Townshend Seismic Isolation Podium Platform Review:
Comparison: To the
Iso- Acoustics Gaia 1’s.
Procedure: I removed my Iso-Acoustics Gaia 1’s that I have had
under my Focal Sopra 2’s speakers from their entry into my system to compare the
sound with the Townshend Seismic Isolation Podium Platform.
With the 2 Townshend Seismic Isolation Podium Platform size
3 now in place. BTW, I must add that I
placed the order from Townshend in England from the USA on Tuesday, they were
shipped on Thursday and I received both of them by Monday. Pretty fast
shipping, Oh, if only the USPS could get there act together…
Starting with the bass. = There is definatly more clearly
defined bass notes. Defined is my choice word. I listened to familiar tunes
with prominent bass notes. I like to
imagine if I can feel a real bass player playing along. That is; with the power
and tonality of a live performer. Can you feel the bass pluck?
Midrange. = I hear more hidden clues in the music. I listen
for the clarity of the voice and instruments. Live recording’s is usually the
best to examine. (See my conclusion below)
Treble. = The highs are extended naturally. Nothing added or
taken away. I think the treble sounds more open, cymbals shimmer longer,
better? Again, I think so.
Soundstage. = Definitely an improvement in both front/back
side to side images. Very happy.
Conclusion:
Ok, I admit I am an old time rocker. My favorite group is
Creedence Clearwater Revival. On the “Green River” tune (24/192hz download), previously
I could sense the rhythm guitar of John’s older brother Tom strumming but could
never quite hear it clearly. No wonder he got pissed.
Well today with the Townshend Platforms in place, I can hear
the brother clearly strumming along, a little left of center, sort of floating
above the speakers. This tells me that I am hearing deeper minute images that
were once buried in the mix.
I like the livelier sound on the Led Zeppelin track “Rock
& Roll” HD 24/96hz but it always seemed a little anemic, like it should
sound more dynamic. Well now with Townshend Platforms in place it does! The
drum whacks have more presence. And the cymbals really ride with the music.
Most impressive.
The size of the Platforms fit my Focal Sopra 2’s perfectly,
almost like they were made for them. Edge to edge in all directions, perfect
fit. For smaller rooms the outrigger
extensions may be cumbersome but in my open room they look fine.
Nothing negative to report, except maybe the cost. But I
also own many Critical Mass footers that are quite impressive and I can’t believe
what those little buggers’ cost.
Quite frankly, instead of trying other footers that are perhaps
cheaper and sort of a band aid approach that will cause you to keep searchin’
for that missing element, go for the real thing(s) and finally enjoy your
system.
ozzy
