Stillpoints Ultra Mini meet living room system

[jdandy]

Our friendly Stillpoints enabler Masterlu had 16 Stillpoints Ultra Mini isolation footers delivered to my door today. That allowed me to place four Ultra Mini isolation footers under the Aurender N100H music server, the Schiit Yggdrasil DAC, the Simaudio MOON Neo 260D transport, and the McIntosh C2300 preamplifier. The shelves in my Salamander Synergy rack can be easily adjusted so it was quick work to alter the spacing between shelves to make room for the added component height once the Stillpoints Ultra Mini's were installed. I originally planned to start this adventure by adding one set of four Stillpoints at a time under a single component, then audition the system after each addition. Caution was tossed to the wind as I installed all fours sets of four Ultra Mini's at once. That was the ultimate destination point to begin with so I saw little reason not to go for the gusto, and basically I couldn't help myself once I had the Stillpoints in my hands.

So, how does the system sound now? In a word, focused. It is remarkable how a great sounding system can have its performance elevated without previously perceiving anything amiss. That's how it was for my living room system. I've enjoyed this sound system for years and always sensed its performance was right on the money, but to my wonderment today the Stillpoints Ultra Mini isolation footers raised the bar. Sharper focus is what has taken place, sort of like a fresh prescription update on my eye glasses. All of a sudden everything is clearer, brighter, more detailed. That's what transpired when the Stillpoints were placed under the music server, DAC, transport, and preamp. I immediately began hearing deeper into recordings. The sensation of a blacker background unleashed hidden micro dynamics. Bass became fatter, richer, with improved tone. Separation of instruments revealed more air, redefining each instrument's sound with a sense of added space. Diminishing guitar strings and piano notes, as well as the metallic ringing decay of cymbals seemed to linger slightly longer before silence consumed the energy. The focal point of the soundstage grew more three dimensional. Everything about the performance of each recording I auditioned was unmistakably improved. And another plus, no break-in required to reap the value of Stillpoints' contribution.

This was not my first experience with Stillpoints under audio components so I was not surprised at the elevated performance. It was more like being pleased as punch that the gift of a more detailed and focused presentation finally made its way into my living room sound system. It's easy to look at these Stillpoints gizmos and wonder how they do what they do, but the bottom line is their audible endowments are undeniable. Once you experience what Stillpoints isolation footers have to offer in a high-end sound system there is no turning back. My living room sound system has definitely benefited from the addition of Stillpoints isolation footers. I should have made this upgrade long before now.

[cleeds]

Hmmmmm, 106.1 FM ... is that WQTL, Dan?

[jameslrock]

Dan: I have had a similar experience with my main two channel system "snapping" into place. The quieter the system became, the more detail and focus as you stated. Last year I added the SP Ultra Minis my components except for the MC601s which have SP Ultra SS under them. I also added Ultra SS under the B&W 802D2 speakers with the appropriate adapters. The Ultra SS under the speakers resulted in the most notable improvement, especially in gaining control of the upper mid to higher frequencies. The Aurender N100C is the newest component as of a couple of months ago so that will be next to receive Ultra Minis. Thanks for your reviews. Jim

[crwilli]

Yep, what he said. For me, the added detail took me aback and had me questioning things. But, with time to adjust and a return to a former setting on my P10, my system was definitely improved with the addition of Stillpoint Minis under my source equipment.

I now have my head in the sand for Ivan’s tweak to allow SP Ultras to work under the angled platform of my Strads...

[PMCH]

I also agree that Stillpoints have made an improvement with my sound quality. I have the SS Mini's under my K-01x, N10, Berkeley DAC, SR conditioner and under and between the 2 components of my C1100. I also have the SS Ultra's under my 601's. For additional sound improvement, I also place Symposium Svelte shelves under the Stillpoints on every component. If you have the room, they work great.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by cleeds

Hmmmmm, 106.1 FM ... is that WQTL, Dan?

Curtis.......WJZS, North Florida's News/Talk Radio, FM 106.1, Live Oak, FL

[jdandy]

Jim.......

Craig.......

Paul.......

We are all singing the same praise for Stillpoints. They are not inexpensive, but their contribution to overall system clarity is priceless. The Ultra Mini's under my C1000C/P, Esoteric K-01X and Aurender N10, plus Ultra SS footers under my pair of MC2301's in the studio system made an impressive improvement in the focus and clarity of that sound system. It is good to finally bring that performance edge to the living room system.

[jdandy]

I've got to tell you, listening to the living room system this afternoon for a couple of hours was thrilling. The soundstage is so well focused it is almost spooky. The improvement in the details I am hearing, particularly the micro details deep in a recording is impressive. Overall, I am very pleased with what Stillpoints Ultra Mini's bring to my sound system's performance. I don't know why I waited so long to make this happen, but I'm certainly glad I finally got motivated. Stillpoints are the real deal.

[Masterlu]

Dan... so glad to know you are thoroughly enjoying the latest batch of Ultra Mini’s.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Dan... so glad to know you are thoroughly enjoying the latest batch of Ultra Mini’s.

Ivan.......Thank you. The performance bump is very satisfying, and I think they look super under the components.