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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
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
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!!!
leftistelf
87 posts
 
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.
theaudiotweak
1,793 posts
 
Audiopoints attached to the bottom of the support rods are singular directional transfer devices. In no way are bi-directional devices a positive in this design type. The geometry of the Audiopoint was designed as follows: The flat surface and or the shaft are collection areas. The tip is the exit point. The point was designed to be an exit point only, it is not a re entry point. The tip of the point is therefor a coupling point. This one way in, one way out purposeful design makes the Audiopoint the most efficient coupling device on the market.You do not want to de-couple you want to couple. You want to capture extraneous resonant energy and not store or dampen it. You want to capture extraneous and resonant energy and have it exit as quickly as possible. These devices are a kin to a heat sink or polarized capacitor. The previous have a defined entry area and a defined exit point. So do the Audiopoint and Sistrum devices. Tom
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,286 posts
 
I just posted this on another thread, so at the expense of being redundant, here goes: To couple or decouple? That is the question. Isolation? Not, nearly, possible. Airborne resonances cannot be isolated, and the very things you're using to decouple will keep those microphonous evil nasties flittering around, in your system. Coupling is the way to go, and Sistrum does it better than anyone, because they not only have an excellent product, they keep the principle of coupling "isolated" from decoupling. You don't mix the two--not, if you're trying to achieve a clear highway to the good ole earth, for those resonaces to go. peace, warren
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My comments are based on a lot of hours using many types and combinations of isolating damping materials and devices in several setups (the result of a nomadic lifestyle). They are not theoretical. My experience is such that Lak asked me to check things out for him regarding this particular rack. I would never care about an expensive rack, especially after seeing Jahaira's rack in action.

If this guy that makes the Sistrum had a treasure he would have marketed his concepts to the global industrial/laboratory sector and would be making far more money. It's only logical. Sorry, but I can't separate myself from being a professional scientist, a psychic and an animal...

Now check this out:

The point was designed to be an exit point only, it is not a re entry point. The tip of the point is therefor a coupling point. This one way in, one way out purposeful design makes the Audiopoint the most efficient coupling device on the market.

Is this original thinking or paraphrased copywriting? My Goldmund cones' literature say something very similar: the body being of steel, straight at first and then funnelling and the tip made of a different material (HSS) to drain vibrations in one direction even faster, blah, blah, blah..." This is simply a thermodynamic impossibility.

This is not to say that the Systrum is not a step in the right direction. It is a step in the right direction. Whether it's worth the money is another story. Can I make something better looking and better performing for less? Ask a psychic! In the dedicated listening room I'm about to set up, any floor standing rack is out of the question, BTW.

As for Lak, hell, he only uses 5 Watts...he doesn't pop up the volume like I do!!!
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