McIntosh MC2301's meet Stillpoints

[vintage_tube]

Well, finally got around to doing this transformation of stock MC2301 feet to Stillpoints this morning/afternoon. Immediately, noticed improved seperation of instruments and a greater articulation through the entire frequency range as I used two tracks prior to and after the installation (Hope Waits, S/T, Tracks 2 and 11). Certain very minor, miniscule sounds, such as someone hitting a cowbell or wood on metal sound or similiar on these two tracks was more pronounced than prior to the installation. Additionally, I believe the bass tightened up a bit as well.

So, impressed, that I have ordered the parts necessary for installation on the MCD500 & C500C/C500T set.

I ordered the Stillpoint parts from my dealer awhile ago and so, have have had them for awhile -- but inorder to use the stock feet screw holes, the screw adapter, sold by Music Direct was backordered for quite some time (Part number BLACK DIAMOND RACING - BDR - ADAPTER 10/32 to 1/4 - 20). NOTE: I couldn't find this specific adapter at any hardware store and BDR is the only one I could find that offers it -- in this case, thru MD.

Besides the adapter noted above, the following comprise the installation:

Stillpoints
Stillpoints Inverse Risers
Stillpoints Hard Coat Mini Inverse Risers

Pics to show (hey, we all love pics, right???).

Bob

[audiosalons]

Looks great Bob, dress shoes for the 2301's!

[1KW]

They look nice Bob. What is the method by which they work to improve the sound ? Is it just by better isolation or some other mechanism ? I'm not trying to be smart but rather interested in the rationale.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by 1KW

They look nice Bob. What is the method by which they work to improve the sound ? Is it just by better isolation or some other mechanism ? I'm not trying to be smart but rather interested in the rationale.

First, we learn day-in-and-day-out in this hobby. So, I'll be glad to entertain anyones questions on these or anything I try.

Basically David it eliminates any vibrations by directing them towards the Stillpoints and changing them to horizontal vibrations where they are absorbed thru the ceramic tip and into the "flower" arranged petal (see link below). I know, hokus pocus it may sound like, but, like any tweak in this hobby, I go open minded ever since I was floored by a Shunyata King Cobra Version 1 Power Cord years ago on a CD player.

My amps sit near my speakers and being tube design, I wanted to ensure elimination of any vibrations and resonances that are affecting the microphonics of the tubes.

Not to say these won't do some wonders for SS gear, but that was my reasoning behind trying them (Stillpoints has received great acolades from the audio press in the past).

In attaching the mini-riser to the MC2301's or to any component, you don't want it to be a tight fit -- there should be a gap between the mini-riser and the underside of the component. Then when putting together the Stillpoints to the Threaded Riser, screw the Stillpoint snug to the threaded riser and back it off by 1 full turn -- so there is not a snug fit there neither.

the design

Bob

[MC352]

That does look real nice. I will have to google them and see if I can get some to check out.

Thanks for the post and the pics.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by MC352

That does look real nice. I will have to google them and see if I can get some to check out.

Thanks for the post and the pics.

I just ordered 12 each of all Stillpoints necessary for the MCD500, and C500C/C500T from my dealer. Placed an order for the adapters at MD (and an album -- may as well since I was there, right??).

[Jerome W]

Thanks Bob,

- I'm impressed by the work you did : did you get help from someone ?
Becuase it looks like placing the amp on the ceramic balls must have been extremely ddifficult if you were alone, due to the weight of each amp.
- Could you tell us what is the budget of the total package, for 2 amps ?

Jérôme

[f1 fan]

Bob,

Let us know your findings.....the pics look great.

Dave

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Thanks Bob,

- I'm impressed by the work you did : did you get help from someone ?
Becuase it looks like placing the amp on the ceramic balls must have been extremely ddifficult if you were alone, due to the weight of each amp.
- Could you tell us what is the budget of the total package, for 2 amps ?

Jérôme

Hi Jérôme,

The Mini Inverse Risers were attached to the MC2301's and then the amp placed on the granite stand. Then I layed down on the floor with a flash light with a Stillpoint/Threaded Riser in hand and had the wife pick up the front of the amp while I slid the front units in place. Then we tackled the rear placement. My wife is close to 6 foot tall, not very strong -- but I told her to pretend to be mad as hell and that helped in getting the blood rushing for the lift. (actually we tried revering the roles at first, but she wasn't keen on doing the exact placement).


The street prices are -- per amp:

Stillpoints - $399 for 4
Threaded Risers - $132 for 4
Mini Inverse Risers - $60 for 4
Black Diamond Racing - Adapter 10/32 to 1/4 - 20 - $16 for 4

I'll PM you for specific ordering info should you be interested.

Bob

[beerdraft]

Hey Bob, what about weight? Do you buy them for specific weights of equipment or do they have a max weight limit per point.