
An interesting upgrade for your kit is the vibration controlling Pulsar Points. Either replace the existing feet on the equipment or just place them under the base. The change is quite startling, improving the low level detail and dynamic range of your kit. Available in standard aluminium, or the ridiculously expensive Titanium ($659!), they come in a set of four.
'Nordost Pulsar Points are resonance and vibration control devices developed by the Nordost design group. Each Pulsar Point consists of an upward facing cone which is recessed on top into a hemisphere. On top of this sits a short cylinder of the same type of metal (either aluminum or titanium), with a conical recess on the bottom and a threaded hole to allow either a 6 or 8mm threaded rod to replace speaker spikes; it is stabilized at a single contact point when weight is placed on it. The device and design is patent pending.
Pulsar Points are designed to improve the performance of audio and video components such as CD players, amplifiers, preamplifiers, loudspeakers and DVD players by reducing resonance and vibration. Nordost Pulsar Points are packed in sets of four. The points are available in Aluminum (Model Number PP4) or in Titanium (Model Number PP4Ti).
Pulsar Points are made from high grade aluminum which has narrow resonance points, or Titanium which has an even narrower resonance point.
These metals are superior to steel, brass, carbon fiber and other composites used in traditional cones and spikes. The use of the unique contra point and contoured support mechanism lowers the resonance point even more so that spurious mechanical energy does not affect the musical performance of audio components.
By reducing low-level mechanical noise, Pulsar Points improve the dynamic range and increase the amount of low-level information improving the overall musical performance of a hi-fi or home theater system. Use them under all of your components.'
* Reprinted from product information
Here is what our ex colleague Sam (now residing in Norway..)had to say about Pulsar Points.
"I've jumped the gun here - not being my turn to post - but I feel compelled to tell you all about the benefits of properly isolating your equipment. No, I'm not talking about locking them in a cupboard or making them stand in the corner. I'm talking about isolating your equipment from the inherant resonant energy in your stands and equipment racks in addition to the stuff that comes from your speakers.
Most people settle for a good, solid rack for their hifi equipment, thinking that this will be enough to stop all unwanted frequencies. And they're right - a good rack can do wonders for your system if all you've had it resting on is a plank between the bookshelf and grandpa's couch. But you can do more...
5 minutes ago I was playing a Moon Equinox CD player through the matchin i3 integrated and a pair of Dynaudio Audience 72s. Now we use fairly substantial racks here for our equipment so it wasn't like that was a weak point, but I placed three Nordost Pulsar Points under the CD player and listened again to the track I'd been playing. The Moon is a wonderful CD player in its own right but I'll be baptised if the Nordost points didn't improve the sound by about 20%! Now I know you can't quantify sonic qualities but let me tell you the difference was startling! The image became so much more cohesive and central with the soundstage seeming to completely free itself from the speakers in all directions. I'm delerious with love. I played the comparison for Brett, an old hifi goat, and he was mightily impressed as well.
From the box: "An audio system attempts to recreate the acoustic energy of many simultaneous notes. Any spurious energy which pollutes the signal will compress the dynamic range and speed of the music. In addition, low-level mechanical interference can also affect musical performance. Nordost Pulsar Points are an elegant solution to solving the problem or spurious energy. Using a patent pending, Aluminium cone and cylinder combination a very narrow resonance point is acheived. The result is an audible improvement in sound quality."
So now I'm going to set the rest of the afternoon away to trying these amazing little bits of aluminium on other equipment through out the store. In my opionion, EVERYONE should have these things supporting their equipment and speakers [they make the same difference on speakers]. At only $179 for a pack of 4 ($659 in titanium) it could be the most cost-effective improvement you could make to your hifi." |