Symposium Ultra Energy Absorption Platform

Description

The Symposium Ultra consists of a multi-layered design of varying density materials. But what's different about Symposium constrained-layer construction is that the density of these layers has been arranged in a specific order, from dense (metal top) to less dense, and then back again. The idea here is to gradually change density in steps, in the same direction, so that energy may penetrate more easily through adjacent layers. This unique but essentially simple design achieves optimal energy drainage from both the component side AND the support (bottom) side at the same time. This "dual direction" absorption provides effective isolation without eliminating the advantages of good energy drainage, and does it without introducing any mechanical "reactances" which are caused by materials which store and release energy, such as sorbothane and other rubber products. Instead of behaving like a reactive load, the design is more resistive, which means it is resonance-free, adding no colorations to the component's sonic "character" in attaining its goal of reducing noise and distortions in the components it treats.

Linking Your Component to the Ultra with Precision Couplers

Ultra Platforms are supplied with 3 Precision Couplers. Made from solid 7075 aircraft alloy aluminum, their purpose is to enhance the performance you may realize with the Ultra.

The Ultra's design is not just for isolating, but for also simultaneously draining vibratory energy from the component. In order to do this efficiently, a good mechanical connection must be made between your component's (usually metal) chassis and the top layer of the Ultra which can act as a conduit between them. To this end, you can use any material which has high transmission efficiency - such as metal cones, Rollerblock® systems, or other equipment "feet," as long as they are hard and afford good mechanical conductivity. Rubber feet and squishy devices are NOT suitable and will actually trap internal mechanical energy inside the component, increasing inherent resonances and the distortions (whether euphonic or unpleasant) they cause. While a number of established footer devices can be used, mechanical coupling is an essential part of the Ultra's function, and so we supply a simple device which we have found to be quite effective with all Symposium platforms: the Coupler.

While it isn't necessary to use the Couplers in all cases (such as when your component already has built-in hard feet, or a flat, unventilated bottom), we encourage their use if you don't have an alternate "footer" device, such as Symposium Rollerblocks, a set of cones, etc.

FEATURES:
 

• Ordered constrained-layer construction
• Superior energy dissipation with low reflection back to the component
• Solid platform with no "bounce"
• No leveling problems
• No leakage problems
• Virtually no weight limit
• Performance independent of its support structure
• Ideal interface for Rollerblocks, cones, and hard "footer devices."
• Resonance-free isolation of upper 9 octaves of the audible range
• Zero interaction problems with tuned suspensions of turntables
• Will further improve analog turntable sound quality when used with or without additional low frequency isolation devices

REVIEWS:

“I was very impressed with Symposium's Ultra Platform and Svelte Shelf, both of which I reviewed last month. Both lowered the noise level of my electronics and allowed cleaner music to flow from my speakers.”

“The increase in enjoyment afforded me by the Svelte Shelf made me eager to hear what the more sophisticated, and expensive, Ultra Platform would add. So out went the sandbox under my Bryston power amp and in went the Ultra Platform.”

“To make a long story short, I heard another round of improvements, but this time a few somewhat more surprising ones.”

“The quiet quotient was ratcheted up another notch or two, and the clarity of instrumental lines was much greater. Sounds soft to loud, and the individual shading between those points, were improved thanks to the Ultra Platform.”

“For me, soundstaging isn’t a prerequisite for listening enjoyment. But, if the information is included on the recording, don’t you want to hear it? I do. The Ultra Platform gave me a better opportunity to do so.” - John Crossett – Soundstage

"There are a lot of stands, cones, and platforms out there, folks, but these are the ones I would buy with my own money." - Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound
 

Note: Custom sizes are available, please call for quote.