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Can I go wrong with Stillpoint Ultra Mini anti-vibration isolation feet?

I am researching what anti vibration isolation feet to add to my components. I came across a Galen Carol article which compared and rated various isolation devices. The Stillpoints rated the highest among isolation feet with at 9 out of 10 rating. If purchased used I could afford Stillpoints bottom of the line Ultra Minis for my Marantz KI Ruby CD/SACD player and Luxmann L507u Mk2 integrated amp. Maybe later some more for my Shunyata Hydra Denal 6000/S power conditioner. Do you think these would be a good choice for my system in their price range of maybe $350 or more a set used.

If it makes a difference the rest of my system is a VPI Classic 2 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge, and a pair of Magico A3 speakers. The components are sitting on built into the wall shelves. The top shelf for the CD player and turntable is a slab of marble floating on a cushion of that rubbery shelf liner you can use for kitchen drawers, which is on a floating slab of 3/4" Baltic Birch plywood on another piece of shelf liner over a fixed 3/4" plywood shelf. The integrated amp is on the middle shelf similarly designed but without the marble level. The bottom shelf, the same as the middle has the power conditioner and my DISH box for watching TV.

So what do you think? Would the Stillpoints be a good choice or should I be looking elsewhere and why. Again I’m only looking for feet, not shelves or platforms. I’m sure some of you have some experience with these devices and could help guide me along as I’ve none. Thank you for your thoughts and I'd appreciate your advice.

Below are some of the more affordable higher rated isolation feet I’ve been taking a look at from the Galen Carol list along with his 1-10 rating on each. The Stillpoints are a bit more pricey, but have the highest rating, so maybe are worth the extra investment. The full list is at https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/a-brief-survey-of-isolation-devices/

Aurios Classic- Roller Ball (8)

Pro Max- Roller Ball (7)

Decouplers- Roller Ball (5)

Black Diamond Racing (BDR) Cones- Rigid (5)

Clear Audio Magix- Other (7)

Daruma IIIi- Roller Ball (7)

DH Cones- Rigid (7)

Isolation Bearings- Roller Ball (7)

Finite Elemente Ceraball- Roller Ball/Other (7)

Cerapuc- Roller Ball/Other (8)

Gingko Mini Clouds- Viscoelastic (8)

Marigo Small Cones- Rigid (6)

Reference- Rigid (6)

Stillpoints- Other (9)

Symposium Rollerblocks - Roller Ball (8)


Thanks for looking,

Mike



skyscraper

Showing 7 responses by slaw

slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
@fsonicsmith ,

May I ask the total weight of your TT that the Minis were supporting? They are rated @10lbs .each. I have a feeling that you overloaded the Minis.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
@select-hifi,

Spoken like a good salesman. Not that I disagree. ,,(I own a Rock 7).

I think like most of us audiophiles, we strive for more. We've heard things...and we like it.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
Regarding ball 'n' cup devices... I like them. Stillpoints are essentially the same thing. With my Symposium Rollerblock Jr's, in order to increase transparency, I use a ceramic ball
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
As @jtc925  eludes to, internal component vibrations and how to deal with them.........

Having said that, @tt1man, I've seen your product elsewhere. I wonder how an (air pod) can aid in eliminating internal component resonances?
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
@tt1man,

I don't know the rules but I'm not bothered by it.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
@skyscraper,

They cleaned up the signal. Power conditioners need to be treated just like a component. By removing noise/hash, you hear a clearer presentation. There is a video out there from years ago where, I believe it was Roy Gregory, doing a demo of the advantages of Stillpoints under various components. The difference is easily heard on the videos.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,402 posts
 
I use them and like their performance. I have them under both Hydras. Currently trying them under my phono preamp, replacing DH cones.

The minis sound better using 4. This becomes agrivating however. You quickly find out how flat your platform/casework really is.
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