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SRA VR vs. Ohio

I'm on the verge of investing in some vibration isolation platforms for my system. I use one digital box, a two chasis tube pre, mono SS amps, and speakers that have an outboard bass control so I would need 6 pieces in total. That would be some serious $$ if I went with all Ohio Base plus. I'm sure there are plenty out there who own the VR series and the Ohio Plus, so my question is, what differences do you notice between the two, and what components do you use with which?

I'm thinking about starting with all 6 VRs initially then trade up to a Ohios one at a time, starting with the mono amps, in a year or two but welcome any comments or suggestions.

Thanks.
speeddeacon

Showing 3 responses by larryi

larryi
4,182 posts
 
It would seem reasonable to expect that the more one isolates components from vibration, the better. However, that is not always the case. To some extent, it is a matter of tuning the system to one's taste. I generally find that vibration control under amps and preamp/linestage to have a positive effect, though sometimes subtle. One tends to get a much more dramatic effect under a CD player. By the same token, it is even more likely that too much vibration control under a CD player will dry the sound out too much and make the system sound analytical and cold.

I would suggest getting only a few platforms at first and then experimenting to see where they will help the sound and where the effect is not salutary.
larryi
4,182 posts
 
Yup, the SRA products are designed for components of specific weight, including a consideration of distribution of that weight. Still, one can get a rough idea about how additional dampening will affect particular components, by trying another component on a similar platform.

I have personally found such platforms useful for most components, particularly, my amplifiers (tube monoblocs). But, I have found that for some CD players, some platforms altered the sound too much (most well designed systems are, in a sense "tuned" so any drastic change is not going to be good). For example, when a dealer friend tried a Symposium Ultra platform under an Aero Capitole player, the sound became WAY too dry and analytical.
larryi
4,182 posts
 
I don't recall the specific associated electronics, but the system had Avantgarde Duos and tube electronics. The Ultras and roller balls worked well under everything, except the CDP. It's not that the system sounded bad, just leaned out the sound a touch too much. I think results are system specific and a matter of "tuning" the sound. It is BECAUSE these things are so effective and they do substantially alter the sound that results will vary substantially.

I personally use Ultra platforms and rollerballs under my amp and linestage. I also use Svelte Shelves under my speakers. With my current CDP (Naim CDS3), these devices help a little, but I actually cannot practically use them because there is not enough room in my rack (the player is a top loader).

I have seen the Symposium demonstration at a dealer and at CES. It is quite impressive.
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