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

Rubber bands to the rescue.  Get better sound and stay sane.

If you have not removed the factory feet on a component, you might want to experiment with different size rubber bands.  Twist and fold them so that they are secure on the sides of each foot.  If you have a fairly resolving system, you will hear a difference! The next step is to put rubber bands around speaker and interconnect terminals, whether in use or not.  Treat all of them.  Then move to the control dials or toggle switches on your components. 

My favorites are black, thin, and the size of a dime. $1 at the Dollar Store.

Enjoy the fruit of your labor.  (No measurement needed.)

Solid-Tec is pretty good, but it is a huge pain to buy in the USA. I have been waiting for 2 racks for ever. It will be 4 months in Jan 16 2022, when I was told 2 weeks.

In the EU is slightly different. 

I am impressed with the CenterStage 2 footers. They have given my system a "total face-lift". The improvement in clarity across the sound spectrum from highs to lows was remarkable. Moreover, they provided increased "oomph" perception because of the effect on leading and trailing notes and the recording environment. Using the 1" footers under the tube amp made the greatest difference. In the past, I've used IsoAcoustics, Tip Toes, Herbies, and Maple Shade products. The CenterStage 2 footers allowed me to hear the synergy of my components for the first-time.

Yes, I am saving my money to purchase a set of 1" CenterStage 2M footers to go under my Linear Tube ZOTL Reference 40+ amp. Then, the fun will be deciding where to place the 1" CenterStage 2 footers.

My modestly-priced system - LTA MZ3 preamp and Reference 40+ amp, LUMIN U1 Mini with Booster power supply, PS Audio P20 and DSD, Oppo 105D, and Tekton Double Impact speakers. As well, there are DIY sound panels for room treatments. 

As always, YMWV based upon your component/cabling/room synergy.

Happy Listening to all!

Marigo Audio Mystery Feet bettered the CM2 footers from Critical Mass on my DAC and didn’t have to go through the 2 week settling period. Lower noise floor, better dynamics and overall musicality.

-Alex

@rareace

I had the similar results as yours albeit with Harmonix’s TU-333EX Tuning Insulators.