Results 1 to 50 of 70
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January 1, 2019, 10:07 PM #1
AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Recently tried these ...EVP HDR 2"...under my Lumin A1 and, upcoming,under the Lumin's Kenneth Lau PSU. I saw the PF review by Tom Gibbs, 9-1-18,and read a review by Jim Smith of Get Better Sound,fame and ordered 4 of the 2" EVP HDR,units. These are superbly well constructed and finished. At their price, roughly $45 / unit at this size, they are not expensive. I have been a tweak junky most of my audio life.I don't change any of the major equipment that i have but isolators and the like i enjoy seeing if i can improve what i9 hear at a reasonable price, which these certainly are. I started out putting 4 of them under the Lumin A1, and immediately heard a significant improvement in imaging, depth of field, tightness of plucked strings and vocal naturalness...I took 1 of them out and went to a triangle placement, with on in the back and 2 in the front without loosing anything and possibly improving things even more. I have ordered2 more, which should be hear this week and will place those under my Luminary's PSU. I also will be replacing the Symposium platforms under my REL 212 SE subs with the 4" HDR devices.Jim Smith,who also has the REL 212 SE subs, says the change was just an amazing improvement in bass response..stay tunes..Mr. Varney...of AV RoomService,is a very nice gentleman also.
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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January 1, 2019, 10:32 PM #2
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I bought a set several months back also and have them under a Teac Reference streamer I am trying in place of the Lumin. Also noticed an improvement though the felt tops can be a bit slippery. Haven't tried them under the subs yet or any other gear. I knew Jim had asked about them but didn't know he had actually tried them. They were still $29 when I ordered them.
Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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January 1, 2019, 10:46 PM #3
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I talked with him a few weeks ago after reading his thoughts on them under his RELs.He was very positive about their improvement...
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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January 4, 2019, 01:52 PM #4
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I added 3 of the EVP 2" HDR devices under my Kenneth Lau PSU last night and the previous improvements just got better.Definitely a win-win experiment.Will next put the EVP 4" HDR devices under my REL subs..First i have to find someone to help me lift them off the Symposium platforms...stay tuned
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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February 12, 2019, 09:14 PM #5
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
As an update on my usage of the AV Room Service EVP devices i have recently added 4 of the 4" HDR devices under each of my REL 212 SE subs with very positive results. These replaced the Symposium Ultra platforms previously used that were very good. The EVPs improved the bass significantly more with a marked improvement in the quickness of the bass notes as well as a marked sharpening of the whole soundstage secondary to the non blurring of the lower frequencies.At their cost they are...to me ..a no brainer. The company ..Norman Varney...is a great gentleman to work with also.
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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February 27, 2019, 09:10 PM #6
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Further update..i removed the EVPs under my RELs and placed them under my Tidal speakers after removing the Symposium platforms.The improvement in what i was hearing was not subtle but immediate. Faster more defined bass. Better then what the EVPs under the RELs had brought. Better soundstage with better depth also. I have ordered 8 more of the EVP 4" HDR devices to go back under my RELs. That should sound even better..cant wait.
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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March 4, 2019, 07:44 PM #7
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
calloway,
When using 4 EVPs under your main speakers, did you have to level them out with something? Existing speaker spikes, shims, etc...
I have been emailing with Norman about his EVPs but he can not answer how much of a possible difference in deflection/compression may occur from front to rear, when using them under speakers, where most speakers are heavier in the front than the rear.
I thought he would have some sort of expiriential observation here but he could not give an example of any kind.
He was able to inform me that the weight of my speakers would deflect the EVPs 27%.
Do you you have anything you could add about leveling when using 4 EVPs?
I know weight distribution of any given speaker will be different but just trying to find out if the EVPs may generally have a large or a smaller percentage differences in deflection under these types of situations.
Thanks
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March 4, 2019, 07:57 PM #8
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
jriggy..After i installed the EVO HDRs under my Tidal speakers....on carpet....i waited for about 24 hrs for them to settle ....I used both the enclosed leveling device that Norm sends with each order and a linear level i have on hand. I did need to level both of the speakers some ..with shims purchased at Lowes....and positioned under the devices ...on top of the carpet.This worked well as i have not had to re-shim either speaker to this point ..more then a week out.The amount of settling was not significant but may vary with the type of carpet you use ...if any...My guess is that without carpet..there would be very little needed shimming..hope this helps..i have 8 more ordered to be replaced under my REL 212 SE subs where i borrowed them to go under my speakers..hsould be a significant improvement after all is treated..dave
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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March 5, 2019, 09:09 AM #9
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Yes, thanks for the details, this does help some. Much appreciated!
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March 5, 2019, 11:45 PM #10
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
calloway,
actually I was wondering, how much up the shims balanced your particular speakers? Regular wood shims I presume? And did you cut your shims length off once settled?
Thanks
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April 7, 2019, 01:17 AM #11
- Join Date
- Feb 2019
- Posts
- 19
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I am interested in the EVP and would like to use them under my REL.
Could you please share with us how did you use it with the REL?
Did you place them under the REL cabinet around the down firing woofer without removing the REL's feet?
Are they higher than the REL feet?
Did you place them directly between the floor and the REL?
What is your floor? wood, laminate, tile...etc
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April 7, 2019, 09:13 AM #12
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
....Sanbobo...i place the EVPs beneath the feet on the REL 212s..i contacted REL about possibly removing the feet and the process was not going to be as easy as thought so i went with them beneath the feet.My room is carpeted but this /that does not affect the way they perform.I have a friend nearby who ordered them after me and who has REL Gibralter subs and also placed them under the feet with great improvements. He has wood floors..He also placed them under his Monoblock amps with great results..hope this helps..dave
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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April 7, 2019, 04:05 PM #13
- Join Date
- Feb 2019
- Posts
- 19
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Did you try to place them under the cabinet directly? (Not under feet)
I did many exterminations with feet and platforms under my REL.
Non so far managed to reduce the cabinet inherent vibrations.
When I touch the REL's cabinet I feel the same level of vibrations no matter what is under the REL.
I am hopping that the EVP will dissipate the vibrations and convert it to heat as they claim.
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April 9, 2019, 06:58 PM #14
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
sanbobo..the EVPs are not as tall as the REL 212 feet are so in order for me to place them under the sub itself i would have to take the feet off which is not easily possible..dave
Listening Room: 25' L x 18' W x 23' H..system on the long wall
Speakers: Tidal 'Contriva Diacera-SE
Amps: Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET mono blocks with Psvane WE 845 / 300b tubes
Source: Lumin X-1 Network Music Player
HighFidelity MC-1 Pro Helix conditioner
Cables:
Audience-Studio One RCA interconnect
SilverSmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables
Silent Source 'Music Reference' Power Cords x 3
Innuos 'PhoenixNet' Switch
CAD-CG-1
Audioquest 'fog lifters' under the Fidelium cables
Arya Audio-RevOpods under my Tidal Speakers
REL 212 SE Subwoofer x 2
Nordost V2 ethernet cable
EVP Isolation footers- subs-speakers- Lumin
Tweaks:
Stillpoints Ultra SS under amps
EVP HDR isolators 2" x 8...under my Lumin A1 and PSU
EVP HDR isolators 4" x 16..under my Tidal speakers and my REL 212 SE subs
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August 8, 2019, 02:53 PM #15
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Posts
- 22
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Tremendous products, tremendous value. I now use them under all components and speakers. In addition, I've worked with a metal worker to design custom equipment racks with butcher block shelves, each shelf isolated with four 2" EVPs. The racks have 4" x 4" feet (plates) so the whole rack system can sit on four 4" EVPs.
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August 8, 2019, 03:36 PM #16
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- Nov 2014
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- 2,104
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
$45 dollars? That sounds expensive!
These 2" x 2"x 7/8" isolators are for sale at Amazon for less than $10 for a package of four. I wonder how much different they are. By the way, I use the 4" x 4" under my turntable and they do damp the vibration from the equipment rack.
DiversiTech MP2-E E.V.A. Anti-Vibration Pad, 2" x 2" x 7/8" , Pack of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KAFG8EG..._ZEhtDbRH7RSKG
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August 8, 2019, 04:01 PM #17
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
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- 22
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Retail for the 2" models is $39 each and the 4" models $105 each unless there has been a very recent price increase I'm not aware of.
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August 8, 2019, 05:00 PM #18
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August 8, 2019, 05:05 PM #19
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- Nov 2015
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
The construction and materials are very different. As to the sound, I have not tried the Amazon product.
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August 8, 2019, 11:13 PM #20
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August 9, 2019, 11:58 AM #21
- Join Date
- Feb 2019
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Posts
- 2
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
They look similar, but the DiversiTech pads are for heavy machinery and made of foam or cork, where EVPs are made of layers of glass fibers working as leaf springs. If you look at the DiversiTech information you'll find that they for machinery starting at 50 psi, so for four 2" pads your equipment needs to weigh about 400 lbs, and four of the 4" would mean 800 lbs. They don't publish minimum loads, and in order for isolation pads to function, they need to be loaded properly- too much or too little weight and they don't isolate. EVPs are designed specifically for audio equipment- meaning that they control vibrations from sub through the audible bandwidth, and their resonant frequency is below the audio spectrum (actually about 3 Hz.). DiversiTech doesn't publish any lab tests, but if they did, you'd likely find resonant frequencies in the audible spectrum, which is not a good thing for noise control or sound quality.
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August 9, 2019, 12:57 PM #22
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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August 12, 2019, 02:24 PM #23
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Oregon
- Posts
- 234
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Give these a try under heavier items.
https://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewpr...c&utm_campaignMain System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
H-Cat Version 9 preamp, ARC Reference 75 amp, Custom line source speakers - 10 SB Acoustics midwoofers, 10 Fountek ribbon tweeters. JL Audio Fathom f112 Subs
Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.
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August 12, 2019, 02:55 PM #24
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- Nov 2014
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I just put the 2” x 2” isolators bought from Amazon under my speakers and they work great. I put 4 isolators under each speaker. A less than $13 tweak that works great. That’s what I call good value.
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April 19, 2020, 08:11 AM #25
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- Dec 2013
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- 148
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I’ve used the cheap 2x2 isolator blocks mentioned here for quite some time in various capacities, both alone and in conjunction with Isoacoustics disc style isolators. I was able to recently compare those directly against the EVP under a preamp and a DVD player, each weighing around 10 lbs and in more and less vibration sensitive locations, respectively, on a sturdy Salamander Designs rack. After letting the EVPs settle for several hours — I did one component then both — the all-around improvement was substantial. I’ve found the cheap ones are useful under small peripherals such as a cable box and LPS, as well as to physically isolate and separate cables, but for main gear they are not in the same class as the EVP. I don’t know why the small EVPs have gone from $29 to $45 each in a relatively short time, unless the price of glass fibers has leaped or perhaps to take advantage of good reviews, but at the current price they are still relatively inexpensive as good high end audio tweaks go these days.
Lampizator Atlantic TRP dac, Supratek Chardonnay preamp, Ric Schulz modified Oppo 203, ATC SCM19A active speakers, PS Audio PowerBase, P15 Regenerator AC-12 power cords, AV Roomservice EVPs, MG Audio AG2 XLR/RCA ICs, Purist Audio Design Neptune S/PDIF & HDMI cables, iFi S/PDIF Purifier w/ Paul Hynes SR4 LPS, SR Orange fuses, Furutech GTX-D (R) outlet, Samsung F8000 HDTV, Audioquest Carbon HDMI cable, CATV with Tii-220 cable filter, JL Audio e-110 subs in waiting.
Desktop: Quad 12L active speakers, RAC ICs, Synergistic Research Black fuses
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April 21, 2020, 11:56 AM #26
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- Feb 2019
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- Columbus, OH
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- 2
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
The cost has incrementally increased as manufacturing costs have risen. Most notably, we now stitch the EVP core so they can't split open if mishandled, the plates are now laser cut, we use a new adhesive for rubber finishes, the painting process is much higher quality, etc. I believe they are still one of the best values in audio. Getting the room to be quite is very revealing!
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December 13, 2020, 02:41 AM #27
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
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December 13, 2020, 02:50 AM #28
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December 13, 2020, 10:38 AM #29
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
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December 30, 2020, 04:50 PM #30
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- Dec 2013
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- 148
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
@elliotg, Sell what you had or sell them generally -- and if the latter, in what capacity? What I'd like to keep track of is when Norm has sales, since they are not announced on his website.
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July 16, 2021, 04:47 PM #31
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Posts
- 5
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
After spending hrs of reading praises and the so-called affordable EVP, I got the impression that some who is not afraid of publishing experimental data (including the one written by Bob Katz) is really
doing something good to the audiophile communities through selling excellent products at an affordable price!
I first learnt its 29 usd in 2019. The performance was already reportedly excellent according to many users.
Suddenly I noted that someone mentioned that the price was changed to $35/9 in 2020.
Then $45 each at some point in time before 2021. Ok some still said it’s relatively cheap, compared to perhaps, Iso Acoustic Gaia?
Remember you have to buy eight pieces. Before at $29 each one only have to pay $232 for a pair of speaker stands.
At$45, it’s $360 - ok it’s testing people’s spending power.
No, wait, after reading all reviews, I’m interested to try the product and went to the store... what? $89 each? It’s 2021 July, so after two years, the company tripled the price!!!!
That’s the most quickly markup price I have seen in audio accessories.
It’s now $712 for eight pieces of evp. Some said it’s due to substantial increase of manufacturing cost. God knows... but the “cheaper” materials already gave superb performance why risking a triple price increase to alienate the customers?
Two years ago people praised evp for three reasons. Price, proven effect, seemingly evidence-based.
I have pointed out the seemingly absurd pricing policy change and therefore a change of branding the product. After waves of professional endorsements by Jim, Bob Katz and so on, it has now repositioned itself as high end products which regardless of the actual cost, the price is now even more expensive than Iso Acoustics Gaia.
How about the other two reasons?
Like all audio accessories, their effects are actually conditioned by the real listening variables including the Structural construction Of walls and floors and so on. Bob Katz’s paper actually report very complicated findings though he stressed EVP is better. Simply put, there is no absolute guarantee that EVP could be better than other isolating devices you’re using across all frequency spectrum in your real world.
This is not to discredit the product. In fact I really want to try it. But I am uncomfortable with the shift of company direction. If you’re really want to try, I also suggest you buy the article written by Bob Katz and the commentary on Bob Katz article in stereophile.
Another story: according to many “testimonials” across the web, many people seem to get email replies directly from the company owner, who helped them addressing their individual concerns. Or maybe my impression is incorrect. Nonetheless my experience is that I wrote a detailed email asking very specific uses of EVP including the platform ones. All I got a day later is obviously a copy and paste reply. It doesn’t even answer my questions about the platform version. I guess it somehow reflects what’s going on in the company, or the company shit of direction to, high end products?
The esoteric market of speaker isolators has been dominated by high price policy. Some always sell their products at ridiculous high price. So when I first investigate EVP I was thrilled that someone is doing the business differently. That happens ten years ago when Weizhi, a Taiwan company made and sold graphite-based isolators at very cheap prices, but then quickly widely praised by many international reviews. The result? They increased the price dramatically and are now selling those 480 usd for four isolators. Many “ordinary” audiophiles were angry since they couldn’t afford them anymore. But who knows? They think that is the better business model.
EVP according to many testimonials should perform well in many conditions . But after knowing the new tripled price, oh well ...
Ps: I have Weizhi isolators and I know they work very well.
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July 16, 2021, 05:21 PM #32
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I think it's important to understand the impact the pandemic has had on anything being manufactured today. The cost of raw materials, logistics, manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance (which is not the same thing a quality control), packaging, shipping have all gone up considerably because of the pandemic. Car prices, both new and used, are up something like 45% in what is generally an extremely competitive market with respect to pricing. I know from audio manufacturers first-hand that their prices for parts, components, raw materials, etc., etc. have really taken a hit from the pandemic.
Also...Norm Varney is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and also..a REALLY nice guy. So, if you have any questions, my recommendation is to call him on the phone and talk with him directly. Cheers.
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July 16, 2021, 06:23 PM #33
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- Feb 2016
- Location
- west Michigan
- Posts
- 713
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I have found that many of these esoteric type products have already raised their prices pre-covid.
Not sure what is going to happen with the pricing once the current increased prices of raw materials to the manufacturers actually winds it's way down to consumer level.
It often seems that prices are increased based on the popularity of the product.
Let's face it, "Hi End" audio is exactly that and the price of admission is high.My System
Acoustic Revive RTP-4
Innuos Pulsar
Lampizator BALTIC4
Cary SLP-05
Pass XA30.5 or
Line Magnetic 845ia
Reference 3A Reflector's
Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
Complete system on battery power/solar
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DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.
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July 16, 2021, 06:59 PM #34
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I just spoke to Norm at A/V Service today and in our conversation, he mentioned that since the pandemic hit, the price of steel has gone up considerably.
That statement is backed by this article which states the price of steel is up....200% in 2021.
Steel prices 2021 chart: Price of steel up 200%. When will the bubble pop? | Fortune
This is consistent with my previous post about the cost of raw materials increasing considerably since the start of the pandemic.
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July 16, 2021, 07:34 PM #35
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I do agree that the pandemic has hit all industries hard and everything now is more expensive. I do however seriously doubt we will ever see audiophile product prices adjust as the rest of the world starts to lower their prices.
Can you imagine audiophile manufactures sending out a price decrease notice!!!! I seriously doubt it. Hopefully down the line I will gladly like to be proven wrong.Paul
Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
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July 16, 2021, 08:11 PM #36
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
My System
Acoustic Revive RTP-4
Innuos Pulsar
Lampizator BALTIC4
Cary SLP-05
Pass XA30.5 or
Line Magnetic 845ia
Reference 3A Reflector's
Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
Complete system on battery power/solar
Core Audio Design Rack
DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.
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July 16, 2021, 08:45 PM #37
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
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- 5
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Thanks for explaining the possible reasons behind the tripling pricing. But To be honest, I’m only an experienced audiophile, not a manufacturer, which means most of us have no basis to judge. My writing of the original post was meant to share with the company what an ordinary audiophile has experienced at this point in time. You could also judge to what extent my feelings are applicable to people who just started to know EVP two weeks or a month ago. My wish, if any, is helping the company to know there may be some negative feelings slowly growing (or may be not) no matter whether the triple markup is due to raw materials increase.
Ok here’s the key points that create unfavorable feelings :
1. I bought Dutch 8c Speaker last year. They have a 10% markup since three years. That was 2020. No further markup. Their speaker stands made of steel is sold at the same price. Yes they were behind production at certain points last year, but overall I didn’t have this “what? Doubled the price?”.
2. Other isolators including iso acoustics, or even Herbie Audio Labs, didn’t have sharp rise in price.
3. I certainly know every company is different. If a company really need triple the price for reasons pee customers will never know anyway, it’s a problem for this company. In our case, it’s because most audiophiles have feelings from 1 and 2 (mild price increase, seemingly using similar materials), but are now facing a firm tripling their price.
4. Some audiophiles also witnessed similar drastic price markup thing happened to certain brands in the past. This colored our interpretationS, even if these interpretations may be wrong to your company.
5. The story of the EVP in the internet has a “shape”. The YouTube layman approach videos, easy to understand test graphs, the passions in words, the “affordable” word of mouth, the magical discovery of a affordable superior products and so on - all converged to present a pre- triple-pricing image of the product. This company has passion for the ordinary customers. They and Herbie Audio Lab has some similarity but Av roomservices go further to provide more test result. More theories.
6. Honestly, i just want to share with you that ALL the above scenarios will create bad impressions at worst, wrong understanding of the company’s real difficulties and so on - the tripled pricing is in conflict with all the good narratives and company images still circulating in the internet. I don’t know the solution. But I have a feeling the contradictory feelings should somehow be developing, and will go on.
7. Of course if going upscaling the market is the original desirable goal, all the above is meaningless to decision makers or PR.
I guess I have said truly enough. I personally hope the price increase is really a temporary raw material pricing problem, and prices will be reverted to normal later. But if it doesn’t go that way, it won’t be the end of the world 😅
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July 16, 2021, 11:37 PM #38
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July 17, 2021, 07:58 AM #39
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Thank you for that clarification. I didn't know.
Yes, with that much steel involved I can see why he had to at least triple the cost.My System
Acoustic Revive RTP-4
Innuos Pulsar
Lampizator BALTIC4
Cary SLP-05
Pass XA30.5 or
Line Magnetic 845ia
Reference 3A Reflector's
Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
Complete system on battery power/solar
Core Audio Design Rack
DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.
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July 17, 2021, 08:25 AM #40
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- Nov 2015
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- 22
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
I thought EVPs offered good value at $45. They priced themselves out of the market at $89 each. As commodity prices come back down, I guessing the $89 price will remain the same.
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July 17, 2021, 01:32 PM #41
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Strange. In April, Norm explained the price increase to me as introductory price vs regular one. I purchased slightly blemished production, which kept the price as what it was.
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July 17, 2021, 02:19 PM #42
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Bottom line is that for any product, prices always go up, they never go down. Doesn't matter what the industry is. Just look at the prices of used cars these days.
No one's arm is being twisted to buy any product.
It's up to each person to decide for themselves what constitutes a value proposition.
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July 17, 2021, 02:30 PM #43
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
Your example of used car prices right now misses that new car prices are being pushed up by the shortage of computer chips, a direct result of the pandemic. In turn, that has pushed demand into the used car market, with the resulting rise in prices. The used car market, more than most, is affected by supply and demand. There’s no reason why prices won’t eventually come down once new car supply returns — and inflation stabilizes or comes down. The NY Times ran an article about it a couple of days ago: The Car Market '''Is Insane''': Dealers Can'''t Keep Up With Demand - The New York Times
Lampizator Atlantic TRP dac, Supratek Chardonnay preamp, Ric Schulz modified Oppo 203, ATC SCM19A active speakers, PS Audio PowerBase, P15 Regenerator AC-12 power cords, AV Roomservice EVPs, MG Audio AG2 XLR/RCA ICs, Purist Audio Design Neptune S/PDIF & HDMI cables, iFi S/PDIF Purifier w/ Paul Hynes SR4 LPS, SR Orange fuses, Furutech GTX-D (R) outlet, Samsung F8000 HDTV, Audioquest Carbon HDMI cable, CATV with Tii-220 cable filter, JL Audio e-110 subs in waiting.
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July 17, 2021, 02:35 PM #44
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
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July 17, 2021, 02:47 PM #45
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
we are stuck in raising compexity it never gets simple again...
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July 17, 2021, 02:47 PM #46
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
@PumaCat Spoken like someone who’s only lived through good times in a country where printing money, i.e., intentional inflation, is national policy. At best, it’s a circular argument. At worst, it doesn’t account for recessions and depressions and other seriously slack periods, where even if nominal prices remain the same or even increase, discounts, sales, rebates and package offers lower real prices.
Lampizator Atlantic TRP dac, Supratek Chardonnay preamp, Ric Schulz modified Oppo 203, ATC SCM19A active speakers, PS Audio PowerBase, P15 Regenerator AC-12 power cords, AV Roomservice EVPs, MG Audio AG2 XLR/RCA ICs, Purist Audio Design Neptune S/PDIF & HDMI cables, iFi S/PDIF Purifier w/ Paul Hynes SR4 LPS, SR Orange fuses, Furutech GTX-D (R) outlet, Samsung F8000 HDTV, Audioquest Carbon HDMI cable, CATV with Tii-220 cable filter, JL Audio e-110 subs in waiting.
Desktop: Quad 12L active speakers, RAC ICs, Synergistic Research Black fuses
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July 17, 2021, 03:10 PM #47
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
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July 17, 2021, 04:13 PM #48
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
An LP-12 is a great table and can be modified to even greater heights ..
Regards* An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *
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July 17, 2021, 04:17 PM #49
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Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
The first attempt to explain the price increase was based on the price inflations of 'steel', but this contradicts with another explanation of "everthing's price go up, in the long run'.
The second explanation explains every markup in the 'private market'. Resorting to the 'raw material' explanation is actually not necessarily anymore. Forget this according to this 'market' explanation. By the same token, please also forget 'introductory price' vs. 'regular price' explanation. (no one knows the real reason anyway).
Simply put, in a private market, it's always supply and demand that determines the price. I increase and increase and increase the price up to a point that the overall profit drops consistently. Then the price may go down to attract more customers back.
But I just noted the company owner didn't say anything (probably a wise decision), and it's just one member constantly defending the price increase with different theories with intense enthusiasm - is he working for the company? Well, in fact, it doesn't matter.
Before learning of the tripled prices, I was just thinking that affordable isolators with excellent performance could be sold to many more audiophiles in the world and may make even more profits than selling less expensive units to a smaller group of consumers. I *thought* it's a new way of doing business.
But if tripling or further price increase (as 'everything's price will increase in the long run) is the company's business strategies, please go ahead. If the 'price increase' decision is based on some serious consideration on the new projected profit outcome, and if it can be achieved, that's very good for the firm (not necessarily for those audiophiles who can't afford them - but doing so maximize profits according to the plan). Yet for the same inflated price range, there're many equally persuasive competitors like Symposium, Finite Elemente, Harmonix, Townshend, Weizhi (more famous in Asia) and the list is almost endless. Wish you every success in this situation indeed.
BTW, I am using Linn LP12 from the 1980s. Not a lot of vintage gears stay in the market with strong or even higher resale value. For solid state amp - most are out of spec. Of course some don't care about spec. But most vintage gears are not Linn. Still LP12 is very special (and not Linn's speakers, let alone Linn's digital products), which seems not to be suitable for comparison with the case here, unless you seriously believe EVP could follow Linn' LP12s path.
Lastly, I still like EVP as a product. It pose challenges to existing way of doing isolations, and may stimulate more creative design of other companies. But I am looking for something else for fun.
PS: I remember that there may be only a handful of studies that examine the effects of different materials on isolating the speakers from different speaker stands, one of which is by Stereophile's John Atkinson dated back into 199x. That article has successfully popularized Blu-Tac in audiophile communities for almost a decade (and in fact still useful if you don't want to buy expensive isolators), as a few other 'special' acoustics isolators perform less impressive than Blu-Tac. Putting aside the older technology, no more studies like this are available. Bob Katz compared EVP to, a piece of wood. It's not comparing a wide range of isolators with a controlled environment like what John Atkinson did. Simply put, everyone says they are the best. Forum discussion about which one is the best is leading nowhere unless you tried them all and have sophisticated accelerometer and testing tools, since in reality your unique listening environment and unique gears could interact with different isolators in a very complex manner. Why there isn't any serious tests anymore? I see this happening in the area of speaker measurements, and this help a lot. So good luck with all of our search for isolators.
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July 17, 2021, 04:58 PM #50
Re: AV RoomService-EVP (Equipment Vibration Protectors)
if you're referring to me, I don't work for A/V Roomservice. I've bought their products at their prices current at the time, just like anyone else.
Furthermore, I'm not defending anything with respect to price increases with enthusiasm, I'm just stating facts.
Here are the facts: EVPs work very effectively with respect to their design brief, and their price is $89.
Folks can decide for themselves if that constitutes a value proposition or not.
As mentioned before, no one's arm is being twisted here to buy anything.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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