SRA VR vs. Ohio

Larryi, your experience with an Ultra under an AA Cap begs further information, i.e., what electronics/speakers were downstream - not to mention what music was being played. In my system the results are a polar opposite to your observation. The sound is readily more articulate, yes, but the music is much more liquid and the soundstage is immediately larger and more transparent - certainly not dry and analytical. The AA Cap NEEDS to be isolated...IMO. Further, just as there is a greater tendency to achieve system synergy by employing components/cabling from the same manufacturer, there is a distinct advantage to using (in this example) devices from the same manufacturer; Rollerblocks and Ultra -or other - platform from Symposium. I would recommend that the next time you attend CES or RMAF you find the time to visit Symposium's room and arrange to hear an A/B session...WHOA, I won't go there...

Would have been wise to qualify that observation with a YMMV...

I don't recall the specific associated electronics, but the system had Avantgarde Duos and tube electronics. The Ultras and roller balls worked well under everything, except the CDP. It's not that the system sounded bad, just leaned out the sound a touch too much. I think results are system specific and a matter of "tuning" the sound. It is BECAUSE these things are so effective and they do substantially alter the sound that results will vary substantially.

I personally use Ultra platforms and rollerballs under my amp and linestage. I also use Svelte Shelves under my speakers. With my current CDP (Naim CDS3), these devices help a little, but I actually cannot practically use them because there is not enough room in my rack (the player is a top loader).

I have seen the Symposium demonstration at a dealer and at CES. It is quite impressive.

Sorry for my lack of computer lingo, but there are two computer lingo terms that I don't know what they mean so a little shred of knowledge please. What is YMMV as mentioned above, and PRaT in relation to digital sources (pace, rhythm and transpearancy has been my assumption but I may be way off the mark)?

Thanks.

YMMV - your mileage may vary. In other words, or IOW (LOL - you must know that one...hah), there are very few, if any, absolutes...witness the difference in listening experience between Larry and I. Neither of us is wrong. This may be one of the most enjoyable aspects of this "hobby." Taking the time to critically listen to the additions/deletions in our systems forces us to reassess our efforts but in the end it is still about sitting down and reinvigorating our psyches through music.

Thanks Islandear for the translation! I couldn't agree more with the reinvigoration of psyche through music. TTYL.