Sistrum or Neuance or...?

This is a big can of worms. I asked the same question a while ago, and the whole subject of stands/platforms is enshrouded in the greatest audiophile mystique (which says alot). Perhaps it is the 'inner circle' of audiophilia. Also, beware, since I think that there are a number of people that sell what they brag about.

Anyway, Sistrum might be good because of the money-back guarantee. I went with Mana, but admit that I cannot help you decide since I never compared. Come to think of it, Mana also has a money-back guarantee (not sure if for custom build). Mana will build custom racks to your specs (which is what I did), and Teresa at Flat Earth Audio was always very nice. Mana seems to have a religious-like following in some parts. Also, Mana has the upgradability factor as well (it's really quite complicated). Part of my decision to go with Mana was the option to upgrade in the future (potentially with Neuance), and that my system will not be changing for years to come. I have some pictures under 'System'.

Rob

I have measured a 1.5 decibel increase in gain with the use of a Sistrum Sp1 platform and 3 Audiopoint apcd2 coupling discs under a Krell 280cd player. I new I could always hear a big increase in detail, staging and dynamics but never tried to put numbers to what I heard. I had a fellow co-worker dare me to measure what I professed to be hearing. My co-worker and I took our stores Audio Control Rta ran several test tones thru the Krell player at a preset pre-amp level and recorded this to the memory of the rta. We then placed the Sistrum Sp1 platform on 3 apcd coupling discs and then placed the same Krell player on the platform and repeated playing the same tones thru the cd player without any alteration to the pre-amp level. We recorded between 1 and 1.5 decibel gain in level when using the Sistrum Sp1 platform. The rack that all the equipment was on, was a Furniture Works 5 made of steel with wooden shelves resting on steel points on carpet over concrete. I have never attempted this test on any so-called isolation shelf or racking system.. Tom

I understand that what sounds best is the point, but after reading Ken Lyon's posts, and dealing with and reading the posts of those associated with Sistrum, I know what I choose to buy, given little other information. I am thinking that Budrew might benefit from getting an idea of the people behind the respective companies.

Neuance also has money back, btw. Maybe talk to each company and audition both devices. Post again if you get the goods. Good luck.

Tom: That was a very interesting post and test results. I do have some questions for you though. I am NOT doubting the results, just curious as to your thoughts on the subject.

1) If the Sistrum system of resonance control claims to drain both air-borne and chassis generated energy away from the component and sink it to ground, how could using such a device increase the amount of energy generated by the system itself? Wouldn't your test infer that energy was being ADDED to the system as a whole rather than being drawn away from the component on an individual basis?

2) When taking these measurements, was the boost / reduction a broad-band effect, concentrated over a narrow spectrum or quite random in nature?

Either way, i'm sure that your buddy was quite impressed one way or the other. The fact that you were able to measure ANY difference with a "doubting Thomas" seeing the results for themselves had to be an eye opening experience for them. Sean
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I have gone with a Neuance and Mana combination, but at the same time I'm using Audiopoints between the Mana stand and the Neuance platforms. A bit of a mixup since I love all three, but if you give the Neuance a try first you will probably not be disappointed. Best of luck, E