#1
|
||||
|
||||
First Experience - Stillpoints Ultra
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:
__________________
It's what it's not. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
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).
|
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
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]
__________________
It's what it's not. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Great write up, thanks for sharing!
__________________
Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES Last edited by Masterlu; 01-24-2021 at 01:10 PM. |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
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.
__________________
It's what it's not. |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |