SRA VR vs. Ohio

speeddecon

the craz is $4k - 10K
I've seen a double setup here with $15k in craz units
the Ohio grade is pricey as well and sometimes shows up on audiogon used

I forgot to mention that the SRA bases are custom made for each piece of equipment. It is not a good idea to buy a used one that is not meant for your particular piece of gear. Kevin has a huge data base of equipment. he takes into account the size, weight, and weight distribution of each piece. The bases for my Cortese look exactly the same, but they have different weight to them. On the back of each iso base is a label stating the piece of equipment it was made for.

Yup, the SRA products are designed for components of specific weight, including a consideration of distribution of that weight. Still, one can get a rough idea about how additional dampening will affect particular components, by trying another component on a similar platform.

I have personally found such platforms useful for most components, particularly, my amplifiers (tube monoblocs). But, I have found that for some CD players, some platforms altered the sound too much (most well designed systems are, in a sense "tuned" so any drastic change is not going to be good). For example, when a dealer friend tried a Symposium Ultra platform under an Aero Capitole player, the sound became WAY too dry and analytical.

Speeddeacon,

First, the CRAZ is not completely component specific like the VR or Ohio Class bases are. The isoPods under the shelves are customed designed for the weight of the components you are planning on putting on each shelf and can be replaced at no cost if you change components. The CRAZ, however, will not attenuate resonance/vibration quite as well as the VR or Ohio Class especially under the amps. My CRAZ was made so that I could use the VR bases with it if I wanted to, with the CRAZ addressing part of the frequency spectrum and the VR bases the other - but you do not have to use VR bases with a CRAZ.

All of that said, your budget will necessitate using the VR Series. This is no problem as they are incredibly effective in addressing vibration the proper way.

In MY system and experience, the Ohio Class bases basically just gave me 15-20% more of everything the VR series did. With SRA platforms - either VR or Ohio Class - you can expect the bass to get more defined but extend deeper and with increased harmonic richness, the mids to get clearer and more natural and the highs to extend higher but with less grain and glare. The other noticable effect is this feeling that you have just unleashed a retaining wall around your music - everything seems less "hi-fi" and more expansive but in a natural effortless way. As I said, these traits apply to both the VR and Ohio Class but you get a bit more with Ohio Class bases (e.g., even cleaner and deeper bass etc.). Since I type so slowly, I again refer you to the reviews which will give you more detail.

Hopefully this will help but call Kevin and get his input and don't forget to tell him I said he is NUTS (in a good sort of way!).

Frank,

Thanks for your input. I've been talking with SRA and will definitely have to stay in the VR series but won't be able to do all the components at once because the prices are higher than I thought they would be. I'm not sure what component would cost only $350 as listed on their website, but none of my components are near that. So it looks like I'll have to start with a set of VRs for my amps for now and go from there, or look into some less expensive alternatives like Neuance or the like.

I thank everyone for their thoughts and as always appreciate the info.