[drphoto]

http://www.audiopoints.com/index.htm

I found out about this company, Star Sound, from a local audiofool who who has a bunch of their products....the racks, amps and cables. This guy's system is pretty stunning with Dunlavy IV speakers sporting custom upgraded crossovers. But he kept yammering on about how his cables made all the difference.

 So he let me try this company's  top of the line IC's and speaker cable (called 'Sonoran') in my system for a few days.  (consisting of Stan Warren Aiwa/MSB source>Odyssey Tempest>Odyssey Monos (std)>ProAc 1.5)

Now I know its difficult to praise cables...there's too many variables, but I thought these were superb. It took a fairly modest little system to a whole new level. Specifically... 'wiped the sonic window cleaner'. Far more detail, much more spacing around instruments and a huge soundstage. Everything sounded more 'relaxed'. By which I don't mean laid back, but more natural and less mechanical, which to me is the mark of a really good system. I think the speaker cable had the most influence.

I wasn't doing a shoot out. The only speaker wire I had was Kimber 8TC and some homemade stuff my neighbor gave me that I actually like better than the Kimber, 'cause its a bit more laid back. (IC's on hand were HGA Silver Lace and Groneburg) I would love to compare the Sonoran to Bolder Nitro, which I thought made a huge improvement in the above mentioned areas in Marbles' system.

I tried their double pointed isolation platform thingy under my transport, and felt it made a minor, but still noticeable change....tightening the bass and improving separation.

Again, I recognize that cables are a very personal thing, and you can't just make a blanket statement that "X" is great, but I thought I'd point out a company that I've not seen mentioned.

Would I buy them? They're pretty pricey, so I'd like to keep looking for a cheaper alternative, but damn...I miss 'em. I turn the rig on now, and it seems like something just not right. So maybe.

The website has some interesting thoughts on vibration and resonance control. They basically feel that you can't dampen it, only try to 'drain' it away.

[Tonto Yoder]

One of the audio mags was high on Sonoran Desert cables.

[Hantra]

Dude, this company has been around for a LONG time.  They were the first company to make points back in the day I think besides the Mod Squad.  Anyhow, I've talked to Robert Maiks extensively about his technology, and his business.  He's a great guy, and he has a really great team of engineers behind him.  I'd love to try the Sistrum when I get the chance, but for now I have a few Audiopoints, and I love them!

B

[cjr888]

I'll also through a recommendation out for this company.  The only products I own are the little discs used to protect speaker spikes from killing wood floors, and I had purchased a few quarts of their micro bearing steal fill to flil my Osiris stands for the Acoustic Reality Studio's.  

They are known for their points, and the rest of their products most people aren't that aware of..  The cables and the platforms/racks get huge compliments from owners though.

There's also something to be said about a company that has been around forever, is still around, and where the praise is consistent after all that time vs. the flavor of the month.

The conversations I've had about isolation, dampening, cables, etc. with this company, often getting an education for an hour plus for free is worth the cost of some products.