Stillpoints heaven

[Flo]

It’s the infrastructure stupid!27040

[Flo]

Still working out bugs for pics

[Snoopdog]

Hi Laurie

Nice to see another Hampshire AOS member (I am just outside Winchester!).

Sort yourself out with a free Flickr account and get snapping and posting!

I am also Stillpointed to the max! I took this photo on my iPhone XR and uploaded to my Flickr account.

Steve
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49098451653_805d27688a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v)fullsizeoutput_18b4 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v) by , on Flickr

[RobbieGong]

Nice pic, system, speakers Steve.

Never heard of your speakers so looked em up - nearly choked on my salad at work, as a used pair came up in my Google search at £20k :eek:

[Snoopdog]

Thanks Robert!


Nice pic, system, speakers Steve.

Never heard of your speakers so looked em up - nearly choked on my salad at work, as a used pair came up in my Google search at £20k :eek:

[scotty38]

Nice pic, system, speakers Steve.

Never heard of your speakers so looked em up - nearly choked on my salad at work, as a used pair came up in my Google search at £20k :eek:

Don't look up some of the dcs prices then :lol:

[Flo]

Nice rack! Tad look pretty awesome. Firmly believe it’s the systems infrastructure .cables and tables, which elevates the best. All those little one per cents add up to gold.

[YNWaN]

Steve, I’ve heard of your speakers, in fact I’ve actually listened to them (a number of times), though only at shows. I’ve also listened to their bigger brothers - no doubt you have too. TAD do make superb speakers, I don’t think there is any question about that. In fact I’m familiar (ish) with all of your system. Presumably your primary source is the DCS gear?

[hornucopia]

Review description of TAD bass unit.
"This features a central, foamed-acrylic core, with front and back woven coatings of an aramid material."

Reminds me of Leak Sandwich!
" The diaphragm, so revolutionary in conception, consists of a closed cell expanded polystyrene-moulded diaphragm J in. thick with a hemispherical bung at the apex. Both front and rear surfaces are covered with very thin aluminium foil which Construction gives extreme stiffness-to-mass ratio, and the name to the unit of the Leak "Sandwich" "



Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/tad-compact-reference-cr1-loudspeaker#vpXfFp5k1pbWoVVm.99

[Snoopdog]

Hi Mark

I owned Avalon Indra speakers for 8 years and was happy with them, but yearned for a speaker system that delivered a more potent mid-bass "punch!"

In 2015, I began the search for replacements, first home auditioning a pair of the larger Avalon Compas speakers, which had more potent bass, but to my ears, was not as transparent as the Indras, through the midrange and treble regions! Next came a pair of Estelon XA (kindly loaned by KOG) which also use the Accuton ceramic drive units favoured by Avalon. The wife didn't like the look of them, describing them as hideous! I too, had heard the TAD's at the Windsor Show and an extended home demonstration duly followed!

On paper, my Avalons extended to 28Hz at the bottom end, but the mid-bass punch of the TADs allowed a far more satisfying rendition of rock music. In fact, they are, for me. a perfect all-rounder and the first pair of stand-mounts that I have owned.

The dCS Vivaldi full stack is indeed my primary source, recently improved with the addition of a Mutec Ref10 Reference Clock.

I agree with the view of the OP, Flo, that the maximum system benefit is only obtained after careful attention is paid to equipment support, mains quality, room tuning and cable choice. I would also add system grounding to the equation, which can elevate performance much further!


Steve, I’ve heard of your speakers, in fact I’ve actually listened to them (a number of times), though only at shows. I’ve also listened to their bigger brothers - no doubt you have too. TAD do make superb speakers, I don’t think there is any question about that. In fact I’m familiar (ish) with all of your system. Presumably your primary source is the DCS gear?

[Snoopdog]

Hi Mark

I owned Avalon Indra speakers for 8 years and was happy with them, but yearned for a speaker system that delivered a more potent mid-bass "punch!"

In 2015, I began the search for replacements, first home auditioning a pair of the larger Avalon Compas speakers, which had more potent bass, but to my ears, was not as transparent as the Indras, through the midrange and treble regions! Next came a pair of Estelon XA (kindly loaned by KOG) which also use the Accuton ceramic drive units favoured by Avalon. The wife didn't like the look of them, describing them as hideous! I too, had heard the TAD's at the Windsor Show and an extended home demonstration duly followed!

On paper, my Avalons extended to 28Hz at the bottom end, but the mid-bass punch of the TADs allowed a far more satisfying rendition of rock music. In fact, they are, for me. a perfect all-rounder and the first pair of stand-mounts that I have owned.

The dCS Vivaldi full stack is indeed my primary source, recently improved with the addition of a Mutec Ref10 Reference Clock.

I agree with the view of the OP, Flo, that the maximum system benefit is only obtained after careful attention is paid to equipment support, mains quality, room tuning and cable choice. I would also add system grounding to the equation, which can elevate performance much further!


Steve, I’ve heard of your speakers, in fact I’ve actually listened to them (a number of times), though only at shows. I’ve also listened to their bigger brothers - no doubt you have too. TAD do make superb speakers, I don’t think there is any question about that. In fact I’m familiar (ish) with all of your system. Presumably your primary source is the DCS gear?

[antonio]

One question Snoopdog, what were your thoughts on the SQ of the Estelon XA's? My brother uses the XB's, preferred to some Avalons in a dem, but have always wondered how they would compare to the CR-1's which we heard at a show a few years ago.

[Snoopdog]

Hi David

I am conscious that we have drifted from the original thread, which was about Stillpoints, so I'll be brief!

Having heard the Estelon XA at the Windsor Show, I thought they were worthy of further investigation. I enjoyed the sound quality, which was very transparent, akin to my Avalon Indras that I was using at the time. The Estelons imaged well and they did have the mid-bass power that I was looking for. Their downfall was their looks!
Perhaps it was unfortunate that the loan pair were white (I think the metallic red and blue look stunning). I quite liked them, but the wife was set against them from the moment she laid eyes on them! She commented that they looked like those charging stations for electric cars!

The TAD CR1, however, is a very special loudspeaker system IMHO. They are utterly faithful to the source and any changes to the system downstream are easily noticed. They seem to defy physics, in that their modest size doesn't seem compatible with the scale of the sound they produce and the bass is punchy and extended. They are very holographic and produce an impressive soundstage, with depth and superior imaging and the CST Beryllium dual concentric midrange/tweeter extends the high frequencies to the limit of my hearing. A classic loudspeaker system, designed by a Brit, Andrew Jones.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49167119228_68e2ab55a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hUJkAd)940A1977 (https://flic.kr/p/2hUJkAd) by , on Flickr

One question Snoopdog, what were your thoughts on the SQ of the Estelon XA's? My brother uses the XB's, preferred to some Avalons in a dem, but have always wondered how they would compare to the CR-1's which we heard at a show a few years ago.

[antonio]

Thanks for that Snoopdog, pleased your enjoying the TAD's. Going back to the Stillpoints, we preferred Townsend bars under the Estelons by quite a margin. I'm a little unsure whether Stillpoints make that much difference when used on carpets, although I see you use them that way.

[Snoopdog]

The Ultra 5's were apparently designed to support pianos and do a great job under loudspeakers, dissipating a lot of energy that would otherwise be transmitted to the floor and eventually back to amplifiers and source equipment.

I do not subscribe to using spikes under speakers (or anything else for that matter) as it has been my experience that spikes marr a really extended bass response.

I use a quartet of Stillpoints under every piece of kit (speakers being the exception) with Ultra 6's under my power amp, on a Stillpoints Component Stand, Ultra 5's under the mains conditioner (also on a Component Stand) and Ultra 2's under preamp and source components (on Stillpoints ESS racks with grid system).

Many critics have accused Stillpoints of enhancing the leading edge of notes at the expense of proper decay! I have not found this to be the case with my system, where supporting the whole has brought about a transparent, musical sound with great stereo imaging and depth of soundstage.

They are expensive, but hey, you can't take it with you! :)


Thanks for that Snoopdog, pleased your enjoying the TAD's. Going back to the Stillpoints, we preferred Townsend bars under the Estelons by quite a margin. I'm a little unsure whether Stillpoints make that much difference when used on carpets, although I see you use them that way.

[eatapeach]

I agree with the view of the OP, Flo, that the maximum system benefit is only obtained after careful attention is paid to equipment support, mains quality, room tuning and cable choice. I would also add system grounding to the equation, which can elevate performance much further!

The only point of reference I have with your system is the Aptitlig butcher's blocks!

https://i.imgur.com/iphzXQ0l.jpg

[Snoopdog]

The only point of reference I have with your system is the Aptitlig butcher's blocks!

https://i.imgur.com/iphzXQ0l.jpg

Good choice Richard!

Two Aptitlig laminated bamboo blocks sandwiched together with Ebay-sourced ceramic ball-bearings in the channels of each block, provide an excellent equipment support for around £50!

[Snoopdog]

It's been posted before, but for the benefit of new members, here is the link to this simple project, utilising Ikea Aptitlig chopping boards and ball-bearings to create a very effective equipment support for around £50!

Bamboo boards and Stillpoints share a certain synergy and work really well together in my (and others) experience!

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/ikea_aptitlig_platform.htm

[tapid]

The only point of reference I have with your system is the Aptitlig butcher's blocks!

https://i.imgur.com/iphzXQ0l.jpg. Me too. lol. Is that Daads room jobbie stuff in the corner that Audio Consultant sells ? I was interested in those also until
I saw the price. Great looking and sounding system I m sure.

[eatapeach]

. Me too. lol. Is that Daads room jobbie stuff in the corner that Audio Consultant sells ? I was interested in those also until
I saw the price. Great looking and sounding system I m sure.

In the corner of my photo? that's my flip flops....:)

Don't expect anything very fancy from me - I have too many hobbies, with too little time or money!

[eatapeach]

Good choice Richard!

Two Aptitlig laminated bamboo blocks sandwiched together with Ebay-sourced ceramic ball-bearings in the channels of each block, provide an excellent equipment support for around £50!

I'll try that for TT support - I am trying to limit my spending and this is me trying to reuse a noname cheap support to see if it works for ancilliaries. I looked at the cost of the Atacama bamboo systems and panicked!

[Snoopdog]

. Me too. lol. Is that Daads room jobbie stuff in the corner that Audio Consultant sells ? I was interested in those also until
I saw the price. Great looking and sounding system I m sure.

Yes Brian.

DAAD 4's, 3's and 2's. Placed carefully and by listening and revolving each DAAD that has absorbing and deflecting sides, you can achieve a great sound in your room!

I have DAAD 3's on top of 4's in each room corner and a tower of 3's placed centrally between the speakers to maximise the stereo image.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49098958491_14e1d4e795_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hNGZM6)fullsizeoutput_18b5 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNGZM6) by , on Flickr

[tapid]

I like that room... a lot, nice curtains too. Folk must think whats those strange objects perched on the window seal lol. Unless there facing back garden of course ?

[Snoopdog]

I like that room... a lot, nice curtains too. Folk must think whats those strange objects perched on the window seal lol. Unless there facing back garden of course ?

I knew the TAD speakers were a keeper when the wife first saw them and said, "They're nice! They match the curtains!" :lol::lol:

[Sixty2]

Those TAD speakers look absolutely beautiful!!

[Snoopdog]

Those TAD speakers look absolutely beautiful!!

Thanks Mark!

"Nice 'n' red!" As the wife would say! :lol:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49098451653_805d27688a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v)fullsizeoutput_18b4 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v) by , on Flickr

[Primare]

I am also Stillpointed to the max! I took this photo on my iPhone XR and uploaded to my Flickr account.

Steve
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49098451653_805d27688a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v)fullsizeoutput_18b4 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNEp7v) by , on Flickr

Steve,
This system of yours is really impressive:thumbsup:
Ivo

[Made in 1968]

Nice living room. If i had that much gear in ours the wife would throw me out. Shes ok up to a certain extent, good job i always make thing very simple.

I got some pointy things thrown in a box from when i thought id got golden ears but they did not make a blind bit of difference to my lug holes.. Think they are Clearlight RDC..