That is what I use as well. |
I had a similar experience with the SP 101 platforms underneath my speakers. Robert had warned me in advance though. I experienced a loss of bass and bass voulume. I agree that it does indeed take a few days for the connection to settle in and start doing their magic. Well worth the wait. |
I don't believe that most of them provide "reference level" support systems, although some like Kharma seem to make a serious effort. If all of them did, Stillpoints wouldn't be in business. Certainly audiophiles with modest systems can't be the target customer for their best offerings. |
The post rambled here and there with many questions and no real answers, and then seemed to stop without a conclusion. I found it confusing , but not enlightening. |
Grannyring,
You don't need to be worried; they are as stable as using cones or spikes, and once you hear what they do for your system, you will regret not doing it sooner. |
Tbg,
What do you mean you have sought them to no avail? Are you saying that Robert won't sell them to you? |
I am so happy to see other members discovering and enjoying these Apprentice platforms. It is really a great day in this hobby when you can not only afford to buy an accessory, but it makes an important contribution to your enjoyment of reproduced music. I imagine that some of you, like myself just want to shout out to other members with systems great or small "Get these!"
I can't imagine a system that they would not improve. |
Bol,
With you guys discussing polishing Stillpoints, maybe you should consider plating the brass in chrome. I think that your attitude is ridiculous in this respect.
You claim to be a perfectionist, and you are a sound consultant, but in the end, your priority is in the looks.
Maybe you should be called "The Audio Jeweler". |
Tbg,
"Roxy54, the brass surface on the Audio Points is very important".
Of course it is, I was just being sarcastic. |
Bo1972,
"I didn't buy the Ultra SS for the looks. I bought them first because I love the extra quality they can give."
That contradicts what you have said previously. And how do you know what extra quality they give unless you have tried their competition? No matter what anyone says, complaining about the color of brass is just plain silly, especially when you can barely see it beneath the speakers. Jeez, the way you guys talk, you'd think you were wearing them on the end of your noses. |
P59teitel,
You won't be disappointed. It is one thing to read about the positive differences that others have experienced, but it's a whole different thing when you experience it in your own system. |
Charles,
Well stated. I am as guilty as anyone else at times of agonizing about the validity of differences I perceive when I make a change in the system, but I have felt that way less and less in the last couple of years. I usually trust my own ears and don't worry about what other listeners or measurements say. JohnK was speaking of this today in another thread, and he was concerned about the phenomenon of falsely perceived poitive differences after system changes are made, but I don't think there is a need to be too worried about it. I think if everyone just hears what sounds good to them, that is all that matters. |
I have nothing to say against the Stillpoints, as I have never used them, but it is true that it is easy to be dazzled by claims of unique and/or revolutionary design. I think that there are times that in audio, and other fields, these claims are true; but I have found that it doesn't always translate into better performance. |
Charles,
I think it is one of the positive aspects of growing older and maturing. You come to know what you need and love from inside, and you stop seeking the affirmation as you said, from others. I still have desires for further refinements to my system, but again, they are based on my own positive experiences, not outside pressure (more apprentice platforms for example).
I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that I am finally changing out my beloved and somewhat modified McIntosh 2105 (still keeping it though!) for an 8 watt Audio Note Kits Kit 1 Tenth Anniversary. My speakers are 102db efficiency, and I have been considering this move for a long time. It was certainly influenced by you though, since I know and love your speakers, and over many threads I have seen that we share similar preferences. It is being professionally built by Audio Note Kits sanctioned builder, Pete Fulton, and yes, I did order a matched quad of Jupiter copper foil caps to replace the stock Mundorfs.
It will probably be another 3 weeks until I have it, but I have already waited for 8 weeks, so it's no big thing.
Thanks for generously sharing your experiences. |
Charles,
The amp comes standard with Mundorf silvers I think, and I was underwhelmed when I used them some years ago to upgrade the crossovers in a pair Spendor 9/1 speakers. I have since realized through reading a lot of user feedback that they aren't all that great.
Brian Smith of Audio Note Kits thought that V caps were a good alternative, but again, I had heard that they swayed a bit toward the super high def side, and I prefer a more organic feel, even if a bit of detail is lost.
I was able to have Duelund VSF specially fitted into my AN DAC 2.1, but there was no way to fit them into this amp, and I couldn't afford cast caps that I would have wanted anyway. The advice from Grannyring and others came at just the right time, and they are small enough to fit.
I am pretty sure that I will be happy.
Thanks |
Pkoegz,
Actually, Audio Points are designed in different sizes with a specific brass alloy and profile, all of which were carefully considered by very qualified engineers. Even so, by themselves, they aren't considered by most to be competitive with Still Points by themselves.
However, when they are coupled with Star Sound platforms, like the Apprentice, they have been found to be fully competitive, although different.
|
Tbg,
He's complaining about the color of Starsound audio points...again. |
Charles,
I certainly understand color preferences, but when there is no choice because it must be made of a certain alloy that has a golden color, it's a whole different story. At that point, you just have to accept it for what it must be, and appreciate it for what it is. Grass is green and the sky is blue for a reason, and wishing otherwise is not going to change them either, even if we don't find green or blue attractive. |
Hi Charles,
No, of course it wasn't for you. I was commenting on why I can't make sense of Bol1972's strong objection to the color of the brass. Sorry for the confusion buddy.
John |
Bol1972,
If Audio Points were made of gold, they would cost far more than your beloved Still Points. Come to think of it, Still Points are white...are they made of platinum? They certainly cost enough to make you wonder. |
