bel canto and isolation feet


Hi, I was wondering if anyone who owns or has owned a s300 amplifier has used any kind of isolation cones or feet, and what they thought of them.
I just got this amp, and while I wouldn't say the mids are recessed, more that my previous amp was more forward, I did enjoy the in your face vocal imagery of the Rotel. Could aftermarket feet/cones, or maybe a power cord help with this. I have a Cary slp-88 preamp and Epos m22 speakers.
Thank you,
Mike
hanaleimike

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

I tend to be somewhat skeptical of the need for isolation cones for something like a digital amp with no moving parts or microphonic issues like tubes. I have an S300 (and enjoy it very much). My room is such that I've tried the equipment in different spots, including one where the amp was in a different room from the speakers (with no change in speaker cable length.) There was no difference for me, even with the amp physically in another room, so I wouldn't think isolation cones/feet would make much difference in midrange quality. If that's the case, your best bet is to simply go with what you like.

Your mileage may vary.

The problem in evaluating changes such as this is there are so many variables and a lack of set reference points. It may be that the bass and and high extension of the S300 is simply strong enough that the midrange doesn't sound as forward. My reference points for a stereo are live acoustic instruments. If those are "right" then I'm pretty happy even though I know some recordings might sound better on another system. If your reference point is pop/rock or other music that depends heavily on amplified instruments and heavy studio processing, it can be far more difficult to find a "neutral" reference point.