Stillpoints Ultra Mini's under my McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier
 

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Yesterday I received two sets of four Stillpoints Ultra Mini's from Ivan. I already have four Ultra Mini's under the Esoteric K-03 in the studio system, and since installing them I have wanted to put the Ultra Mini's under my McIntosh preamplifier and controller in that same sound system. I finally made it happen.

I had been using Symposium Rollerblock Jr.'s for years under both the C1000 controller and the C1000P solid state preamplifier. I still remember the improved clarity and focus they brought to the sound system when I installed them. I previously had Rollerblock Jr.'s under the Esoteric K-03. Replacing them two years ago with the Stillpoints Ultra Mini's raised the performance bar even more than I had expected. So it was once again last night with the Ultra Mini's now under the two components that make up the McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier.

After installing the Stillpoints Ultra Mini's in place of the Symposium Rollerblock Jr.'s I began to audition several very familiar recordings. The first was the high-res recording of Ottmar Liebert - Three-Oh-Five (24Bit/88.2KHz). I was immediately struck by the sharper definition and focus of the acoustic guitar strings, the depth and richness of tone in the electric guitar, and an improvement in the three dimensional aspects of the sound stage. I knew from previous experience replacing the Rollerblock Jr.'s under the K-03 that there was additional performance enhancements to be gained but it is still quite startling to hear an immediate improvement with the Stillpoints Ultra Mini's in place under the controller and preamp. I have a vague understanding of the science behind Stillpoints engineering but when you look at these isolators it is difficult to imagine they can bring about such a performance boost. Your eyes may fool your mind but the ears know exactly what is going on. A nice plus is no break-in required.

I went on to play Pat Metheny - Speaking Of Now on CD in the K-03's transport. Once again I experienced a more clearly defined sound stage. Piano, synthesizer, bass, and drums gained a fresh focus of each instrument's sound. The better sonic presentation isn't what I would describe as dramatic, more like a refinement to what was already a fine presentation. Everything just feels more real, more focused, clearer. At the level many of us enjoy with our sound systems, gaining any performance bump can often be elusive, but for me there is no doubt an improvement in my studio system's performance with the addition of the Stillpoints Ultra Mini's supporting the controller and preamp. I should have done this a long time ago.

Dan, I also had similar audio improvement when I replaced my Rollerblooks and Rollerblock Jrs with Stillpoints Ultra Mini's under my C1100, K-3 and power conditioner. I also found that with Symposium shelves under the Stillpoints everything sounded even better, though they do take up more rack height.

minis under my C52, MCD500, SP-3 (pre-pro) and SilenZio here...

Dan: I am very interested in learning of your placement of the Stillpoints. I have added Ultra Minis under the C2300, MEN220, MR88, K-03x and the Toros RM20. I have added Ultra SS's under each of the MC601s and the B&W 802D2s. I placed them about an inch diagonally inside of the existing feet. This seemed reasonable to distribute the weight. For the B&W speakers, I have the adapters to thread them into the existing holes under the base plinth. Your findings with instruction on optimum placement will be very helpful. Thanks, Jim

Pictures will be awesome.

Stillpoint SS's will give you even more!

Jim.......I read the Stillpoints pamphlet that came with the Ultra Mini's and saw where it was suggested that positioning them at different locations under a component may add some performance advantage. I chose to locate each group of four Ultra Mini's in line from front to back with the existing feet under the C1000C and the C1000P. In other words, the front two Ultra Mini's are just behind the existing factory feet, while the rear two Ultra Mini's are located just forward of the existing factory feet. Both components were done identically.

I may become motivated enough to try relocating them to different areas under the C1000C and C1000P to listen for any added clarity, then again I may not. I can be lazy depending on my mood. The Ultra Mini's have elevated the system's performance precisely where they are placed so at this moment in time I am content. If I decide to fiddle with the Ultra Mini's locations I will report any new discoveries in this thread.

Have you experimented with relocating your Stillpoints?

Dan...Congratulations on the upgrade and the improvement in SQ.

To be totally honest, I have no such isolation items on any of my components. However, the more I read, the more I wonder about doing so.

Michael.......You would be rightfully impressed should you decide to take the leap of faith. Stillpoints are the real deal. Four Ultra Mini's under your MX135, the Oppo, and the D100 would make you a believer.

I placed the Ultra Minis about an inch inside the feet spaced equally from the front, sides and rear. I like the results and have not felt compelled to move them. I probably should experiment but I am enjoying as is. For the K-03x I took what I think was your prior advise and placed the two front minis inside the feet and the rear two to either side of the rear third foot. For the amps I doubt I will be able to experiment with the Ultra SS's since the amp is too heavy for me to move and adjust. I had my son and son-in-law help me during their visit at Thanksgiving. As for the B&W speakers they also helped me but the placement is set using the threaded adapter. I believe I noticed the greatest improvement being from the B&W 802D2s. Sometimes there is a slight top end edge on some recordings and that has been greatly if not totally eliminated. Also I am enjoying a greater level of detail. I am not as eloquent in my description but can say the instrumentation and voices are just more real.