The amazing new Marigo Evolution Signature Mat

Geo,

Of course he does.

Just like he knows what an audio product sounds like without listening to it.

Hi Coopershark,

I came upon this thread and feel somewhat compelled to respond. For the record, absent the Martin Logan Club, I rarely post on other websites. I like the MLC site because, amongst other things, the vast majority of folks are respectful and thoughful. After reading this and if you so choose, you can see my system on a similar thread I started on this very topic.

Google Martin Logan Club. Goto the MLC home page, click on the "Off Topic Audio Video" section and see the "Silly, stupid bargain" thread. I, like Cooper, wanted to share my personal observation on the new Evo Sig mat. Not because I have any personal interests in Marigo Audio but because I firmly believe this product offers substantial value for the money. As an aside, I think Ron is an individual with impeccable integrity and offers products based on defensible science.

For those who don't wish to do this, my system consists of the MBL 116 speakers, Conrad Johnson Premier 18 LS preamp, the Cary Audio 306 CD / SACD CDP, and a Pass Labs X250.5 amplifier. I'm listing only to provide some frame of reference.

Having recently received my 306 back from Ron Hedrick, who did some modifications, he asked if he could include his new mat for auditioning. I agreed on the basis that I could return it if I didn't care for the product. I had the previous Signature 3D Stabilizer V2 and had mixed results. I still use it on my DVD player.

Over the past week or so, I did some A/B (with and without) on about ten different occasions. I've since stopped since the results were consistent in all cases. That being an easily heard improvement in all aspects of sonic performance. Richer, more saturated tonal structure, improved soundstaging / dimensionality, and the ability to hear much deeper into the music. To summarize, a substantial increase in the overall musicality of my system.

For the record, I listen mainly to classical and jazz although I do occasionally enjoy Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Parov Stelar, Richard Thompson, Anni DeFranco, and others.

I do wonder about the relevance of a systems ability to provide a transparent / articulate presentation and its relationship to how easy or difficult it is to hear what this product does. My sense is that any "credible" system will benefit from this accessory. If your system has an overly warm presentation, you may have the opposite reaction that I've had regarding the efficacy of this device.

For me and in my system, it's an absolute no brainer and an extreme value. I would advise everyone to give this accessory a "test drive". You may be pleasantly surprised what $200 has to offer.

From reading the various posts, my sense is that there are those who disavow any product of this genre. And there are those who apparently have posted who have never auditioned this device. I don't quite understand how any credible person can do this but .........what do I know.

And for those who believe they will hear an improvement just because one has made a change in the system, all I can say is that's why you have two ears. I've been involved in this wonderful hobby for some 35 years and I believe I've reached the point where I can distinguish BS from the real deal, that being system musicality and connecting emotionally with the music.

I will gladly respond to anyone who wishes to post in a respectful manner. I will not respond to people who make gross generalizations without any objective basis for doing so.

Happy listening and Happy New Year to all.

GG

Hi Coop,

One thing I may have not emphasized enough. I believe that the benefits of the mat (and the ability to hear the increased musicality thereof) are linear to the resolving power of the system.

That's why I recommend a "test drive" to determine if the cost is worth the value.

Best,

GG

Xavier,

I did try it with my cat (Abyssian) but she would not sit still long enough to perform a valid A / B test. Also had the issue of getting cat hair in the laser mechanism.

I did like the improvement with my dog (brittany spaniel) because he was heavier (48 lbs.) and would stay for an extended period, as long as I gave him some Milk Bones.

If you do use your child, make sure the diapers are fresh to preclude damaging your CDP.

GG

Is it made by angels and blessed by the Pope?

GG

I think it's a moot but it depends on your accent.

So here's my take.

I would never start a thread on this site.

Here we have Cooper, who wanted to make folks aware (in a well intentioned manner)of a product that may help others increase the performance of their respective system. Seems simple and straight forward enough. And what happens?

Verbal attacks, abusive remarks, and condescending comments from those

WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD THE PRODUCT.

Why this tone / disrespect you may ask?

Beats me but it's very unfortunate. It severely impacts the credibility of this site (in a negative manner) and discourages those who may want to post about an accessory, or other unusual / unorthodox product from doing so.

Have a great life Badwisdom. By the way, your user name is perfect.

GG

Hi Branislav,

I don't get the fact that people, who have not heard a product, seem to think they can comment on its pros and cons.

It's totally uniformed and meaningless.

Perhaps they have a self esteem problem and want to pick a fight so they can make themselves feel better.

Or perhaps, they like to see their useless words on a website to justify whatever.

There are credible audio websites where the insecure don't post. Because if they do, the sites are moderated and ultimately, they get banned.

Not good for the small ego.

GG

Hi Ps,

What affronts me are people making unsubstantiated, meaningless comments on a device that they have never heard.

It's similar to a blind person describing, from a visual perspective, a sunset.

To those who believe in the "placebo" effect, my sense is that you will always have that perspective, regardless of what the efficacy of the device may offer.

This is audio, correct?

That's why we have two ears, correct?

GG

Audiofeil,

FWIW, and for better or worse, the $200 cost for this mat is so insignificant to the overall cost of my current system. I suspect that the same is true for many others from a proportional dollar perspective.

Money has nothing to do with it. A credible upgrade in musicality, for a very small investment is, as they say in the commercials, priceless.

GG

Budt,

You may see it as fanatical. I see it as trying products that clearly demonstrate a clear value from a cost / performance perspective.

As I've said previously, if you haven't heard it, your comments are meaningless.

GG

Cooper,

Don't beat yourself up over this.

As I said in a previous post, some people feel the need to post negative comments although they have absolutely no basis for doing so.

Sounds a bit like politics? The blind leading the blind or perhaps other issues with personal ego and self esteem.

These type folks exist, to some degree or another, on all public sites. Depends on the site and the moderation regarding their "shelf life".

I would suggest you post on other websites, where the participants actually use their ears to determine the efficacy of an audio product, and provide intelligent insight thereof.

Contact Ron and he can provide you with my contact information.

Best,

GG

Audiofeil,

Actually it's sad that you don't understand the concept (musicality) assuming you enjoy listening to music.

I just received an e-mail from a poster on this thread.

It was condescending and insulting. I have blocked him from sending me another e-mail.

This does raise an interesting issue about this site and its Discussion Forum.

If one has something to say about a product, is it reasonable to expect that the individual would listen to the product before making a comment?

Or is this a site where people hang out to insult and harass well intentioned audiophiles and said conduct is considered acceptable without any repercussions?

I really don't get it and don't want to.

To those who conduct themselves in this manner, please reconsider. Your conduct is counterproductive to the integrity of this site, the ability to discuss an audio product in a respectful / intelligent manner and serves no positive purpose.

If someone moderates these forums, please contact me and I'll provide you with the details of this unfortunate incident.

Rest assured I am not your buddy.

All the disparaging remarks you have made clearly infer you have not listened to the product?

Have you or have you not heard the product?

And assuming you have not, why have you chosen to post on this thread in the first place?

HI all,

Here's what I've learned in my brief foray on this site.

First, after having used the new mat for over two weeks, I can say that it has clearly increased my systems performance and my ability to further enjoy the music. I highly recommend that you try one, with a money back guarantee. You may be pleasantly surprised. I will not be returning mine.

Second, it's really a shame that those who have no knowledge of a product choose to admonish and insult well intentioned people without any basis for such actions.

To that group, you may want to reconsider your attitude about what you read and how it may help you to learn and enjoy music to a greater degree. To the best of my knowledge, I believe that is the core goal of this hobby.

Finally, this has been my first experience posting on this site and will be my last post on this thread or any other Audiogon thread for that matter. There are other audio sites where the members post intelligent, defensible comments and treat each other with respect and dignity.

To those who have made positive contributions to this thread, I thank you.

Happy listening to all.