Is it possible to remove the feet and then physically attach better ones such as Stillpoints? Or does the unit just rest on top of 3 or 4?
Yes, you can remove the feet.
Hi Paul,
Can you please remind us what the screw thread and pitch is for the feet on the units (I assume all cases use the same)? If someone wants to use Stillpoints to their best effect, or use aftermarket feet what thread/pitch is needed is important. I’m sure someone has previously reported but I cannot find it.
Yikes, no. Maybe someone has a better memory than me?
http://www.psaudio.com/forum/bhk-power-and-pre-amp-forum/bhk-250-tweaks/page-3/#p64949
6/ 32 * 7/16" Thank you to @palerider
I did check the Stillpoints website, but the only mention was for the PerfectWave DAC, so I thought that I had better ask in case size was not consistent over other, newer products. Thank you to all. More expense!
@john777 have you compared the resulting sound of placing a unit on top of Stillpoints to the sound when the Stillpoints are attached at the corners using the casings existing thread? (I know this sounds like I’m reversing my previous comments but I started thinking about it! I use ULtra5’s under my speakers with adapters but I use mini-ss under the DMP). This is from one of the reviews found on the Stillpoints site ;
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/stillpoints.htm
Where should you position the Stillpoints? Again, this is dictated by the guiding philosophy of mechanical grounding. Look for the biggest sources of mechanical energy and place the supports directly beneath them. In the case of a CD player, that means one under the power supply, one under the transport and the third positioned to provide a stable tripod. Under a power amp, it would be under the power transformer and probably (assuming it’s a dual-mono design) one under each output stage. Adding the fourth support follows the same logic and don’t be afraid to place two supports close together, under a large transformer for instance. The beauty is that it is simple to experiment with placement and the results are easily heard, especially in a fully floated system. So lift everything first and then refine the placement of the supports.
@frank7036 said@frank7036 I have some units just supported and some using existing threads. I have always tried to obtain a photo of the internal layout and used that as a guide for knowing the positioning of transformers, disc drives and other sources of vibration etc.@john777 have you compared the resulting sound of placing a unit on top of Stillpoints to the sound when the Stillpoints are attached at the corners using the casings existing thread?..
I think it is probably correct that positioning Stillpoints as close as possible to noise/vibration sources is better. But when I can, I always go for the OEM feet location? Why? Visual aesthetics, and stopping myself from constantly fiddling. If I fiddled with placement, I could convince myself that I heard differences. When I use the OEM, typically 4-corner placement, I also hear decided improvement, enough so that I do not worry if there might be a tiny bit more. Like Frank, I have Ultra 5 under the speakers; under components, I have a mix of Ultra, mini, and AmCan copper under the various components. Right now, the DS and the BHK pre have AmCan copper feet, and they look really nice. I think the Stillpoints do a slightly better job than the AmCan, but they don’t look as nice, and they are much more expensive.
On the subject of internal photos, where can I get internals of DirectStream Memory Player and DirectStream DAC?
John777 saidThe PS Audio web site? http://www.psaudio.com/directstream-dac/ (Click on the various tabs for a few interior pictures.)On the subject of internal photos, where can I get internals of DirectStream Memory Player and DirectStream DAC?
The PWD to DS upgrade instructions have multiple pictures: Search: 0 results found for "2015/07/DSD-Upgrade-Kit-Rev-C-V2.pdf" – PS Audio
Some of the reviews have various internal pictures (tho some might be from the press kit.) DirectStream DAC Factory Refreshed – PS Audio
palerider saidI think it is probably correct that positioning Stillpoints as close as possible to noise/vibration sources is better. But when I can, I always go for the OEM feet location? Why? Visual aesthetics, and stopping myself from constantly fiddling. If I fiddled with placement, I could convince myself that I heard differences. When I use the OEM, typically 4-corner placement, I also hear decided improvement, enough so that I do not worry if there might be a tiny bit more. Like Frank, I have Ultra 5 under the speakers; under components, I have a mix of Ultra, mini, and AmCan copper under the various components. Right now, the DS and the BHK pre have AmCan copper feet, and they look really nice. I think the Stillpoints do a slightly better job than the AmCan, but they don’t look as nice, and they are much more expensive.
Could you elaborate on why you choose the copper version of Amcan feet, not the steel or brass versions? Thanks.
Palerider can give his own reasons, but I will jump in since I had an email exchange about this topic with Todd, the owner of Amcan, before placing my order. He said that the steel feet have sharper transients and a crisper sound, while the brass and copper tend more toward the organic/analog end of the spectrum with the copper providing the most effortless flow. I got the copper and have been very happy with them – the sense of flow certainly is better than with the stock feet.
Hi Magister,
Do you have the Amcan feet on all your PS Audio gears? I have the similar to yours minus the DS Memory Player. I would like to compare the copper vs steel versions, but don’t know which PS Audio gears to try them first. Any advice? Both you and Palerider like the copper version. My thinking to try the steel version too is that, since PS Audio gears are already famous for their smoothness and flow but relatively softer transient, dynamics and bass, maybe the steel version will strengthen the transient, dynamics and bass.
I have the Amcan footers under my DAC and preamp. Since they can be moved around, you can order a set and try them under both, maybe get a second set if you like what you hear. Todd offers a 30-day money back guarantee, so there’s no risk except postage. Also, he has sold a lot of footers to PSA customers and he probably could give you good advice – he’s very helpful via email.
As to which to try, it’s all a matter of individual taste. I personally dislike audio gear that has overly sharp transients or an edgy treble, but some people like that sound because it’s “exciting.” As you say, PSA gear is my kind of thing. How about your speakers? I’ve read that some Focal models are not shy in the treble. It’s all a balancing act.