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Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: Marigo Audio Labs 3-D Signature Stabilizer Mat Accessory by mkuller

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REVIEW: Marigo Audio Labs 3-D Signature Stabilizer Mat Accessory

207.200.116.66


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Model: 3-D Signature Stabilizer Mat
Category: Accessory
Suggested Retail Price: $199.99
Description: Mat helps to get all the digital information from all types of digital discs
Manufacturer URL: Marigo Audio Labs
Manufacturer URL: Marigo Audio Labs

Review by mkuller ( R ) on February 13, 2007 at 20:02:35
IP Address: 207.200.116.66
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for the 3-D Signature Stabilizer Mat


Officially it's the "Marigo Audio Signature 3-D Stabilizer Version 2".

About six weeks ago I purchased one of these when another inmate who was a dealer offered them for $160 (search General to find him). HP has mentioned this product in TAS and likes it so I thought I'd try one. I have used a CD Blacklight mat (AudioPrism) for a number of years now.

Before using the mat, you add 3 small round pads (with adehesive on the bottom) to your CD tray to prevent the mat from slipping out.

So I installed the dots and before using the Marigo Mat, I thought I'd use the Blacklight Mat first and do and 'A-B' comparison.

I was surprised to hear a subtle improvement in the sound with the Blacklight - I suspect the dots, one of the products Marigo is known for, damp some small resonances in the tray.

I then replaced the Blacklight with the Marigo Mat and...I wasn't sure if it sounded any different, much less any better.

So now after using the Marigo Mat for about 6 weeks, I can say one thing for sure - it has improved the sound of every single CD I have played and made them all more musical.

Was the difference dramatic? No, it was pretty subtle, but unmistakable.

Every CD has sounded cleaner, sweeter, more detailed, better defined, with more air, better depth, more sparkle to the highs, and more punch to the bass with less grain and grunge. In other words, improved subtly in about every way possible.

One of most striking examples was one of my old favorites - Blind Faith - which I listened to last night. It normally sounds a little grainy and lacks the ultimate dynamic contrasts, particularly when Clapton kicks in with his wah-wah pedal on "Presence of the Lord". But last night it sounded cleaner (less grainy), sweeter and better in about every way. There was a even a slight improvement in the dynamics.

The only downside is that the mat is a little thick (made out of some kind of hard cardboard, it seems, green on top and mottled gold on the bottom) so that many times I have to reload the CD two, maybe three times to get it lined up just right so that it will play.


Product Weakness: May have to play with it and reload to get it to play.
Product Strengths: Subtly improves the sound of CDs making them sound more musical.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Manley NeoClassic 250s
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Wadia 850
Speakers: Thiel 7.2
Cables/Interconnects: MIT Oracle V3
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, blues, pop, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 27' x 17' x 10.5'
Room Comments/Treatments: Dedicated rooom with ASC Tube Traps, etc.
Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 weeks
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): For system details click on the 'R' after my name.




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Topic - REVIEW: Marigo Audio Labs 3-D Signature Stabilizer Mat Accessory - mkuller 20:02:35 02/13/07 ( 2)