Here is a reply I got from someone who has used the AUrios, Stillpoints and the IsoBase that a local designer in New Jersey builds, hope it is useful.
Only got finished setting up the Isobase at the end of the week. The Isobase is excellent and better than the bearing isolation devices I have tried (Stillpoints, Aurios w/tbc ball). The level of smoothness and detail it brings is very impressive. It has very much the same tonality as the Stillpoints (where Stillpoints are a bit more warmish than the Iso, and Aurios adds brightness) but just much more of everything.
For how much it costs, it's another great product. |
I used to use Aurios with tungsten carbide balls and found them better than other feet, but then I got the Badboy from Neuance. On this shelf, which rests on my Mana stands, I get no further improvement with any feet?? |
With the additional use of the Stillpoints Risers, you can adjust the height of each individual Stillpoint. This will help with the possibility of a piece rolling off.
Additionally the Risers also improve on the performance of the Stillpoints.
And again, the performance is optimized when the equipment is leveled.
I have used the Aurios & Stillpoints. Yes the sound different. The Audios always have a slight metallic sound to them. The Stillpoints seem to impact less sonic character. The Stillpoints aren't really warmer, they are more neutral. |
What would happen if you double racked the Aurios and Stillpoints? I have an ultra platform, Aurios pros, svelte platform and then Stillpoints with Risers, then the CDP.
If you had all this stuff to put under your CDP. What order would you put the two components? |
Actually I ended up selling the Aurios and buying a set of points from TWL. I liked the Aurios but was not impressed with the stillpoints. They really didn't seem to do much of anything. I replaced all the things I had for feet with spikes and I've been much happier with the sound. |
Have used both extensively...for decoupled they both very good with the stillpoints getting the clear edge.
Though much prefer coupled devices today, like Sistrum Points by Star Sound - which completely blows aways the above. |
Had used Aurios, tried Stillpoints.
The Aurios (esp Pro) are very good but can add a metallic sheen to the sound. They work better loaded with more mass(eg under the rack, heavy amp stands, etc) rather than lighter components (eg CDP). TCBs help but I prefer brass cones spiked into the central depression of the Aurios. This arrangement is more stable as well.
The Stillpoints are more subtle, seems to have less of an overt impact but more neutral presentation than the Aurios. I had experienced less setup hassle with them than the Aurios.
I would not imagine using either will result in the equipment "rolling off" the shelf in normal use. However, if you have little fingers or cats at home, it may not be the best idea.
I now use Aurios under my amp stands and equipment rack only. I have Neuance shelves under the amps and source components. I found the Neuance presentation most natural, for the lack of a better description. They were so good, I did not feel the urge to play the isolate/couple game any more.
Norm, I managed to further "improve" or at least differentiate with various footers on either side of the Neuance shelf. The type of footer can make a dramatic difference. And, some footers even take time to settle in ?? |
Gilas, I suspect that it is again settling in by the Neuances shelves.
I assume the point of the cones is into the depression. |
Yes, Norm. You're right - it is partly the points settling into the shelf. If you look carefully at the points of contact, there are signs of pressure induced depressions.
However, I tried some titanium cones w/o the Neuance shelf elsewhere. Was warned that the cones will take a few days to settle in. Of course, did not believe it. Had to eat my words when that settling in effect was observed.
So, I think there are some happenings I do not understand fully and cannot explain with logic.
Tom |
I really cannot understand titanium cones settling in, but you can certainly disrupt the cables, shelf, and even the component in installing such cones. I think it takes about two hours for cables that are moved to recover. I know I will probably get a response to this.
The last several days I have been experimenting with Audio Prism QuietLine filters. Initially one in the duplex where my system is plugged helped. I got more QLs and installed them mainly in my listening room, whereever the Noise Sniffered found a problem. The music lost all realism and pace.
On Jim Weil's advice, I put two quite distant from my system, and this gave a nice improvement in lowered noise. All of this is contrary to what Audio Prism said about how to install. I imagine there is some physical explanation for it, but I do not know what it might be. |
Yeap, the X-files ....
Norm, of topic question. Do you have any experience with parametric EQ in the bass, mid-bass region ? Would like to compare notes if you have. You can sent me a private e-mail.
Thanks,
Tom |
