I am using the “new” Stillpoints Ultra ESS rack with mostly Ultra 6 V2 footers. I also have Stack Audio Auva EQ footers. I am also using the Stillpoints Component Stand SS.
All are extremely worthwhile and I would not be without them.
I found that footers have a major advantage over just putting your equipment on a shelf, which is that they can be positioned for optimum performance. I can hear a difference between different positions. I’ve tried them in friends’ systems, if only for fun, and every time there is a difference and they are astonished. My starting point is to determine the location of the transformer/power supply section and place one footer there. I then work out the other positions, making sure the component is stable and safe. From there onward is a bit of trial and error for fine-tuning.
Many years ago, I remember being at a friend’s house and listening to a dCS Puccini, which was noticeably improved by changing the position of, at the time, Stillpoints Ultra 5’s.
If I was experimenting, I’d start with three footers because set up is easy. No wobble - tripod style. Then introduce the fourth. More stability but must be fine-tuned for equal contact on all four. The sound will change again.
A few years ago I thought of experimenting with using aftermarket footers, especially under sensitive components with clocks. My dealer offered up a number of options, including a set from Wilson Audio. I’d been particularly interested in using something under my Vivaldi DAC. The Wilson’s were less than what I’d hoped. Just out of curiosity I decided to contact Michael Latvis at HRS to get his suggestions, since I’d been using a pair of his racks for the past decade. He recommended I give his Vortex a go, as they’d found in their own testing with dCS components, that these were excellent. Needless to say, the sonic improvement was immediate when I placed a full set under the dCS. I’ve gone on to using a second set of Vortex footers under my Grimm MU1 streamer, with noticeable benefit over my previous Stack AUVA’s (now a couple under my etherREGEN switch). Hope that helps.
Steve - how many Vortex are you using underneath your Vivaldi boxes? Even though I ordered the flight box set of 4 (3 fixed + 1 adjustable) I have heard from several people who have advised using only 3. I am curious what HRS advised specifically underneath Vivaldi as their website, which does not specifically mention brands, advises the use of 4. I assume you have Vortex underneath the entire Vivaldi stack?
I believe you are also using the damping plates? I changed my order from two 9.5” DPX to a single 14.5”.
I spoke with a friend who uses NIMBUS footers and a damping plate on his Boulder phono stage. He said the damping plate is funny. One would not think much by looking at it however it makes a dramatic change.
I’m using the set of 4 which included an adjustable one. If you visit the HRS site you’ll notice their recommendations https://avisolation.com/product/vortex-system/ At the time I ordered they didn’t even offer a 5 Vortex option. Since the dCS DAC is 280 sq inches which fits their recommendations, though both the HRS platform and the base of the dCS are unlikely to be even slightly uneven. I do not use any after market feet for my dCS Upsampler. But I’d never thought to do so, since Michael never suggested doing so. And I do not use a dCS Clock as my only source (just digital for me) is my Grimm MU1 which, as a CD-player would, is primary device for my setup, and I’ve wired Wordclock output from the Upsampler to the DAC’s Wordclock In3, therefore using Wordclock 3. I also use 4 of the Vortex under my Grimm. As for grounding plates I do use them on the DAC and Upsampler, preamp, and amps. And since my Grimm has an unusual curved design for it’s top, I use a pair of old VPI bricks for that one.
I use the Wilson Audio Pedestals under the Rossini Apex and an Artesania dampening disc on top. I tried each individually and both worked. Together was best.
The footers and the large damping plate on top worked very well. The footers were the thicker 2” Nimbus NA-200. Jim also lent me some of the standalone polymer pucks (the ones without the metal collar, not sure on model number) and they work well on the Revox PR99 but I did not try them under the Rossini.