SRING/SUMMER	2003

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h Magnetic Attraction h

It has been tried many times in past, with varying degrees of success, yet no one has achieved the ultimate goal. The carrot is magnetic levitation, floating a component in mid air; it’s the holy grail of component isolation.
            There are a number of hurdles to overcome if one is to reach the hallowed ground. The path is beset with myriad pitfalls, one sure to catch even the wiliest among those who set out on the journey. For example, how to control the obviously strong magnetic field surrounding the very powerful permanent magnets required to suspend any significant weight. Clearly, the presence of such a strong field would make the device virtually unusable in the world of high-end audio, where many products are sensitive to EMI.
            Further, how to keep the magnets from sliding away from another. You probably remember playing with magnets in elementary school science class experiments; finding that while indeed magnets with opposite poles indeed repel, it’s hard to keep them centered, one over the other. Another tough hurdle.
            As I said, there have been a number of attempts at making the concept work. I recall the first effort I set eyes on; it was about ten years ago at CES. An industrious fellow had fashioned a platform using opposing magnets on the top and bottom. It worked, fairly well, but was very costly and looked as though it would spew a magnetic field strong enough to rip the buckle off your belt if you came within spitting distance. It never went into production.
            More recently, the Relaxa platform (from the Italian firm, SAP) came to my attention. This device works well, but does employ a guide pin, which rolls on a bearing, to stabilize the top and bottom parts of the platform. While it does indeed float the top of the platform on a magnetic field, the presence of the guide pin results in at least some mechanical coupling to the bottom of the unit. The Relaxa comes close to, but does fully suspend the component in air. It’s an alluring device nonetheless, teasing us with the potential of the concept.
            By now I bet you’re guessing that a design is upon us which has managed to fulfill the promise; and you’d be right.

A few months back I learned of an isolation device produced by the German firm, Clearaudio. You’ve likely seen or heard of their superb turntables and phono cartridges. The Company is well known for quality, performance and innovative design, but their engineering abilities must certainly have been tested on this one!
           The Magix is a unique design that appears to have accomplished what so many others have attempted; suspending a component on nothing but a cushion of air. Two significant breakthroughs here: first is the ability of the Magix to completely isolate the component; there is simply no connection between the top and bottom portion of the device! The second accomplishment is elimination of the magnetic field. The self-shielding design of the Magix eradicates the magnetic field so problematic in other attempts. This was a critical design criterion for Clearaudio, as their primary goal for Magix was turntable isolation. What could be more sensitive to magnetic fields than a phono cartridge?
             Clearly they’ve succeeded in quashing the magnetic field. At the 2003 CES a total of twelve Magix isolators were used to float the massive Clearaudio Anniversary turntable tracking a sensitive Insider cartridge. That number was required to support the significant weight of the ‘table and base, but you can imagine what would have been the outcome if even a small amount of magnetic flux was leaked by each Magix.
             With the electromagnetic field issue answered, we come to another important point; weight-bearing capacity. Each Magix isolator supports approximately 12 pounds. Divide the weight of the component to be isolated by twelve to determine the number of Magix required.
              Clearly, it may be cost prohibitive to float some components, such as large amplifiers or speakers. However, in a very accurate system of higher value, the cost may still be a bargain considering the incredible performance improvement possible with the Magix. Certainly most front-end gear occupies a weight range consistent with practical implementation.
              Measuring 3.5” (loaded) high and 4.25” in diameter, the Magix may be too high for use on some interior rack shelves where space above the component is limited.
              Now that we’ve covered all the technical bits, I’ll bet you want to know how these things sound. Would I be too impetuous to say; damn good, go buy some? Though I’m tempted to do just that, I’ll be a bit more tactful and offer some details.
             There are lots of isolation devices out there, and all of them have benefit. I’ve said for a long time that anything you place under (or on top of) a component will change its resonance characteristics, and therefore its sound. So, with that in mind, there really is no wrong, assuming you like what you hear.
              Over a period of time we’ve come know each of the various devices for their individual characteristics. Listening to what a person is trying to achieve helps us make a recommendation on which device may best help them achieve their goals. But then comes the Magix. I have found them exceptionally difficult to categorize as they do not seem to add any character of their own, but rather  simply let the music flow in a natural unimpeded manner. What would a component sound like that was floating on air? If you can imagine what the absence of vibration might sound like, you’re there.
            Detail is improved, but not falsely so by a hyped sense of tonal or dynamic exaggeration. Some devices increase apparent detail by accentuating the leading edge of the transient envelope, and that may be ok in some systems, but the Magix are an altogether different kettle of fish.
            What sets the Magix apart from other devices of their kind is what they don’t do. I think we can all agree that any isolation device imparts some sort of character of its own. That may be increased detail, more speed, a slight softening, added brightness, etc., etc. The Magix strips away those artifacts, leaving behind a sense of purity and air. Background silence is increased, subtle details are allowed to unfold (rather than being forced out) and the music ebbs and flows with a naturalness that is alluring.
            As you might aver by now, I am strongly attracted to these magnetic feet. I have found them to be something of a revelation among isolation devices and suggest highly that you give them a whirl. Call me and order a few;  I bet you too will experience their Magix in your system.

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