Symposium Svelte Pads with SF Guarneri Mementos

[TommyC]

Very nice!

Does the marble (or granite) stand sit directly on top of the Svelte pad? Is there anything in between?

Also, any improvement in the bass area?

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by TommyC

Very nice!

Does the marble (or granite) stand sit directly on top of the Svelte pad? Is there anything in between?

Also, any improvement in the bass area?

Tommy,

The granite sits directly on the Svelte pad - nothing in between.

I'm using a JL Audio sub-woofer with the Mementos, so I've really not assessed any change in the bass from the Mementos. They did tighten up everything else though.

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by jprice

Tommy,

The granite sits directly on the Svelte pad - nothing in between.

I'm using a JL Audio sub-woofer with the Mementos, so I've really not assessed any change in the bass from the Mementos. They did tighten up everything else though.

Nice

Maybe the next step is to try another set of Svelte pad under the JL audio sub.

[JS3]

How well do you guys think the Svelte shelf would work under a music server like the Mac mini?

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by jprice

Tommy,

The granite sits directly on the Svelte pad - nothing in between.

I'm using a JL Audio sub-woofer with the Mementos, so I've really not assessed any change in the bass from the Mementos. They did tighten up everything else though.

Sounds like things are greatly improved. As long as you're on this quest, a couple of things that might make you even happier:

• Turn off the JL while positioning the Guarneris. Once you have them done, reengage the JL and touch up the sub settings if necessary. When you get the mains best positioned for extension/smooth response, the sub transitions that much better.
  
  
• Once you are happy with everything on Guarneri and before you reinsert the JL, you might want to try and adjust rake angle. This will only be a substantial change if everything else is already dialed in. Without spikes and on carpet it can be tough, but perhaps you can do it between the Svelte pads and the Vicenza Stone bases.
  
  To check have someone wearing soft sole shoes stand behind the left speaker placing their feet at the back corners of the Vicenza stone so it can't move. By tilting the speaker slightly back from the top front, the person in the listening chair can hear if the two speakers properly align. If they appear to get worse, repeat on the other side and shim until both speakers are the same. (When setting in Berkeley the, difference between speakers can be the thickness of 1 business card so don't be afraid to be precise).
  
  Now ask yourself if the stage height/decay sounds like it's where it should be. If will likely be low. Use the tilt test to find the range with one speaker. Adjust the first speaker and then raise the other one the same amount until you are in the correct range. Fine tune until they match sonically. When that happens the speakers should relax and open up or as we call it in training "and then a miracle occurs."

Sounds like you're having a great time!!

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Sounds like things are greatly improved. As long as you're on this quest, a couple of things that might make you even happier:

Sounds like you're having a great time!!

I think the Guarneri Mementos are the best speakers I've owned since I sold my pair of Metaphors!!!! - - - (Although you actually told me that you thought the decision to purchase my Avalon Eidolons was a sound decision - when I met, and talked with you at The Gifted Listener in Centreville, VA in 1999) I did, in fact, purchase the Eidolons the very next day and still have them. I replaced a pair of Goldmund Dialogues in my main system with the Eidolons, moving the Dialogues to another location and you actually helped me find a new midrange driver for one of the Dialogues at that time. If I never thanked you for that. . . THANKS!

And thank you, Bill, for the pointers. I am a person who seems never to stop fiddling with my systems, moving speakers around, changing VTA etc.on my cartridges, trying out "new and better" accessories, switching wires and cables, etc. etc. So, I'm just about to start doing exactly what you have recommended in your post and I'll let you know if better sound is realized.

You are truly a fount of knowledge and it is a real plus to all of us Sonus Faber owners to have you here on AA.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by jprice

[B]

And thank you, Bill, for the pointers.

You are truly a fount of knowledge and it is a real plus to all of us Sonus Faber owners to have you here on AA.

I completely agree.

[metaphacts]

You guys are way too kind. Thank you.