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Model: | Orea Indigo |
Category: | Accessory |
Suggested Retail Price: | $180 |
Description: | Set of 3 |
Manufacturer URL: | IsoAcoustics Inc. |
Model Picture: | View |
Review by el34eh@yahoo.com on July 03, 2018 at 13:41:36 IP Address: 99.137.6.87 | Add Your Review for the Orea Indigo |
Hi All,
As there doesn't seem to be much located here on these footers, much like over on A'Gon I felt it's my duty to make others aware of what I hear as one of the most cost effective tweaks ( footers ) I've come across to date.
Being someone whom believe in paying attention to detail when it comes to squeezing every ounce of performance from any given component before writing it off, as all to often I've sold this or that component only to later on hear it in the person or shops system I sold it to and couldn't believe just how much better it sounded......., hindsight is I never knew much about the importance of a properly matched cabling loom, footers, racks, ac outlets earlier on.
Yet as my past mistakes came back to haunt me, I've taken it upon self since 2009, to pay more attention to an article written by Roy Gregory when he was the editor of Hi-Fi + ( currently over on The Audio Beat ) where he goes on about building a system foundation......., which starts at the wall ( makes sense to me, as clean, clear, stable power reaching ones component is a often over looked by some ) then onwards to ones power cords | Speaker Cables | Racks and Isolation Devices | and finally the ICs or Cable ( Digital | Toslink | USB | Ethernet ) closest to someone's Source component going into their Preamp or Integrated Amp ( in my case ) where each item has been isolated from vibrating resonance points which are inherent in each.
Yet as I've found the speakers with in fact tell ones owner which type of metal conductors they need ( be that Ag | Cu or SPC ) and its here that some mistakenly try to match said cables to an amp instead and then find themselves wondering what's wrong?, they're attempting to counterbalance the amps signature against that of the speakers which synergistically should been corrected from the start, and ending at said IC or cable further upstream as closest to the Source was in fact the one where a particular flavor of conductor pulled it all together.
Which then leads me to said Isolation Footers......., here I'm with my custom sized Sound Anchors Rack | Amp and Speaker Stands placing said Source | Integrated Amp | Speakers atop massive columns which control the resonance points within each in such a manner I've decided to ride out their wares for the remaining part of my life, so then placing those IKEA Bamboo Butcher Board atop them ( Amp | Rack that is ) and enjoying a sense of cleanliness which had been overlooked the first time around......., as it took all of 3-7 bars into one track I know well after placing these footers underneath my DAC placed atop one of these broads with Crystal Quartz Footers under it......., but locating each of the Orea Indigo Footers in key locations according to weight distribution underneath said DAC was for me a rude awakening in the first order......, as the music in itself took on a new found sense of realness I've never been exposed to before, and trust me I've visiting plenty of audio shops | people's homes | factories, since joining this hobby back in 1978, and have in all honesty ever been moved to tears by 3 guys systems ( one was @ Don Better Audio, which the other two were in fact in people's homes ) yet this same sense of emotional connection to the music itself stuck me in such away the first thing that came to mind was WTF!, and within 5 minutes came to realize there isn't very much more my system needs, as it to my ears | senses is clicking on all cylinders, and out of fear of altering what I've built upon would be a mistake........, but do take into account I'm not one whom is easily swayed by mere Hi-Fi Effects, as I don't listen to measurements or watch graphs in so much as gauge the reaction that both my wife and I have during listening sessions.
There are moments where we look at one another with tears in our eyes, and then for her to mention each song sounds " right and she feels the emotions each artist is trying to get across to the listener shines through ". To my mind when she shows this sort in reaction, I tend to pay attention, and then to have friends of mine I've known for over 30 years, whom have every setup I've owned state " this is the best anyone of your systems has ever sounded " let's just say strikes accord, as I had come to said same conclusions close to 5-8 months prior system wise that is.
But it took the introduction of these footers under my DAC to make me realize chasing this or that sound, of moving laterally at best, isn't wise. And narrowing down a few items like one more Sound Anchors Amp Stand | 2x NordOst QK-1s and another set of these footers to be rotated underneath either of my Integrated's are priorities, whereas other shit are merely wants, that I no longer wish to waste money on........, to me each of us should've a point during our quest with audio where seemingly it all locks in, and then it merely becomes a matter of conditioning ones mind to stop reading the audio rags | searching for the best next thing, when in fact what you've built before you, lest it's broken shouldn't be taken for granted and should hold your interest for years and years to come.
And while I'm aware this wasn't a formal review of any sort, in so much as a means of trying my best to reach out to those of you who know me, and say you owe it to yourself and to your friends to share these with........, I just can't think of any other tweak I've purchased over the years since 2003, besides say Shun Mook SDRs | Symposium Acoustics Rollerblock Series 2+ and MSA Nanotech BlackPods Footers which have made such a dramatic impact to my system in less then an entire track.
Thank me later........, as I'd believe each of you should hear clearly what these footers bring right out of the box, lest ones ears are shot, it's " that impactful ".
How does the old jargon go " snooze | lose ". I mean it........, hear these.
Product Weakness: | None |
Product Strengths: | Layering unraveled before my eyes and ears, a greater sense of purpose to each fiber of the notes within the notes, balance, beauty of note and textual nuances never heard before now. |
Amplifier: | Coda Technologies Unison 3 Ultra Edition | Pathos Acoustics Classic Model One MK lll |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | None |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Bluesound Node 2 | Gustard DAC -X20 Pro |
Speakers: | Totem Acoustics |
Cables/Interconnects: | Jena Labs Trio Plus and Crimson ICs | Twin 5 LSCs. |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Acoustic Jazz ( 1953| current Bop | Be-Bop | Post Bop | Improvised) EDM | Deep House | World |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 22.50' x 12.5' x 8.8' |
Room Comments/Treatments: | Synergistic Research HFT | HFT Wide Angle |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | 3 weeks. |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | Chang Lightspeed CLS 6900 MK ll |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Your System (if other than home audition): | None. |
Well, I'm back to say Music Direct (not an intentional plug) recently had a sale and I ended up buying 3 Orea's for my turntable. I must say that IsoAcoustics, whatever it is that they're doing, they are doing it right, and when you compare the cost of these to other brands, it's a great value.
What do you get for your money? I would say everything, across the board, is improved. Strings, and stringed instruments in particular, sound fuller, where the contact of bow to string has a depth to it similar to the real thing. Instrument separation, yes, more impact, yes, soundstaging separation, yes, more organic and realistic sounding, huge YES!
IF you are one to complain about cost vs. performance, I believe they can be returned, and if they don't work for you, write a review here. My Nottingham Spacedeck weighs about 43lbs, so I was concerned about the 48lb limit that three (16lbs per) Oreas would have, as I read another review which said they did NOT perform as well when they were supporting a lighter piece of equipment. Perhaps it's better to give them some weight to function properly.
If you're a Herbie's or DIY guy like me, and want to move up a level, these are highly recommended! Shit, now I'm going to have to buy more for underneath my tube amp, hope they work!
What I read there was: Lots of gushing and name-dropping, and that's all.
I sometimes wonder if "professional" reviewers think about how many paragraphs they can devote to superfluous introductory mindset-prepping crap before they finally get to the point. When reading consumer-oriented reviews, I just scan the text until I find something useful and pertinent. It's often three or four paragraphs down.
"I'm aware this wasn't a formal review of any sort"
I'm not sure what a "formal" review is. It's either a review, or it's just one person's lengthy commentary. Yours is the latter. You could have simply written "These are great. My system sounds much better. You should try them.", and saved some Internet bandwidth and a lot of wasted reading time.
Not to burst your bubble, but rather to bring a little science and objectivity to the discussion: You never mentioned anything about construction or composition, nor resonant frequency or Q or anything having to do with it's design or specs.
$180 is a lot to pay for three simple "rubber" isolators. 'Course, there's the metallic band around them, emblazoned with the company name, and the cool-looking box, so those add "value".
I expressed myself as I saw fit. Much like having a day to day conversation with friends in person or over the phone, I tend to do thinks my way.
In most cases more so then not, many are generally going to visit the companies link that's attached for said minor question as to construction materials and so on, are they not?.
I'd ask besides music, what else is something to purchase that brings out the best in ones system for a mere $180?, unless of course your system isn't resolving enough to display said obvious sonics as was my case. As I'd rather attempt to address what I feel my system needed, as opposed to merely settling upon anything stock isn't an option......., so to me $180 for what these bring versus some $300 - $400 footers where very little improvements were heard if any, isn't something to question lest you're willing to try them yourself, otherwise it's your lost, not mine and I'd care less.
I have to agree on the use of one's ears. The ONLY acid test for a product of this nature is an audition. In my case, I was offered a massive 60 day audition/free shipping option on the Orea's. I only wish those who are quick to criticize without actually hearing a product would take advantage of the liberal audition periods offered. Then and only then would their opinion have any weight. Personally I don't care what they're made of or the engineering involved. I only used my ears to determine if they were worthy of the fairly humble $180 asking price. To my ears and in my case, they outpoint the Stillpoint Ultra Mini's which retail for twice the Orea's asking price. The Stillpoint's look/feel more like a precision engineering exercise for sure, but to my ears they're not as sonically satisfying as the Orea's. As always YMMV, but at least audition. The worst that could happen is return shipping costs if the product isn't your cup of tea.
I agree 100%, but for myself being the cheapskate that I am, I will usually wait for an item to come up used and buy it, knowing (hopefully) that I can re sell it without much appreciable loss. Those (small companies) that offer auditions do a great service and says a lot about their belief in their own products!
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H/ear Here Mick.
No truer words could've ever been written ( said ) which is why over the course of the last 8 years, I'll often refer to my audio gear choices as " Mi-Fi ". Because the only ear that matters is mine.
It just so happens I've a few friends | associates whom will constantly ask me to share my findings publicly, hence trying to reach a few people here merely as a mere to spread the word......., as some simply mightn't be aware of this or that product ( tweak ) which might just function on a more universal scale, as opposed to some never taking the time to sample them at all.
Much like the fondness you and I hear with the Auditorium 23 SCs, not. But I'll leave that for another story as not to be insensitive to others whom haven't explored other brands simply because they can easily be found in America, but more then worthy of any true music lover ( as opposed to box " gear " chaser ) attention.
Read between the lines on my photos here......, yet most haven't heard of this company.
Be well Mick.
Edits: 07/05/18
I would concur with the IsoAcoustics Gaia II's. BUT, in my case with those speaker footers the sound was not right, IMO due to the rubber type suction cup used to anchor it to the floor. I then put some Herbie's product between the floor and the cup and WHAM, what you are referring to. String sounds from Vasen's cd Trio (for a long time sounded like shit) now practically brought me to tears. I have been toying with trying the Orea's, now I guess you've persuaded me.
On the subject of tweakafying, my DIY Shakti Hallowgraphs have been indispensable for adjusting the soundfield, and the Bybee Quantum Signal Enhancers at $90 a pop are addicting enough--bought two, then two more. My system for the time being stands maxxed out, sonically as I am satiated for now. Thanks for the report!
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Hello Ric,
Thank you for at least being open-minded enough to speak on something you actually own, and have listened to, as opposed to making blanket statement based upon cost.
As I was about to,order a set of said Gaia 2s with matching threads to fit onto one of my integrated amps, I was forced to rethink said matters, and decided to pursue a set of the Orea Bordeaux instead, as I'd then easily rotate them under either one of the 3 quite easily and not have to own extra sets.
As for locating them on floors, I noted they offer a set of 4 disk type items with spikes beneath them to be used on carpet and the likes, whereas I've a few friends where they use the Gaia's standard placed atop slabs of granite and stated the results were wonderful......., I can't say what they're made of, in so much as the simply work.
Yes, to me it's surprising and ridiculous how many people (men with toys) will comment on said item ostensibly based on cost. Gomez Addams ( of Addams family fame) said "all you have to do is invent something that costs pennies to make, you can sell for a dollar, and it's habit forming". Unfortunately, our whole society is based on consumerism which from an audiophile perspective has a lot of disgruntled people making comments A) without having heard or compared said item, or B) basing an opinion solely on it's cost--but the other aspect of consumer driven economy is that if said item is priced out of the market, no one will buy it. (thanks for the rant).
I had emailed Iso Acoustics and they recommended the Orea's under my turntable. They were not sure why I had heard a difference in sound regarding my experience with the Gaia II's, but here at AA we tend to be suspicious of rubber based anything, so I can thank all at AA for putting that notion in my head. For me, the bottom line is the sound, I don't really care how or why said item improves the sound, if it works, it works. If I can afford it and I can justify in my own head and pocketbook the trade off in sound improvement vs. money spent then welcome to tweakdom! Thanks again and happy listening!
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Ric,
Nice response. In my way of thinking after having admitted to making mistakes in building systems earlier on, just to move onto something different without even actually knowing how extract the best from what was right before me, as earlier on I different know the different flavors of cables | cords | tubes or isolation footers at said time.
Yet having also grown wiser with age, it finally kicked in......., instead of trying to tailor the sound of my system to please someone else's senses, why not concentrate on how to please self, and in doing so began to understand the importance of said items, as well as build my current statement based upon things like pitch | truth of timbre or attack of notes | its ability to unravel notes and highlight hidden nuances within the notes them self, as well as striven to accomplish a sense of balances where detail and refinement meet somewhere in the middle as not to be overly aggressive, nor overly soft where vital detail goes unnoticed......, a very fine line indeed, yet one that's within anyone's reach provided they first off understand what the old adage of the 80s meant when some spoke on synergy.
I've seen far to many friends | associates changing gear within 1-2 months, which in truth isn't even time for some components within their system to have fully settled it before seeking small variations in sonics, only to once again watch as they dismantled their current system yet again......, when does it end?.
I believe like I've been told by plenty of my Japanese buddies as far back as 1978, that all to often Westerns and Europeans tend to focus to much attention on listening to what their components do | don't do......., yet have forgotten the act of listening to and into the music abstract senses of emotional impact and allow themselves to be placed within the confines of what feels | sounds right.
I'm just happy that alone the way, I've found more then a few whom are willing to at least listen, instead of basing shit upon the cost or material in which an item is made........, as an avid proponent of Shun Mook Super Diamond Resonators as my reference point for all footers, I'd never see logic in destroying one to see what's inside, as I much rather focus on the textural integration is presents before me when listening into and around each note.
I knew in advance by posting this, I'd bring a few naysayers into the mix, yet as we all know......, the proof is in the listening, as assumptions be damned.
Enjoy your ongoing quest, as started elsewhere mine has reached its zenith......., new toys every other month does not a trusted ear make, nor opinions based upon BS as written by those whom are willing to seek the truth for themselves, this Ex-Marine marches to a different drummer, called self-reliance.
Second guessing what I hear | feel isn't an option.
Yes, agreed! There is a definite Western mode of thought that says whatever is new is best and contrasted with a Japanese view that the elderly should be honored and one should spend years on a progression of one's craft, audiophiles take note!
I bought my Spatial Audio M3 open baffle speakers used from Audiogon, I'm assuming the seller had not even broken them in yet or tried very hard to set them up properly--just sell 'em and move on. Because of this speakers 94db sensitivity it has been much easier to hear changes with wires and tweaks. This has caused me upgrade my PC's, speaker wire and tweaks mentioned in an effort to get the best out of my system and right now, like you, I am satiated. BUT, one potential problem is that there is a paradox that happens, where the more one is ABLE to listen with greater detail (due to system upgrades etc.) the more one hears deviation from the NORM. This is potential problem number one. The other problem is that our ears adjust or re-adjust to whatever upgrade we hear, then we go back to the Western thought of new-is-better and we desire--MORE. Look at TAS magazine--every issue has the latest cutting edge, highest priced, mind blowing, veil lifting guaranteed (well, almost) to blow your mind, if only you, poor sod, could afford it. (Thanks again for the rant).
I think I'm coming to the opinion that EVERY piece of equipment is a form of tone control, (since no one piece of equipment functions alone) the goal seeming to be Neutrality, but Neutrality in and of itself may be BORING(!), and then we go back to newest and greatest, and our ear/brain becoming accustomed to the upgrade sound. Hence, it is almost impossible NOT to want to change and improve upon, BUT, if we are happy tweaking and listening or just listening, that's great, just beware of the addiction/money cycle! Happy listening!!!
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Ric....., thanks again for understanding.
As I just got finished reading this:
http://deafcanhear.blogspot.com/search/label/Cable
It was a kind of reminded how various cultures tend to view their systems | cables | power cords | tweaks as well as life, having spent 9 years in Japan taught me two things is nothing else........, how to respect and take care of ones elders ( as very very few of them will place their parents or other family members into nursing homes ) and how to and what to listen for when assembling as system, yet over the years looking at this from an Americans perspective can in fact have us lose sight of the importance of ones music collection itself, as some tend to build their systems based upon how well it showcases their rarest of rare 2-7 LPs or CD's and miss the boat when it comes to owning a vast music collection which cost more then said system....., which in reality it should.
The very first thing I'll look at upon visiting someone's home it their music display, and then attempt to price the cost of their system in my head, without them boasting on and on about how their speaker cables merely cost $37.000 per pair!, my mind goes " like really, yet your system sounds like shite ", so why brag?.
While I'd admit to being somewhat of an extremist when it comes to paying detail to how every component is setup or isolated within my system ( room )I've never felt like second guessing myself when I know all to well I'm able to hear improvements enough so where as to sell off this or that I which sat there beforehand, as I know in my heart it'll never see the light of day in my system once it collectively has enhanced its sonics to a point where I know in order to better it would cost tens of thousands, and in truth......., it's not going to happen as a sense of rational kicks in and says " enough is enough ".
And while I'll occasionally read upon items to assist friends, or merely know what's out there, I stop my subscriptions to the audio rags back in 2010, as I began to notice there was very little more for me to learn, with the exception being this whole Computer Audio thingy, which I now have behind me.
Like you......, I do believe in a sense of neutrality as well as transparency, which is why I can adore CD players made in France | cables from the likes of Audio Tenke | Audio Note " Kondo " | Arcolink | Oyaide made in Japan, and absolutely to my mind believe that Shindo Labs is the most human sounding, not just a brand capable of making sounds akin to music......, but the most emotional connection to an actual breathing human being as if performing before me, tube gear I've ever encountered to date ( naysayers begone ) as well as Accuphase being the very best solid state gear I've heard......., and yes I've heard enough to make said statement ( after all isn't this my post? ) in the end, it's how one decides to voice their systems to their requirements, as I tend to say when someone visits me......, if you feel your mix matched system relays music better?, there's the door......, why don't you get home to it.
At the end of the day, who's ears are meant to be entertained more then our own?, and as for the clowns whom are to busy to learn new tricks and wish to challenge ones words......., do need to weigh the contents of their own systems, as all to often these are the same cats which attempt to proudly show off their vintage 70s Kenwood Turntable | Sherwood Receiver and a pair of Bose or Polk Audio LSs wired with Monster Cables in a gallery somewhere and then tries to talk smack......., I'm simply not buying into it.
Anyways, let me cut back and wish you a pleasant weekend, Hi Mick | Ken | Timmy | Duster and Bill, the same applies to all of you, be well that is.
O_o scar
Edits: 07/07/18
I remember reading back in TAS letters to the editor many years ago about a guy who had written in saying how changing the little faceplate (not the whole thing) on his amp had changed the sound and how a different faceplate (if I remember correctly) had also changed the sound of the whole system. Expecting an audiophile response, I was pleasantly surprised when the reply was how much he and his colleagues had laughed their asses off when reading his letter!
It may be true, this guy may have heard what he heard, but somewhere in between is reality--subjective reality.
Interesting blog on power cords, etc., in the context of German vs. other modes of "how to" make what sounds best.
Been great talking to you, nice to have a more in depth conversation on what most of us would consider a serious subject, audiophiledom being what it is....
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I remember that one as well....., I believe it was based upon the golden hues used by Conrad-Johnson | Marantz | Denon | Accuphase gear, which a few of these companies never offers their wares with black faceplates, so I can see said reviewers point.
On the German made cables on a whole, I do believe along with the upscaled Japanese cables and cords there's a lot to be said about them having a sort of perfectionist attitude, much like their automobiles when it comes to their workers taking pride in the quality of craftsmanship they put into each prior to pushing them onto the market, with lots of these items not allowed to leave their countries at all, so what we get here in the states is just a small sample of what the natives get to hear on a daily bases.
Much like the Brits tend to be conservative when it comes to spending money on cables, as I'd to assume they tend to go after cables offered produced for the pro audio market side of things where neutrality and value are sorted first and foremost, yet as you've stated......there a very very fine line between reality and subjective reality indeed.
It has been a pleasure bouncing them back and forth with you as well........, an open-minded sort who gets it, how rare it seems of late.
Have those of you with components centrally stacked between speakers ever heard your speakers perform with an unobstructed soundstage? Consider those components that rise two, three, or four feet feet up into the soundstage as barriers to the efficient flow of musical notes. If the latter don't crash with a muffled sound, they arrive with blurred image definition and leading edge attack degraded by mistiming.
Moving those components to an area outside one of the speakers (or on the other side of the wall centrally behind them) is an inconvenience and a cable expense but it liberates the air space for unobstructed musical flow/ optimum soundstage reproduction.
In my case, the damage was being done by components whose front was two feet behind the back of the speakers where I found the soundstage to be wide, deep, and unforgiving of any obstruction higher than 12" off the ground.
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As I was fortunate earlier on ( circa 1990 - 2003 ) to be in a nice townhouse where placement of the gear placed onto a rack which stood 16" high, was located on the right wall about 6' in front of the speakers.
Since then I've always felt comfortable with custom made Sound Anchors Amp Stands ( Racks ) where each is 13" high, and centrally located between the speakers without any sort of mishap as far as sound staging goes, and feel that currently I'm getting the best sonics I've ever had, so much so I'm not inclined to change one component, and am now looking to add one of their Amp stands made which the top shelf is maxed at 7" from the floor in which my DAC shall reside.
It seems to me that during my time spent with either Linn or Roksan Turntables, which where to be perched atop stands between 8 - 14" from the floor on stands from the likes of Sound Organization or Mana Acouctics or Roksan nicely made tripod stands where amongst the first which could be safely placed between once speakers without any said ill effects......, I've come to believe it's the tower type designs in racks or wall units which have it worst in regards to limiting the flow of notes as their wavelength is diffused by said side panel interactions.
As noted during my stay in Japan, the natives always seem to use rather lower racks | platforms, where some even had these items located in cutout into their flooring placed atop dirt or slabs of granite......., and in each case they proved very effective.
Placement of all components is vital, as a means of canceling out sound waves patterns as well as resonance control as far as I'm concerned......., which lead to the original topic on these isolation footers, as being one of the only brands short of Shun Mook | Symposium Acoustics which I was able to hear their sonic impact within a few bars, and how have 3 different sets of them which shall be placed into the system accordingly.
Cheers, mate! (not British, but like the saying, just sayin'....)
Do you have any comments on construction materials- like, it is similar to silicon, moongel, or some other damping material?
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Story,
I'd imagine they're produced out of something similar to the old AudioQuest footers I used under my CD Players during the late 80s onward, yet much effective in that I was about to hear their impact within seconds, whereas with said similar rubber footers, if was quite as obvious.
There are quite a few reviews popping up all of a sudden on them, I'd imagined one of the professional reviews might have picked upon said material?, but can't be certain.
Given that they do offer a trial period, I'd add I'm the type whom would rather know what's possible, as opposed to one that doesn't, as I'm aware some aren't using footers and instead rely upon the stock footers that came with their gear, and that's not fine......., but at a time where some rely upon said 50 cent to $2.00 footers under say $10.000 amps or Integrated's, I think not.
The thing that got my attention was seeing a set of their stablemate Gaia's underneath a pair of Merrill Audio $36.000 mono's, and said to myself if they're good enough to be used there, who am I to not wish to sample them?, and I'm glad I did........, because it was such a dramatic improvement all around, I had to once ask myself " do I really need to change a single item in my system? ", the response was a no......., and as nothing is broken, I dare not attempt to fix it, as the layering effect and separation of notes have never stood out so meaningfully as to draw me into the very essence of each note, and rendered in such fashion as to speak so soulfully to my very core, and cause an emotional reaction to each recording........, I found myself crying | applauding during the performance as well as moving my lighter back and forth as if I was attending a live effect......., this in itself " proves to me the music became more involving ".
There aren't any other words to express what I heard | felt.
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Meant to add.......
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