Grand Prix versus Stillpoints

I performed direct comparisons several years ago. Both racks have improved since that time I am sure so not sure how accurate this is to their current forms, of which I still have the Stillpoints in its current generation.

The Grand Prix I had at the time had the Formula shelves and upgraded carbon fiber bearing feet under the rack. I did not have the amp stands at the time so this is fwiw.

I found that the Stillpoints and GP stands were very close in overall character with the Stillpoints rack allowing the system to sound more open in the upper octaves, more effortlessly dynamic with slightly improved low-level detail retrieval. The GP imbued a slightly darker overall tone but was not the worse for it just different. I was within a few months of needing to replace the neoprene pads under the G.P shelves though so I am not sure if this made any substantive difference.

I did find there to be a significant difference in replacing the standard shelves on the G.P with the carbon fiber Formula and an even more striking improvement when replacing the same type of acrylic shelves in the S.P with their tri-pod stands, eschewing solid shelves altogether.

One thing is certain. In both cases the standard acrylic shelves, while they might look nice, really held back the performance each of these racks is capable of without them. The differences in replacing the acrylic shelves in both cases was enormous and affected _everything_ positively. Both racks are exceptional in their own way and were dramatic improvements over my older JustaRack with double thick MDF.

I think either would perform well in most HE systems. I still have and enjoy the Stillpoints rack system and use their quad-arm stands under my amps--which was a dramatic improvement over my high-mass corian plinth sand boxes of yore.

Grant
Shunyata Research

Don't forget that the Sorbothane(not Neoprene)need to/should be replaced every six months. Is the new rack higher than the double-walled SE?

Don't forget that the Sorbothane(not Neoprene)need to/should be replaced every six months

Tab, if addressed to me, I agree. I replaced all twelve pucks about four months ago and it was like getting brand new GPA stands.

Alvin says change dampers about once a year but I've never waited that long to replace mine. The VTL amps are very heavy, I have to request special dampers so they don't get smashed flat and even then their life is likely shorted.

John, I agree the Carbon Fiber shelves are better, some people say a huge improvement.

What started all this was superior performance from turntables using Stillpoints and I wondered what their component stand would do.

I have two (new) JL Audio Fathom F-212 subs that have not even been un-boxed. Before they are put in place I wanted to do one more run at isolation of the amps as I suspect the floor around them will be getting much more of a workout than before and tube amps are particularly sensitive to shock.

The GPA stands require the Sorbathane to be replaced. Like tube gear that needs its valves replaced every so often. How do you determine when the rack is at its peak performance if it goes thru this decreasing term of performance. There must also be a time curve to reach its peak performance level. Just wondering. Tom

Tom,

Alvin sends a template that shows how much compression is proper for the GPA dampers. Too little compression and there is not good isolation, too much compression and it looses elasticity or spring function.

Deformation can be at the instant equipment is set on the shelf if the damper is not rated for that weight. Deformation also happens over time as the damper is exhausted performing it's function.

It's actually pretty easy to use the template, you put it beside the damper in question and measure deflection. This works but admittedly one of the reasons I'm investigating the Stillpoints option. Alvin has been A+ at getting new dampers out in a speedy manner but it would be nice to have a stand that did not need periodic maintenance.

My guess in advance is there will be better and worse with the new stand. That's what usually happens in high end audio when comparing two world class products.