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-   -   First Experience - Stillpoints Ultra (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=49442)

JoyfulNoise 01-24-2021 04:29 AM

First Experience - Stillpoints Ultra
 
5 Attachment(s)
Hello! Partially inspired by the benefits of adding multiple Stillpoints Aperture acoustic panels to my two-channel audio room, I recently worked with Masterlu to acquire my first sets of Stillpoints Ultra filters as follows:

Ultra SS
Speakers: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT
Power Amplifier: Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-255SE
Preamplifier: BAT VK-33SE

Ultra Mini
DAC: PS Audio DirectStream Junior
Streamer: Auralice Aries G2

Each of the Ultra SS and Ultra Mini is beautifully machined and exudes quality. I used Stillpoints adapters to thread each set of Ultra SS into the speakers and amplifiers, replacing the stock cones, spikes and footers. I placed the Ultra Mini under the DAC and streamer with a goal of locating filters underneath power supplies and critical circuit boards.

I am still acclimating to the newly improved sound of my audio system with Stillpoints Ultra filters installed; however, my initial impressions are highly positive. The effect reminds me of my days (years ago) at the mixing console sculpting the sound of instruments competing in overlapping frequency bands, ultimately achieving communication of a distinct and realistic sounding space in the mix for each instrument (when desired), discernible at even low volume levels. With the Stillpoints Ultra installed, my perception of instruments etched in the soundstage is increased, with no frequency band favored. My sense is that certain distortions are mitigated by the Stillpoints Ultra, allowing me to perceive closer to the whole of each instrument's timbre, transients, fundamental pitch and other harmonics (including changes in each over the course of a musical passage). Very impressive. Music has never sounded so good in my listening room.

Thanks to Masterlu for his guidance with product selection and great service.

Some pictures:

Weirdcuba 01-24-2021 05:41 AM

Great photos and likely a great sounding system. Stillpoints are expensive, but can be used with any component (although sometimes they don’t produce positive effects, I have found that to be rare).

JoyfulNoise 01-24-2021 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba (Post 1030256)
Great photos and likely a great sounding system. Stillpoints are expensive, but can be used with any component (although sometimes they don’t produce positive effects, I have found that to be rare).



Thanks. The system is really enjoyable. The Vandersteen speakers in particular reliably satisfy, whether playing a highly compressed modern pop recording or something far more dynamic. Their integrated powered subwoofers dig pretty deep when called for by the source material, which can be thrilling.

My subjective observation, thus far, is that using Stillpoints modestly improves deep bass performance in my room, but more importantly aids in presenting harmonics above the fundamental more clearly. Instruments (including voices) simply sound more interesting and tonally complex than before, which is fun to experience especially when listening to familiar recordings.

Stillpoints are friggin’ expensive, yes. [emoji1385]

Masterlu 01-24-2021 01:08 PM

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Great write up, thanks for sharing!

JoyfulNoise 01-26-2021 04:33 PM

Update
 
Update
This past Sunday I listened to my system for an extended period and at higher (normal for me) volume levels compared to previous sessions with the Stillpoints Ultra installed. My appreciation for the devices' effectiveness, particularly the Ultra SS under the speakers, is substantially increased. My sense is that the suspended floor underneath the speakers and perhaps even the walls and ceiling vibrate less, contributing to a significantly more articulate overall sound. Bass frequencies are still presented powerfully, but they seem to pressurize the room differently (more ideally) than before installing the Stillpoints Ultra. I am unable to identify a single drawback from using the Stillpoints, except of course a lighter wallet. Call me highly impressed. :thumbsup:


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