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The Best Isolation/ Vibration Footers per component - what's your experience?

Hi everyone,

There are probably a dozen of threads out there on Isolation/ Vibration footers out there, but there hasn't been thus far one been that combines the following two assumptions:

1. Isolation/ Vibration effectiveness differs per type of component (from source to speaker).
2. The above with Most Popular brands available as per July 2020.

Some of the most recognised brands thus far:
  
  • Arya Audio
  • Artesania Audio
  • Aurios
  • Black Diamond Racing
  • Critical Mass Systems
  • Gingko
  • Harmonic Resolution Systems
  • Harmonix
  • Iso-Acoustics
  • Shun Mook
  • Silent Running Audio
  • Star Sound Technologies
  • Stillpoints
  • Symposium
  • Townshend

The reason for starting this thread is that in the past few months I have been reading that the Critical Mass Centerstage 2 footers are beating all or most of the above solutions from the other named brands. However, it seems that the Arya Audio Revopods are also beating most of the brands in some high-end select forums and groups as well. 

Do you use and or have/ had any experience with the above and where did you place them and why?

Here is my setup currently.

1. Source/ Network player: Star Sound Technologies Sistrum platform
2. Pre-Amp: No footer yet (Artesania Audio rack)
3. Amplifier: No footer yet (Artesania Audio rack)
4. Power conditioner: Harmonic Resolution Systems Nimbus & HRS platform footers
5. Power supplies for source: Stillpoints
6. Router: Stillpoints
7. Speakers: Stillpoints

I found out that this works the best in my system, but would like to know your experience as I found that using these footers and their effectiveness really depends on the component. Specifically, I would like to hear your experience with Arya Audio and Centerstage 2 footers?
128x128richardhk
mitch2
4,045 posts
 
@vinylvalet , I suspect the differences between Herbies products and EVP would be less for lower weight components and would also depend on the rack/platform the component sits on.  I use a variety of aftermarket footers from Herbies, edenSound, and Stillpoint, and my components all sit on Zoethecus Z-slabs supported in a heavily braced wood cabinet, except for my 70-pound amps that are each supported on a purpose-calibrated SRA Ohio-Class XL+² isoBASE™ over a low profile heavy Sound Anchor stand spiked to the underlying concrete floor. 
My two heavy subwoofers are also supported on Sound Anchor stands that are spiked to the concrete floor, but I would be interested in hearing any differences that might result from using the EVP footers under the subs.  I suppose I could sit them directly on the carpet over the concrete.  Unfortunately, $105 x 4 per sub seems a bit steep when what I am using seems to work just fine now.
vinylvalet
906 posts
 
I agree. You've done a great job with your system. I also agree that the 4" EVPs aren't as good a value as the 2" ones. I'm guessing with everything you've already done with your subs, there may be an improvement but it probably would be minimal, not worth the additional expense.
celtic66
1,674 posts
 
The 1.3m system would be Definitive Audio and as noted is oft random and structureless.  Had a roommate who loved to stick Maggies, Luxman pre/amps and turntable in a 9'X12'X8' space and let her fly.  All great components, just not there.

The isolation thing is a dark art.  I've tossed it all for a couple of Quadraspire Reference X two shelf stands.  It works, it's simple and I no longer tinker with any more isolation tweaks.  Is it the best?  Don't know, don't care.  Sounds great, I'm done.
richardhk's avatar
richardhk OP
39 posts
 
just ordered a set of Revopods to try under my turntable. I’ll circle back and let everyone know how it goes.

Great, thanks! I was thinking of this myself, but probably for the pre-amp or amplifier, since the Centerstage are even more expensive. I think that either of these will also relatively keep their market value if it does not work.
richardhk's avatar
richardhk OP
39 posts
 
@millercarbon

I found this on your page 

This is why The System looks the way it does. It is extremely difficult to make a rack as good as no rack, ie the floor. A rack puts everything up high closer to ear level and reflects sound more because its all in one block. So The System is mostly on the floor, and with components at differing height and spacing the components diffuse more than reflect. This also provides for shorter and more direct cabling with greater isolation between signal and power cables. 

This is all very interesting. I think a lot more must be going on if a rack, any rack, is placed in the centre instead of the sides of the room. Especially if the rack has more than 2 levels. I also have the Get Better Sound book and it was recommended to put all or most of the gear on the side walls. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t work in a normal living room space especially if you live in HK. Hence, it might be that placing everything on single platforms with 1 level only would already improve the soundstage instead of using racks. I am currently using Artesania Audio, but it might be that even this brand or more expensive will always decrease the soundstage.

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