S3 Review

[socfan12]

Solecky, we're installing Stillpoints Ultra 5's + Ultra bases under my S5's in the next 2-3 wks, as well as Ultra 6's + Ultra bases under my amp, front end & conditioner. Stay tuned, i'll be posting a system thread soon with photos & also updating the Stillpoints thread :audiophile:.

David, I'll be interested in hearing your feedback when you do that. I have read mixed results with Stillpoints under Magicos, but that's only through second hand. Would love to hear the results when you try this.

cheers.

 

[Bodhi]

David, I'll be interested in hearing your feedback when you do that. I have read mixed results with Stillpoints under Magicos, but that's only through second hand. Would love to hear the results when you try this.

cheers.

No worries Allen. First up, i'd discount Magico's warnings not to use 3rd party feet as I think they're naturally protecting their patch. Regarding forum feedback, from what i've read most punters who have tried the Ultra 5's under Magico's have done so beveled side down (ie: with the technology pockets closest to the ground). Over at WBF John Tverdik discussed how the U5's are designed to work best beveled side up as the techology pockets are closer to the main source of vibration. And indeed that's why Stillpoints now include a tap in the top and bottom of the Ultra 5. The other benefit is the adaptor for the top tap has a much wider diamater at the bottom which strengthens the adaptor. Previously if you 'walked' the speaker on the feet you could bend the adaptor. That's how i'll be using the feet.

Cheers,
David.

 

[Kuoppis]

No worries Allen. First up, i'd discount Magico's warnings not to use 3rd party feet as I think they're naturally protecting their patch. Regarding forum feedback, from what i've read most punters who have tried the Ultra 5's under Magico's have done so beveled side down (ie: with the technology pockets closest to the ground). Over at WBF John Tverdik discussed how the U5's are designed to work best beveled side up as the techology pockets are closer to the main source of vibration. And indeed that's why Stillpoints now include a tap in the top and bottom of the Ultra 5. The other benefit is the adaptor for the top tap has a much wider diamater at the bottom which strengthens the adaptor. Previously if you 'walked' the speaker on the feet you could bend the adaptor. That's how i'll be using the feet.

Cheers,
David.

Hello David,

any particular reason why you are planning to use the larger Ultra 5 instead of the Ultra SS under the S5s? Is is due to total weight consideration of the Magicos or why do you prefer the larger Stillpoints?

Of course my question rises from the fact that I can use the smaller Ultra SS with the outrigger feet of the S3 by just replacing the spike.

Regards,
Kuoppis

 

[Bodhi]

Hello David,

any particular reason why you are planning to use the larger Ultra 5 instead of the Ultra SS under the S5s? Is is due to total weight consideration of the Magicos or why do you prefer the larger Stillpoints?

Of course my question rises from the fact that I can use the smaller Ultra SS with the outrigger feet of the S3 by just replacing the spike.

Regards,
Kuoppis

The Ultra 5's were originally designed to use under a grand piano, so they work best under heavy components such as speakers. They are somewhat less effective under components. But under heavy speakers the Ultra 5's kill the Ultra ss. Ultra ss use a 4-tier ball bearing filter compared to the Ultra 5 which uses 5 'technology pockets' in a much larger, more robust structure. I use Ultra Mini's under my Oppo however as they're working in their ideal weight range & are not a silly expenditure given the price of the Oppo.

In the case of the S3's, I would use the factory spikes and not muck around with the outriggers. But that's just me.

Cheers,
David.

 

[Dpod4]

I really wonder if my still points make a difference under my S5 speakers. I haven't tried the test of putting a cup of water on top of speaker to see no ripples but these cabinets are so incredibly inert I wonder if there are any cabinet vibrations at all.

 

[Dpod4]

The Ultra 5's were originally designed to use under a grand piano, so they work best under heavy components such as speakers. They are somewhat less effective under components. But under heavy speakers the Ultra 5's kill the Ultra ss. Ultra ss use a 4-tier ball bearing filter compared to the Ultra 5 which uses 5 'technology pockets' in a much larger, more robust structure. I use Ultra Mini's under my Oppo however as they're working in their ideal weight range & are not a silly expenditure given the price of the Oppo.

In the case of the S3's, I would use the factory spikes and not muck around with the outriggers. But that's just me.

Cheers,
David.

Good to know. I think I am using my Ultra 5s incorrectly or sub optimally. I have three ultra 5s with top hats under my innovation wood turntable and my air tight ate2001 reference preamp. Assumed ultra five would bring better and more isolation to the party but if it is overkill I could put SS under those.

 

[Kuoppis]

No worries Allen. First up, i'd discount Magico's warnings not to use 3rd party feet as I think they're naturally protecting their patch. Regarding forum feedback, from what i've read most punters who have tried the Ultra 5's under Magico's have done so beveled side down (ie: with the technology pockets closest to the ground). Over at WBF John Tverdik discussed how the U5's are designed to work best beveled side up as the techology pockets are closer to the main source of vibration. And indeed that's why Stillpoints now include a tap in the top and bottom of the Ultra 5. The other benefit is the adaptor for the top tap has a much wider diamater at the bottom which strengthens the adaptor. Previously if you 'walked' the speaker on the feet you could bend the adaptor. That's how i'll be using the feet.

Cheers,
David.

Late response on this one.

I had to smile a bit yesterday, when I read the latest issue of Stereophile and saw Michael Fremer's comment about use of Stillpoints with his Wilson Alexandrias and the fact, that Dave Wilson does not recommend them. Fremer however says: There were definitive improvements in Bass clarity and in soundstage focus and stability. I'm not going back to the spikes.

Heard the same warnings about Stillpoints under Magicos when I put some under the S3s and that Alon Wolf does not recommend them. While I would highlight even some additional benefits with the S3s in addition to what Mr Fremer pointed out, the end result remains the same: I'm not going back to the spikes. And quite honestly, I could not give a rat's butt about whether Alon likes it or not if I do .