Fi Elemente Pagode Master Ref amp platforms

If you're shopping in that range, also consider the Silent Running Audio Craz. I owned the Master Ref and, after hearing the two side by side, replaced it with the Craz and haven't looked back. The build quality is beyond incredible. Unless SRA upgrades it, my Craz will be in my room until God comes knockin'. :)

I didn't see that your question was about the Master Ref amp stands, not the rack. I still stand by SRA recommendation, though. Their component bases are second to none, in my experience.

I was considering the SRA stands when I was looking for a stand for my Lamm M1.2 monos. The problem for me with that stand was that they are component specific - i.e. every time you sell your amp you should get the new ones.

Eventually, I sold my Lamm monos before I pulled the trigger. So in a way, from todays perspective, I 'm glad I didn't get them since I would have to sell them as well.

The Pagode stands aren't component specific which would suit my ever evolving system better, and at 1000$ a piece are much cheaper as well.

BTW Hooper - can you descride the diferences you have heard between those two stands ?

Jfrech - I'm considering getting the rack as well, but I wanted to start with the amp stands first.

Elberoth:

The biggest change I noticed was in the amount of energy I heard. With my gear on the SRA, the music popped and crackled (not literally, of course!) in a way it just didn't with the Master Ref. It had a sense of vitality and dynamic "aliveness" the F-E couldn't match. My friend, who probably has better ears than I, heard the same thing. But that increased energy didn't come at the expense of smoothness. Maybe it didn't have *quite* the "woody" warmth of the Master, but the difference was pretty slight and didn't bother me at all.

I definitely understand the drawbacks of the component-specific approach, though I should mention that SRA now will "re-tune" your platform for a pretty nominal fee to fit the new component--provided that the shape of the new piece is relatively close in configuration to that of the old one. They might even offer a trade-in program, though I have to confirm that.

I haven't heard the SRA. Honestly, I almost bought it. I talked to Keven and the folks there quite a few times. The thing that swung the deal for me was my dealer. I just wanted to buy local from him.

Hooper, did you use the Cerapucs and Cerabases with your Master Ref? Those did upgrade my Finite rack quite a bit sound wise...in the snap crackle and pop department as you say.

Elberoth2, I'd say, from my experience, the Cerabases are a must for a amp stand or a full rack. Pls consider that in your budget for Finite Elemente...ditto the Cerepucs...

Anyway, good luck !!