Symposium Rollerblock Jr. review

[rbbert]

The Stillpoints Ultra Mini are less expensive than Rollerblocks, the Ultra SS somewhat more. IIRC the HRS Nimbus couplers are in that same price range but use a totally different isolation philosophy (not as good theoretically or in practice IMHO). The Ulta 5's are a lot more expensive, true; i'm not quie sure what their category / competition is. There are also the FIM and Finite Elements that are similar to Rollerblocks in design and price.

[dmacg]

Originally Posted by rbbert

The Stillpoints Ultra Mini are less expensive than Rollerblocks, the Ultra SS somewhat more. IIRC the HRS Nimbus couplers are in that same price range but use a totally different isolation philosophy (not as good theoretically or in practice IMHO). The Ulta 5's are a lot more expensive, true; i'm not quie sure what their category / competition is. There are also the FIM and Finite Elements that are similar to Rollerblocks in design and price.

I have been at this hobby just short of 40 years and have seen more than my fair share of the "new, improved, better, faster,......." aspect of the industry.
I chose to try the Symposium products more from the depth of information and technical theory on their website.(Just spend some time on the Stillpoints site, the video is a classic) That combined with the fact that they have over 20 years of experience doing what they do.
The fickleness of this industry is truly remarkable. What was "state of the art" 3 years ago is now forgotten. If you have truly designed a superior product over nearly 20 years of evolution (see Bryston) integrity dictates that your not about to introduce the "new, superior and vastly improved" version every 12 to 24 months. It sounds obvious I know, but look around. I apologise, as I had not intended when I sat to tap this note to have my little rant. Suffice to say, if you try them, like what they do.... keep them. They will last 30 or 40 years I'm sure. If not, return them and try something else; after all, would you rely on an "unbiased" review of them to make your decision ? Trust this old man there is no such thing as "unbiased". I am a perfect case in point... am I not ?
Cheerio; Doug

[rbbert]

I have nothing against Rollerblocks, if you read my post you should see that I admire and prefer the ball & cup solution for isolation, in fact I use Aurios under my speakers now. Stillpoint seems to have expanded and improved on what Symposium started and I'm quite curious to see (hear) if there are similar sonic improvements (to match the engineering). I also mentioned the other ball & cup products that compete more directly with Rollerblocks, both in price and design. BTW, I think the Rollerblocks were introduced in 1997, so a bit less than 20 yrs

[dmacg]

rbbert;
I certainly did read your post, and in no way did I wish to imply that you had something against any product, hence my apology to all for my rant about "Improved; et al." Strictly the opinion of one individual. But I see from what you said that I have missed something. When I sought information on the various products I had considered, I found little, if any, by way of technical theory, design and implementation, when it came to the Stillpoint products, other then there own statements of "improvements" and advanced engineering. Would you be kind enough to refer me to some of those articles you have read delineating how they expanded and improved their engineering of the Symposium concepts. I really did search the net for that and found next to nothing. They were actually my first choice to research, simply because of their reviews. I would greatly appreciate it, and thank you.
Cheerio

[rbbert]

Over at WBF, John Tverdik, the operations manager for Stillpoint, has said they will be improving their web site to provide more information. I had the same problem you do, and by reading descriptions of Stillpoints at several of their dealers' web sites I managed to glean some information, much of which turned out to be wrong. Their are reviews of Stillpoint's products available online; in them is some accurate information on the technical workings of Stillpoints, but unfortunately some misinformation as well.

In simple terms, Stillpoints use some kind of proprietary combination of stainless steel and ceramic balls in "pockets" for getting rid of vibrational energy. This is said to dissipate vibrational energy better than other technologies. The Ultra SS has one "pocket" per unit, the Ultra 5 has 5 pockets per; apparently more work better (at least up to 5). My question is: do they sound noticeably better than the other ball/cup products? Print and online magazine reviews suggest they do.

[jdandy]

Gentlemen.......Lets remember this is a Symposium Rollerblock Jr. review thread. Burying your posts in this thread will make it difficult for anyone else interested in your Stillpoint comments to locate them and offer comments. A Stillpoint thread and discussion would be more likely to gain traction and not derail this thread.

[dmacg]

Thank you Dan, I'm still learning, as this is the first Audio Forum I have spent much time with. I like it ! Your absolutely right. At the moment I have a barely adequate rack with glass shelving. At first, when I put the Rollerblock Jr.+'s under my 851C and 230D, as I said, the improvement was much more than expected :-) It prompted me to purchase 2 Symposium Segue platforms. Not as much of an improvement, but still very noticeable.
As I said, I have the Rollerblock 2+'s awaiting my reconfiguration of my system. I also have waiting a Salamander Archetype rack in the box. I hope to have time in February to set everything up. If I hear an improvement again, I suppose I will wonder if it is primarily the Rollerblock2's or the combination with the new rack. C'est la vie.
I have been remiss for not thanking Ted (Yardbird) for his initial review of the Rollerblock Jr.+. Ted, it was the reading of your review that spurred my action on seeking isolation beyond my Vibrapods. After much research, many reviews and great consideration I chose to try the Jr.'s. Hey I'm Scottish. No looking back now for me.
Doug

[Yardbird]

Originally Posted by dmacg

Thank you Dan, I'm still learning, as this is the first Audio Forum I have spent much time with. I like it ! Your absolutely right. At the moment I have a barely adequate rack with glass shelving. At first, when I put the Rollerblock Jr.+'s under my 851C and 230D, as I said, the improvement was much more than expected :-) It prompted me to purchase 2 Symposium Segue platforms. Not as much of an improvement, but still very noticeable.
As I said, I have the Rollerblock 2+'s awaiting my reconfiguration of my system. I also have waiting a Salamander Archetype rack in the box. I hope to have time in February to set everything up. If I hear an improvement again, I suppose I will wonder if it is primarily the Rollerblock2's or the combination with the new rack. C'est la vie.
I have been remiss for not thanking Ted (Yardbird) for his initial review of the Rollerblock Jr.+. Ted, it was the reading of your review that spurred my action on seeking isolation beyond my Vibrapods. After much research, many reviews and great consideration I chose to try the Jr.'s. Hey I'm Scottish. No looking back now for me.
Doug

Hi Doug,

Thank you for those kind words. Its good to hear that the Rollerblock review still applies today. I'm currently using the Rollerblock Jrs under most of my components and continue to enjoy the improvement it brings to my sound. The system may have changed, but not my Rollerblocks! Ted.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Yardbird

I'm currently using the Rollerblock Jrs under most of my components and continue to enjoy the improvement it brings to my sound. The system may have changed, but not my Rollerblocks! Ted.

Ted.......Same here, Rollerblock Jr's under source components and preamps in two separate systems and enjoying their positive impact in both sound systems.

[chessman]

I am using Rollerblock 2 and a Svelte Shelf under my CD player (huge improvement) and Roller Block Jrs. under my tube preamp (small, but noticeable improvement). :thumbs up: