Tag Archives: Room treatments

An audio pal as soon as gave me recommendation about caring for A/V elements. It was one thing to the impact that “electronics don’t prefer to be disturbed—simply put them the place you need them and depart them alone.” Sure, I get it. Anything full of circuitry and bunches of delicate components by no means likes to be bumped, jostled, dropped, or in any other case. Beyond that, nevertheless, we now perceive that this “don’t contact” steering applies on the micro-level, as effectively. Thus, in the present day, the virtues of part isolation and stability have been effectively established. External or inside components like acoustic resonances, airborne vibrations, or mechanisms reminiscent of CD transports or turntable motors can disturb the sign and are anathema to greatest efficiency. Think of it this manner: Physically supporting an audio system is somewhat like constructing any construction—a room, a house. To the extent that its basis is weak or substandard, all the things that follows goes to be impacted negatively.

This is the place the specialty merchandise of IsoAcoustics are available. Based in Ontario, Canada, IsoAcoustics designs merchandise throughout all ranges and worth factors and at the moment sells in over 70 international locations. There are platforms for each audio system and subs, plus varied footers, turntable isolators, and supporting equipment that run the gamut. Easily, probably the most fundamental design is the tried-and-true isolation platform.

The zaZen isolation platforms are among the many newest choices to affix the IsoAcoustics line, and so they symbolize a ground-floor answer in a section the place the sky is the restrict. ZaZen is on the market in two sizes: the zaZen I ($199), with a weight capability of 25 kilos; and the zaZen II ($229), which handles as much as 40 kilos. Using a mix of mass and IsoAcoustics’ isolation expertise, zaZen offers a steady, low-profile platform with a low noise flooring, designed for turntables and audio elements. ZaZen incorporates a medium gloss black end over a heavy fiber development The platform may be very dense and, in accordance with IsoAcoustics, comprises no voids, making it a perfect acoustic materials for the job at hand.

Its footers use isolation expertise derived from the top-tier OREA and GAIA sequence, tuned to work inside particular weight ranges. They are product of a resilient elastomer and embody a high and backside isolator linked with a connector. Their efficiency, in IsoAcoustics’ phrases, “is a perform of how the three components work collectively and the traits of the supplies we use—the durometer (hardness) property, the viscoelastic properties, and the fabric thickness and form. There is a small concave space within the backside of the isolator that gives a suction-cup connection to smoother surfaces.” The isolators aren’t adjustable, so the accountability falls on the proprietor to ensure the supporting floor beneath the zaZen II is stage.

During this analysis, I gathered my impressions utilizing elements that included the Aesthetix Mimas tube-hybrid built-in amp (with elective phono module), Parasound JC 3+ phonostage, and the dCS Puccini disc participant. Cutting proper to the chase, the zaZen II didn’t have an effect on system tonality or skew frequency response in a single path or the opposite. Its results had been extra refined however immediately perceivable. Overall steadiness per se remained the identical, however the zaZen II did make clear and hone the notion of particulars by including only a shade extra distinction and sharper focus and, to a lesser extent, by firming up bass response.

In explicit, the orchestral soundstage expanded wider with the ethereal fullness of ambient info. As I listened to Appalachian Journey, which options the crossover string trio of Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and fiddler Mark O’Connor, I famous that the gamers appeared to snap into place with larger fixity and fewer variability. I heard a discount within the tendency of pictures to  consistently “hunt” for place on the soundstage. I used to be notably impressed by the best way the zaZen II steadied and centered massive teams of choral singers, whereas additionally permitting larger individuation of voices. There was discernably much less congestion and crowding of pictures, which allowed for somewhat extra bloom. The IsoAcoustics additionally helped to take away a little bit of looseness, tightening the assault of orchestral kettle drums and jazz or rock drum kits. Even the radiating fullness and resonances of a piano soundboard appeared to realize a better diploma of decision and maintain.

How does the zaZen II stack as much as state-of-art-isolation like my Critical Mass Systems four-tier Sotto Voce tools rack? Keeping in thoughts that zaZen II is proscribed to comparatively small, light-weight elements, it nonetheless fared remarkably effectively. In comparability to the CMS, it couldn’t fairly confer the load or elicit the deepest background silences that underpin large-scale orchestral recordings or huge bands, however on key points like picture stability and low-level resolving energy the zaZen II gave this listener greater than a glimpse of the transparency that clever isolation can impart.

On shelf or sideboard, the IsoAcoustics zaZen II will combine nearly invisibly with the décor of an current den or front room. Visually low-impact, however sonically high-achieving, it supplied a superb basis for smaller price range methods. The main takeaway: zaZen’s steadying affect allowed extra of the fruits of a musical recording to be revealed and loved.

In conclusion, merchandise just like the IsoAcoustics zaZen II are a reminder of simply how far you may go within the excessive finish with out betting the farm. Unreservedly beneficial.

Specs & Pricing

Dimensions: 17″ x 1.4″ x 15.9″
Price: $229

ISOACOUSTICS INC.
39 Main Street North, Unit 5
Markham, ON, Canada L3P 1X3
(905) 294-4672
isoacoustics.com

The submit IsoAcoustics zaZen II Isolation Platform appeared first on The Absolute Sound.