Hi Chuck I neglected to answer your question above:
Actually the design differences are significant - not even close to the same shape at all. Regarding hardness, I do not know. Get on the Nordost website to see a picture of the Pulsar Points; very different approach. They are also available in a less costly aluminum version (doubtful the performance is equivelant, but I guess that's possible) however I wanted to compare titanum with titanium. The Orchard Bay's are shaped like a Hershey's Kiss with a very sharp point, & are best used with O.B.'s large brass pucks beneath them. They were/are available through Stewart at Sanctuary of Sound, a highly recommended Audiogion dealership. He has photo's on his website. I say "were" because I think he discontinued the titanium, but still has Orchard Bay brass cones etc. available which are said to be very good as well. Stewart also gives some very good advice based upon his substantial experiences with tweaks & he has never steered me wrong.
Actually the design differences are significant - not even close to the same shape at all. Regarding hardness, I do not know. Get on the Nordost website to see a picture of the Pulsar Points; very different approach. They are also available in a less costly aluminum version (doubtful the performance is equivelant, but I guess that's possible) however I wanted to compare titanum with titanium. The Orchard Bay's are shaped like a Hershey's Kiss with a very sharp point, & are best used with O.B.'s large brass pucks beneath them. They were/are available through Stewart at Sanctuary of Sound, a highly recommended Audiogion dealership. He has photo's on his website. I say "were" because I think he discontinued the titanium, but still has Orchard Bay brass cones etc. available which are said to be very good as well. Stewart also gives some very good advice based upon his substantial experiences with tweaks & he has never steered me wrong.