After decades with spikes, I own the AUVA 100 now. I recently invested in sound treatment and the AUVAs with my D48Rs from ProAc were able to achieve about the same effect in terms of SQ! This at a fraction of the cost. I expected a difference, but not so much. My dynamic Naim components show so much more slam, but more revealing details as well. I am so happy with my purchase and you helped me to overcome my skepticism and give it a try! Thank you, Hans!
Hello Hans, once again you were absolutely right. I had my Revel Ultima Salon 2 with the Gaia1 and have now switched to the Stack Audio Auva's 100 and... I am really pleased, better stage/image and the information clearer and more detailed, more natural. Thank you for your work and suggestions.
Watching Hans New video's is a delight ...even if it is not a Device you want or have a purpose for ..because there is always new information of some kind that IS good to know for future ....
Cool review Hans, thanks! Interesting to hear slight differences in sound depending on the device used. In my experience metal spikes/device will accentuate the high frequencies, rubber will accentuate the bass, and the best of the bunch will balanced things out...
Nice review Hans. Great to see another speaker isolation product. I love the black look of these isolators and prefer this color to the glossy IsoAcoustics (great product but they should also sell those in matte black). The footprint is a bit bigger at 7cm so that's something to take into account (especially if you still have tiles underneath, for example). Given your test, I think these are worth testing.
Bonjour Hans. I doubted that using isolators would effectively benefit the sound of my speakers…A friend who also has JM 370E speakers decided to try the Gaias II and he indicated that they were well worth the cost. I decided to try the Stack Auva 70 on my Jean Maurer JM370E and ordered them from the UK. I received the 70´s last Friday night and installation, quick and easy, the next morning. As you indicated in the You Tube , the improvement in sound is significant. Happy to have followed your advice. Now waiting for Auva EQ System isolators. Thanks Hans. Claude from Montréal Québec
Hallo Hans, thank you for another informative video! You have build a great collection of isolator reviews (Townshend, IsoAcoustics, ..), and now the Stack Audio. As a suggestion, the Japanese Wellfloat also has an interesting ‘isolator’ line up. Given the wider size of some models, just one isolator underneath a device can be sufficient (like Delta and top model Babel). Perhaps you can have a look and consider a review, I would love to hear your experience with the MU1.
Thank you very much for this video. I happen to own the PMC‘s Fact.12 Signature too and also use the Isoacoustic Gaia2 feet, what a coincidence. I found these very convincing, hard to believe the Stack Audio Auva‘s are so much better, but I believe you when you say you heard a clear improvement. The PMC’s are very revealing and show every change, for the good or the better, so I guess I have to try the Auva‘s as well. Will report back later. Cheers/Ron
Hi Hans, I just received the Auva‘s today and put them under my PMC‘s. What can I say….I knew these are great speakers but they unfold their true potential with these Auva‘s underneath. What a surprise, I am zapping from one song to another and every time I discover something new again. I did not think it was possible to have such an experience anymore in terms of sound improvement without changing to another level of equipment.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Hi Hans, try the new Auva EQ isolators for equipment, just put them under my preamp. Very curious what you think about these new product from Theo Stack….😊
I’m still soaking in the existence of magic balls that lower my system’s noise floor a significant amount, revealing previously masked information. Wow!
Another excellent review. I've been using Masterbase under my AudioPhysics for a long time. Somehow these work better than others, perhaps because of the wooden floor they stand on. Perhaps this new product is an improvement and something for me .
It's not a spring/damper system, so weight isn't critical. It's the amount of vibrations that have to be dampened. The AUVA 100 can do more than the AUVA 70 but the latter already worked very fine as you should have seen in the review. The maximum weight is specified at 275 Kg (606lbs) or less.
Wow! Interesting technology. Makes me think about making shallow sandboxes and putting my speakers onto a plinth that rests on the sand. But that solution will definitely not get past the aesthetics committee.
Interesting idea. Maybe the plinth somewhat smaller than the loudspeakers, fitting into the sandbox that has the same footprint and color as the loudspeakers? Then it's just as if the loudspeakers got a few cm taller
Great review Hans! I bought a.pair of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 2s about 6 months ago and currently don't use any such products. I had been looking at a lot of reviews of the Gaia II and then I saw this review of yours. I'm now really interested in the Auva 70 but price is soo high - some may say small price to pay for improvement in sound tho:) Am hoping they have a sale or two soon:) thnx again for the review and pls continue the great work!
Hallo Hans, great review again thank you for that 👌🏻 So you are saying that lets say the 250 euro’s extra for the Auva 70 is really worth it in compare with the Gaia 2? And are they avaiable by a retailer in the Netherlands, or are they only avaiable online at Stack audio direct?
Hans, love your channel a quick question ref the Auva 50 and 70's at present I am using Townshend Seismic Podiums with my speakers these were not bought just for sound quality but also to give me some isolation from the floor to help reduce sound traveling through the floor to my neighbours below, as I Iive in an apartment. As someone who has tested both these products do you think these are as effective at reducing vibrations through the floor as the Podiums the reason I want to change the podiums is to give me more flexibility moving the speakers around in the living room the podiums do tend to take up a lot of room. At present I am using the AUVA equipment isolators with my Dac and cd player etc and am very impressed hence the interest in purchasing the speaker version.
Hi Hans, I've actually been looking at different isolators recently, so this is perfect timing! A couple questions. 1. I currently just have the stock feet on my speakers (not using spikes because they're sitting on hardwood floors on top of cement). Given the floor is already relatively solid, would this still result in a substantial improvement, or is it more applicable to more "resonant" floors? 2. Did you notice that this improves the sound across a wide volume range, or is this mostly applicable when listening at louder volumes? Thanks!
I use them on a concrete floor with a layer of oak on a damping and isolating underfloor layer. You won't believe the difference they make. I judge these kinds of devices at different levels - also when leisure listening - and the effect at 65 dBSPL is clearly audible.
Hi Hans, great review! I'm using Gaia II with a Vivid speaker. Sometimes I feel there is too much bass or slightly bloated bass which causes listening fatigue. Do you think Aura 70 can help solve the issue?
I have no hands on experience with the Gaia's but am almost sure it will bring improvement. But, hey, Stack Audio has a 30-day trial period and free international shipping.
Thanks for an excellent review. Sounds like an interesting product and definitely one worth trying. Apart from the boost to sound quality do they also have the added benefit of reducing sound transmission to adjoining properties?
Think backwards: the AUVA's absorb energy from the speaker cabinet. That way not only the cabinet radiates less resonances but also less energy is transferred to the floor. That is why 'they sound better'.
Hi Hans. Thanks for the review. I have got Townshend Seismic Podiums installed. Would the Auva be an improvement over the Townshend Seismic Podiums? Thanks!
As I said in the video, I reviewed the Townshands using my old speakers so I can't reliably judge the difference between the Townshends and the AUVA's.
I'm not sure if you still have this question, but fyi The Audioophile Man did a review of the Auva isolator feet and compared the Townsend podium to the 70 and 100 feet. I couldn't post the link as YT AI bots will delete my post.
Do the Townshend floor stamp test with a seismic app on top of the speakers and let's see the result....im betting you'll still see vibrations. Same with the gaias.
All my video reviews are subjective. But I am rather sceptical when 'new technologies' are concerned. These isolators now have taken a place in my setup 1. And they give s clear improvement over the Gaia II's. Which in turn gave a sound improvement over the standard spikes. Perhaps you should try them and then judge. They have a 30 day money back guarantee....
Hey Hans, after just watching your recent Reference Set Ups update video I couldn’t help tracking this Stack Audio review down too - Though I began to wish I hadn’t, given I’ve already purchased a rather expensive set of Gaia I’s for my Focal Sopra No.3’s but haven’t had chance to experiment with them owing to our impending house move. So to return the favour (so to speak) I thought I’d tell you about something else I found on the Stack Audio website which, if you haven’t seen it already, may have you searching for you wallet and perhaps even (just possibly) consider saving a considerable sum on your Grimm Audio MU1. Now I appreciate that the Stack Audio Link 2 (Roon Bridge/Network streamer) is somewhat more limited in features than the MU1, however this little beauty may nevertheless fulfil your needs (or those features you use the MU1 for) for a fraction of the price, and could even eliminate your need for other noise reducing network devices too? It certainly grabbed my attention after reading this DarkoAudio Review (darko.audio/2021/11/stack-link-ii-review/) which reminded me of your praise of the MU1 in jitter/noise reduction and interestingly also has a USB input “Detox” function which got high praise from John Grandberg. So if you could do without the MU1’s server function (which you don’t use), it’s screen and more limited (currently) input/output options, it could certainly make for some interesting comparisons of the MU1 and also see if the UpTone EtherRegen, Muon Pro and/or improved network switches can be done without, or if those still add more to the performance of the Stack Audio Link 2. To be fair, for only £1,150 (inc. 20%VAT) when it comes with it’s own LPS costing £480 (if bought separately) it seems like a real bargain, even if you decided it doesn’t match up to the MU1. It could slim down the box count your other set ups maybe? Food for thought anyhow I hope? Take care 👍
Quick edit: Note the HMDI output for “future use” - various speculation I’ve read seem to indicate this may give you output to your TV, so the ‘headless’ Link 2 no longer has to do without a ‘little screen’ if you can use your much bigger TV 😉
If you think the Stack Audio is anywhere comparable to the Grimm Audio, think again. Or have the Grimm demonstrated (if you can spare the money. If not, don't for you will be dissatisfied for the rest of your life). The Stack Link II really is a great streamer for the money but it's nowhere near the Grimm MU1.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Well I kinda already knew that you really love the MU1, but if I offended you in any way, I was only suggesting that it may be worth trying detailed comparisons (unless you’ve already had a chance to have detailed listen that is?) to hear your views on the reports of other respected audio journalists on its ability to deal with jitter and noise issues (an import issue you have a lot of expertise in). However I didn’t say that I think it is “anywhere comparable” - I sadly haven’t had the chance to listen to either - my suggestion was based on praise given by others I also respect, who used it with other, pretty high end equipment. Note the key difference in the article I referred to was it wasn’t compared against a high end digital network transport like the MU1, but just with pretty expensive DAC’s. It’s an interesting question to look at the degree to which the network player, versus the DAC, plays in the ultimate output quality. Though If you haven’t experienced it first hand, it’s not like your usual objective approach to dismiss something without first listening for yourself, as there are still other useful comparisons (such as the EtherRegn etc) I had in mind, beyond just the MU1. Maybe you could persuade StackAudio to lend you a review sample, rather than have to buy one. However, I’m totally realistic and know that you mostly get what you pay for so I would be surprised (pleasantly) if it could match the MU1 even just in some ways, but you don’t know unless you try, right? Maybe my comment over emphasised a MU1 comparison, but I was also thinking about the Link’s abilities for dealing with other aspects of the signal chain that may also benefit your lower reference set ups - if it can’t get close to the MU1 that is 😉
After decades with spikes, I own the AUVA 100 now. I recently invested in sound treatment and the AUVAs with my D48Rs from ProAc were able to achieve about the same effect in terms of SQ! This at a fraction of the cost. I expected a difference, but not so much. My dynamic Naim components show so much more slam, but more revealing details as well. I am so happy with my purchase and you helped me to overcome my skepticism and give it a try! Thank you, Hans!
My pleasure. Please feel free to support the channel 😊
Hello Hans, once again you were absolutely right. I had my Revel Ultima Salon 2 with the Gaia1 and have now switched to the Stack Audio Auva's 100 and... I am really pleased, better stage/image and the information clearer and more detailed, more natural.
Thank you for your work and suggestions.
Enjoy the music
Watching Hans New video's is a delight ...even if it is not a Device you want or have a purpose for ..because there is always new information of some kind that IS good to know for future ....
🙏🏻
Excellent review, explaining the complementary benefits of damping and spikes in one product!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cool review Hans, thanks! Interesting to hear slight differences in sound depending on the device used. In my experience metal spikes/device will accentuate the high frequencies, rubber will accentuate the bass, and the best of the bunch will balanced things out...
Thanks for sharing!
Nice review Hans. Great to see another speaker isolation product. I love the black look of these isolators and prefer this color to the glossy IsoAcoustics (great product but they should also sell those in matte black). The footprint is a bit bigger at 7cm so that's something to take into account (especially if you still have tiles underneath, for example). Given your test, I think these are worth testing.
👍🏼
Bonjour Hans. I doubted that using isolators would effectively benefit the sound of my speakers…A friend who also has JM 370E speakers decided to try the Gaias II and he indicated that they were well worth the cost. I decided to try the Stack Auva 70 on my Jean Maurer JM370E and ordered them from the UK. I received the 70´s last Friday night and installation, quick and easy, the next morning. As you indicated in the You Tube , the improvement in sound is significant. Happy to have followed your advice. Now waiting for Auva EQ System isolators. Thanks Hans.
Claude from Montréal Québec
My pleasure. Enjoy the music (even more now)
Hallo Hans, thank you for another informative video! You have build a great collection of isolator reviews (Townshend, IsoAcoustics, ..), and now the Stack Audio. As a suggestion, the Japanese Wellfloat also has an interesting ‘isolator’ line up. Given the wider size of some models, just one isolator underneath a device can be sufficient (like Delta and top model Babel). Perhaps you can have a look and consider a review, I would love to hear your experience with the MU1.
I'll look into it (no promise)
Thank you very much for this video. I happen to own the PMC‘s Fact.12 Signature too and also use the Isoacoustic Gaia2 feet, what a coincidence. I found these very convincing, hard to believe the Stack Audio Auva‘s are so much better, but I believe you when you say you heard a clear improvement. The PMC’s are very revealing and show every change, for the good or the better, so I guess I have to try the Auva‘s as well. Will report back later. Cheers/Ron
Very nice!
Hi Hans, I just received the Auva‘s today and put them under my PMC‘s. What can I say….I knew these are great speakers but they unfold their true potential with these Auva‘s underneath. What a surprise, I am zapping from one song to another and every time I discover something new again. I did not think it was possible to have such an experience anymore in terms of sound improvement without changing to another level of equipment.
Great, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Hi Hans, try the new Auva EQ isolators for equipment, just put them under my preamp. Very curious what you think about these new product from Theo Stack….😊
The’re in the pipeline 😁
I’m still soaking in the existence of magic balls that lower my system’s noise floor a significant amount, revealing previously masked information. Wow!
😃
Another excellent review.
I've been using Masterbase under my AudioPhysics for a long time. Somehow these work better than others, perhaps because of the wooden floor they stand on. Perhaps this new product is an improvement and something for me .
Thanks for sharing!
Do they have weight limits like the Gaia’s do? My speakers weigh about 40kg. Would the 70 work?
Love your videos!
It's not a spring/damper system, so weight isn't critical. It's the amount of vibrations that have to be dampened. The AUVA 100 can do more than the AUVA 70 but the latter already worked very fine as you should have seen in the review. The maximum weight is specified at 275 Kg (606lbs) or less.
Wow! Interesting technology. Makes me think about making shallow sandboxes and putting my speakers onto a plinth that rests on the sand. But that solution will definitely not get past the aesthetics committee.
Interesting idea. Maybe the plinth somewhat smaller than the loudspeakers, fitting into the sandbox that has the same footprint and color as the loudspeakers? Then it's just as if the loudspeakers got a few cm taller
It depends on the quality of the FSP's you use.
Great review Hans! I bought a.pair of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova 2s about 6 months ago and currently don't use any such products. I had been looking at a lot of reviews of the Gaia II and then I saw this review of yours. I'm now really interested in the Auva 70 but price is soo high - some may say small price to pay for improvement in sound tho:) Am hoping they have a sale or two soon:) thnx again for the review and pls continue the great work!
I will
Great review Hans! Do you plan to review the AUVA 100? Do think there would significant upgrades from the AUVA 70 to the 100?
I don't know, sorry.
Hallo Hans, great review again thank you for that 👌🏻 So you are saying that lets say the 250 euro’s extra for the Auva 70 is really worth it in compare with the Gaia 2? And are they avaiable by a retailer in the Netherlands, or are they only avaiable online at Stack audio direct?
I can't judge if it is worth the money to you. They are only available directly from Stack Audio and have a 30 day money back guarantee.
Hans, love your channel a quick question ref the Auva 50 and 70's at present I am using Townshend Seismic Podiums with my speakers these were not bought just for sound quality but also to give me some isolation from the floor to help reduce sound traveling through the floor to my neighbours below, as I Iive in an apartment. As someone who has tested both these products do you think these are as effective at reducing vibrations through the floor as the Podiums the reason I want to change the podiums is to give me more flexibility moving the speakers around in the living room the podiums do tend to take up a lot of room. At present I am using the AUVA equipment isolators with my Dac and cd player etc and am very impressed hence the interest in purchasing the speaker version.
The Auvan's do absorb vibrations. Whether it is to the same degree as the Seismic, I can't say.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans for the reply think I will try the 70’s.
Hi Hans, I've actually been looking at different isolators recently, so this is perfect timing! A couple questions.
1. I currently just have the stock feet on my speakers (not using spikes because they're sitting on hardwood floors on top of cement). Given the floor is already relatively solid, would this still result in a substantial improvement, or is it more applicable to more "resonant" floors?
2. Did you notice that this improves the sound across a wide volume range, or is this mostly applicable when listening at louder volumes?
Thanks!
I use them on a concrete floor with a layer of oak on a damping and isolating underfloor layer. You won't believe the difference they make. I judge these kinds of devices at different levels - also when leisure listening - and the effect at 65 dBSPL is clearly audible.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks for the info. Definitely adding this to my list to try out!
Hi Hans, great review! I'm using Gaia II with a Vivid speaker. Sometimes I feel there is too much bass or slightly bloated bass which causes listening fatigue. Do you think Aura 70 can help solve the issue?
I have no hands on experience with the Gaia's but am almost sure it will bring improvement. But, hey, Stack Audio has a 30-day trial period and free international shipping.
That’s what I said in the video
Thanks for an excellent review. Sounds like an interesting product and definitely one worth trying. Apart from the boost to sound quality do they also have the added benefit of reducing sound transmission to adjoining properties?
Think backwards: the AUVA's absorb energy from the speaker cabinet. That way not only the cabinet radiates less resonances but also less energy is transferred to the floor. That is why 'they sound better'.
Hello Hans
Thanks for this New video.
Did you try them under amps, dacs or other gears ?
No, they are for speakers only.
I have bookshelf Sonus Faber on their heavy metal stands with spiked feet. Would these help in place of the spikes?
I haven't tried but I'm sure they do. Anyway, if not, you can send them back.
Hi Hans. Thanks for the review. I have got Townshend Seismic Podiums installed. Would the Auva be an improvement over the Townshend Seismic Podiums? Thanks!
As I said in the video, I reviewed the Townshands using my old speakers so I can't reliably judge the difference between the Townshends and the AUVA's.
I'm not sure if you still have this question, but fyi The Audioophile Man did a review of the Auva isolator feet and compared the Townsend podium to the 70 and 100 feet. I couldn't post the link as YT AI bots will delete my post.
Interesting. I use the VCF V with my Virgo III & have incredibly tight, fast & defined low end.
Thanks for sharing!
Video thumped up😀
🙏🏻
Do the Townshend floor stamp test with a seismic app on top of the speakers and let's see the result....im betting you'll still see vibrations.
Same with the gaias.
The question is how relevant that is....
Interesting!
I just use hockey pucks.
Hokey pucks? Aren't those solid? In that case they just conduct vibrations to the floor and reflect a part of them back into the speaker cabinet.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
I use the spikes on the speakers and place the speakers on the pucks. Hockey pucks are made of vulcanized rubber.
I don't know. Although I appreciate most of your videos, this one seems highly subjective. The next best thing.....
All my video reviews are subjective. But I am rather sceptical when 'new technologies' are concerned. These isolators now have taken a place in my setup 1. And they give s clear improvement over the Gaia II's. Which in turn gave a sound improvement over the standard spikes. Perhaps you should try them and then judge. They have a 30 day money back guarantee....
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I may just do that. Thank you 👍
Hey Hans, after just watching your recent Reference Set Ups update video I couldn’t help tracking this Stack Audio review down too - Though I began to wish I hadn’t, given I’ve already purchased a rather expensive set of Gaia I’s for my Focal Sopra No.3’s but haven’t had chance to experiment with them owing to our impending house move. So to return the favour (so to speak) I thought I’d tell you about something else I found on the Stack Audio website which, if you haven’t seen it already, may have you searching for you wallet and perhaps even (just possibly) consider saving a considerable sum on your Grimm Audio MU1.
Now I appreciate that the Stack Audio Link 2 (Roon Bridge/Network streamer) is somewhat more limited in features than the MU1, however this little beauty may nevertheless fulfil your needs (or those features you use the MU1 for) for a fraction of the price, and could even eliminate your need for other noise reducing network devices too? It certainly grabbed my attention after reading this DarkoAudio Review (darko.audio/2021/11/stack-link-ii-review/) which reminded me of your praise of the MU1 in jitter/noise reduction and interestingly also has a USB input “Detox” function which got high praise from John Grandberg.
So if you could do without the MU1’s server function (which you don’t use), it’s screen and more limited (currently) input/output options, it could certainly make for some interesting comparisons of the MU1 and also see if the UpTone EtherRegen, Muon Pro and/or improved network switches can be done without, or if those still add more to the performance of the Stack Audio Link 2. To be fair, for only £1,150 (inc. 20%VAT) when it comes with it’s own LPS costing £480 (if bought separately) it seems like a real bargain, even if you decided it doesn’t match up to the MU1. It could slim down the box count your other set ups maybe? Food for thought anyhow I hope? Take care 👍
Quick edit: Note the HMDI output for “future use” - various speculation I’ve read seem to indicate this may give you output to your TV, so the ‘headless’ Link 2 no longer has to do without a ‘little screen’ if you can use your much bigger TV 😉
If you think the Stack Audio is anywhere comparable to the Grimm Audio, think again. Or have the Grimm demonstrated (if you can spare the money. If not, don't for you will be dissatisfied for the rest of your life). The Stack Link II really is a great streamer for the money but it's nowhere near the Grimm MU1.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Well I kinda already knew that you really love the MU1, but if I offended you in any way, I was only suggesting that it may be worth trying detailed comparisons (unless you’ve already had a chance to have detailed listen that is?) to hear your views on the reports of other respected audio journalists on its ability to deal with jitter and noise issues (an import issue you have a lot of expertise in). However I didn’t say that I think it is “anywhere comparable” - I sadly haven’t had the chance to listen to either - my suggestion was based on praise given by others I also respect, who used it with other, pretty high end equipment. Note the key difference in the article I referred to was it wasn’t compared against a high end digital network transport like the MU1, but just with pretty expensive DAC’s. It’s an interesting question to look at the degree to which the network player, versus the DAC, plays in the ultimate output quality. Though If you haven’t experienced it first hand, it’s not like your usual objective approach to dismiss something without first listening for yourself, as there are still other useful comparisons (such as the EtherRegn etc) I had in mind, beyond just the MU1.
Maybe you could persuade StackAudio to lend you a review sample, rather than have to buy one. However, I’m totally realistic and know that you mostly get what you pay for so I would be surprised (pleasantly) if it could match the MU1 even just in some ways, but you don’t know unless you try, right? Maybe my comment over emphasised a MU1 comparison, but I was also thinking about the Link’s abilities for dealing with other aspects of the signal chain that may also benefit your lower reference set ups - if it can’t get close to the MU1 that is 😉