The amazing new Marigo Evolution Signature Mat

Hi Coopershark,

I came upon this thread and feel somewhat compelled to respond. For the record, absent the Martin Logan Club, I rarely post on other websites. I like the MLC site because, amongst other things, the vast majority of folks are respectful and thoughful. After reading this and if you so choose, you can see my system on a similar thread I started on this very topic.

Google Martin Logan Club. Goto the MLC home page, click on the "Off Topic Audio Video" section and see the "Silly, stupid bargain" thread. I, like Cooper, wanted to share my personal observation on the new Evo Sig mat. Not because I have any personal interests in Marigo Audio but because I firmly believe this product offers substantial value for the money. As an aside, I think Ron is an individual with impeccable integrity and offers products based on defensible science.

For those who don't wish to do this, my system consists of the MBL 116 speakers, Conrad Johnson Premier 18 LS preamp, the Cary Audio 306 CD / SACD CDP, and a Pass Labs X250.5 amplifier. I'm listing only to provide some frame of reference.

Having recently received my 306 back from Ron Hedrick, who did some modifications, he asked if he could include his new mat for auditioning. I agreed on the basis that I could return it if I didn't care for the product. I had the previous Signature 3D Stabilizer V2 and had mixed results. I still use it on my DVD player.

Over the past week or so, I did some A/B (with and without) on about ten different occasions. I've since stopped since the results were consistent in all cases. That being an easily heard improvement in all aspects of sonic performance. Richer, more saturated tonal structure, improved soundstaging / dimensionality, and the ability to hear much deeper into the music. To summarize, a substantial increase in the overall musicality of my system.

For the record, I listen mainly to classical and jazz although I do occasionally enjoy Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Parov Stelar, Richard Thompson, Anni DeFranco, and others.

I do wonder about the relevance of a systems ability to provide a transparent / articulate presentation and its relationship to how easy or difficult it is to hear what this product does. My sense is that any "credible" system will benefit from this accessory. If your system has an overly warm presentation, you may have the opposite reaction that I've had regarding the efficacy of this device.

For me and in my system, it's an absolute no brainer and an extreme value. I would advise everyone to give this accessory a "test drive". You may be pleasantly surprised what $200 has to offer.

From reading the various posts, my sense is that there are those who disavow any product of this genre. And there are those who apparently have posted who have never auditioned this device. I don't quite understand how any credible person can do this but .........what do I know.

And for those who believe they will hear an improvement just because one has made a change in the system, all I can say is that's why you have two ears. I've been involved in this wonderful hobby for some 35 years and I believe I've reached the point where I can distinguish BS from the real deal, that being system musicality and connecting emotionally with the music.

I will gladly respond to anyone who wishes to post in a respectful manner. I will not respond to people who make gross generalizations without any objective basis for doing so.

Happy listening and Happy New Year to all.

GG

GG,

I had just read your post on the ML site and the threads...It is amazing that guys will negatively comment based on anything but first hand experience! This is the fourth iteration of Ron's Marigo mat. I have found each successive generation an improvement, but with this one, Ron had hit the ball out of the park! If a listener hears a dulling of his audio system as a result of using this mat, then there is something wrong with that system as it is not neutral or resolved.

Now that I have been using this mat in both of my systems for several weeks, I have found the tonal signature to be like that of a good moving magnet or moving iron cartridge, as opposed to a moving coil with a hyped up high frequency emphasis. However, the sound staging and imaging is stupendous! I swear that I have another five feet of additional sound stage width on both sides of my listening room with much more resolution and sonic alignment of what is going on within that stage. The sense of the venue of the performance has never been so strong or apparent! (I use Magico Q5's and they perfectly couple to my room - The Q5's bass performance is second to none in its speed and resolution.) I have never experienced digital sounding so pleasurable, detailed, smooth, or accurate.

Until recently I was ready to upgrade my digital system. I am not in such a hurry now. I can easily live with what I have for several years to come and patiently wait for the state of the digital art to advance before I take another plunge.

I think that we are similar in that we are experienced audiophiles and that the panacea is not necessarily in changing our equipment, but rather tuning and refining what we already own and enjoy. I know that I have invested a lot of time, experience, and money into my main system. It was carefully thought out - from the listening room, to the speakers in that room, to the isolated electric delivery to that room, to the components themselves, to the cabling that connects the components, and to the control of vibration. Everything in that system has a purpose and was chosen to work in perfect harmony with everything else. I am loth to change for the sake of change.

The addition of the new Evolution Signature mat only served to confirm the positive and synergistic choices that I had made. Our hobby is about having some fun and enjoying music.
This little mat has taken that enjoyment to a whole new level.

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I my only wish is that some audiophiles will read what we had written and try this new mat, particularly when they have resolving systems. Perhaps they will be as enthusiastic as you and I as to its efficacy. Please have a Happy New Year as well!

With all my best,
Coopersark

Hi Coop,

One thing I may have not emphasized enough. I believe that the benefits of the mat (and the ability to hear the increased musicality thereof) are linear to the resolving power of the system.

That's why I recommend a "test drive" to determine if the cost is worth the value.

Best,

GG

I have just put my 21 month old daughter on my CD player and the effect is amazing.

I suggest anyone who has a daughter try this. I hear that if you have a son you get more bass and less voluptuous highs, but YMMV. This can be compensated by adding a cat, but it has to be white. Black cats suck.

Cheers
Xavier

Xavier,

I did try it with my cat (Abyssian) but she would not sit still long enough to perform a valid A / B test. Also had the issue of getting cat hair in the laser mechanism.

I did like the improvement with my dog (brittany spaniel) because he was heavier (48 lbs.) and would stay for an extended period, as long as I gave him some Milk Bones.

If you do use your child, make sure the diapers are fresh to preclude damaging your CDP.

GG