I've converted to Stillpoints for my amp stands and the GPA are sold. Both are superb products and this test could have been reversed in another room or with another amp or even due to personal taste.
The one thing that is not a variable, component stands are a big influence on sound, especially with big tube amps subject to vibration and impact near large speakers. |
What is Stillpoints purchase/return policy...do you know? Up to the dealer as far as I know. |
I knew this was going to be a tough question.
I searched Audiogon forums and also pro reviews via Google before asking. It's amazing that as well known as these two are there seems to be no direct comparison. |
I currently have the Grand Prix Audio Monaco stands under my amps and when I first installed them the upgrade was nothing short of amazing.
The only fault with my test previously, the amps were sitting flat on the floor with no isolation at all. |
Don't forget that the Sorbothane(not Neoprene)need to/should be replaced every six months Tab, if addressed to me, I agree. I replaced all twelve pucks about four months ago and it was like getting brand new GPA stands. Alvin says change dampers about once a year but I've never waited that long to replace mine. The VTL amps are very heavy, I have to request special dampers so they don't get smashed flat and even then their life is likely shorted. John, I agree the Carbon Fiber shelves are better, some people say a huge improvement. What started all this was superior performance from turntables using Stillpoints and I wondered what their component stand would do. I have two (new) JL Audio Fathom F-212 subs that have not even been un-boxed. Before they are put in place I wanted to do one more run at isolation of the amps as I suspect the floor around them will be getting much more of a workout than before and tube amps are particularly sensitive to shock. |
Tom,
Alvin sends a template that shows how much compression is proper for the GPA dampers. Too little compression and there is not good isolation, too much compression and it looses elasticity or spring function.
Deformation can be at the instant equipment is set on the shelf if the damper is not rated for that weight. Deformation also happens over time as the damper is exhausted performing it's function.
It's actually pretty easy to use the template, you put it beside the damper in question and measure deflection. This works but admittedly one of the reasons I'm investigating the Stillpoints option. Alvin has been A+ at getting new dampers out in a speedy manner but it would be nice to have a stand that did not need periodic maintenance.
My guess in advance is there will be better and worse with the new stand. That's what usually happens in high end audio when comparing two world class products. |
Are you talking about the four-leg adjustable stand. I ordered Stillpoints four leg component with 11" arms. Link below, it's the third image down on that page. Stillpoint image |
Have you changed the pads on the Monaco? Yes. I mentioned that fact in my post 2-17-10. I have new pads, which have been calculated for exact weight load by Alvin at Grand Prix. |
Saturday I mounted the (4) Stillpoints stands to the VTL amps and gained several square feet of floor space. This is exactly what I needed to accommodate the JL Audio subs.
Sound difference between it and GPA could not be more different, I'm sorting out my feeling about this more tomorrow when a friend visits and I listen with more kinds of music. |
Albert,
Could you expand further on your personal impressions of each stand's relative strengths and weaknesses in the context of your system, and why, ultimately, you opted for the Stillpoints vs. the GPA? The Grand Prix has very bold bass but it's a bit flabby, it presents music in a soft and sweet manner reminiscent of Audioquest Sorbothane footers. All notes are a bit fatter especially the mid bass. Sound seems slowed down a tiny bit. The Stillpoints bass is so tight, at first it seems something is missing. You may have to retune the system by moving speakers, swapping tubes or whatever tweak to put tonal balance back where bass is in balance again. Ultimately the Stillpoints are cleaner, faster, higher resolution with better sense of each instrument placement and much better frequency extremes. They are also less money, take up less space and I prefer their appearance. Remember I was experimenting to find the best resolution for my system to balance the new twin JL Audio Fathom F-212 subs. Tight bass for the main speaker was a huge improvement and allowed better integration with the subs. Hope that helps. |
Tabl10s, Don't know about the new rack, but probably not.
My equipment is built into the frame and foundation of the house, except for the two outboard custom stands for turntable and tape.
When you ask are the subs isolated, do you mean electrically, mechanically or ? |
03-06-10: Tabl10s
Albert,
Physical isolation. Sorry to be so slow responding, I was at Axpona in Florida until late last night. I have only the stock footers under the JL Audio subs. Probably would be a big upgrade with Stillpoints rather then the stock. |
Hornguys,
Yes, I had the GPA with 3/4" acrylic shelves and Apex footers. I understand the Carbon Fiber shelves are a nice upgrade over what I had, but I have not had an opportunity to try that.
When I got the GPA the amps were just sitting on the floor and the improvement was mind blowing. I did not think anything else could make it better and in all fairness, other systems might have produced completely different results. |
New Stillpoints stands on the way. These are the triple shelf model, 28" tall and 26" wide, two complete units.
Hope to have an idea about performance late next week or early the week after, before I fly out to cover Salon Son and Image show in Canada. |
Tbg,
I read your review, that was part of my encouragement. That and previous experience with standard Stillpoints and the new Stainless Ultras.
The stands will be the new version, so I expect to be suitably impressed.
My listening will probably be interrupted before I come to any conclusion. I jet out for Salon Son and Image (Canada) the day before Press day which is two days prior to regular attendees. |
