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
Ultra Platinum
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Framework: Aluminum alloy
- Damping System: Twelve-stage, dual zone
- Upper Damping Zone: 21 layer sandwich with 6 different damping materials
- Lower Damping Zone: 17 layer sandwich with 6 different damping materials
- Standard Width: 28"
- Standard Depth: 24"
- Load Limit: 200 lbs (91 kilos) per component
- Shipping Weight: 48 lbs (22 kilos) for standard size
- Horizontal Tolerance: 0.0005"
- Vertical Tolerance: 0.0005"
- Lockdown Bolts: Titanium alloy at X-axis
Description
We developed dual-zone 12-stage damping systems for our Ultra-Platinum, Ultra-Diamond, MAXXUM-Ultra and OLYMPUS-Ultra filters. None are identical. Each is designed to function exclusively with its associated architecture and damped in accord to tolerances of 1 to 10 thousandths of an inch.
We developed dual-zone 12-stage damping systems for our Ultra-Platinum, Ultra-Diamond, MAXXUM-Ultra and OLYMPUS-Ultra filters. None are identical. Each is designed to function exclusively with its associated architecture and damped in accord to tolerances of 1 to 10 thousandths of an inch.
Inside each of the above-mentioned filters are 3 fixed damping plates. These are located on the base plate of the filter, the resting area of the filter upon which the component is placed and on the interior plate below the resting area of the filter.
The remaining 8 internal damping stages are arranged 4 zones below and 4 zones above an elastomer. The elastomer, of course, serves to lower natural frequency.
Each of the 8 internal damping stages are precisely calculated thicknesses of aluminum alloy and acrylic damping materials or precisely calculated thicknesses of aluminum alloy, copper alloy and acrylic damping material. There is an important reason why we use very specific metal alloys, elastomers and acrylic damping materials.
Inside each of the above-mentioned filters are 3 fixed damping plates. These are located on the base plate of the filter, the resting area of the filter upon which the component is placed and on the interior plate below the resting area of the filter.
The remaining 8 internal damping stages are arranged 4 zones below and 4 zones above an elastomer. The elastomer, of course, serves to lower natural frequency.
Each of the 8 internal damping stages are precisely calculated thicknesses of aluminum alloy and acrylic damping materials or precisely calculated thicknesses of aluminum alloy, copper alloy and acrylic damping material. There is an important reason why we use very specific metal alloys, elastomers and acrylic damping materials.
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
$2,501-$5,000
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?
No items found.
What competes at this price?
Wilson Audio
Acoustic Diode
3400
/
Released
2022
The new Wilson Acoustic Diode isn't an optional device; it's an essential one. It dramatically lowers the noise floor, both boosting dynamics and revealing previously obscured musical details.
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improves instrumental line distinction, especially from the midbass down, resulting in a lighter and crisper sound
- Enhances soundstage depth and overall sound focus, making the audio sharper and better delineated
- Can transform bass performance, adding weight, heft, and definition, especially for speakers that tend to have overly rich bass
- Reveals buried detail in recordings while simultaneously smoothing out any harshness in the treble
- V-Material absorbs energy from the loudspeaker enclosure and prevents energy transmission from the environment
Product Considerations
- Installation, especially with larger speakers or subwoofers, can be challenging and potentially risky
- Adapters or spacers may be needed to ensure proper contact between the Acoustic Diodes and certain speakers, which could compromise performance
- The Acoustic Diode's top may be too wide to use with some speakers without something in between, which compromises contact between the speakers and the top of the Acoustic Diodes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Wilson Audio Spikes—Acoustic Diodes were wholly positive and worthwhile upgrades
Takeaway: The Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode refines the sound of speakers, revealing more detail and improving bass performance. It is a worthwhile upgrade that builds upon existing technology to enhance the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Vibration Isolators
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