Grand Prix versus Stillpoints

Albert,

Could you expand further on your personal impressions of each stand's relative strengths and weaknesses in the context of your system, and why, ultimately, you opted for the Stillpoints vs. the GPA?

I ask not to make you write a short treatise, but because both products make promises about vibration control, are similar in price, yet have radically different approaches to how they address the problem. Thanks,

-Richard

I have not compared the StillPoints rack with the GPA but with the Halcyonics. Actually, that is not really correct. I was able to put everything on StillPoints and only three components (amp, tt, and digital) on Halcyonics units. Everything on StillPoints greatly outperforms three pieces on Halcyonics. The sense of involvement in the music and lead edge were much improved. I do wonder what everything on Halcyonics would sound like but prices on Halcyonics have sored and they take up too much room.

There have been complaints about the acrylic shelves. I have a set of what StillPoints calls their OEM feet between my linestage and an acrylic shelf and this was a major improvement in soundstage precision and dynamics.

Albert,

Could you expand further on your personal impressions of each stand's relative strengths and weaknesses in the context of your system, and why, ultimately, you opted for the Stillpoints vs. the GPA?

The Grand Prix has very bold bass but it's a bit flabby, it presents music in a soft and sweet manner reminiscent of Audioquest Sorbothane footers. All notes are a bit fatter especially the mid bass. Sound seems slowed down a tiny bit.

The Stillpoints bass is so tight, at first it seems something is missing. You may have to retune the system by moving speakers, swapping tubes or whatever tweak to put tonal balance back where bass is in balance again.

Ultimately the Stillpoints are cleaner, faster, higher resolution with better sense of each instrument placement and much better frequency extremes. They are also less money, take up less space and I prefer their appearance.

Remember I was experimenting to find the best resolution for my system to balance the new twin JL Audio Fathom F-212 subs. Tight bass for the main speaker was a huge improvement and allowed better integration with the subs.

Hope that helps.

Thanks!

While I could have most likely surmised your response simply based upon the materials used in the differing support systems, it was good to have first-hand validation. Enjoy!

-Richard

Albert,

Will you try the new version of the Stillpoints rack? Are the subs isolated?