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This Sistrum stuff works

Hi. I just got a bunch of Sistrum products to add to my system. The package arrived, with 2 Sistrum Speaker Platforms, 2 Sistrum Equipment Platforms, 2 sets of AudioPoints, a pair of Sonoran Plateau Desert Speaker Cables, and a pair of Sonoran Plateau Cactus RCA Interconnects.

I wanted to try an entire line of products that were designed to work together, using the unique vibration management system that the Sistrum and Sonoran products have. I thought this approach could have some merit.

I put the products into the system, 1 by 1, and listened for differences. I started with the speaker platforms. I immediately noticed that the slight "boxiness" that was present primarily in the lower midrange was almost eliminated. And the bass, and midbass was much more defined than before. Overall clarity seemed improved, but it was already quite clear to start with. One of the more interesting benefits was that I could play louder than before, with less audible distortion. Then I tried the equipment platforms under my preamp and amp. This improved the focus of the entire presentation by several percent. And again, I could play even louder before noticing any distortion occurring. The next candidate was the Audiopoints under my Teres TT. This was where I noticed an increase in detail and lowering of the noise floor. I had already used BDR cones and Cocobolo Cones under the TT, and these beat both of those quite convincingly. The final thing was the Sonoran Cables. These need some time to break in, but after about 4 hours of playing, this package is giving me the best sound that I have ever gotten from this system. The cables, even right out of the box, were quite open and detailed, with no high-frequency rolloff that I had experienced with some other cables I've tried, like Cardas Golden. After just a few hours, the bass was really showing excellent tonality and control. The mids were as open as my DIY cables, which had previously slain all comers. I expect these Sonoran cables to improve over the next couple of weeks, and that will be a nice treat, because they are already sounding quite good indeed.

Now, I have to admit that I have not tried a boatload of different cables, but I have tried a few. My cone and support situation was in need, and I didn't have a very good vibration control system in place before I got this stuff. Maybe other stuff can do very well too. But I can say that this Sistrum and Sonoran stuff does exactly what it says it does, and I am very pleased with the results that I got on my system.

In addition, I really like the appearance of these products, and that never hurts, even though my audio room looks more like a workshop than a living room. I go primarily for performance, and not looks. The sound is the key issue for me. But good looks are always a positive, if the sound is also good.

I would say that I recieved an honest 15% improvement in the clarity, tonal quality(especially in the low end), and in maximum SPL that I can now attain. Although I didn't measure it, I feel that I got an additional 3db SPL over what I was getting before. And with the improved clarity and tone at the same time. With my low power tube system, this was a very big plus, because it was like getting more power out of my amp. Sistrum claims that when you use their products, you get better efficiency from your system, including amps and speakers, due to proper vibration management. I now believe that this is true, because I experienced that in my testing with my system.

I could heartily recommend these products to others, because I feel that if they work on my system, they will work on others. The technology works. I'm happy.

While other isolation products may be very good, and also other cables may be very good, I feel that these are doing a great job, and have good neutrality, but let the sound and dynamics come through crystal clear, and from top to bottom.

This package wasn't cheap, at about $3000 retail for all the items I got. But it is not anywhere near the high price that alot of other cables and racks cost. I think it strikes a very good level of performance for a reasonable price. I can't buy $8k speaker cables, or $5k audio racks.

I'd recommend them for anyone to try out. They really do work, just as the manufacturer claims.
twl
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,598 posts
 
Tom:

I still find a decent rack to be needed. The differences between footers and shelf material seem even more pronounced with my current setup. Many of the items that were OK when used in the listening room are no longer used as they just do not sound right anymore.

I doubt if I will be able to budget any Sistrum speaker stands in the near future, but I might consider their floor spikes once I build floorstanding speakers for the living room (have not owned floorstanders since the late 70's, but they will be a nice change as I am tired of looking @ metal stands).

I ended up with a pair of Stephens Trusonic 8" full range drivers that I will be using in BR cabinets (don't think that they would work in TL's like yours).
twl OP
3,251 posts
 
Dekay, that's cool! I never tried the Stephens drivers, but one thing is for sure, you will hear what the benefits of directly driving the speaker, with no crossovers, can do.
If you like the coherency, then you could move up in drivers if you want to. There is something about single drivers that is unlike anything else. If you get addicted to it, you'll be a nut case like I am, with all kinds of weird gear.

I'm not bullshitting anyone about these Audiopoints cones. They reduced the cabinet vibrations in my speakers and reduced the midbass colorations quite noticeably, and allowed me to play louder than before. That is more than I ever expected from a set of cones, so I think they are worth it. When I moved the cones under my TT, and put the Sistrum speaker platform under the speakers, those worked even better.

YMMV.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Not to detract from the information included in this thread or the experiences of others, i found the information and design process of the racks at Grand Prix Audio to be a steeped in actual "technology" and "science" rather than the gimmickry and marketing that most other "audiophile approved" products resort to. This is not to say that i believe or agree with all that they have to say, but that i found it be a very good read as to how / why they developed the product that they did. Try reading through their website and see what YOU think as an individual. If it makes sense, so be it. If it doesn't, read it again : ) Sean
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brulee
564 posts
 
Sean, Once again it seems you have given an opinion on some scientific information that you have read than have experienced. Have you listened to a Neuance shelf compared to the Grand Prix? Have you ever listened to the Sistrum products? Have you ever even listened to a Grand Prix rack?
Or is this just some more of your opinions without any experience? Another useless piece of information without merit because you like a particular artical you have read? Why do you seem to talk about products that you have never listened to. You have become a product that has little value for me. I know you and many others think the world of yourself. I gain little knowledge from those who have to give an opinion when they have never heard a product. This seems to be something you offer too often with no experience of sound. You seem to offer this kind of useless advice too often. Stick with the technical stuff. I have heard the Grand Prix alongside the Neuance on a Mana shelf. When you have done the same, then maybe you will have a clue how useless this kind of information is. There is nothing more valuable than experience. Your information is as about useful as me giving advice on how to play chess. I love the game but how dare I give anyone advice on something I know little about. I know I am not going to make many friends with this post. But I am very tired of opinions without experience.
ksales
228 posts
 
Guys some times these threads sound like the crossfire spoof on SNL where the guy's response is "Jane you ignorant slut". Frankly I looked at the Grand Prix Audio site and there stuff looks cool and they do have some tech support for their stuff, but it sure looks like a whole lot of marketing. I mean formula car names for racks and other race car illusions are fairly typical male marketing ploys. Plus some of their science is not very strong. Lead shot is ok but the micro bearings used by starsound are a step beyond. I am not particularly a fan of glass shelves although many use em and find them ok. The sistrum stuff is like a tank; the metal shelves fixed in place with screw in an integrated system. While I really like the looks of the Grand Prix stuff their are several other mfgrs. who make a very similar product. At this point sistrum is somewhat unique, which doesn't mean its good. I agree that their website although improved needs more detailed info. I have encouraged them to do so and anyone interested in the products should email them and urge the posting of their scientific data for review. Also we should all consider a critique of statements made rather than the individual making them.
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