Symposium Acoustics Ultra Padz

klipschfan · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2009, 03:13 PM

Symposium Acoustics Ultra Padz

Ultra Padz are used as stationary "footer" devices under active and passive components and loudspeakers, and achieve two goals: they damp or "drain" vibratory energy, and also provide isolation from the support surface. By obeying these basic rules of vibration, ULTRA PADZ can reduce distortion by reducing levels of spurious vibratory energy present in the component.

ULTRA PADZ benefits are audible as better tonal rendition, improved dynamic range and virtual imaging with audio components, and as clearer, sharper picture rendition with video components.

Installation of Ultra Padz is simple; just place them as you would ordinary foot or cone devices. They are suitable for placement on all surfaces- wood, plastic, stone, glass, or metal, and can even be used on TOP of small components. When used as equipment supprts, ULTRA PADZ create a more optimal mechanical "ground" which is preferable to resonant or undamped surfaces such as granite slabs, glass, undamped metal, plexiglass, and plastic sleeves.

Installation:
Start by placing ULTRA PADZ in a broad triangle on the shelf or rack space you'll be using. Let the tops of the ULTRA PADZ touch the bare chassis bottom of your component, being careful to avoid existing built-in feet, protruding bolts, screw heads, etc. Placement can be important for best results: we recommend that you start by placing your ULTRA PADZ in the corners or near the edges, about 1 to 3 inches in from the edges. TIP: "Butting" one edge of the ULTRA PADZ against protruding screws or bolts will improve results, because the "grounds" internal structures, improving the mechanical damping of internal circuitry in your component.

Under Loudspeakers:
ULTRA PADZ are great with speakers. When placing speakers, be careful not to place too much weight on any one ULTRA PAD at a time, in order to avoid compressing the foam center.

Set of 4:
If you have a set of 4, make sure that all 4 ULTRA PADZ have good contact to the bottom of the equipment chassis- most chassis are not perfectly flat, and one Ultra Pad will usually be slightly "loose". Move this 4th Ultra Pad around until it and the other three are all tight under the component for best results.

klipschfan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 07:57 AM

Ultra Padz are worth a demo...

At the point with my main system where I am topped out for my needs and budget. So, in order to squeeze every last ounce of performance it comes down to some final tweaks.

I called Symposium and spoke with Peter, who is extremely knowledgeable and helpful explaining the differences in his products. I decided to try a set of the Ultra Padz. (Thanks to "MasterLu" and "Peter") for outstanding customer service and wicked fast delivery, I had them the next day.

I tried the Ultra Padz under each one of my components. No matter which component I placed them under the sound improved. I now have three sets of Ultra Padz and will most likely order either an Ultra Platform or another set for my amp.

Now, about that second system in November.....?
More Symposium products are in order and will be on ORDER.

j3brow · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 06:10 PM

I understand your enthusiam for Symposium products. I have had a svelte shelf with couplers for several years now. It has resided under my turntable until recently when i sent my table off for catridge repair.

couple weeks ago, i slipped the idle Svelte Shelf under my MCD500. I removed the rubber feet and coupled the bottom of the MCD to the shelf via the supplied high grade aluminum couplers. I was skeptical it would improve the sound of my MCD500.

My MCD500 has never sounded better. i am still floored by the improvement. Simple, cost effective tweak that improved an already fantastic unit.

My turntable was returned last night. My Svelte will stay under my MCD500. I now need to order a Ultra platform for my Scoutmaster (and another shelf for my C2300, and MC402! ...all in due time).

AMAZING products.

PHC1 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 06:21 PM

I've used and still am using the "Fat Padz" under my tubed Lamm and ss Ayre preamps and it makes a huge difference with the Lamm and a noticeable difference with the Ayre.

Bass tightens up, focus and imaging is enhanced, the sound overall is more coherent and more natural. Once I re-do my system in a new room, I will be looking into more of the Symposium products under my components for sure.

Masterlu · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:09 PM

I am using Symposium Ultra Padz (4) under each foot of each of my JL Fathom subs. Bass is tighter with better articulation and total isolation from the floor. A very inexpensive tweak, that yields maximum performance.

j3brow · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I am using Symposium Ultra Padz (4) under each foot of each of my JL Fathom subs. Bass is tighter with better articulation and total isolation from the floor. A very inexpensive tweak, that yields maximum performance.

Ivan, Are the Ultra pads sitting on carpet over slab or hardwood flooring over slab??My subs are carpet over concrete slab. If these pads improve bass performance sitting on carpet, color me impressed.

f1 fan · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 09:49 PM

I use Symposium throughout my system including shelves, pads. Using these products brought the system to a whole new level. Most highly recommmended!!

Dave

Masterlu · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3brow

Ivan, Are the Ultra pads sitting on carpet over slab or hardwood flooring over slab??My subs are carpet over concrete slab. If these pads improve bass performance sitting on carpet, color me impressed.

Mine is like yours, carpet over concrete slab. It is a noteable improvement.

Gordon · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:04 PM

I have BDR Pits under the speakers on hardwood floors and the BDR's are so smooth that the speakers will tend to walk across the floor an inch or two. The ESL is VERY sensative to location and it it quite the pain to bring out the tape all the time. Will the Padz be as smooth as glass or is there a rougher texture to the plates?

Gordon

Masterlu · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon

I have BDR Pits under the speakers on hardwood floors and the BDR's are so smooth that the speakers will tend to walk across the floor an inch or two. The ESL is VERY sensative to location and it it quite the pain to bring out the tape all the time. Will the Padz be as smooth as glass or is there a rougher texture to the plates?

Gordon

They are smooth, however if you can load or weigh the base somehow it will stop them from walking.

I used to have the same problem with my Mac HT2 subs on hardwood floors. I had brightstar make me custom big rocks filled with sand; no more walking.

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