Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Center Stage Ultra TD
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Diameter: 2" (51mm)
- Height: just over 1" (25mm) +/- 5 microns
- Weight: 6 ounces (150 grams)
Description
Critical Mass Systems is proud to announce the launch of the Center Stage Ultra TD footer made for electronic components. Critical Mass Systems is strictly focused on the principles of thermodynamics applicable to High End Audio. High End audio presents a range of challenges wider than those found in any other industry where vibration is a barrier to performance. Our mission is to suspend disbelief, meaning; to provide the means to which electronics can make reality come out of your loudspeakers.
Critical Mass Systems is proud to announce the launch of the Center StageUltra TD footer made for electronic components. Critical Mass Systems is strictly focused on the principles of thermodynamics applicable to High End Audio. High End audio presents a range of challenges wider than those found in any other industry where vibration is a barrier to performance. Our mission is to suspend disbelief, meaning; to provide the means to which electronics can make reality come out of your loudspeakers.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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MXK SPIKES & CUPS
- Positioning: A budget-friendly accessory designed to support amplifier components without high-end extras.
- Description: Offers a simple set of four spikes with cups and a load capacity of 250 lbs, providing straightforward support and vibration reduction at a low cost. Compared to the other products, it delivers basic functionality without the advanced damping and adjustability seen in the higher-tier lines, making it ideal for tight budgets and simple applications.
CENTER STAGE 2M
- Positioning: A mid-range enhancement that builds on proven technology from previous models for improved audio component support.
- Description: Uses a carefully sequenced material design and added damping to reduce vibration, offering a technical leap over entry-level solutions like the MXK Spikes & Cups. Compared to the LS series, it sacrifices some fine-tuning adjustments while still providing a clear upgrade over budget options.
CENTER STAGE LS 2.25
- Positioning: A mid-tier loudspeaker accessory engineered for effective resonance mitigation in speaker setups.
- Description: Introduces a novel design with a rounded contact point and fine height adjustment for improved alignment and reduced cabinet vibration. Compared to the 2M series, it offers more precise resonance control but does not reach the advanced features of the Ultra series.
CENTER STAGE ULTRA TD
- Positioning: A premium product aimed at stabilizing electronic components through advanced damping focused on thermal and vibration control.
- Description: Features over 30 finely tuned damping touch points and a compact design to minimize vibration and improve sound staging specifically for electronics. Compared to the lower-tier LS and 2M series, it delivers more targeted performance improvements for dedicated electronic setups, though it is less adjustable than the Ultra TT.
CENTER STAGE ULTRA TT
- Positioning: A flagship solution crafted for both electronic components and loudspeakers, featuring height adjustability for optimal performance.
- Description: Offers precise, height-adjustable damping with more than 30 touch points that enhance clarity, depth, and image definition by reducing unwanted vibrations. Compared to the Ultra TD and other models, it provides the most advanced control and flexibility in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
1
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
540
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
2000
Our take on the brand
Critical Mass Systems takes a unique approach to vibration control by filtering rather than isolating vibrations, using principles from thermodynamics and proprietary materials to manage energy flow through audio components. Their signature products include the Center Stage footers, which drain excess vibrational energy and convert it to heat, and racks with Dual Zone Damping Systems that help audio components sound more life-like.
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What if you spend more?
IsoAcoustics
GAIA-TITAN Cronos (Series)
1399
1399
/
1
Reviews
For floor standing speakers and subwoofers weighing 620 lbs (280KG) or less.
Modern high end speakers are exotic and perform with great accuracy, providing punch without missing the most subtle details. Similar to performance tires on a race car, the GAIA-TITAN's allow high end speakers to reach their full potential, delivering remarkable natural openness and clarity.
GAIA-TITAN series feature the same patented isolation technology as the original award winning GAIA series. The GAIA-TITAN series has 3 models with weight limits ranging from 320 lbs to 620 lbs.
The GAIA isolators are machined stainless steel units that incorporate IsoAcoustics' patented design to provide a high degree of speaker isolation, while resisting lateral movement and oscillations, to maintain accuracy and alignment with the listening position. Internal reflections from the hard supporting surface are attenuated resulting in greater sound clarity and openness.
The soundstage blossoms to open up a three-dimensional image of natural, spatial sound.
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably reduced 'smear' and 'blur'—improving focus and detail
- Improved low-level detail, resolution, image focus, clarity, bass attack and decay, and transparency
- Bottom end of speakers tightened up and produced greater extension, which affected everything above
- Improved image focus, specificity, and three-dimensionality
Product Considerations
- Speaker manufacturers may have different opinions, believing speakers should be firmly anchored
- Decoupling a mass from a floor essentially lowers the mass of the entire system—raising the system's resonant frequency, which is audible, for better or worse
Takeaway: The GAIA-TITAN footers can significantly improve sound clarity and detail by reducing unwanted vibrations in speakers. They allow one to hear more of what speakers are truly capable of, especially regarding bass and image precision.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Critical Mass
Center Stage LS
800
/
Released
The Center Stage 'LS' Series loudspeaker foot, a breakthrough loudspeaker resonance mitigation system, is the culmination of several years of experimentation developed from our groundbreaking Center Stage footer technology. I can say with high confidence that no matter how good your system is, the Center Stage 'LS' Series loudspeaker foot will add a new dimension to your listening experience.
Critical Mass Systems takes a unique approach to vibration control by filtering rather than isolating vibrations, using principles from thermodynamics and proprietary materials to manage energy flow through audio components. Their signature products include the Center Stage footers, which drain excess vibrational energy and convert it to heat, and racks with Dual Zone Damping Systems that help audio components sound more life-like.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lowers the noise floor
- Expands the lateral width of the soundstage
- Increases very fine detail
- Imparts increased heft and warmer sound
- Improves dynamics
Product Considerations
- It takes about a week for the footers to settle in, and some initial deterioration in sound may be experienced when they are inserted into a system
- Lavrencik recommends using a quartet of footers, not an isosceles triangle
Takeaway: The Center Stage 2 isolation footers are remarkably potent little devices that improve the soundstage and dynamics of a system. They can make amplifiers sound brawnier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Critical Mass Systems takes a unique approach to vibration control by filtering rather than isolating vibrations, using principles from thermodynamics and proprietary materials to manage energy flow through audio components. Their signature products include the Center Stage footers, which drain excess vibrational energy and convert it to heat, and racks with Dual Zone Damping Systems that help audio components sound more life-like.
Product Page
Product Page
IsoAcoustics
Delos 1815W1
599
/
Released
Discover the benefits of a turntable isolation platform with the DELOS butcher block from IsoAcoustics, designed to isolate turntables from vibrations and reveal the finest details in your records. The stylus navigating the tiny variations in the vinyl's grooves is a delicate process that is very sensitive. By decoupling the turntable from the supporting surface and dramatically diminishing structural vibrations and resonances, DELOS enhances clarity and detail, creating a listening experience unlike any other.
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- IsoAcoustics DELOS is effective at eliminating vibrations, especially for gramophones
- Improves bass and midrange performance, making the tone more concrete and physical with better separation
- The sound is more transparent and open
- Offers a choice of sizes and thicknesses
- Not just elegant, but also functional
Product Considerations
- The effect on the highest end of the frequency spectrum is less pronounced than on the mid and bass ranges
- The change is noticeable
- Requires focused listening to fully appreciate the degree of difference
Takeaway: The IsoAcoustics DELOS is a nice addition to any audio setup, especially for those using gramophones, as it improves sound and looks elegant. It is an effective solution for vibration dampening that enhances the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
IsoAcoustics
Delos 2216W1
799
/
Released
The DELOS 2216W1 is part of IsoAcoustics' turntable isolation platform line, designed to isolate turntables from vibrations and reveal the finest details in records. The stylus navigating the tiny variations in the vinyl's grooves is a delicate process that is very sensitive.
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effectively decouples hifi components, especially turntables, CD players, and tube amplifiers, from external vibrations.
- Improves sound precision, especially in the bass range, leading to a more open midrange and clearer high frequencies.
- Features a simple yet elegant design and is available in maple or walnut finishes.
- Constructed with substantial mass to counteract sound-damaging vibrations, using either maple or walnut wood, not MDF.
- Uses patented isolator technology featuring a special insulation material to prevent vibration transmission
Product Considerations
- Effectiveness can vary depending on the construction of the turntable
- Described by the manufacturer as having a 'butcher block' design, which may not appeal to everyone aesthetically
Takeaway: The IsoAcoustics DELOS Series is a great choice to help reduce unwanted vibrations and resonances with turntables. It also has an attractive—high-quality design that will look nice with stereo equipment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
IsoAcoustics
Delos 1815W2
599
/
Released
Discover the benefits of a turntable isolation platform with the DELOS butcher block from IsoAcoustics, designed to isolate turntables from vibrations and reveal the finest details in your records. The stylus navigating the tiny variations in the vinyl's grooves is a delicate process that is very sensitive. By decoupling the turntable from the supporting surface and dramatically diminishing structural vibrations and resonances, DELOS enhances clarity and detail, creating a listening experience unlike any other.
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effectively decouples hifi components, especially turntables, CD players, and tube amplifiers, from external vibrations
- Improves sound precision, particularly in the bass range, leading to a more open and detailed midrange and clearer high frequencies
- Features a simple but elegant design, available in maple or walnut, that also serves as a visual adornment to hifi furniture
- Constructed with substantial mass (maple or walnut wood, not MDF) to counteract sound-damaging vibrations
- Incorporates patented isolator technology with a special insulation material to prevent vibration transmission
Product Considerations
- Different turntable designs may react differently to the decoupling platform, requiring careful matching for optimal results
Takeaway: The IsoAcoustics DELOS Series is a great choice for vinyl lovers who want to improve their record player's sound by preventing vibrations. The platform is easy to set up and will provide more detail in the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoAcoustics specializes in vibration isolation technology that decouples speakers and audio components from their supporting surfaces, using patented designs that manage energy and minimize unwanted vibrations. Their product range, including the GAIA and OREA series, is particularly valued in home studios for reducing internal reflections and improving soundstage clarity, with many users reporting enhanced bass control and more life-like sound reproduction.
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Vibration Isolators
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