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Can I go wrong with Stillpoint Ultra Mini anti-vibration isolation feet?

I am researching what anti vibration isolation feet to add to my components. I came across a Galen Carol article which compared and rated various isolation devices. The Stillpoints rated the highest among isolation feet with at 9 out of 10 rating. If purchased used I could afford Stillpoints bottom of the line Ultra Minis for my Marantz KI Ruby CD/SACD player and Luxmann L507u Mk2 integrated amp. Maybe later some more for my Shunyata Hydra Denal 6000/S power conditioner. Do you think these would be a good choice for my system in their price range of maybe $350 or more a set used.

If it makes a difference the rest of my system is a VPI Classic 2 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge, and a pair of Magico A3 speakers. The components are sitting on built into the wall shelves. The top shelf for the CD player and turntable is a slab of marble floating on a cushion of that rubbery shelf liner you can use for kitchen drawers, which is on a floating slab of 3/4" Baltic Birch plywood on another piece of shelf liner over a fixed 3/4" plywood shelf. The integrated amp is on the middle shelf similarly designed but without the marble level. The bottom shelf, the same as the middle has the power conditioner and my DISH box for watching TV.

So what do you think? Would the Stillpoints be a good choice or should I be looking elsewhere and why. Again I’m only looking for feet, not shelves or platforms. I’m sure some of you have some experience with these devices and could help guide me along as I’ve none. Thank you for your thoughts and I'd appreciate your advice.

Below are some of the more affordable higher rated isolation feet I’ve been taking a look at from the Galen Carol list along with his 1-10 rating on each. The Stillpoints are a bit more pricey, but have the highest rating, so maybe are worth the extra investment. The full list is at https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/a-brief-survey-of-isolation-devices/

Aurios Classic- Roller Ball (8)

Pro Max- Roller Ball (7)

Decouplers- Roller Ball (5)

Black Diamond Racing (BDR) Cones- Rigid (5)

Clear Audio Magix- Other (7)

Daruma IIIi- Roller Ball (7)

DH Cones- Rigid (7)

Isolation Bearings- Roller Ball (7)

Finite Elemente Ceraball- Roller Ball/Other (7)

Cerapuc- Roller Ball/Other (8)

Gingko Mini Clouds- Viscoelastic (8)

Marigo Small Cones- Rigid (6)

Reference- Rigid (6)

Stillpoints- Other (9)

Symposium Rollerblocks - Roller Ball (8)


Thanks for looking,

Mike



skyscraper
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I presume that comparison was made before Isoacoustics came on the scene in a big way.  A selection of their Oreas (not oreos) might prove tempting.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,377 posts
 
I use them and like their performance. I have them under both Hydras. Currently trying them under my phono preamp, replacing DH cones.

The minis sound better using 4. This becomes agrivating however. You quickly find out how flat your platform/casework really is.
skyscraper OP
824 posts
 
Fsonicsmith, you didn’t mention how you liked their performance. I’d be interested in your input on that.

Rsf507- thanks for the description of how the Ingress Roller Blocks sound better in your system. I have been reading about them today. They sound promising and at a much better price point. Do you have the black Version 2 or silver Version 3 Ingress Roller blocks? They look the same other than color and height but the newer Version 3 costs twice the price ($199 CA vs $95 CA). I wonder what you get for double the money.

Twoleftears, there are Aurios on Galen Carols list, but not Oreas. I’ll look into them. Thanks.

Slaw, I’d read about four Stillpoints being better than three. You’re absolutely correct about finding out how level and flat your shelves are, especially any wooden ones. They tend to warp over time, and vary in level and flatness seasonally with humidity too. Good you’re pleased with your Stillpoints. I read up on the DH cones you mentioned also.

What difference do you note when you place Stillpoints under your Hydras?. I’ve been wondering if there was any advantage to placing them under a power conditioner which would warrant the purchase of an additional set of isolation feet. Thanks for your advice.

Mike
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,377 posts
 
@skyscraper,

They cleaned up the signal. Power conditioners need to be treated just like a component. By removing noise/hash, you hear a clearer presentation. There is a video out there from years ago where, I believe it was Roy Gregory, doing a demo of the advantages of Stillpoints under various components. The difference is easily heard on the videos.
tt1man
56 posts
 
Gents, is it permitted to just mention (name & website without embellishment), our isolation products to add to the above list for consideration? TIA.
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