SRA Amp/Source Stand comments

[BearCubinNY]

About 4 weeks ago I asked Ivan to recommend an isolation solution for me. At the time I wanted to keep all the equipment between my speakers and below the level (22 inches) of a drop down Stewart screen. Ivan had me do research into Silent Running Audio. It seemed an easy choice because they are so highly regarded. Ivan worked his magic for me.

I took delivery of four stands from SRA a few days ago. Currently all my gear is supported by the four stands. I didn't really want to go Hog Wild with stands, so I went with SRA's budget product, TremorLess. All their products are custom made for the equipment that it's meant to support. The amp stands are 3.5 inches thick and the source stands are 2.5 inches thick. The stands themselves aren't very heavy. Amp stands were about 30 lbs and source stands were less than 20 lbs. Build time approximately 3-4 weeks. They have very good fit and finish, for a budget product or not.

I happen to live in the same area as the main offices. One of the Principals (Tim ?) of SRA lives in my neighborhood. Tim was kind enough to drive the stands over to my house. He actually insisted on helping me install them. I definitely couldn't have handled the amps myself. One quirk with their stands is that they should not be slid on the floor while supporting any weight, which meant that the equipment could only be placed once the stand was in position.

Initially I couldn't identify any great benefit derived from adding the stands to my kit. Tim had mentioned that I should get better and tighter bass as a result. The more I listened, the more I could hear the trailing tail on the lower/mid frequencies sounding a bit more precise, which also resulted in an ever so slight cleaning up of a low level grundginess. The changes were neutral in tonality with the perception of a slightly quicker sound. So far, not really knocking my socks off. 24 hours into the listening, I decided to raise the volume a bit to see how far I could go. I was inspired by another AA thread about how often members were able to activate their power protection on their McIntosh amps.

One thing about volume in my system, I had never gone beyond 80 on the C500. I like loud music occasionally just like the next guy, but I could never crank it beyond 75 because the music would start to loose coherence. The music no longer was enjoyable at higher levels. Today the C500 saw 95 without breaking a sweat! The SRA stands really hit their stride in my system when I was pushing the equipment hard. It almost feels like I have upgraded my amps because of the new found ability to crank them. I'm not sure I'll ever hit the amp's power limit, but it's reassuring to note that I've reduced one more limiting factor in that regard.

The results of adding the SRA stands were subtle for normal listening volumes. Once the volume was raised, the SRA stands raised their game as well to the next level. RECOMMENDED

Pictures to follow by the weekend.

Reg

[Masterlu]

Great review Reg!

You also have the added benefit of my custom aluminum isolation feet on your gear.

[BearCubinNY]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Great review Reg!

You also have the added benefit of my custom aluminum isolation feet on your gear.

Correct-a-Mundo! I noticed a similar improvement with your isolation feet as well as with the Sound Anchor stands for the JL Audio subs that I have. All three work as promised and help remove even more of the room resonances from the playback. I'll say, it does take some getting use to hearing this improved sound. I've lived a lifetime without good isolation products until now. Hopefully when the HRS stands arrive I'll have good things to report as well.

Reg

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by BearCubinNY

Correct-a-Mundo! I noticed a similar improvement with your isolation feet as well as with the Sound Anchor stands for the JL Audio subs that I have. All three work as promised and help remove even more of the room resonances from the playback. I'll say, it does take some getting use to hearing this improved sound. I've lived a lifetime without good isolation products until now. Hopefully when the HRS stands arrive I'll have good things to report as well.

Reg

You better believe it, those HRS stands are at "Top of the Food Chain"

[howiebrou]

Congrats Reg!!

I am anxiously awaiting my three tier double width SRACRAZ rack which should be with me next Friday!

Howie

[BearCubinNY]

Good stuff Howie!
I was on the edge of my seat until mine dropped. They offer top flight isolation gear. Post pictures when you get them all set up!

Reg

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by BearCubinNY

Good stuff Howie!
I was on the edge of my seat until mine dropped. They offer top flight isolation gear. Post pictures when you get them all set up!

Reg

Will do. BTW where are your photos??!!

[BearCubinNY]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Will do. BTW where are your photos??!!

Here you go.

Reg

[vintage_tube]

Very nice Reg -- and that is an understatement. Immaculate to say the least & know you are thrilled with the result.

Bob

[BearCubinNY]

Thanks Bob! I love this hobby. Just when you think you might be close...

I am surely enjoying every step of the way!

Reg