Stillpoints meet MCD500 - What a revelation

[vintage_tube]

Controversy coming even before one word is typed.

First the bad news or at least the most shocking revelation -- in getting the MCD500 ready for the transformation, I removed the stock feet and about had a heart attack -- the stock feet are molded plastic and weigh in at 17.6g (1/2 ounce or so). For a well made player that the MCD500 is; for heavens sake folks, get something better for vibration control such as Rollerballs, Fatz Pads, Stillpoints, Harmonix footers under that fine unit.

Okay, so what did I notice? Well, to set the stage, I've been playing the same two CD's over and over this morning prior to the installation of the Stillpoints.

On DK's CD's and Jennifer Warnes, The Hunter, the notes are without a doubt an improvement, even though slight, in detail and articulation.

Pics of the stock feet against the heavy, metal constructed MC2301 footers.

Next project -- Stillpoints under the C500P (which supports the C500T) and under the MT10 (I tried a Ginko Cloud 11 and noticed when I tapped on the platform, a thud would amplify thru my speakers -- so, it was removed).


Bob

[Dj_AmTraX]

Maybe the feet aren't that important if the player was designed from ground up to use them?

[j3brow]

Bob,

My experience mirrors yours. I long ago removed the stock McIntosh hard plastic feet and slipped 3 Symposium "couplers" under the chasis resting a top a Symposium svelte shelf. I couldnt believe the difference it made versus the hard plastic feet a top the svelte shelf. The already impressive performance of the MCD500 was quite frankly improved to whole 'nother level. Microdynamics and to a lesser extent imaging improved with an apparent blacker background. In other words, the 'resolution' of the system improved without ANY negative effects. I was floored!! This is such an inexpensive tweak, everyone owes to themselves to at least experiment with their favorite isolation/vibration control devices. I will purchase Rollerblock 2+ in the future for the MCD500 and preamp.



Jason

[Masterlu]

+1

I use Rollerblocks under all sources & pre-amps; excellent tweak for the buck.

[nsgarch]

I have quite a few (couple dozen + ) sets available, but you have to see my thread on the appropriate forum: http://audioaficionado.org/selling/2...nt-stands.html.

Thanks,

Neil

[kb7215]

Here's another option: use Black Diamond Racing (BDR) Cones. You need the following: four 10-32 x 1/4-20 Adapters and four BDR Cones (available from Music Direct) per component. I've replaced the stock McIntosh feet on my MCD500, MEN220, C1000T & C1000 Controller. An advantage of the BDR Cones is they allow you to level a wobbly component. For example, my MEN220 chassis is slightly warped and it's a simple matter to adjust the appropriate BDR Cone/Adapter assembly to compensate. My MCD500 sits on a HRS Isolation Base (Granite); my MEN220 sits on a glass shelf and my C1000 pair sit on individual BDR 'Shelf' (Carbon Fibre) units. One thing to watch out for: the modified units slide very easily so take care when you're connecting the cables!

I plan to change out the stock McIntosh feet on my MR85 and then my MC2301 monoblocks.

[turntable]

I put 3 stillpoints under each cj ART3 chassis last week and the resulting clarity and focus brought to the entire audio spectrum was a lot more than I expected.
To make sure it was not just the placebo effect I removed them today and listened again. In comparison the bass was a little overblown and the rest of the audio spectrum a little well blurred. Of course I am slightly exaggerating, but the difference was easy to hear.

I them put the stillpoints back and the focus and clarity returned. BTW, these are just the stillpoints, not with the footers, couplers etc which are supposed to be better again.

I have used a number of footers in the past - Aurios and rollerblocks , but the stillpoints to my ears are a lot better. Stillpoints also do not rock like a drunken sailor, stillpoints do not. I still use the Aurious on one of my phono stages, but it is a PITA.

highly recommended

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by nsgarch

I have quite a few (couple dozen + ) sets available, but you have to see my thread on the appropriate forum: http://audioaficionado.org/selling/2...nt-stands.html.

Thanks,

Neil

Neil, longtime no see, have missed your informative posts.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

Neil, longtime no see, have missed your informative posts.

Bill.......Coffee and Kahlua for breakfast?

[Cucumber_Jones]

I have used pulsar points under my pre and power (both tube) and it made a massive improvement. Great cheep upgrade.