Stillpoint Ultras anyone?

Isolation can be really hit or miss in any given application. Different iterations make real differences in my setup. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not, and in each case pretty unmistakeable albeit pretty subjective as to positive vs negative. (I've got various options that I have been shuffleing about). The SS Ultras made a real difference under my speakers, and one that I preferred enough to keep them. If they're -- to you ears in your system -- not worth the $$, then consider yourself lucky and move on. There are most definitely cheaper options. And especially moving from, as you did, a fundamentally similar solution to a marginally different iteration of the same isolation solution for the same shop, incremental differences maybe shouldn't be all that surprising. To hear you describe it, though, you heard a measurable improvement. Whether that's worth the coin at the vanishing end of diminishing returns....that's up to you and no one else.

I just inserted Stillpoint Ultras into my system. Amazing effect right away, and not one that I expected....stage depth and holography increased by a factor of 2-3, stage width also improved although not as drastically as depth in front of and behind speakers. Micro detail easier to hear as well....instruments and cues have better separation and sense of being in a distinct location. My Maggies aren't the best at imaging, but the Ultras have definitely increased imaging ability. I put three Ultra SS with Bases under my Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable (replaced spikes and screwed the Ultras into the actual pod threads)...large stainless steel bases sit firmly on a Symposium Ultra platform which sits on top a Quadraspire rack. Nice thing is the Ultra SS look custom sitting under the table -- adds to the beauty of the table and fits right in. The other Ultras (aluminum) went under my CJ 350 Amp...it quieted things down and had a relaxing ease introduced to the sound. Next up, 4 ultras under my Modwright 5400es. Under the turntable, these things are like making my unsuspended Clearaudio a suspended turntable...I can thunk the platform with my finger/hand and now the vibration is absorbed into the Stillpoints. A definite keeper.

Just as big an improvement with Aluminum Ultras underneath my Modwright 5400es sacd/cd player. Better space, lower noise floor, better articulation of each note especially bass. More holographic. Same effect as Ultra SS had on Clearaudio Innovation table. Stuff floats in space with better front-back staging, and is better defined in that space. Very good effect.

I had my Krell SACD player on top of a Stillpoints component stand, with the Delrin footers that come with the stand.

I replaced the top footers with the Ultra ALs and immediately and undeniably heard a big difference, along the lines described by Podeschi.

Now here's the strange thing. I then replaced the bottom Delrin footer with the older Stillpoints cones, and the sound got even better. However, I had one extra Ultra AL, so I replaced one cone with it - and I could hear an improvement. So I went ahead and bought more Ultras, and now I have the Krell sitting directly on 3 Ultra ALs screwed to the component stand, which is then supported by another 3 Ultras.

Amazing sound. Once you hear what it does to the front end, there's no going back. Beautifully resolved textures, no harshness or sibilance, and wonderful airy soundstage.

Wondering if the Ultra SS would improve things even more?...

Glaucon is smart. In a similar vein, I put four aluminum ultras under my Modwright 5400es, but then added a 5th ultra SS under the transport area....it added to the goodness...more solid imaging with more palpable bass all the way around. Best to experiment and add stuff to the equation. More is better in this regard.