My new cj friend

[turntable]

In a moment of madness and a good trade in, here it is


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6191945356_0876d605dc_z.jpg


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/6191950118_2d68d5291b_z.jpg


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6191438929_9047c08a6b_z.jpg


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/6191953916_0e31dede5d_z.jpg


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6191443861_85d4da8240_b.jpg

[MC352]

Sweet!!

Congratulations!

[ronenash]

Congrats! It can't get better than this.

Enjoy

[jdandy]

Shane.......It appears you lost control of your wallet again. :D

Beautiful preamplifier. Congratulations.


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6191443861_85d4da8240_b.jpg

[jwhite613]

Congratulations!!! Nice looking preamp! May it bring you many hours/years of listening enjoyment. :thumbsup:

[cmalak]

Shane...from playing around with the LS-27 and the ET-5 (if I remember correctly) straight to the GAT! You don't mess around :banana: Congrats :thumbsup:

[jimtranr]

Congratulations, Shane. Looking forward to your listening impressions.

Jim

[PHC1]

Congrats Shane! A very serious preamp. :yes: Enjoy! :music:

[Masterlu]

http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/current/ED101fa10/sjay0601/images/well_done3.png

[Volks]

She is a beauty!

[djwhog]

very very nice congrats and enjoy

[Puma Cat]

Oh, man! :beerchug:

Congrats, Shane! I'll bet its amazing...let us know your impressions.

[Rafale]

Shane....absolutely fabulous....:thumbsup:
mine is number 10.....

[joeinid]

Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations. I can't wait to read your impressions. :)

[Coppy]

Congratulations Shane... enjoy the music. You surely will.

[Rafale]

Shane is your GAT brand new or already break-in ?

[Rafale]

now how much does it stay ? http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6191945356_0876d605dc_z.jpghttp://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k517/phidelrv/230-1.jpg

[turntable]

Thank you everyone for your kind congrat and thoughts. too nice

Shane...from playing around with the LS-27 and the ET-5 (if I remember correctly) straight to the GAT! You don't mess around :banana: Congrats :thumbsup:

Hi Cyril, Yes to the LS27, but not the ET-5. The LS27 was very nice, however after I plugged my ART3 back in, I preferred its musical presentation, hence staying with the " cj sound ". The GAT should be a bit more open with a tighter bass.

cheers

[turntable]

now how much does it stay ? http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6191945356_0876d605dc_z.jpghttp://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k517/phidelrv/230-1.jpg

ha ha , Nice one Philippe. You are an early adoptor.

Perhaps we should start a " show pictures of your cj box thread " :yes::no::D

[joeinid]

[QUOTE=turntable;209978]In a moment of madness and a good trade in, here it is


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6191945356_0876d605dc_z.jpg

/QUOTE]

Phew, 70 of 250, that means there's a few more left :)

That is a beautiful preamp. Thanks for the photos. :drool:

[Rafale]

It looks like it is always the same lad who writes on boxes....

[Rafale]

[QUOTE=turntable;209978]In a moment of madness and a good trade in, here it is


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6191945356_0876d605dc_z.jpg

/QUOTE]

Phew, 70 of 250, that means there's a few more left :)

That is a beautiful preamp. Thanks for the photos. :drool:

Joe, what means your new avatar..........:yes:

[joeinid]

[quote=joeinid;210218]

Joe, what means your new avatar..........:yes:

Nothing yet, it's a goal. I like looking at the Classic Sixty SE :drool: My ET5 is lonely for a mate :D Maybe Santa will bring a box for me.

Joe

[turntable]

Shane is your GAT brand new or already break-in ?

Philippe. Brand New. Straight off the plane from cj.

Now, only 995 hours to go for break in :confused-18:

[joeinid]

Philippe. Brand New. Straight off the plane from cj.

Now, only 995 hours to go for break in :confused-18:

It's not a race, just enjoy the ride! Nothing good comes easy :D

[jwhite613]

Nothing yet, it's a goal. I like looking at the Classic Sixty SE :drool: My ET5 is lonely for a mate :D Maybe Santa will bring a box for me.

Joe

Joe... I would want it sooner. Maybe the "GREAT PUMPKIN" will bring it! :D

[joeinid]

[quote=joeinid;210225]

Joe... I would want it sooner. Maybe the "GREAT PUMPKIN" will bring it! :D

My wheels are turning :scratch2: There is a will, now I'll have to find the way :yes: Maybe I have to get rid of that Burmester stuff sitting in the corner :) Ha! Dieter will never forgive me.

[turntable]

It's not a race, just enjoy the ride! Nothing good comes easy :D

Don't worry Joe, no race. thank god for CD repeat thou. As you said, time to enjoy the ride :thumbsup:

I can actually enjoy some non critical listening for a while now while it burns in.

BTW, One thing I noticed about the GAT compared to the ART. The top cover is no longer the thin pressed steel. It is now a nice solid piece of black aluminium aka Pass Labs and Ayre. that is a good improvement and looks better.
Also, no more floating suspension like the prem 17/16 & ART

What does the ET-5 have on top?

[Rafale]

Philippe. Brand New. Straight off the plane from cj.

Now, only 995 hours to go for break in :confused-18:

It's not a race, just enjoy the ride! Nothing good comes easy :D

Shane, i'm curious your box indicate 220/230/240v, mine only indicate 240V ?

Shane and Joe, i like to see the sound developing gradually and I never use system of accelerated run-in, i listen to and it is fabulous to see the progress of the preamplifier

[joeinid]

What does the ET-5 have on top?

It's a pretty substantial sheet of metal (aluminum?) Way too many screws for the tube roller in me. :no: But seems like it makes a good seal on top.

[Rafale]

Is there an insulating self-adhesive sheet as on the CT5?

[turntable]

Shane, i'm curious your box indicate 220/230/240v, mine only indicate 240V ?

Shane and Joe, i like to see the sound developing gradually and I never use system of accelerated run-in, i listen to and it is fabulous to see the progress of the preamplifier

Hmmm. Not sure, maybe the chief crayon man at cj was getting lazy?

The back plate of my GAT says 220/240 volts.

What does yours say?

re break in. I will use CD repeat for the first 100 hours, then listen more intently.

cheers

[Rafale]

Shane....240V

i think i have reach the 400 hours cape....
I reduced my time of sleep of 2 hours, I am very contaminated....Let be careful Shane, that can be violent......

[Rilands]

Nice looking piece of gear. Congratulations. :thumbsup:

[KahunaCanuck]

If it sounds as good as it looks you are in for some great listening! Enjoy!!

[chessman]

Shane, the GAT is gorgeous! Congrats!!

[turntable]

Shane, the GAT is gorgeous! Congrats!!

If it sounds as good as it looks you are in for some great listening! Enjoy!!

Nice looking piece of gear. Congratulations. :thumbsup:

Thanks Guys.

Riland, I would trade my GAT for your avatar in real life :yes:

[Puma Cat]

Now, only 995 hours to go for break in :confused-18:

I'm right there with ya, buddy! :thumbsup:

[joeinid]

Shane, the GAT is gorgeous! Congrats!!

+1 :banana:

I love it :drool::drool::drool:

I wonder how much my ET5 gives up to the GAT :music:

[Puma Cat]

It looks like it is always the same lad who writes on boxes....

Of course....C-J is a very small company; there's only a small no. of employees (I've heard like 9 or 10). It's the same guy who wrote on my CT-5 box.

[Puma Cat]

It's a pretty substantial sheet of metal (aluminum?) Way too many screws for the tube roller in me. :no: But seems like it makes a good seal on top.

It's designed to be less resonant. By way of information, my CT-5 still has the thin steel cover.

[Jerome W]

Shane....
Congrats on this wonderful new addition to the family :banana: !
It looks really nice !
Enjoy it in great health !

[Jerome W]

Of course....C-J is a very small company; there's only a small no. of employees (I've heard like 9 or 10). It's the same guy who wrote on my CT-5 box.

9 or 10 employees only !!
I'm very impressed. What an efficiency ! Such a few people and everyone talks about them :D !

[Jerome W]

[quote=Rafale;210222]

Nothing yet, it's a goal. I like looking at the Classic Sixty SE :drool: My ET5 is lonely for a mate :D Maybe Santa will bring a box for me.

Joe

Joe,
Let me remind you that before buying the Classic Sixty SE, you have to find a local for your HiFi store :lmao:

[joeinid]

[quote=joeinid;210225]

Joe,
Let me remind you that before buying the Classic Sixty SE, you have to find a local for your HiFi store :lmao:

Too funny :D

I think I have enough to go nationwide, I can sell everywhere :thumbsup:

[Puma Cat]

9 or 10 employees only !!
I'm very impressed. What an efficiency ! Such a few people and everyone talks about them :D !

I just found an article on C-J factory tour...I was off a little bit; in 2003, there were a whopping....18 employees. Some of those are likely devoted to McCormack product manufacturing.

[turntable]

+1 :banana:

I love it :drool::drool::drool:

I wonder how much my ET5 gives up to the GAT :music:

Joe, there is one easy way to find out. Buy one and let us all know :smoking::thumbsup::D

[turntable]

Of course....C-J is a very small company; there's only a small no. of employees (I've heard like 9 or 10). It's the same guy who wrote on my CT-5 box.

Edit - Oops you allready answered above

I remember a few years back now, one of the soundstage or Enjoy the music cj tours mentioned they had 18 employees.

The economy has hit everyone

[joeinid]

Joe, there is one easy way to find out. Buy one and let us all know :smoking::thumbsup::D

That certainly crossed my mind :yes: I definitly want one before they are gone :tears:

[Puma Cat]

Yeah, my guess is there's probably between 15-20 employees....Ed, Bill and Lew, of course, a head EE designer, probably an accountant, logistics S/R person, finished goods assembly, and service technician, etc. Probably a materials scheduler/inventory person as well.

[repman]

NICE!!!! congratulations I am anxious to hear your impressions as she blooms.

[turntable]

That certainly crossed my mind :yes: I definitly want one before they are gone :tears:

You have time on your side Joe :yes:. the ART's 250 units took 10 years to sell.

the GAT is approaching the end of its 2nd year I think. Mine hot off the production line was no 70 of 250. :smoking:

[joeinid]

You have time on your side Joe :yes:. the ART's 250 units took 10 years to sell.
the GAT is approaching the end of its 2nd year I think. Mine hot off the production line was no 70 of 250. :smoking:

Thanks, I feel better now :thumbsup: I wish you a long happy life with yours. I can't believe how beautiful she looks. Please keep up updated! :music:

[JONERVI]

Impressive piece of audio jewelry.......Congrats !!!

[turntable]

It's designed to be less resonant. By way of information, my CT-5 still has the thin steel cover.

Overall, the aluminium top plate is a very good thing. the pressed steel used to resonant somewhat.

I wonder what top plate the ET-3 has.

[turntable]

NICE!!!! congratulations I am anxious to hear your impressions as she blooms.

Impressive piece of audio jewelry.......Congrats !!!


thanks Gents.

[turntable]

Started playing music last night and everything has opened up. It has comparitively gone from Phil Spector 1d wall of sound to 3d. wider, taller, deeper, more lifelike - this is more what I was expecting to pay for :yes::thumbsup:

- I have now done about 100 hours.


The break in journey will continue. :thumbsup:

[joeinid]

Very nice to read you've made progress. :)

Congratulations!

Joe

[turntable]

Very nice to read you've made progress. :)

Congratulations!

Joe

thanks Joe

When you look at audiogon and see the number of 200 - 400 hour cj products with teflon caps for sale, you can see they may have lost patience and sold before the full break in has occurred - a bit of a roller coaster if you are prepared to be patient.

[joeinid]

thanks Joe

When you look at audiogon and see the number of 200 - 400 hour cj products with teflon caps, you can see they may have lost patience and sold before the full break in has occurred - a bit of a roller coaster if you are prepared to be patient.


It's a good deal for those of us who know better. I don't mind the ride, but rather enjoy it. When you come through the other side it's like Aaaaaaaah, now I understand. :music:

[Puma Cat]

thanks Joe

When you look at audiogon and see the number of 200 - 400 hour cj products with teflon caps for sale, you can see they may have lost patience and sold before the full break in has occurred - a bit of a roller coaster if you are prepared to be patient.

This is EXACTLY what happened with the guy who sold me my CT-5. It had 300 hours on it, when he sold it to me. He listened to the "common wisdom" on the burn-in time and when it still did not sound good, got rid of it. I certainly understand why he sold it based on how it sounded when I first got it. It took five months of playing it to get to to start to sound good.

[turntable]

This is EXACTLY what happened with the guy who sold me my CT-5. It had 300 hours on it, when he sold it to me. He listened to the "common wisdom" on the burn-in time and when it still did not sound good, got rid of it. I certainly understand why he sold it based on how it sounded when I first got it. It took five months of playing it to get to to start to sound good.

Yup, I am guilty of that in the past - ACT2, I gave that 400+ hours - still sounded ordinary and hifish and prem350.

have you sold your CT5 now?

[Puma Cat]

Yup, I am guilty of that in the past - ACT2, I gave that 400+ hours - still sounded ordinary and hifish and prem350.

have you sold your CT5 now?

Hi Shane,
No, not yet, I will be putting it up for sale any day now.

[turntable]

Hi Shane,
No, not yet, I will be putting it up for sale any day now.

ah ha - I guess that is why I did not see it on audiogon :yes:

[turntable]

I tried to promise myself not to make too many comments about the GAT before it was burnt in, however when you have a stupid grin on your face it is hard not to share.

I can say confidently in my system the GAT is superior in all respects to my ART3. There was nothing wrong with the ART3, however I did have a bit too much bass warmth combined with my warm Sonus faber speakers. synergy is all important.

I seriously thought of changing stripes with the pre amp and listened to the ARC LS-27 which was nice, but ultimately the ART played music better.

The Shindo boys might think they have an exclusive club with their musicality, but us cj boys know there is no exclusivity on that :thumbsup:. cj have been doing it longer so I guess maybe not in fashion. :D

cheers

[Puma Cat]

The Shindo boys might think they have an exclusive club with their musicality, but us cj boys know there is no exclusivity on that :thumbsup:

You can say that again! :thumbsup:

I'll be honest, when I think about upgrading my components, it's only to other C-J gear...a GAT and a pair of LP275Ms would be my dream.

[Puma Cat]

Just got the TAS buyer's guide issue 217; as usual, it's rife with editorial errors (big ones).

Regardless, here's what they said about the GAT:

Building upon its superb ART design of about a decade past, c-j’s newest statement preamp takes the ART’s virtues several large steps
forward. Gone is any vestige of the ART’s overly warm, slightly opaque sound, replaced by a brook-clear neutrality and transparency,
and a transient speed and low-level resolution, that are new to JV’s experience of c-j electronics. What is most distinctive, however, is the
GAT’s unusual low level of grain. The GAT and the c-j ART amp have less background/foreground hashiness and noise than any piece
of electronics, solid-state or tube, JV has yet auditioned. The net result is rather like having the guy who is incessantly rummaging through his
popcorn bag in the seat behind yours thrown out of the movie theater. Without doubt, the finest preamp c-j has yet made.

[joeinid]

Just got the TAS buyer's guide issue 217; as usual, it's rife with editorial errors (big ones).

Regardless, here's what they said about the GAT:

Building upon its superb ART design of about a decade past, c-j’s newest statement preamp takes the ART’s virtues several large steps
forward. Gone is any vestige of the ART’s overly warm, slightly opaque sound, replaced by a brook-clear neutrality and transparency,
and a transient speed and low-level resolution, that are new to JV’s experience of c-j electronics. What is most distinctive, however, is the
GAT’s unusual low level of grain. The GAT and the c-j ART amp have less background/foreground hashiness and noise than any piece
of electronics, solid-state or tube, JV has yet auditioned. The net result is rather like having the guy who is incessantly rummaging through his
popcorn bag in the seat behind yours thrown out of the movie theater. Without doubt, the finest preamp c-j has yet made.


:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

Thanks for posting.

[Rafale]

You can say that again! :thumbsup:

I'll be honest, when I think about upgrading my components, it's only to other C-J gear...a GAT and a pair of LP275Ms would be my dream.

my dream....:music::yes:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/images/amps%207.JPG

[turntable]

my dream....:music::yes:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/images/amps%207.JPG

Philippe

That looks like Myles B Astor system :thumbsup:

The ART amplifiers are just beautiful - a dream for me as well :yes:

[Rafale]

Philippe

That looks like Myles B Astor system :thumbsup:

The ART amplifiers are just beautiful - a dream for me as well :yes:

It is the Myles's system.....

[Rafale]

Shane... you are soon to be completely infected by the GAT and ART is hard going to work you........

[Rafale]

Gents.....group buy of ART amplifiers ? :buddy::buddy::lmao::lmao:

[Puma Cat]

Philippe

That looks like Myles B Astor system :thumbsup:

The ART amplifiers are just beautiful - a dream for me as well :yes:

Well, yeah, that would work, too.

[joeinid]

Gents.....group buy of ART amplifiers ? :buddy::buddy::lmao::lmao:

OK, I'm sure Ivan can make it happen :)

[turntable]

Gents.....group buy of ART amplifiers ? :buddy::buddy::lmao::lmao:

OK, I'm sure Ivan can make it happen :)


Show me the money :D :pg2:

[Puma Cat]

Show me the money :D :pg2:

I know, I keep fantasizing about a system like that. Actually, like the one I put together for Ivan for his next latest thing.

Actually, I would take the GAT/ART combo and a pair of Dynaudio Confidence C2s!

I've got nothing to complain about, though, really....my system sounds quite lovely.

[VT Skier]

I was lucky enough to be able to compare the ET3-SE, the ET5 and the GAT at Spearit Sound recently. I was very impressed by each, along with the ET250S driving a pair of Focal floorstanding speakers.

For me, the ET5 was the clear winner given how much it costs and what it delivers, but all are excellent products.

[joeinid]

I was lucky enough to be able to compare the ET3-SE, the ET5 and the GAT at Spearit Sound recently. I was very impressed by each, along with the ET250S driving a pair of Focal floorstanding speakers.

For me, the ET5 was the clear winner given how much it costs and what it delivers, but all are excellent products.

:banana::banana::banana:

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.


Joe

[Puma Cat]

I was lucky enough to be able to compare the ET3-SE, the ET5 and the GAT at Spearit Sound recently. I was very impressed by each, along with the ET250S driving a pair of Focal floorstanding speakers.

For me, the ET5 was the clear winner given how much it costs and what it delivers, but all are excellent products.

Ah, VT, you got down to Spearit. Great! Does this mean C-J is in your future, perhaps?

How much time were you able to spend with each preamp?

Cheers,
PC

[Rafale]

I know, I keep fantasizing about a system like that. Actually, like the one I put together for Ivan for his next latest thing.

Actually, I would take the GAT/ART combo and a pair of Dynaudio Confidence C2s!

I've got nothing to complain about, though, really....my system sounds quite lovely.

Show me the money :D :pg2:

I am going to be reasonable........:roflmao:..... I shall take only a single pair

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSg8Pimp6Vhq4PteRCl2eOQrSNQ-JBMCvmKf7yvMr3JK0RzH9CSSw

[VT Skier]

Ah, VT, you got down to Spearit. Great! Does this mean C-J is in your future, perhaps?

How much time were you able to spend with each preamp?

Cheers,
PC

I stopped in at Spearit for about an hour on my way out west to meet some friends for mountain biking, with a side trip to RMAF.

The ET3-SE is very good, but the ET5 is a noticeable step up. A very big step for the money. And the GAT was another step. but not as large. The law of diminishing returns I think. But this is based on a very short visit in an unfamiliar room with speakers and an amplifier I'd never heard, so YMMV.

If I switch to CJ, it will be to the ET5, but the next step will be an in-home audition comparing it to the Simaudio P-8. So the short listening session was good as I quickly narrowed my choice. And Dick Moulding was extremely helpful and very nice.

Luckily, RMAF is not this weekend as it's snowing here in Avon, and even more so in Denver. A crazy early storm, soon to be followed, hopefully, by the typical 70 degree and sunny October days.

[Puma Cat]

VT,
I've heard that the ET5 is quite a step up from the ET3SE...and the law of diminishing returns always applies to audio.

Hope the weather works out; it should, we had that storm a few daya ago in the Bay Area.

Next weekend should be good...

[turntable]

"Law of diminishing returns " What is that ?:lmao:

We all wish that each % of $$ spent was equal to the increase in performance :D

cj's 2nd in line have always been the sweet spot in the pre amps for price v performance. prem 16, CT5 and now ET5. all perform around the 80 - 90 % of their big brothers. :thumbsup:

[VT Skier]

I'd say 80-90% corresponds to the difference I heard between the ET5 and the GAT.

[bgiliberti]

thanks Joe When you look at audiogon and see the number of 200 - 400 hour cj products with teflon caps for sale, you can see they may have lost patience and sold before the full break in has occurred - a bit of a roller coaster if you are prepared to be patient.I just got to 375 hours on my CJ Classic SE preamp, and I'm finally emerging from Teflon burn in hell. It has not been fun. Now, at least I can hear the light at the end of the tunnel, which may be a horribly mixed metaphor, but that's what it feels like! The comments on this board have really been helpful. Otherwise, I might have returned it and missed all the fun.

[jwhite613]

bgiliberti.... Welcome to AA!!!!


:welcome2.:

[bgiliberti]

bgiliberti.... Welcome to AA!!!!


:welcome2.:Thanks, it's a great board with lots of interesting folks.

[jimtranr]

I just got to 375 hours on my CJ Classic SE preamp, and I'm finally emerging from Teflon burn in hell. It has not been fun. Now, at least I can hear the light at the end of the tunnel, which may be a horribly mixed metaphor, but that's what it feels like! The comments on this board have really been helpful. Otherwise, I might have returned it and missed all the fun.

Welcome aboard, bgiliberti. Nothing wrong with your metaphor mix--it images well.

[turntable]

I just got to 375 hours on my CJ Classic SE preamp, and I'm finally emerging from Teflon burn in hell. It has not been fun. Now, at least I can hear the light at the end of the tunnel, which may be a horribly mixed metaphor, but that's what it feels like! The comments on this board have really been helpful. Otherwise, I might have returned it and missed all the fun.

Welcome Bgiliberti

Sometimes the ride is not so much fun. There is a good reason why CD has repeat :D to help burn in cj teflon caps

You will be rewarded more and more as you approach 1000 hours, then just enjoy.

cheers

[joeinid]

It just makes you appreciate it more when you come through the other side :) Can't wait for the next report!

Joe

[bgiliberti]

Thanks for the welcome guys, much appreciated. At 400 hr mark, things like bongos and high hats are really coming through, the dynamics and pacing are A1, and the 3D effect can be amazing. What I'm still waiting on is that sweet CJ middle, especially for the vocals. I don't expect it to be as warm as my PV-7 (which bordered on dull at times) nor do I want it to be, but I'm hoping it gets a little more intimate as it burns in. We'll see....

BTW I'm using Harbeth 30s and a CJ MF80. Weak link now is the Denon 2930CI DVD, which is next in line for replacement.

[Rafale]

So Shane how do you like your GAT ?

[dpod4]

So Shane how do you like your GAT ?

+1
Inquiring minds want to know.

[turntable]

So Shane how do you like your GAT ?

+1
Inquiring minds want to know.

Hi Gents

Love it. It is still a cj through and through, smooth and ever so laid back in its musical delivery. Sounds nice on stillpoints.

just spinning uk pressing of ELO out of the blue.

[Myles B. Astor]

Hi Gents

Love it. It is still a cj through and through, smooth and ever so laid back in its musical delivery. Sounds nice on stillpoints.

just spinning uk pressing of ELO out of the blue.

I think you'll find that the GAT's "laid back" quality is a function of what it's sitting on. Had the GAT originally resting on Goldmund cones (and other assorted isolation devices) and the best was the SRA isobases. Gave the GAT dramatically more energy and dynamics that I didn't think it had as well as dropping the noise floor even more.

[bgiliberti]

I think you'll find that the GAT's "laid back" quality is a function of what it's sitting on. Had the GAT originally resting on Goldmund cones (and other assorted isolation devices) and the best was the SRA isobases. Gave the GAT dramatically more energy and dynamics that I didn't think it had as well as dropping the noise floor even more.On my ClassicSe and my previous PV7, I never noticed any difference on or off various isolation devices, so I stopped using them. I wonder if it is my ears, or if the better CJs are more sensitive to isolation. Is it microphonics maybe, with so many tubes in the big guys?

[dpod4]

Sometimes the very best is so absent of artificial noise it is relaxed and apparently more laid back, which to me is a good thing as long as it is dynamic.

[turntable]

Sometimes the very best is so absent of artificial noise it is relaxed and apparently more laid back, which to me is a good thing as long as it is dynamic.

That sounds like a good description of the GAT. :yes:

[turntable]

I think you'll find that the GAT's "laid back" quality is a function of what it's sitting on. Had the GAT originally resting on Goldmund cones (and other assorted isolation devices) and the best was the SRA isobases. Gave the GAT dramatically more energy and dynamics that I didn't think it had as well as dropping the noise floor even more.

Interesting Myles. I have a SRA VR 3.0 Isobase under my TW acustik turntable. While it sounds good, it was not that much of an improvement over the Symposium Ultra which does not isolate.
Can't say I have felt any desire to buy nother one.

Cheers

[bgiliberti]

Interesting Myles. I have a SRA VR 3.0 Isobase under my TW acustik turntable. While it sounds good, it was not that much of an improvement over the Symposium Ultra which does not isolate.
Can't say I have felt any desire to buy nother one.

CheersI'm pretty sure I'd like a GAT no matter what it was sitting on!

[Puma Cat]

I'm pretty sure I'd like a GAT no matter what it was sitting on!

Me, too.

Regarding isolation, I've found placing a component on a light plywood board resting on an inner tube works wonders. And way, way, less expensive than an SRA isobase.

[Jerome W]

Me, too.

Regarding isolation, I've found placing a component on a light plywood board resting on an inner tube works wonders. And way, way, less expensive than an SRA isobase.

Pics please !

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[bgiliberti]

Me, too.Regarding isolation, I've found placing a component on a light plywood board resting on an inner tube works wonders. And way, way, less expensive than an SRA isobase.An inflatable rubber Duckie works great for me.

[Coppy]

Interesting Myles. I have a SRA VR 3.0 Isobase under my TW acustik turntable. While it sounds good, it was not that much of an improvement over the Symposium Ultra which does not isolate.
Can't say I have felt any desire to buy nother one.

Cheers

Hmm... Not to speak for him but my guess is that Peter at Symposium would beg to differ with your statement that the Ultra platform does not isolate.

Bob

[Puma Cat]

An inflatable rubber Duckie works great for me.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know....sounds at first like voodoo or snake oil, but it's not; it's pneumatic isolation in a simple embodiment. I was skeptical at first, but putting an inner tube under a component DOES work and it works well.

Try it for yourself; it'll cost you $2 for a plywood board cut to 18 X 16" and $4 for a 14-16" bicycle inner tube. It provides subsonic seismic isolation and is very effective at this.

To add some street cred, there some fancy isolation bases that utilizing pneumatic isolation for many different applications, including isolating balances in the lab (FWIW, I work as professional molecular biologist at one of the world's largest biotech companies):

Vibration Isolation Platform & Table Systems | Isolators, Platforms & Tables (http://www.minusk.com/)

Compact Pneumatic Vibration Isolation Platform with Self-Leveling BenchTop (http://www.newport.com/BenchTop-Compact-Pneumatic-Vibration-Isolation-Pl/139761/1033/info.aspx)

ELpF Lightweight Benchtop Vibration Isolation Platform (http://www.kineticsystems.com/page.php/id/532)

These are much more sophisticated embodiments, but functionally (from a physics perspective), they function exactly the same as a board resting on an inner tube.

[Puma Cat]

Pics please !

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

Jerome,
Will send pix tonight when I get home from work; can't access my Image Event photoserver site from behind the firewall.

-Stephen

[Rafale]

Stephen's best seat
:roflmao:
http://www.madeindesign.com/imgfiche-Blow-Zanotta-ref270-t.jpg

[Jerome W]

Jerome,
Will send pix tonight when I get home from work; can't access my Image Event photoserver site from behind the firewall.

-Stephen

Cool Stephen ! I will look at them tomorrow morning with coffee....:thumbsup:

[Jerome W]

Stephen's best seat
:roflmao:
http://www.madeindesign.com/imgfiche-Blow-Zanotta-ref270-t.jpg

Philippe,

:lmao:

:tresbon:

[dpod4]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know....sounds at first like voodoo or snake oil, but it's not; it's pneumatic isolation in a simple embodiment. I was skeptical at first, but putting an inner tube under a component DOES work and it works well.

Try it for yourself; it'll cost you $2 for a plywood board cut to 18 X 16" and $4 for a 14-16" bicycle inner tube. It provides subsonic seismic isolation and is very effective at this.

To add some street cred, there some fancy isolation bases that utilizing pneumatic isolation for many different applications, including isolating balances in the lab (FWIW, I work as professional molecular biologist at one of the world's largest biotech companies):

Vibration Isolation Platform & Table Systems | Isolators, Platforms & Tables (http://www.minusk.com/)

Compact Pneumatic Vibration Isolation Platform with Self-Leveling BenchTop (http://www.newport.com/BenchTop-Compact-Pneumatic-Vibration-Isolation-Pl/139761/1033/info.aspx)

ELpF Lightweight Benchtop Vibration Isolation Platform (http://www.kineticsystems.com/page.php/id/532)

These are much more sophisticated embodiments, but functionally (from a physics perspective), they function exactly the same as a board resting on an inner tube.

Smart setup. I have used a marble slab as well as solid maple butcher block sitting on top of 4 raqcuet balls placed in plastic furniture foot cups -- excellent for under at turntable or any component. Vibrapods I believe are built on similar notion and work well.

[jimtranr]

Me, too.

Regarding isolation, I've found placing a component on a light plywood board resting on an inner tube works wonders. And way, way, less expensive than an SRA isobase.

Stephen, how thick a plywood board would you consider ideal?

In the past, I've used slightly underinflated doughnut seat cushions with reasonable success under CD players and preamps. A bit more expensive than bike inner tubes, though.

[bgiliberti]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know....sounds at first like voodoo or snake oil....Oooops, sorry PC, I was just trying to get in on what I thought was a little joke you were making, but I guess the "yolk" was on me, to quote the 3 Stooges. No offense intended, and I trust none taken! :music:

[turntable]

Hmm... Not to speak for him but my guess is that Peter at Symposium would beg to differ with your statement that the Ultra platform does not isolate.

Bob

Bob, It DOES NOT ISOLATE. I have discussed this with Peter and he has even changed his website as it was factually incorrect - see quote below. Please see link below on our overall discussion.

NOT designed or intended for isolation of extremely low frequency footfall problems

The Ultra platform is a so called drainage device only and IMO only changes the frequency resonance of what is sitting on it, not isolate it. Just like any other like device like cones.
$4 Vibrapods isolate more than the Symposium Ultra.

AudiogoN Forums: Simple TT isolation.....nice sounding result (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1240063459&openflup&7&4#7)

[Puma Cat]

Oooops, sorry PC, I was just trying to get in on what I thought was a little joke you were making, but I guess the "yolk" was on me, to quote the 3 Stooges. No offense intended, and I trust none taken! :music:

Nope, none taken. :D

To be honest with you, I found out about using inner tubes from one of my local high-end dealers. He gave me one and told me to take it home and put under my Rega Planar 3 TT or Arcam AVR280 AVR...I thought he was smokin' crack! LOL! I thought, "Yeah, riiiiggghhhttt!!! This is some high-end audiophile dealer hoo-ha!"

Boy was I wrong.

When I actually put it under my Rega or my Arcam, it actually made each one sound notably better! Really opened up the spaciousness and made the system sound more natural and less constricted.

Cheap, easy, and very effective!

[Puma Cat]

Jérôme,

Here is one of my best photos showing my CT-5 resting on a light birch plywood board on top of an inner tube. The key is to inflate the inner tube just enough so that the inflation pressure keeps the weight of the component keeps the board off the valve stem so that it does not "couple" to the board. You also need to put a straw (yes, a drinking straw) under the tube between it and the shelf so that the board and inner tube do not create a seal (which in fact, it does if you don't use the straw). This would raise the resonant frequency, which you want to avoid. The idea with lowest possible inflation pressure is to keep the resonant frequency as low as possible.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/CT-5-6.jpg

The CT-5 is also resting on home-made "roller blocks", which are Shepherd plastic furniture cups sandwiching a large stainless steel ball bearing. Again, cheap is the order of the day here. These provide horizontal and rotational subsonic seismic isolation, in the same way Rollerblocks do.

So, the idea is the inner tube provides subsonic seismic isolation in the vertical dimensionm, and the roller blocks in the horizontal and rotational dimension.

My P5 Rega also rests on a light plywood board on top of an inner tube.

[ronenash]

Stephen, what your experience with good old sorbothene feet? I have used them very effectively under my preamps and disk spinners. They will not work under heavy equipment such as my LP125 power amps or VPI Classic 1 table.

[Puma Cat]

Stephen, what your experience with good old sorbothene feet? I have used them very effectively under my preamps and disk spinners. They will not work under heavy equipment such as my LP125 power amps or VPI Classic 1 table.

Ron, I've never tried them, to be honest. The dealer that first gave me the inner tube to try out (Stereo Unlimited in Walnut Creek, CA) carries the sorbothane feet but says the inner tube works better. I just set up the Premier 17LS just now back on it's inner tube, and it's sounding great. Better I think, that the Herbie's silicone Iso-Cups and carbon black balls under the plywood board I've had been using. The inner tube makes components sound more open, spacious and more liquid; more like real music. Just like a GrooveTracer Reference subplatter in a Rega, come to think of it! ;)

I am thinking of trying a set of extra-firm Herbie's Tenderfeet under the power amp, though, because as you say, these lighter isolation materials don't work under big heavy tube power amps...the transformers just crush 'em down.

[Puma Cat]

Stephen, how thick a plywood board would you consider ideal?

In the past, I've used slightly underinflated doughnut seat cushions with reasonable success under CD players and preamps. A bit more expensive than bike inner tubes, though.

Jim, I'm using what looks like 3/4" inch? Maybe 5/8"? Just birch plywood from the hardware store. I bought a sheet and had them cut it up in to 14" X 16" boards for me. The idea is to use something that is as stiff as possible but as light as possible, just like the piinth in a Rega. I've been thinking the tops of those Ikea Lack corner/occasional tables would be ideal, but at 20X20, they are a bit too big. But they are stiff and very light. If you could still get those Neuance platforms, those would be ideal.

I have one plywoord board under the Rega P5, and one under the Premier 17.

Try it, you'll like it, my fellow Premier 17 owner! ;)

[Removed]

Ron, I've never tried them, to be honest. The dealer that first gave me the inner tube to try out (Stereo Unlimited in Walnut Creek, CA) carries the sorbothane feet but says the inner tube works better. I just set up the Premier 17LS just now back on it's inner tube, and it's sounding great. Better I think, that the Herbie's silicone Iso-Cups and carbon black balls under the plywood board I've had been using. The inner tube makes components sound more open, spacious and more liquid; more like real music. Just like a GrooveTracer Reference subplatter in a Rega, come to think of it! ;)

I am thinking of trying a set of extra-firm Herbie's Tenderfeet under the power amp, though, because as you say, these lighter isolation materials don't work under big heavy tube power amps...the transformers just crush 'em down.

Is Dave still calling his inner tubes "Audio Bladders" and signing them with a silver color Sharpie pen and getting $50 a pop :D

[Puma Cat]

Is Dave still calling his inner tubes "Audio Bladders" and signing them with a silver color Sharpie pen and getting $50 a pop :D

Yes! :D

'Cept he gave me mine for free!

I went to the bicycle store and bought some for four bucks each.

Audio Bladders...sheesh.

[chessman]

I have seen a lot of audio bladders on various forums. :blah:

[Removed]

Yes! :D

'Cept he gave me mine for free!

I went to the bicycle store and bought some for four bucks each.

Audio Bladders...sheesh.

:laughin:

[Coppy]

Bob, It DOES NOT ISOLATE. I have discussed this with Peter and he has even changed his website as it was factually incorrect - see quote below. Please see link below on our overall discussion.



The Ultra platform is a so called drainage device only and IMO only changes the frequency resonance of what is sitting on it, not isolate it. Just like any other like device like cones.
$4 Vibrapods isolate more than the Symposium Ultra.

AudiogoN Forums: Simple TT isolation.....nice sounding result (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1240063459&openflup&7&4#7)

Well T.T. I stand corrected. I use the Ultras under my tube monos on the floor next to the speakers with good result, but that's different application than a turntable.

[turntable]

Well T.T. I stand corrected. I use the Ultras under my tube monos on the floor next to the speakers with good result, but that's different application than a turntable.


That is kool Coppy. the Ultra's are good however they don't isolate from anything, just like any other footer type product :D

My Ultra is a nice boat anchor at the moment. If I had a stereo amp I would use it. Way too big for anything else.

[Coppy]

Actually... I need another one for my Premier 350. It would probably cost a fortune to ship that one up here to Annapolis, MD USA. Peter will sell me one at a good price but I'm still thinking about whether a third amp on the floor in the living room would be a bit much. :no:

[turntable]

Actually... I need another one for my Premier 350. It would probably cost a fortune to ship that one up here to Annapolis, MD USA. Peter will sell me one at a good price but I'm still thinking about whether a third amp on the floor in the living room would be a bit much. :no:

Cmon, not much difference between 2 and 3 if you have the room :yes:

[Coppy]

Cmon, not much difference between 2 and 3 if you have the room :yes:

As the winter wears on and I can't play golf, I'm sure that 85lb golden box will appear again between the monos to play with. I always love the sound when it first comes out then I play something that is truly three dimensional and it's back to the tube monos. But.. it would be great to have it out to play with.:yes:

[rthomeint]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know....sounds at first like voodoo or snake oil, but it's not; it's pneumatic isolation in a simple embodiment. I was skeptical at first, but putting an inner tube under a component DOES work and it works well.

Try it for yourself; it'll cost you $2 for a plywood board cut to 18 X 16" and $4 for a 14-16" bicycle inner tube. It provides subsonic seismic isolation and is very effective at this.

To add some street cred, there some fancy isolation bases that utilizing pneumatic isolation for many different applications, including isolating balances in the lab (FWIW, I work as professional molecular biologist at one of the world's largest biotech companies):

Vibration Isolation Platform & Table Systems | Isolators, Platforms & Tables (http://www.minusk.com/)

Compact Pneumatic Vibration Isolation Platform with Self-Leveling BenchTop (http://www.newport.com/BenchTop-Compact-Pneumatic-Vibration-Isolation-Pl/139761/1033/info.aspx)

ELpF Lightweight Benchtop Vibration Isolation Platform (http://www.kineticsystems.com/page.php/id/532)

These are much more sophisticated embodiments, but functionally (from a physics perspective), they function exactly the same as a board resting on an inner tube.

Years ago Bright Star Audio made the Isolation base. I think it cost about $150.00 back then, I don't know if it's still in production. It's made of granite covered MDF or particle board and has a inner tube from maybe a lawnmower or wheel barrow. It also came with an air pump. I've used it for the last ten years under various components. I also have a Townsend Seismic Sink which has an inter tube inside a metal base, this is effective as well. I think I will try the bicycle inner tube myself. Thanks for the tip.

[Puma Cat]

Interesting about the Bright Star isolation base.

I forgot about the Townsend Seismic Sink, but yes, of course, that also uses an inner tube.

[rthomeint]

I don't think the Bright star is available anymore, but the Townsend is still for sale according to their web site, but I have not seen any retailers selling these in years.

[turntable]

Something was bugging me with the sound, so I removed the Still points.

Sounded better - more natural. the music was better integrated as the still points seemed to enhance a certain part of the lower midrange frequency.

enjoying the system sand stillpoints ATM.

[dpod4]

Something was bugging me with the sound, so I removed the Still points.

Sounded better - more natural. the music was better integrated as the still points seemed to enhance a certain part of the lower midrange frequency.

enjoying the system sand stillpoints ATM.

Best judge of sound are our own ears. I have experienced the same effect with stillpoints under a phono preamp. Sucked the air out of the presentation.

[turntable]

Best judge of sound are our own ears. I have experienced the same effect with stillpoints under a phono preamp. Sucked the air out of the presentation.

Yes, that is a better description.

Trouble is I was sure it sounded better when I first put them under the GAT. :scratch2: I think, like a lot of us I was only concentrating on part of the sonic picture ( what they did well) and not the whole musical picture.

Only after living for a period of time and then swapping back is it more obvious which sounds better.

[Puma Cat]

Yes, that is a better description.

Trouble is I was sure it sounded better when I first put them under the GAT. :scratch2: I think, like a lot of us I was only concentrating on part of the sonic picture ( what they did well) and not the whole musical picture.

Only after living for a period of time and then swapping back is it more obvious which sounds better.

Wise words, I've often found that improvements have to be good over time...gotta be able to live with it for the long haul.