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Reviews/Comments |
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John Zurek, Positive Feedback Online
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"I put on Crosby Still and Nash, and cued up 'Guinevere'. After listening once I stopped and set the Iso-cups under the Jolida. I lowered the JMW-9 tonearm on the same cut. Instantly, the noise floor lowered. The voices became sweeter, easier to distinguish. Less grunge factor. An overall silkier presentation."
Chris Grieves, Sonic Nirvana
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"Oh, yes indeed Steve! I am almost in shock after hearing what the iso-cups do with my Atma-Sphere M60s. They take them to a natural, effortless, focused and transparent place that elevates the system onto a whole different level. Delighted."
David Obal, Flemington, New Jersey
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"I was going to put the Iso-cups under my CD player, but since I was listening to records today I thought I'd try them first under my Wright 200C tube phono preamp. I can't believe what a difference these made! Besides enhancing clarity and upper-frequency detail, and generally tightening up the sound, there was another very unexpected phenomenon: a reduction of the harsh vocal sibilants I get with a few of my records, which until now I'd written off as groove damage since I know my setup is correct. In the worst cases the sibilance was still present as distortion, but amazingly the Iso-cups reduced the distortion to a very tolerable level."
Nils Tikkanen, Santa Cruz, California
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"The Iso-Cups are AMAZING. I'm hearing detail I've never heard before, and there's a more truth to the timbre of vocals and instruments."
Frank Englander, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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"The lampblack balls worked as advertised. A bit of an improvement over the ebony ones."
Adjie Adhiningrat, Indonesia
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"Following your recommendation, I installed 3 Isocups with lampblack ball under my Nuforce amps. The result was simply breath taking. I would have thought clean power was enough to bring musicality to my system. The music was effortless and dynamic before the Isocups. But after the Isocups were installed, my system went from musical to 'real'. Three dimensional are just audiophile words when describing this effect. It is more like 'I constantly mistake recorded sound with real sound' effect. Simply State of the Art indeed.
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"Thank you for a great product and service."
Mike Adam, Bellevue, Washington
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"I've installed the Tenderfeet and Isocups you recommended and have been very happy vs. the Gingko Mini-Clouds I had been using."
Toby Earp, Montreal, Canada
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"I had been using Mapleshade Heavyfeet and a maple cutting board under the Audio Space tube integrated in my bedroom. My Iso-cups arrived a few days ago. I swapped the brass feet out and didn't think much more about it--no time to listen properly. Yesterday I was trying to nap in the afternoon and all of a sudden I noticed that my Haydn Trios sounded wonderful: warm and clear, with rich piano tone and sweet strings. The brass feet had cleared up the sound but the overall effect was too lean. The Iso-cups with lampblack balls have done just what I wanted! The main effect appeared to be a reduction of harshness in the mids and a richer presentation--very nice indeed and well worth the cost. In fact the leanness and the relatively thin harmonics in this system had been bothering me for a while. I had even been considering a speaker change. The Iso-Cups have done the job at much lower cost, and naturally I am impressed and delighted.
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"The success of this test of course meant that I had to discover the effect of Iso-Cups in my main system. The amps are a pair of Audio Space Nova M-34 monoblocks, like the bedroom amp also on maple platforms and standing on heavy brass cones.
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"This time the effect was really surprising. The impression was of a larger soundfield, smoother and richer tones, an increase in detail--quite intriguing. The soundstage was clearly deeper, wider and the image more detailed. My room is quite live and not carefully treated and I listen in the nearfield. Still, a convincing, detailed 3-D image appeared. The richer and smoother harmonics I had noticed in the bedroom system were there as well, but what has really impressed me is that the Iso-Cups made my Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods disappear. I am, well, staggered.
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"The value of your recommendation of the Iso-Cups has been borne out in triple spades. I wanted to tell you how pleased and grateful I am. Thank you very much indeed. Clearly your advice as well as your products are gold standard."
Raphy Lohev, Kiriat-Ono Israel
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"The Tenderfeet and Iso-Cups arrived two days ago and I tested them. In my system, they provided a cleaner sound, a slightly smoother highs and a slightly deeper (and more defined) bass. Also, the sound has now less haze and glare, which makes it more natural, at least to my ears. The difference is very moderate, but I'm glad that they actually work. To be honest, I know that my system setup and room acoustics are way sub-optimal, so I'm not surprised that the improvement is moderate; I appreciate their benefit. All in all, I find the Tenderfeet and Iso-Cups helpful and I like them."
David Lin, San Jose, California
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"I want to write you a note that I am truly amazed by your ISO-Cups! Everything sounds more focused and real. Amazing!! Thank you. Your products are the most effective ones I have used."
Tony Holt, Atascadero, California
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"In a word, the music is more 'natural' sounding -- i notice what others have, sibilants and harshness have mostly gone away, there's an added sense of air and clarity, more 'live' sounding."
Dave Rocco, Pennsylvania
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"The final result is very impressive. Very clear, detailed, image galore. And the 3-dimensional aspect of the image is just stunning."
Pete C., California
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"My Isocups with metal base and Lampballs sound soo good on my Decware amp--Couldn't be happier--.Just last week my good friend David Schulte (Upgrade Company) came out to meet me in Southern Cal for a listening session at my home. He too commented on the Isocups and UltraSonic tube dampers and how he is enjoying those same tweaks in his own system."
Alex Kovaleski, San Francisco, California
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"Just wanted to let you know that I received my order of UltraSonics and Iso-cups yesterday, and they're working beautifully. Albeit subtly, they perform as advertised. Everything coming from my integrated just sounds better--tighter bass, new details, darker backgrounds, and I can turn it up louder without it getting gnarly."
Brent Feorene, Fort Collins, Florida
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"re: the Iso-cups and Lampblack balls. My comparisons are to the Vibrapods and Vibracones I used four to an amp.
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"Physically, the Iso-cups and Lampblack balls work well at three per tube monoblock. They hold the 80+ lb each units securely with no sagging. There is no residue on my amp stands and amps.
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"Sonically, I am very pleased. The very first thing I noticed is a reduction in the harshness/glare. Now, my system certainly does not have a harsh/glaring sound. However, certain passages are a bit glaring, a bit harsh, a bit too forward. These passages have been dramatically improved. It is a more natural tone, particularly with female vocals. The pace and rhythm is more at ease -- I don't feel rushed at any time during a passage. I am not saying the pace/rhythm is sluggish or lethargic, but rather natural. I am tapping my foot a bit more.
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"Finally, I also feel that the soundstage image is better defined, more present. I didn't get any further depth or breadth, but certainly a better sense of location in space.
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"Overall, a winner for me."
Noel Pastor, Philippines
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"I can say the results is every bit worth the long wait for delivery. With isocup-lampblack ball with steel base on the plinius 9200 integrated amp, the improvement was significant and immediately noticeable -- clearer and more stable image, more natural tonality, improved refinement and some gains in micro and macro dynamics. I guess all this was a result of controlling vibrations and thus lowering system noise and possibly distortions. This must be the best $100 audio dollar i've ever spent. These isocups are awesome and worth an unconditional recommendation."
Bill Organ, San Marcos, California
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"I tried them first on my preamp. They made a very pleasant change in the sound that was quite noticeable -- sweeter and a bit softer. I wasn't necessarily looking for a change and when I went back to the Boston Audio devices the sound was a bit more forward which, in my system, I think I prefer. However, it wasn't a very extended test so the jury is out.
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"I then moved all 6 Iso-Cups under my CIAudio mono blocks which is why I bought them. The results were very good. Bass, which is a forte of these amps, improved in depth and detail very noticeably. I think I hear an improvement in image focus as well. Anyway, it was a very good investment."
Leonard Borden, Skokie, IL
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"I'm impressed with what the Iso-Cup feet did. I can see the individual hairs blowing in the wind on DVD with clarity I never saw before. Colors are better defined, more natural. Results are better than the Isobearings I was using before."
Stuart Gilmore, Hamilton, Ontario
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"Steve...received the package in great condition. All I can say is holy shit -- and I'll throw in a WOW! I can't believe the improved performance. You've got it nailed. Very best regards, Stu up here in Canada."
Jose Luis Catalan, Valencia, Spain
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"I just placed Iso-Cup with Lampblack Ball under my Ack Dac 2.0 and I am amazed. My tube ampli Ars-Sonum Filarmonia sounds incredible now. Bass notes have been cleaned a lot and I am hearing them plenty of harmonics. Soundstage has more focus and it is wider. Dynamics (macro and micro) are a touch better. Music in general is smoother than previously. Thanks for your wonderful product and service."
Bob Wilson, Connolly, Australia
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"I've just received six Iso-cups so I now have them under CDP, Pre & Power Amps and have to say they are the best tweak I've bought in 30+ years. They have brought an ease and naturalness I didn't realise I was missing, while bringing out differences between CDs."
Rob Trankley, Richmond, Indiana
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"I currently use a number of your products in my system. All have worked quite well. I recently purchased the IsoCups/Lampblack balls to use under my single-ended tube amp. The improvement in performance was astounding. I have never experienced this degree of improvement in both sonics and musicality from any modification or tweak. The performance of this modest amp was boosted to heights I have only experienced with vastly more expensive equipment. I would not have believed this was possible simply by changing footers.
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"The lamp black balls and Isocups did such a great job on my amp that I couldn't resist buying the little stainless steel pieces to put them on."
Tom Crocker, West Bloomfield, Michigan
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"This will be my second set of Iso-Cups. The first set went under my cd player – this set will go under my tube preamp. Your product is really helping overcome a poor setup that my components are setting on."
James Irving, Blue Elephant Audio & Home Video Consulting
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" The Iso-Cup and Ebony Ball combination has all the benefits of both materials without the often experienced one note plummy bass, which Sorbothane and similar squiggy feet are prone to. To say I'm very impressed is an understatement. With everything sitting on the Iso-Cups and Ebony Balls including my Anthony Gallo Ref3 loudspeakers, the sound is big, spacious and supremely detailed and I nearly forgot, just so musical I can't stop playing CD's."
Michael Shoemaker, Houston, Texas
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"I purchased the (Iso-Cup) combos and so far the impact, while subtle, is noticeable. Given the resolution capabilities of my system, what I notice most is a greater sense of integration, a bit more depth of soundstage (especially on complex orchestral music) and, for some reason, a reduction in the one bass resonance that has been probably the most noticeable weakness in my system. The bass is simply smooth with virtually no peaks anymore. That was unexpected and worth the price right there!"
Paul Sanders, Bainbridge Island, Washington
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"I put three Iso cups under each 50 lb. mono block and waited about 45 minutes for the components to warm up. What struck me immediately was the increase in clarity. As if someone took a cloth and windex to the 'sonic window' which you didn't even realize was dirty. (a tired analogy, but an apt one). The next thing I heard was better imaging. Better bass response. Overall simply BETTER! Much better than brass spikes, or those 'vibra pad' thingies. I swapped the 'cups with BDR #4's and the sound deteriorated, so back went the iso cups."
Brad Burdic, Denver, Colorado
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"Fantastic results so far with the Iso-Cups. Better instrument definition and depth placement, more low level detail. You definitely get my vote for customer service, and product satisfaction."
James Mito, Torrance, California
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"I placed the Iso Cups under my Jolida JD-100 and replaced the stock tube covers with the HAL-O's. WOW!!!! The improvment was far more than I expected. There is increased clarity, cleaner bass, extended highs without any harshness, improved focus and dimensionality. These two products have taken the Jolida JD-100 to a new level of performance.
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"Thanks again for the awesome products and even BETTER service!"
Vade Forrester, San Antonio, Texas
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"I know you say to let the ball/cup feet settle in before making any judgements, but right away I noticed that the music became incredibly three-dimensional after I installed the three feet."
Mark Florendo, Singapore
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"What can I say? I was completely stunned with the performance. The moment I have placed Iso-Cups under my cd player, it was a whole lot different music I was hearing. Further fine tuning on the placement and after it has 'settled' down, it literally lifted the music up a few notches higher. The Tenderfoot I have were already an improvement, but, these ones belong to a different league. Thank you!"
Mike Finn, St. Louis, Missouri
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"Iso-Cups kick butt. I replaced roller-bearings under my tube preamp and monoblocks. The bass, which was a little 'bloopy' before, is clean and powerful now. Reminds me of solid-state bass power, but the sweet 'tube sound' remains, only better (less fuzzy and less harsh). Highly recommended."
Michael Shover, Westminster, Colorado
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"The Isocups and ebony balls went under my (heavily modified) BAT VK-120 monoblocks. The difference here was all for the better. All registers seemed more focused but also smoother. The cliche regarding veil removal was in full effect. Excellent product and wonderful value!
Orson Garnsey, Tucson, Arizona
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"I recieved my Iso-Cup footers with acrylic balls and the Tube Dampers today. The transformation of my tubed DAC borders on unbelievable! The kind of transformation that must be HEARD and cannot be explained to the uninitiated.
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"Soundstaging, decay and 'PRAT' are so much better I am dumbfounded. This is by FAR the most significant 'tweak' I've ever done. One can't even really call it a tweak, such is the improvement.
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"I sat on the fence regarding isolation devices for two years, and now that's two years lost without the best possible sound from my system. If anyone reads this, all I can say is DO NOT doubt the value of these products!"
Rob Reynolds, Tacoma, Washington
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"Iso-Cups with Gabon ebony balls knocked the socks off the brass cones under my turntable – it's better defined. I'm really surprised because the brass cones made quite an improvement over the factory feet."
Ken Chen, Taipei, Taiwan
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"I now have the large footers/balls underneath my modded Sony SACD and I could easily hear more articulate bass and imaging. The small tenderfooters underneath my preamp (tubed) relaxed things and made things more musical. Thanks for the great products."
David Wise, Oxfordshire, U.K.
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"I am not sure what I expected, but the isocups under my Tube SET made the most dramatic change. The difference was immediately audible, with no equivication, lower noise floor, better imaging and a deeper soundstage. The latter surprised me a little, but I'm not complaining."
Richard Makarewicz, Lennox Head, Australia
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"Under my Rega P9, the Iso-Cups made quite a difference, which surprised me given the anti-resonance work Rega put into their P9 plinth. There was also a greater sense of presence, or 'aliveness' to the music, and bass lines in particular were much more easily followed, occupying a more specifically defined space in the mix. A very worthwhile upgrade."
George Cole, Cary, North Carolina
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"I really like what the Iso-Cup feet do under my SET monoblocs. While a cliche, it's actually like lifting a curtain, especially in the mid to high range."
Jim Ousley, Arizona
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"From the first few notes I knew that this was the sound I had been hoping to hear from my system. I've tried many footers under my player -- from simple to exotic -- but never have I heard the system 'breathe' like it does now. Bass extension -- yes. Sweeter treble -- yes. And a lowered noise floor without a 'signature.' Thanks for an outstanding product."
Bob W., Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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"I recently purchased your iso cup ebony ball footers to use under a pair of ARC monoblocks. They are an extremely beneficial addition adding to the soundstage and level of resolution."
David Pardee, Carmichael, California
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"The ebony balls really bring out the dynamics in my amp. I'm pretty amazed."
Stephen Close, Enid, Oklahoma
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"I'm using Dodd Audio 120W EL34 monoblocks, sitting on iso-foot w/ebony and dampers on all tubes. Cleaned things up immediately. Tenderfoot under the DAC and IC dampers as well. So far, this is the most natural sound that I have achieved."
Paul Hammond, United Kingdom
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"Just a note to say thanks for the Tenderfeet and Iso Cups. The Tenderfeet worked very well under the CD player, cleaning and tightening the sound all over the place. Under my venerable Rega 3 turntable the Iso-Cups are amazing! A great upgrade!"
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