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Amp stands- Do they work?

I recently purchased a Pass Aleph 3 and loved it so much that I "had to buy" a pair of the Aleph 2 monoblocks. I have been A/B-ing them at my home for the last 3 weeks for most of my free time. The 2s have a lot more presence, but lack the for lack of better words "musical reality" the 3 has. Forgive me for the term, but if you've heard the 3, then you probably understand. Anyway, I have asked most of the guys at Pass Labs and they essentially tell me I am hearing things- that the 2s "have all the sonic characteristics of the 3, just more of it" I have eliminated all other variables except that the 3 is on the bottom of my rack (Salamander Archetype), and the 2's are on the carpet in front of my system. I am interested in anyone's input as to the impact a reasonable stand might have on the sonics of my amps. I currently am acting on this hypothesis and have put the 3 on the floor next to the 2's. If it is of any help the components are in order- my source is a Muse Model 5 transport, Illuminati D-60 digital, EAD 7000 MkIII D/A, Kimber KCAG, Muse Model 3 preamp, WBT 5151 -great cable!!!!!, Pass Amps, Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable, B&W 804s. Counterpoint PAC-5 conditioner, API Power Wedge 4A conditioner. Marigo RMX ref power cables. Amps are using stock power cables- Nelson Pass's recommendation. Thanks for listening and I look forward to any input.
tsquared
isellspeakers
9 posts
 
The only thing "amp stands" work on is your delusional imagination ! Try a properly set-up ABX double blind listening test- if you dare ! your Pass amps ( or whatever ) will sound NO different from, say, a current model receiver ( you pick the brand !! )
iceravendbd3
43 posts
 
This is for Nanderson & others who need a scientific explanation. Every 'stand or "non-stand" your precious gears are resting on are governed by the same fundamental physics; and those who are in engineering would agree to that. Basically our intention is to ensure that all vibrations real or perceived/predicted should be kept out or attenuated sufficiently of the audio range of frequencies. Check out http://members.xoom.com/rjmaudio/twk.html for some basic physics. You don't have to agree to all the principles explained but rjm's theories made some sense to an engineer. Buy or diy, but understand first!Phil.
pls1
432 posts
 
If you are on a wooden floor with a basement or crawl space, bracing with jacks and wooden pillars individually under the equipment and the speakers works wonders. I also find that lead shot "sand platforms" and flat bags of lead shot as equipment dampers work very well and aren't too expensive. Just make sure they are sealed and don't try is if you have kids.
gerrym5's avatar
gerrym5
286 posts
 
Iceraven, excellent pointer you gave! Solid advice and a good starting point for anyone.
nanderson
291 posts
 
My PhD work is in the field of prob testing. I suggest anyone that is willing to be humilated try a double blind test. A wordy explanation does nothing but convince the less sophisticated that you must be right since you devoted such good grammer and time to your explanation. I have sent every audiophile home with their tail between their legs on things they think they hear. I find this fun helping people save money for retirement and time with their family. Good luck but lets get back to reality.
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