one! What were the changes you heard?
 
Quiet & spatial, it took a moment to realise it as although each instrument was defined & the background noise was zero or near enough, the more information that was discernable because of this is hard to decipher & realise it for what it is until you get used to it.Your brain needs time to realise you are hearing so much more accuracy & definition from the same material & equipment, but it doesn't make it fatiguing.
 
sharkmouth said:
Today I tried the HRS footers & weight on the dac, it was a definite step up from the mapleshade products mentioned earlier that I was using. The HRS are twice the price though.

Heres the plate for the top of the component to dampen the resonance of the outer casing, mechanical as well as accoustical.






Heres the footers to isolate from all sources below
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I use the Nimbus couplers beneath my pre-amp and have S1 Isolation bases under the 808 and 20/3. I am considering the bases for the amps in the future. I like what they seem to do.

DSC_0846.JPG
 
sharkmouth said:
Quiet & spatial, it took a moment to realise it as although each instrument was defined & the background noise was zero or near enough, the more information that was discernable because of this is hard to decipher & realise it for what it is until you get used to it.Your brain needs time to realise you are hearing so much more accuracy & definition from the same material & equipment, but it doesn't make it fatiguing.
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Thanks for the feedback (and corroboration)! !
 
still-one said:
I use the Nimbus couplers beneath my pre-amp and have S1 Isolation bases under the 808 and 20/3. I am considering the bases for the amps in the future. I like what they seem to do.

View attachment 3452
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Great stuff...I also like what they do. How many nimbus couplers do you use under the preamp? 3 or 4? Did you compare by any chance?
 
Great posts. I would rate my system in terms of dollars spent as a lower middle class system if you will. Composed of a VS 115 ARC amp and LS27 pre, set with good clean power: conditioner, upgraded power cables, dedicated ground and 20 amp Shunyatta wall power plugs. It is vinyl sourced with a decent TT (Project Perspex) and Cartridge (Sumiko Blackbird) to boot. In my opinion the absolute, most impactive items invested in to date have been the Stillpoint Ultra SS's that are placed under the Amp, Pre, and most recently speakers. My next purchase will be a set of Stillpoint Mini's to handle the CD player and power conditioner. The Stillpoint engineers have an interesting point of view that lighter components (under about 25 lbs is my understanding) will work better with these than the more hefty units for beefier components.

Next in the line-up of good investments have been cables (this is really highly ranked in there with the Stillpoints), the latest being Nordost Heimdahl 2,s from the TT to phono pre. I could not believe the difference and how much new music is now extracted!

Finally, and this is still a work in progress, is Tube traps (ARC) and that deserves its own thread about the journey. (stressful, interesting, pleasing and frustrating but I believe important to a well voiced system.)

I must say the Stillpoints standout as the best investment overall but they really have benefited from all the other tweaks. It makes the idea of spending serious money on equipment more palatable when the idea exists that i believe I'm getting the best the sources have to offer first through isolation and tweaks! Let the music play!:audiophile:
 
Olskool said:
I must say the Stillpoints standout as the best investment overall but they really have benefited from all the other tweaks. It makes the idea of spending serious money on equipment more palatable when the idea exists that i believe I'm getting the best the sources have to offer first through isolation and tweaks! Let the music play!:audiophile:
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+1! Enjoy!
 
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I love my Marigo Labs Mystery Feet!!



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Yoh Fro,

I have the Marigo feet as those--they ain't got the red inserts though-- sexy! I also have Stillpoints Ultra's SS's for the Amp--not much between the feets though.

But for the real deal in Isolation I've found the MinusK's to be the go--

Bruce
 
These are Marigo Labs latest RHX Mystery Feet.
They have evolved over the past 15 years or so to these latest design.
Hand made from sandwiched carbon fiber layers, they really open up the imaging with pin point resolution!
I sell several cable lines and tweaks, but these are my favorites (under the D-02 and Oppo 105).
Never tried the Stillpoints, however.

Mystery Feet, new | MARIGO AUDIO LAB
 
Bruce said:
Yoh Fro,

I have the Marigo feet as those--they ain't got the red inserts though-- sexy! I also have Stillpoints Ultra's SS's for the Amp--not much between the feets though.

But for the real deal in Isolation I've found the MinusK's to be the go--

Bruce
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I have heard great things about MinusK...how do they compare with Ultra 5s by any chance?
 
Pricing starts at about $3500 and up????????????????
Come on, there is a limit to this hobby.
 
FRO said:
Pricing starts at about $3500 and up????????????????
Come on, there is a limit to this hobby.
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I think if there is one thing that defines this hobby it is that there are no limits! Some have just pushed that truism further! By the guy off the street's standards, We're all nuts to begin with. ;). Sorry just poking fun at audiophiles like myself.
 
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