Stillpoints Ultra 6 vs Critical Mass Center Stage 2

Hi b345t

Nothing wrong with starting with the amp. I would find out where the power transformer is and put one foot under that or under them both if your amp has two transformers as they create the most vibration. Joe (the designer) recommends four of the feet under each component instead of three, that’s why he includes different thickness metal shims which allows the user to shim the fourth foot so there is no rocking motion and the component is rock stable on the shelf. They’re designed to go flat under the chassis, not under the components factory foot. The are vey expensive but after hearing the improvement, I found it impossible to live without them. Enjoy!

Scot

Hi b345t

I have never tried the Ultra 6’s but I did own the Ulta 5’s. The Ultra 6’s are supposed to be better than the Ultra 5’s. I believe the only difference is more ball bearings in the 6’s compared to the 5’s. The Stillpoints did open up the midrange and also smoothed out the high frequencies as well. They lowered the noise floor and also made the bass noticeably tighter. All good things. The one thing the Ultra 5’s did that I didn’t like was they killed the tonality, it was gone. The accuracy of the timber and the tonal color was missing in action. I think most audiophiles are so focused and impressed with the positive that they tend to not notice the negative. I first noticed this after I got a new SACD player and was so impressed with the gorgeous tonal color/and the beautiful timber that I didn’t get with the old CD player. When I put the Ultra 5’s under the new player, I noticed that the tonality and beautiful timber that had so impressed me was gone! When I removed the Ultra 5’s and put the player back on the factory feet all that gorgeous tonal beauty immediately was there again. 

Then, I made the mistake of trying a set of the Critical Mass Systems Center stage feet (1.5” models). These feet require patients on the part of the user. At first, your system will sound worse, that’s right, worse. I don’t understand why but it’s clearly audible. It takes somewhere between 5 - 10 days for them to “settle in”. Something about a break in period deeply rooted in physics. Way beyond my comprehension, yet clearly audible. I was not prepared for the results. The reaction was all positive with absolutely no negative. They are stupid expensive but I warn you, the improvement must be heard to be believed, they are that good. Find a dealer and try a set, you will not return them. I now have them under my transport (remember those), my dac, my preamp and soon to be under my amp. A must audition. Good luck.

Scot

Hi b345t

I spoke directly to Joe Lavrencek (the owner & chief designer of CMS) and told me (in an email) that the 1.5” feet do sound better than the smaller feet regardless of weight. More room on the inside for the secret sauce inside the foot. I started with my preamp but I probably should have started with the transport as that piece creates the most vibration. The amp should have been next but I can’t install them by myself because the amp weighs 90 lbs and I can’t lift it by myself AND place the feet under it at the same time. No matter which piece of gear I put them under the results are incredible. Try a set and wait the 5 - 10 days and prepare to be amazed. Good luck.

Scot