Hey! How about a manufacturer's category for Starsound ?

twl · « **on:** 26 Mar 2004, 04:17 pm »

Starsound Technologies is the manufacturer for Audiopoints, Sistrum Platforms, Sonoran A/V Wire Designs, Harmonic Precision Amps and Harmonic Precision Speakers.

Starsound uses a unique technology in all these products called Resonance Energy Transfer, which is their proprietary form of vibration management.

Since Audiopoints are one of the best selling aftermarket products since 1989(over 300,000 sold), and Sistrum, Sonoran, and HP are strong up and coming product lines that generate some strong interest and opinions, this forum could be a very active one. There are alot of users of these products in the Audiophile world.

If you are not familiar with these products, take a look at the website www.audiopoints.com
or call toll-free at 1-800-307-0728 for info.

These products are the next generation in each of their respective categories, and offer features that simply are not available from any other manufacturer. Allow yourself to hear what your favorite components actually sound like for the first time with Sistrum or Audiopoints. Get the coherence and organic sound of Sonoran Cables, with possibly the quietest noise floor of any cable made. Or find out what the buzz is about the new Harmonic Precision Caravelle Monitors, which offer floorstander-like bass down to 30Hz, but are just small monitors on stands. These are awesome!

A single technology of Resonance Energy Transfer, generating a myriad of advanced products. Find out what this technology can do for YOUR system today!

ThePointBeing · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Mar 2004, 07:31 pm »

As a user of Star Sound's Audio Points under my components, speakers, and custom rack, I'm all for it. Mechanical transfer of vibrations away from the components and back is a radical departure from the traditional old-school isolation and dampen methodology.

And in my limited experience, the mechanical transfer methodology is far superior from a sonic perspective.

-IMO

Marbles · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Mar 2004, 08:06 pm »

After 5 days, a 6 for 6 against in the poll, and only one follow up post, I would have to recommend that Star Sound use the Market Square Circle until there is enough interest to support their own forum.

Hantra · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 01:40 pm »

I would love for them to get a Circle. Robert Maiks at Starsound is a really cool guy, and he has an amazing team of engineers backing up his science. I think it would be cool to be able to have threads with amazingly smart engineers, as opposed to some who have no clue what they are talking about.

Marbles · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 01:47 pm »

Hantra, it would be great if there is enough interest for a Starsound circle. At this time it doesn't look like that is the case.

Perhaps Robert should make some posts here and have some happy customers post here to increase awareness.

If at some point in the future there becomes enough interest to support a dedicated circle, I'm sure one will be created.

The Market Square circle was created for those manufacturers who didn't have a large following here to build one. I hope he takes advantage of that opportunity.

cjr888 · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 02:25 pm »

I agree with Marbles points regarding market square vs. forum, and also agree with Hantras comments.

I'd love to see enough interest generated at some point to create a forum, but I think for the most part its because most people aren't even aware of their company.

I've been a customer before, and as I've mentioned in the past, if you give them a call, make sure you have some free time, because if you aren't exactly sure what's best for you, you will get quite an overview of what they offer and also walk away from the call with quite an education and set of opinions. Have also heard wonderful things about their cables and the Sistrum platforms, and I think their internal hookup wire looks interesting, but have only been a customer of points and microbearing steel fill at this point.

Regardless of forum vs. market square, I highly recommend them.

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 04:51 pm »

Well I also think that people here vote NO on forums for manufacturers who are more established and credible. Most people here are all too zealous about companies that are small, provide high perceived value, and only sell direct.

When a real, long-established manufacturer expresses an interest, no one wants to play ball. This is evidenced by lots of threads here.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 05:05 pm »

Hey, what a brilliant little product line for us neur-audiophools!

I must have been asleep the past decade, 'cause I'm barely aware of their offerings.

Robert/Starsound, please don't be put off by folks lack of enthusiastic support for you right now...I think it more lack of awareness, than apathy that is probably driving it.

Stick around, let us get to know ya'. I abstained from voting because I truly have no opinion of you, but I'd like to hear more from you in the future.

Thanks, TCG

Marbles · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 05:08 pm »

Quote from: Hantra

Well I also think that people here vote NO on forums for manufacturers who are more established and credible. Most people here are all too zealous about companies that are small, provide high perceived value, and only sell direct.

When a real, long-established manufacturer expresses an interest, no one wants to play ball. This is evidenced by lots of threads here.

Our "model" is for direct to customer companies, however there are hybrid companies like VMPS that sells direct and through dealers and we have owners forums that are sponsered by owners of the product and not the company.

I did not vote either way as I don't know enough about the company.

I'm sure the fact that the only post that the owner has made here was asking for a circle put off some.

If he participates here and can build enough interest than a circle would be provided.

Otherwise, he is more than welcome to post in the Market Square which is designed for companies that don't currently have enough interest to support their own circle.

Many companies take advantage of that opportunity.

cjr888 · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 06:28 pm »

Quote from: Hantra

Well I also think that people here vote NO on forums for manufacturers who are more established and credible. Most people here are all too zealous about companies that are small, provide high perceived value, and only sell direct.

When a real, long-established manufacturer expresses an interest, no one wants to play ball. This is evidenced by lots of threads here.

Not that its right per se, but I can understand this -- people get interested in whatever is new, whether that's new component, service, etc -- probably part of the audio disease. In the same way that long standing businesses don't necessarily fall out of favor, but may fall out the limelight..

Double Ugly · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Apr 2004, 06:51 pm »

Quote

I'm sure the fact that the only post that the owner has made here was asking for a circle put off some.

It appears twl is a representative of Star Sound Technologies, but he is not the owner/president of the company. That would be the gentleman Hantra mentioned, Robert Maicks. To my knowledge, Robert has never posted here.

Since I will soon be a representative for Star Sound Technologies, the following comments must be taken in that context.

I'm using a few of their products and am adding more to my system as they continue to improve the sound. That said, I'm not sure this is the time for a Star Sound circle. From what I can gather, few current members use their products and offering a circle at this point would be of little added value. However, if those members currently auditioning their products (3 that I know of) like them and post positive reviews, I believe the question should be revisited.

JMHO.

DU

twl · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 May 2004, 03:33 pm »

Hi.
Yes, I'm a representative of Starsound. I was hoping to get some interested parties and also some of our many customers to begin some discussion about the merits of the Resonance Energy Transfer technology. It is a very different(and effective) way of dealing with system resonances, and we kind of hoped that the Audiocircle members would have been interested enough to include us in their manufacturer's circles. Our main point was to help make members aware that there is more than one way to deal with this issue, and that there are some advantages to using our methods. Our other point was to help to support the Audiocircle site with our company's presence and bring more attention to the website. However, it appears that there is a lack of sufficient interest at this time, on this website. I sincerely hope that this interest will pick up in the future, as Audiocircle members begin to discover how Resonance Energy Transfer can make their systems sound better, without having to upgrade their components.

Thanks to all who participated in this thread.

I hope to drop in from time to time, and see what is new and exciting on this site, and to respond to any posts to this thread.

MaxCast · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 May 2004, 05:42 pm »

twl, as stated earlier in this thread, starting a topic in The Market Square about issues your products correct is a excellent way for readers to get to know you and your products.

twl · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jun 2004, 04:25 pm »

For those interesting in learning more about Starsound products, such as Audiopoints, Sistrum Platforms, Sonoran A/V Wire Designs, Harmonic Precision Loudspeakers and Electronics, we will be at the Chicago Audio Society meeting Sept. 26, 2004.

For seeing and listening to our products on dislay, we will be exhibiting at the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival Oct. 8-10, 2004. On display will be the new Harmonic Precision Caravelle Monitors, Harmonic Precision preamplifier and monoblocks, as well as featuring Audiopoints and Sistrum Platforms supporting the equipment, and Sonoran A/V Wire Designs cables throughout.

Please stop in and see us at our showroom.
We look forward to meeting you there!

JAMn Joe · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Jul 2004, 11:46 pm »

As a user and being a new dealer for Starsound products, all I can say is once you try one item you have to try more. Kind of like the Lay's potato chip thing, you can't just have one and be satisfied!

Also being a dealer for SP Technology Loudspeakers we tested the products together and the synergy between the two is incredible. See Bob Smith's (SP Pres) posting regarding how the Audiopoint products we used at the Chicago Audio Society debut of Bob's speakers added to the perfomance.

Being assoicated to Response Audio you will also note that because of the impact these products have had on improving the reference 801 when we used it at the same show with SP Tech's speakers that Bill is now incorporating the Audiopoints as standard items in the reference series of several of the products. He is also looking to use the Sonoran wiring as part of the upgrade to his Usher speaker modifications.

There are many products from a tweaking aspect that are pure hyperbole. Roberts products deliver. I have yet to return something to him from an evaluation standpoint because it does what he says it will do, and that is it improves my listening experience and the performance of the products I mate it with. As a dealer and a user I want my equipment to sound it's best, it enhances my listening experience as well as my customers and simply makes a product easier to sell because everything sounds better.

I hope that more people in the Cirlce will become interested in learning about the technology Star Sound Technologies brings to the market because it really does make the listening experience more real. I would highly suggest those that can attend the Chicago Audio Society meeting in September or those of you attending the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October stop by and aquaint yourselves with Robert Maicks and Star Sound Technologies if your interested in taking your systems to the next level in performance.

Products we are currently using and familiar with include:
Plateau Digital Lambda Cable
Plateau Interconnects
Plateau Speaker Cables
Mesa Interconnect
Sistrum Racks and Platforms
Sistrum Speaker Stands
Various Audiopoints
And hopefully soon we will have a set of Caravelle Speakers to evaluate!

toobluvr · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Jul 2004, 10:48 pm »

JAMn Joe is spot on in his assessment.

First time poster here, but long time lurker.
I'm a heavy reader of audio boards, but don't post much.
I feel compelled to chime-in because these Starsound products truly do distinguish themselves. They do what they purport to do, and in my estimation, at least amongst what I've actually tried, stand head-and-shoulders above the other offerings of this type. A refreshing change-of-pace in a tweak marketplace overpopulated by products that are waaay overhyped and waaay overpriced.

No axe to grind here, just a very satisfied customer. This company seems a bit UTR...... I'm not aware of much buzz around their offerings. Don't know the reason.......maybe the marketing approach is too low key? Their products have performed admirably in my system and I'd like to see them do better. The company is honest, low pressure and user-friendly. The products are lo-hype, high-perfomance, and reasonably priced. In my view they are deserving of more press and accolades than they have received to this point.

I'm not very good on the technical side of things, and I don't care to understand why things do what they do.
I'm bottom-line focused.....my only concern is sonic improvements.
I don't pay much attention to hype. I trust my ears.
These products deliver the goods in spades.
In all applications I got enhanced clarity, focus, pacing, and musicality.
Putting a pair of Sistrum 004 platforms under my speakers was a true revelation.
(Silverline Sonatina owners take note!!!! )
Performance got kicked up a very big notch, indeed.

I briefly tried these same platforms between my deCappos and stands,
but I don't think the results were as positive.
Things seemed a bit leaned-out, and less natural and musical.
But there is a good chance I may be mistaken in this impression.
Listening was very brief, and other things were in flux at the time.
To be certain, and fair in my assessment, I would need to listen again.

Inserting AudioPoints under all my gear resulted in improvements of a similar flavor......just to varying degrees. Trenendous improvement in turntable performance. And the table was already very well isolated sitting on a 100lb 3" granite slab that sat on top of a 100lb welded steel stand. Noticable gains under amps and cdp.....less so under my preamp. But to be fair, I've yet to hear any cone, point or isolation device that has effected my pre in any discernible way at all.......good or bad.

Just as a side point, I directly compared audiopoints against the popular (and by all accounts, excellent performing) Mapleshade triple points, and preferred the AudioPoints by a wide margin. Usual caveats and YMMV apply: this is in my system, to my ears and preferences, blah.....blah...blah.

FWIW, I have a friend who did the same direct comparo in his system, and he arrived at the same preference.

I recommend you give them a try.
My report is not a knee-jerk one, and I am not prone to hyperbole or exaggeration. Actually, I tend to approach tweaks of this type w a cynical and disbelieving view. So if I become a believer, something is going on.

I'm an experienced listener who has owned plenty of good gear, and many isolation devices.
These Starsound products have been in my system a long time now, and they continue to satisfy. I keep an open mind, and continue to try new things. But the AudioPoints always find their way back into the system, while the imposters find their way to the door.

FWIW, a few friends have borrowed a set of my points to try in their own systems and they too were sufficiently impressed to buy some.

Without reservation, I give them A+ for perfomance, and a best buy recommendation of the highest order!

Give 'em a try for yourself.
Nothing to lose......I believe they offer auditions.
They also offer a generous trade-in policy.

Their products perform reliably, are not accompanied by the usual b/s audio hype, and can be owned w/o selling a child or mortgaging the house. Robert was a pleasure to deal with. He is knowledgable, helpful and quite generous with his time.
Starsound is one of the good guys in audio.
Try to give them your support, guys.
Ultimately, we are are the winners when companies like this succeed.

zybar · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Jul 2004, 11:06 pm »

Welcome toobluvr.

Very well written post (what I would expect form you).

Hopefully you will post more and share your audio knowledge with the board.

George

Hantra · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Jul 2004, 11:17 pm »

Quote

This company seems a bit UTR.....

That's because there is REAL science behind what they purport. There is no bullsh*t, and no "story" to tell. Just smart people who have worked hard to bring their knowledge into some products that actually do what they are supposed to do.

Perhaps if Maicks invented some sort of super-silent magic top secret stuff used on nuclear subs, and helped us win the cold war single-handedly, they'd have so much business, they couldn't keep up.

I am not surprised they beat Mapleshades points by a wide margin.

Audiopoints design meeting:

Robert: Let's find some guys who are experts in Columb friction, and know what they are talking about. I am talking serious scientists here! They could make us an amazing breakthrough product that everyone can benefit from!. . .

Mapleshade TriplePoints meeting:

<sounds of lighters flicking, and people choking>

Maples: Dooooooooooooooooood!!! <sniff. . . sniff. . . choke>. . .

I think . . . We could like. . .Make some like. . Points. . .like everyone else is doing! And. . . <cough cough> dude we could like out THREE points on each one, and. . . then <choke> sell them for like. . . stupid money maaaaan. . .

zybar · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 Jul 2004, 11:23 pm »

B,

From your post should I take it that you use the Starsound products?

I have the SP-03 platforms (currently under my 201's) and I also use their Sonoran Desert Plateau speaker cable (on thw woofers of my 40's).

I agree that their products work well.

In fact, I have 5-6 pairs of Mapleshade cones just sitting around...

George

Hantra · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 Jul 2004, 11:25 pm »

Z:

I have been using AudioPoints for a while. I am getting ready to get a couple SP-1's for my amp, and pre. I am hoping they will be the bees knees! What do you think about them?

B

Poll

Starsound Technologies Mfr. category???

Hey! How about a manufacturer's category for Starsound ?