Critical Mass Isolation Systems

earlmarc · « **on:** 16 Apr 2006, 01:08 am »

Does anyone have any experience with the Critical Mass isolation systems? Reports are that they may be the best isolation systems available and that they are reasonably priced considering how they improve overall system performance. www.criticalmasssystems.com

spectralman · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2006, 02:23 am »

Hi Marcus,

While I have not used them myself, I do know of a person who used the Grand Master series under first his Atma-Sphere MA2 Mk2.3 monoblocks, then his Joule Electra Rites of Passage OTL monoblocks. He stated the Critical Mass were the best he had ever used. I wish I could remember some of the other isolation platforms he had used, but I cannot. He spent a fair amount of money on some of these other bases, loaning one set of platforms to me (maybe, Black Matter bases (?) that were a custom size he had made for him). I would have purchased that set if the cost were not prohibitive, approx. $1800 used for the pair, they were that good. They gave a blacker, quieter background than the 3" maple blocks I am currently using. If you want, I could ask that person if he would mind if I asked him to contact you with more specific info.

Bill

earlmarc · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Apr 2006, 09:34 pm »

Spent some time conversing with Joe Lavrenck today about his islolation devices. Its always a pleasure being exposed to great talent that strives to make the best product in the world as far isolation devices are concerned. Joe spent a great deal time and R&D to deliver a product that should set new standards for others to follow. Joe has invited me to his home to experience his product firsthand. I look forward to the meeting and will report back my findings.

djbnh · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Apr 2006, 11:03 pm »

I'm personally not too crazy over the "call for pricing" part of the web pages. I'd like to cost upfront. So, can anyone provide prices? I note I have no experience with the products...

earlmarc · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 01:12 am »

djbnh I only inquired about the Reference isolation platform, and I was quoted $870.00.

arthurs · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 01:17 am »

I just got one of these Skylan DB's to audition today....out of the box, build quality is solid....I'll keep you posted.

http://www.skylanstands.com/platform.htm

95bcwh · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 01:33 am »

All,
Sorry I have to ask a dumb question: Let say I have spent $1000 buying a Maple rack made with 3" thick shelf similar to this one offer by Timbernation:
http://www.timbernation.com/4s3rack_popup.cfm

Do I then still need to use isolation materials to couple my equipment to the shelf?

If so, then I wanna know what's the right balance, how much should you spend on a rack, and how much should you spend on the additional isolation you place between equipment and rack?

Can anyone come out with the best "price/value" suggestion?

Thank you all.
barry

earlmarc · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 01:54 am »

95bcwh, if you are looking at the Critical Mass devices, the audio rack is less important because the CM devices are self contained and thus the rack has no bearing on their performance. An inexpensive $100 rack would work as well as a $1000 rack.

95bcwh · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 02:05 am »

Quote from: earlmarc

95bcwh, if you are looking at the Critical Mass devices, the audio rack is less important because the CM devices are self contained and thus the rack has no bearing on their performance. An inexpensive $100 rack would work as well as a $1000 rack.

oh, it's good to know that..get a cheap rack and pay more for isolation..

But at $870 per platform, if I have 4 pieces of gear, it will cost me $3480 + rack.. wow....I can buy a pair of good speakers with this money.... sigh...

BobRex · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 02:16 pm »

Anybody have any idea how these compare to the Silent Running offerings? I keep thinking that the isobase is a steal at under $400.

95bcwh · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Apr 2006, 02:48 am »

Quote from: arthurs

I just got one of these Skylan DB's to audition today....out of the box, build quality is solid....I'll keep you posted.

http://www.skylanstands.com/platform.htm

Arthurs,
Any update on this Skylan thingy? Worth the $$ ?

barry

arthurs · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Apr 2006, 03:37 am »

Had it in a few days now under my transport only, I'm going to pull it out tomorrow to hear my system without it all week.

Build quality is great, I have a demo so I'll probably change the color, but it's kind of growing on me. It is very stable and has done a nice job of adding some depth and spacing improvements to the sound of my system. I've never expected huge things from vibration control, but this seems about right for the price. If taking it out confirms my experience so far, I'm keeping one in my system....sorry, my reviews tend to be short on hype and hyperbole.

earlmarc · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Apr 2006, 02:05 pm »

Does anyone use any Silent Running products. I would like to compare their Ohio Class XL Plus 2 platform to Critical Mass Master platform.

Both Silent Running and Critical Mass have received excellent reviews. Links:
www.soundstage.com/revequip/silentrunning_ohio_class_xlplus2_followup.htm

www.criticalmasssystems.com/Testimonials.htm

shokunin · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Apr 2006, 10:04 pm »

I have a few of the SRA platforms, they all work well compared to just sitting on blocks of maple or my maple shelves. I have 2 Ohio class, 1 ohio Class XL plus, and 2 VR3.0 bases. The downside to the SRA if it's not the "squared" version is that they are made for specific pieces of gear. Although you can substitute like gear of similar weight, the performance won't be guaranteed. If you cycle through gear alot then it's a losing proposition.

I have not tried critical mass systems, so I cannot comment on it's performance. I just received a GPA Monaco SE rack so we'll see how it works in my system.