Sistrum or Neuance or...?

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

Sean this test/experiment was done over two years ago. From what I can remember most of the gain was in the 200 to 2500 hz range. We also did a pink noise test with the same methods and the Sistrum seemed to have a flatter in room response thru the mid bass on up into the midrange as stated. The graphs stored on the rta made for easy comparisons..The mic was set up at the best listening position for that particular system..Sean the Sistrum and Audiopoints are coupling devices and not isolation devices. I believe when placed under devices that Sistrum somehow helps in the alignment of electro-mechanical fields so they are less random and more focused. And because they are more properly aligned they are more efficient.. I believe this focus point is ground hence the coupling. Has anyone measured or tried to measure any gain in output or a change in response on devices that were cryo'd..Many brass players have stated that their saxophones and trumpets were easier to play and so much more lively after being cryo'd that they had to reduce their breathing levels by a third. Maybe Sistrum provides the same benefit..Tom