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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
gallaine
114 posts
 
I will keep this post short since it isn't topical. A little over one year ago I began upgrading my audio equipment. Being new to the hobby, and a software engineer, I naturally turned to the internet for help; and various magazines. In that time I have come to discover both the curse and the blessing in this hobby. The blessing is that I've never enjoyed music so much as now. In fact, I listen to music two hours a day on average. Now for the curse. That in nearly every website and magazine "shouting" matches break out on an all too frequent basis. I can't even read a simple thread on amp stands without uncovering such vitriole that most people just plain stop posting. Read the last five days in this thread and you will, hopefully, understand. I have yet to discover this rather ugly habit in my other hobbies (and I hope I never do). I like this hobby. But if I cannot find some sane part in it I am likely to drop it. So, please, post if you having something say but follow the Golden Rule. Sorry that I didn't keep my promise about this post being short.
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
Look, I felt the same way when I'd occasionally read "letters to the editor" in Stereophile five years ago. The shouting matches aren't even as frequent on here as they were then, or now, in the letters. You just need to filter thru it, discard or ignore what you don't like, etc. Most of us take the hobby personally (too much so), so of course it will happen. Frankly, I'm glad for the opportunity, since we can't all publish our own magazines, and many times our "gripes" are justified, and should be heard. It IS the 21st Century after all, and politeness "to a fault" went out with the 19th century. And the 1960's that you folks are so prouds of put the last nail in that coffin, so you're responsible anyway. At least I care enough to have a point of view...
nanderson
291 posts
 
Come on, Carl, give it do him.....sock him with some of that teenage Testosterone of yours!
nanderson
291 posts
 
PS: It is heard on the street that Bobby Knight will be putting on a "Shouting Makes Right and Other Forms of Insane Logic" Clinic next year if he loses his job at Indiana University. Maybe you could do an earlier audition as an assistant instructor. I thought this would be a quick way for you to make some extra cash. Heck, who knows,.... maybe they would leave Bobby Knight's clinic for one of your own. Maybe you should advertise early. Good luck!
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Gallaine & Carl; While I generally agree with Gallaine's post, I thought Carl had a good and well reasoned response. It is an emotional hobby and sometimes provokes passionate posts-- I find myself sometimes getting "excessively caught up in it" also. On the other hand, Nanderson's cold, calculated sarcasm is hard to stomach, ie it does not appear to be born of a passion for the hobby(IMHO). I still like amp stands. Craig.
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