Wow I didn't know that SRA is much better however.
Townshend platforms vs SRA platforms
Seems this is two very different philosophies of dealing with vibration control.
I believe that both are extremely effective but wonder which approach is best.
I know and love my SRA Ohio Class platform. They are transformative. Especially for TT.
And I also know that many swear by Townshend.
But SRA are solid and Townshend flexible or closer to springs (rubber).
Kind of like comparing Stillpoints with IsoAcoustics.
I believe that both are extremely effective but wonder which approach is best.
I know and love my SRA Ohio Class platform. They are transformative. Especially for TT.
And I also know that many swear by Townshend.
But SRA are solid and Townshend flexible or closer to springs (rubber).
Kind of like comparing Stillpoints with IsoAcoustics.
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Nah man adapt, roll with it. https://youtu.be/y6NxWID2r6E?t=33 Townshend are modular. Podiums, Bars, and Platforms are all based on the same fundamental technology as Pods. They all use an air valve damped spring. Pods the air damped spring has a top that turns for level adjustment. Bars and Platforms are basically Pods attached to a bar or a platform. Podiums use a more sophisticated platform as well as Pods at each corner that are more adjustable, with adjustments both top and bottom. With Townshend the technology is all out in the open. You can unscrew and handle, see and understand what is going on. SRA is the epitome of Buckminster Fuller's "the ephemeralization of technology". The technology in that case is all inextricably built into the materials inside. |
@mglik: IsoAcoustics uses rubber as the isolation material in all their footers, Townshend does NOT. The rubber sleeve into which the Townshend spring is installed is not employed in an isolation function, but as a very clever means of creating a damping characteristic in the Seismic Pod. There is nothing else like in on the market. |
SRA was clearly sure that any pods or feet defeat the function of their platforms. They said that the platforms are designed to work with the stock feet. Although I do use Stillpoints with my TT platform. And Ralph uses them with his preamp too. My mind is open as to which is better-SRA or Townshend. All I am sure of is that the SRA platform under my TT is nothing short of spectacular. It is like the SRA allows the TT to fully function as designed. And, to my knowledge, Townshend is not used in critical scientific, military and medical as is SRA. So much so that they call their upper line Ohio Class and Virginia Class and their company the submarine term “Silent Running” Audio. |
Hi Chuck I was surely thinking of you when I posted. SRA is oriented toward end users whom are at the point of destination when ordering. In a way, this amplifies things when applied to beloved, forever components. And there is quite a difference with the Townshend being so effective under speakers. I think this is a very different application from TTs and other components. I don’t see SRAs used much for speakers. Although my “solid” Stillpoints under my speakers are also super effective. |
There's a review on this page I found interesting. https://www.silentrunningaudio.com/reviews/ A couple things stand out. SRA pricing compares to a BDR Source Shelf. SRA performance compares most closely to a Townshend Seismic Sink. That's it. Well, the new Pods and stuff are all much better than the old Seismic Sink. Pods also cost a lot less than a Source Shelf. So if this guy is right there is a good case to be made that in terms of sound quality alone Townshend is about as good, maybe better. For less. With greater flexibility. What you should do then is put your SRA on Pods. Obviously. ;) |
Just from what little I know, SRA is custom made to order for each component. No returns. And when you sell your whatever what do you do with your custom made SRA? Townshend can be custom made, but their Pods, Bars, Platforms and Podiums cover a wide enough range this is hardly ever necessary. They can be returned, and are easily sold or transferred to other components when upgrade time comes around. As it tends to do. I don't know how they would compare in a purely sound quality shootout but I do know I would pay more for the flexibility and resale. But the way SRA hides their prices gives me the feeling it might be the other way around. |