 
|
Tweakers' Asylum Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ. |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Tweakers' Asylum Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ. |
For Sale Ads |
Use this form to submit comments directly to the Asylum moderators for this forum. We're particularly interested in truly outstanding posts that might be added to our FAQs.You may also use this form to provide feedback or to call attention to messages that may be in violation of our content rules.
Original Message
REVIEW: Edensound Bearpaws Accessory
Posted by the analog kid on March 15, 2009 at 08:01:17:
Model: Bearpaws Category: Accessory Suggested Retail Price: $30.00 Description: Solid Brass Footers Manufacturer URL: Not Available
Review by The Analog Kid on March 15, 2009 at 08:01:17
IP Address: 98.209.7.155Add Your Review
for the BearpawsSeveral weeks ago, while doing my usual daily routine of surfing through Audiogon, I happened upon an ad for "Edensound Brass Footers." The accompanying photos and description appeared intriguing, but the feedback was especially impressive. I decided to take the plunge - although I'm a long-time devotee of Pierre's Mapleshade tweaks, I'm always looking for interesting and reasonably priced audio miscellania.
My order took several weeks to complete, largely due to back ordered materials. But throughout the wait, Dan (the owner/manufacturer) was friendly and polite. My footers arrived this past week, and are BEAUTIFUL. EXTREMELY heavy and well crafted; the machining work is gorgeous. But how do they "sound"?
I should note before going any further that although I've borrowed Pierre's philosophy/suggestions to mount components on maple platforms, I only use some of HIS stuff. So, my components are on maple platforms from Michigan Maple (see my review), which rest on Mapleshade Isoblocks, on top of custom-thickness Polycrystal amp platforms. Previously my components (amp and pre) had been on Vibrapods (killer bang/buck tweak, as everyone knows), on top of the maple platforms. I swapped in the Bearpaws directly underneath my components (I also should note, I'm using the 2" model).
Now, this is one of those things that you really have to hear to believe. It's as simple as that. Certainly don't take MY word for it - listen for yourself. But my experience was startling. After putting the paws under my pre, the entire sound changed. Bass tightened (no real surprise, I guess), but the noise floor dropped substantially, and leading edge transients sharpened considerably. The soundstage opened up wider, and with the reduction in noise (the cliched "blacker background") I suddenly could hear things I hadn't before. It was a SWEEPING transformation, all for the better. I just sat there for a few minutes thinking, "I must be imagining things. Putting heavy brass footers directly under my pre can't make THAT much of a difference!!" So, while playing a track from Kate Bush "Cloudbursting" I placed footers under my amp. This was the REALLY weird part. I heard the soundstage shift and widen AROUND ME as I put the footers under. It was the damned strangest thing I've heard.
We're not talking subtle changes here folks. We're not talking crinkle your brow, squint, shift your head around, and puzzle "IS there a difference??? Hmmmmmm." Instead, we're talking difference on the level of major component or cable upgrade. Cheapest improvement I've made to my system in years.
Of course, my best audio bud in town - a Mapleshade devotee - immediately questioned the comparison between Mapleshade and Edensound. Can't say. I haven't A/B'd them, nor do I want to - too much hassle moving everything around (BTW - a good tip for setting things on pointed footers - place the footers tip UP underneath first, with the flat part DOWN, and THEN flip each of them point down one at a time. Otherwise it's a two-person operation). So, "are they BETTER than Mapleshade?" Hell if I know. My bud Joe noted that Pierre considers mass, proportion, weight, density, etc., in manufacturing his stuff for the optimal resonance properties. Probably so! Don't know if Dan did this too. All I know is they sound great, and have HUGELY impacted my system in a positive fashion. Good enough for me. And because he will manufacture custom thread widths, I plan (this summer) to have him manufacturer a set of footers for my speakers.
Product Weakness: May be delays in delivery, if things get backed up - to be expected, with any such direct manufacturer. Product Strengths: Build quality, dedication to quality craftsmanship, ability to radically improve sound quality of system Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: BPT-modified Parasound HCA1000A Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): GNSC Ultimate Mod ARC SP14 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Music Hall MMF7/Grado Statement Speakers: Snell D Cables/Interconnects: Elf Audio ICs, Elf Power Cords, Clear Day Double Shotgun Speaker Cables Music Used (Genre/Selections): Prog Rock, Female Vocal Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 11 x 9 Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 Week Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster HTS5000 Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]