This Sistrum stuff works


Hi. I just got a bunch of Sistrum products to add to my system. The package arrived, with 2 Sistrum Speaker Platforms, 2 Sistrum Equipment Platforms, 2 sets of AudioPoints, a pair of Sonoran Plateau Desert Speaker Cables, and a pair of Sonoran Plateau Cactus RCA Interconnects.

I wanted to try an entire line of products that were designed to work together, using the unique vibration management system that the Sistrum and Sonoran products have. I thought this approach could have some merit.

I put the products into the system, 1 by 1, and listened for differences. I started with the speaker platforms. I immediately noticed that the slight "boxiness" that was present primarily in the lower midrange was almost eliminated. And the bass, and midbass was much more defined than before. Overall clarity seemed improved, but it was already quite clear to start with. One of the more interesting benefits was that I could play louder than before, with less audible distortion. Then I tried the equipment platforms under my preamp and amp. This improved the focus of the entire presentation by several percent. And again, I could play even louder before noticing any distortion occurring. The next candidate was the Audiopoints under my Teres TT. This was where I noticed an increase in detail and lowering of the noise floor. I had already used BDR cones and Cocobolo Cones under the TT, and these beat both of those quite convincingly. The final thing was the Sonoran Cables. These need some time to break in, but after about 4 hours of playing, this package is giving me the best sound that I have ever gotten from this system. The cables, even right out of the box, were quite open and detailed, with no high-frequency rolloff that I had experienced with some other cables I've tried, like Cardas Golden. After just a few hours, the bass was really showing excellent tonality and control. The mids were as open as my DIY cables, which had previously slain all comers. I expect these Sonoran cables to improve over the next couple of weeks, and that will be a nice treat, because they are already sounding quite good indeed.

Now, I have to admit that I have not tried a boatload of different cables, but I have tried a few. My cone and support situation was in need, and I didn't have a very good vibration control system in place before I got this stuff. Maybe other stuff can do very well too. But I can say that this Sistrum and Sonoran stuff does exactly what it says it does, and I am very pleased with the results that I got on my system.

In addition, I really like the appearance of these products, and that never hurts, even though my audio room looks more like a workshop than a living room. I go primarily for performance, and not looks. The sound is the key issue for me. But good looks are always a positive, if the sound is also good.

I would say that I recieved an honest 15% improvement in the clarity, tonal quality(especially in the low end), and in maximum SPL that I can now attain. Although I didn't measure it, I feel that I got an additional 3db SPL over what I was getting before. And with the improved clarity and tone at the same time. With my low power tube system, this was a very big plus, because it was like getting more power out of my amp. Sistrum claims that when you use their products, you get better efficiency from your system, including amps and speakers, due to proper vibration management. I now believe that this is true, because I experienced that in my testing with my system.

I could heartily recommend these products to others, because I feel that if they work on my system, they will work on others. The technology works. I'm happy.

While other isolation products may be very good, and also other cables may be very good, I feel that these are doing a great job, and have good neutrality, but let the sound and dynamics come through crystal clear, and from top to bottom.

This package wasn't cheap, at about $3000 retail for all the items I got. But it is not anywhere near the high price that alot of other cables and racks cost. I think it strikes a very good level of performance for a reasonable price. I can't buy $8k speaker cables, or $5k audio racks.

I'd recommend them for anyone to try out. They really do work, just as the manufacturer claims.
twl
I recently bought a specially upgraded SP-7, with seven shelves and special brass rods, and I can testify to the quality of the product, the customer service of the folks at the company, and sonic improvements. I must have over 300lbs of gear on it, and it holds rock solid. It looks great, too. I think the hardest part of using this rack is positioning 150lb components on the sharp, upward facing Audiopoints. It took a little time to assemble, but its about the same effort as Ikea furniture.

However, this thing is wonderful. It did make improvements to all my components. At first I had a SP-6, and had my turntable on small standesign rack with Relaxa's magnetic floation isolation device underneath the turntable. Then I received the 7th shelf and put the turntable on top...wow. Its that simple. I echo TWL's comments - its not going to propel a pioneer receiver into a BAT50SE, but it will help you maximize the performance of your components.
Is there any useful information here? Looks to me like the typical Audiogon circus act where someone posts a good issue and it then gets flooded with collateral opinions, haymaker punch attacks and experiences which are tried to be presented as validated scientific experiments. And all this is supposedly *moderated*...

Lak talked with me this week and asked me to check out the Sistrum stuff and give him my opinion.

I have used the Audiopoints on one of my T4 filters and saw Lak's amplifier stands, which gives me a pretty good idea of what the designer is aiming for. What I told Lak I will tell you: I think I would do better using my approach of light IKEA "Lack" tables (per Ken Lyon's DIY recipe) and Caribbean Moca wood boards with appropriate cones (I use Goldmund) or going Jahaira's route. Jahaira's got this stainless steel rod based DIY rack. Routered 12-ply Brazilian Cedar shelves compose the structural part of the rack. He then uses granite slabs resting on cork and EVA foam pads. He also uses his DIY version of the Darumas (DIYumas, he calls them). The problem I see with the Sistrum is that although it is light and rigid with vibration drains, it lacks a vibration sump, unlike the two DIY designs I've described. Vibration has to go to some sort of sump, IMO. If you ever get a chance to look at vibration sensitive equipment in industrial/laboratory setups, you will find big stones used as vibration sumps. Enough said.

Also, the Sistrum guy offered to sell Lak some brass Audiopoint feet for his Salamander rack. I told him brass is too soft. My Goldmund cones bave high speed steel points and they still get dull. I have purchased four Polycrystal cones to make the base feet of my DIY rack. Polycrystal is super hard and will be able to bear the load.

Once again...

With psychic power and primal intensity,
Earth is the largest of sumps that humans have available to them. This is where I placed my Sistrum Sp6 and my Sistrum Sp101 platforms for my Harmonic Precision Mono Amps. Tom
The stones used as vibration sumps work in both directions, Tom: from the earth/building to the component and from the component to the sump. Exactly that is what's so wonderful about Jahaira's rack: The granite slabs are floating on the EVA/cork pads and are not a structural component of the rack. José's design humilliates that $4,000 granite rack people here go crazy bidding for and it cost only a tiny fraction of that outrageous selling price...

As for the Moca wood, it is an awesome sump. Its effects are nothing short of stunning at absorbing and dissipating vibration. The resulting sonic effect is breathtaking.

Call me now for your free reading!!!
Your comments are all academic, or should I say "psychic"? :) All are good, but, despite your thoughts, you still haven't tried it. Its like commenting on the handling ability of Austin Martin - if you haven't driven one, you wouldn't know except by making educated guesses from pictures and stat sheets. You might be surprised how well a 120398123098 ton vehicle handles! :)

I own a Sistrum rack. I posted my experience, which IS informative, based on real life experience, and maybe someone else out in the community will find it reassuring to hear my story, especially when Sistrum racks aren't easily found at my local dealers. I heard the difference immediately, and I'd put my ears up against a calculus or engineering book anyday. I'd recommend others try it. I haven't heard the rack you've discussed, but I'm sure its got its good qualities, besides just price, too! Heck, I would love a rack with a beautiful wood-finished look, rather than this modern time machine contraption in my living room...

The proof is in the pudding. Get the rack for a 30-day test run and try it yourself. Post your results, and return the rack if you dont like it.