Products

Our all-new statement product. A fully integrated rack and filter system unique in form, function and mechanical balance. Filtered Direct Coupling taken to the maximum. The pinnacle of our Passion for Perfection.

New for Critical Mass Systems, our Filtered Direct Coupling Systems can now be divided into a rack and/or a filter or shelf purchased separately. The quality of Critical Mass Systems is more accessible than ever.

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

New for Critical Mass Systems, MXK spikes offer an entry level support system for our filter and/or shelf systems. Made from aerospace aluminum alloy, these devices mimic the ball/bearing cup configuration of our high performance rack systems and come in sets of 4 with spike cups. MXK spikes can be used under our Vista shelf or our Black Sapphire, Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filter systems sold separately. Now, you can mount our superior performing shelf and filter systems directly on the floor, on home furnishings or on your existing rack. (See Application Chart)

Approximate retail price in USD: $195 (subject to change at time of introduction)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

The PXK 3-leg rack system is an original classic that strikes the right balance between tradition and innovation; form and function. Now made greater. The promise of our Passion for Perfection embodied in the addition of titanium alloy for the spikes and critical energy transfer points makes this great performer even more impressive.

The PXK is a support system that can deliver a lifetime of dependability and performance. It provides a steadfast upgrade path that ensures your musical investments will never lose their luster.

Machined from aerospace aluminum alloys, tungsten and titanium alloys, this rack system can be paired with our all-new Vista shelf, the all-new Black Sapphire filter system and the Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filtered Direct Coupling systems. Each step upward in the line offers clear, audible improvements with "Spark of Life" performance ranging from excellent to outstanding.

But, the best feature of this outstanding system is the flexibility it offers with our shelf and filter systems. You can choose the Vista shelf for less critical components and move all the way up to the Black Diamond for the front end gear with the Black Sapphire and Black Platinum in between. The PXK will not disappoint. It will let you manage your investment and maximize performance. The PXK will support our Vista shelf or our Black Sapphire, Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filter systems. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

The QXK 4-leg rack system is the blend of sophistication and science that elucidates our Passion for Perfection. Passion made more perfect in the addition of titanium alloy for the spikes and critical energy transfer points. Passion taken to the extreme with dialed mechanical balance wrought in subatomic structures.

No task is too large. No distance too far to travel for improvement; not even 1 added electron in the third shell of a fractional percentage of a ball bearing. Passion finds sweeping greatness in small detail.

The QXK support system delivers timeless quality, durability and exquisite musical performance. It offers upgrade paths that will please for a lifetime.

Machined from aerospace aluminum alloys, tungsten and titanium alloys, the QXK can be paired with our all-new Vista shelf, the all-new Black Sapphire filter system and the Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filtered Direct Coupling systems. Each step upward in the line offers clear, audible improvements with overall performance ranging from excellent to outstanding.

But, like the PXK, the nicest feature is the flexibility QXK offers with our shelf and filter systems. You can choose the Vista shelf for less critical components and move all the way up to the Black Diamond for the front end gear with the Black Sapphire and Black Platinum in between. The QXK is preeminent in classically styled rack systems. The QXK will support our Vista shelf or our Black Sapphire, Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filter systems. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

Vista is our entry level shelf system. Vista is a proprietary wood-core shelf covered with an attractive yet rugged semi-gloss black veneer. But, sophistication exists within simplicity. This is not just any shelf. No, it is not mass produced overseas. No, it is not mass CNC'd. This creation is hand made by an artisan cabinet maker dedicated to excellence. Our specially treated wood-core transfers energy with an efficiency characteristic of no other wood based product; a Passion for Perfection.

Vista is the building block of our upgrade path; economical yet effective. Vista can be paired with our all-new MXK spikes, our PXK rack or our QXK rack. Vista offers a guilt-free avenue for future change with all the performance and applicability you demand today. Vista meets a lifetime of performance demands, but if the time is right, Vista is ready to be replaced with the all-new Black Sapphire filter system or the Black Platinum or Black Diamond Filtered Direct Coupling systems to take your music system's performance to a breathtaking level. Vista is the logical first step toward the "Spark of Life" in your system.

Choose Vista for less critical components or for all your components in a complete PXK or QXK rack system. Vista comes with 4 specially designed interfaces positioned under the feet of components which enhance performance and protect surfaces for long term durability. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

Black Sapphire is a breakthrough filter system; the innovation, design and attention to detail you expect from Critical Mass Systems; the precision of our Platinum and Diamond filters, yet at an accessible price. The Promise of Excellence runs strong in the design of the Black Sapphire. Dynamics. Depth. Breadth. Detail. Control. It is all there in your music system and this filter system will show it to you. Granted, with discernibly less complexity than Black Platinum but not lacking for the emotional, intellectual and musical connection so profoundly important in our music systems.

Black Sapphire is an excellent choice for anyone wanting the next level up from their music system. Black Sapphire can be paired with our all-new MXK spikes, our PXK rack and our QXK rack. Black Sapphire comes with 4 specially designed interfaces positioned under the feet of components which enhance performance and protect surfaces for long term durability. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

Black Platinum is the innovation that made Filtered Direct Coupling possible. Black Platinum reaches into the core of digital and analog components and pulls out the nuances of detail and musicality hidden in the inner folds of their meticulous engineering. It is the Promise of Excellence derived from our belief that innovation, design and attention to detail matter. It embodies focus and integrity, honest, true and authentic Passion for Perfection. This filter reaches into components and pulls out the "Spark of Life" they want to produce.

The keystone is balance, the cornerstone control. This is accomplished within the arrangement and precise sequencing of select materials. Black Platinum propagates wave velocity through its internal structure all but eliminating anomalies and energy storage in the filter elements. Energy conversion is precisely regulated in multiple directions. The result is a combination of image density, dynamic weight and unshakable space/time separation life-like and true.

Black Platinum can be paired with our all-new MXK spikes, our PXK rack and our QXK rack. Black Platinum comes with 4 specially designed interfaces positioned under the feet of components which enhance performance and protect surfaces for long term durability. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

Understanding Black Diamond is as easy as understanding the clearly audible performance differences between our products; Passion for Perfection translated into performance. Imagine a wonderful concert hall of great expanse. In this concert hall you can choose your seating and hold it for a lifetime by simply choosing the filter system that delivers your ideal.

With each step up from Sapphire to Platinum to Diamond images become more life-sized and life-like in power, dynamics, emotion, control, detail, timbre and nuance - the "Spark of Life" more present. Black Diamond allows components to create a color palette of images with hues and values life-sized and life-like in context and character.

Black Diamond rests atop our upgrade path; a great value for a lifetime of musical pleasure. Black Diamond can be paired with our all-new MXK spikes, our PXK rack and our QXK rack. Black Diamond comes with 4 specially designed interfaces positioned under the feet of components which enhance performance and protect surfaces for long term durability. (See Application Chart)

Support System	None	Vista	Black Sapphire	Black Platinum	Black Diamond
None		x	x	x	x
MXK Spikes	x	x	x	x	x
PXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x
QXK Rack	x	x	x	x	x

The Black Label offers patented isolation components with 3 distinctly audible levels of performance. All of our isolation components utilize sequential frequency filtering. Performance differences are attributable to the quantity and type of narrow, intermediate and wide band filters used in the platform; the thicker the platform, the higher the rate of energy conversion. As you read on, keep in mind that Critical Mass Systems are at the extreme high end of the audio market; our entry-level components outperform most high-end isolation products on the market today.

Our flagship Grand Master is designed to exceed the demanding requirements of high-end audiophiles and videophiles in the widest spectrum of listening and viewing environments. The Grand Master has been perfected through years of research and rigorous listening tests. Yet, home systems are diverse and personal goals divergent leaving the need for several solutions to home system performance enhancement. To accommodate differing needs and space considerations, we designed 2 additional isolation components that offer flexibility and outstanding performance. Ultimately, the isolation component you choose is dependent upon your goals and needs. The information below refers to our "Black Label" series and should help make your decision a bit easier and we are always happy to answer questions:

The Reference isolation platform is the model of which we are most proud. The Design of this system defines the soul of the company. A designer, a manufacturer, a company is defined by the performance and value created for customers. Rightly, the benchmarks for performance and value are tied to customer expectations. Audiophiles who purchase Critical Mass Systems are possessed of refined sensory perception and an adherence to the principals value. Their demands for performance and value exceed the standard of the market place. The Reference establishes the Rule of Excellence; a rule of value and performance far beyond the price of a product.

The Reference is a serious execution of sequential frequency filtering at an entry level price. Cut from the same cloth as the Grand Master and Master, the internal isolation system of the Reference upholds cost-no-object execution specifications of .0001". With 21 sequential frequency filters, the Reference has outperformed passive air bladder devices costing nearly $1,000 more.

The top of the isolation system, the area where the component rests, appears to be a one-part solid surface, but this is not the case. The resting area is actually 13 disparate energy conversion materials in overlapping frequency absorbing bandwidths sequenced between 3 discrete substrates forming a 16-part plate. The result is a unified mass that; "synchs up" with the component to drain energy, adds a final barrier to vibration coming up from the floor and, resists energy transfer from excited air molecules in the listening room. These 3 performance elements are vital to building high performance isolation systems.

The Reference, used on audio and video front end and midstream components and amplifiers, will minimize distortion and provide a wide, deep and holographic soundstage. Who needs anything more? For ultra-high end systems, the Reference will support the clear picture already established by the Grand Master or the Master in perfect harmony. The Reference can be floor or rack mounted to your specification.

Dimensions - Length and width to order (no additional charge up to 23" by 23"). Height 3.375” (not including spikes)

Material - Rosewood veneer at no charge. For high gloss paint, please add $350 per system.

Functional Weight limit – Optimal up to 130lbs. of load. (Greater functional weight limits available).

The design challenge for the Master was to better the performance of the Reference. Descendant of the Grand Master and challenged by the Rule of Excellence set by the Reference, the Master is designed to exceed the demanding requirements of high-end audiophiles in a wide spectrum of listening environments.

The Master is designed for home systems with greater space flexibility in equipment racks and for floor mounting. No expense was spared in the design of the Master isolation system. With an internal design structure maximized to .0001", the Master is designed to greatly lessen mechanical vibrations permeating your listening room and provide a clearer picture into and through the back of the stage.

Like the Reference, the top of the isolation system, the area where the component rests, appears to be a one-part solid surface, but this is not the case. The resting area is actually 13 disparate energy conversion materials in overlapping frequency absorbing bandwidths sequenced between 3 discrete substrates forming a 16-part plate. The result is a unified mass that; "synchs up" with the component to drain energy, adds a final barrier to vibration coming up from the floor and, resists energy transfer from excited air molecules in the listening room.

Demanding audiophiles want pristine musicality that leads to emotional and intellectual involvement with program material. The extraordinary power of music produces intense levels of mechanical energy that easily feeds back into components distorting program material and eroding listener enjoyment. The Master improves the Rule of Excellence set by the Reference by about 15% with stability from which audio blooms gloriously and video rises to new holographic wonder. If you have space flexibility, the Master is an exceptional performer.

Dimensions - Length and width to order (no additional charge up to 23" by 23"). Height 4.25” (not including spikes)

Material - Rosewood veneer at no charge. For high gloss paint, please add $350 per system.

Functional Weight limit – Optimal up to 130lbs. of load. (Greater functional weight limits available).

The Grand Master is designed to withstand the intense punishment endured by solid state and tube components in home systems with extreme low and high frequency response. Loudspeakers with wide bandwidth turn the room into an intense energy field that easily degrades the performance of solid state and tube equipment on the floor and in racks; electrical circuits are highly susceptible to mechanical vibration. With an internal design structure maximized to .0001", the Grand Master is designed to greatly lessen these disturbances and provide the listener with a clear picture into and through the back of the stage. Using the Grand Master with all digital and analog components is highly recommended to those who need and want optimal protection against mechanical degradation. Using Grand Masters throughout the signal chain will result in a wholly new and uplifting musical and video experience.

Like the Reference and the Master, the top of the isolation system, the area where the component rests, appears to be a one-part solid surface, but this is not the case. The resting area is actually 13 disparate energy conversion materials in overlapping frequency absorbing bandwidths sequenced between 3 discrete substrates forming a 16-part plate. The result is a unified mass that; "synchs up" with the component to drain energy, adds a final barrier to vibration coming up from the floor and, resists energy transfer from excited air molecules in the listening room. These 3 performance elements are vital to building high performance isolation systems.

Audiophiles who's systems can produce full-range music understand how difficult it is to attain the pristine musicality that leads to emotional and intellectual involvement with program material. The extraordinary power of musical information at the low extremes produces intense levels of mechanical energy that easily feeds back into components distorting program material and eroding listener enjoyment. The Grand Master is specifically designed for this type of intense energy field. An isolation system that can facilitate the accurate reproduction of full-range music can handle just about anything.

Dimensions - Length and width to order (no additional charge up to 23" by 23"). Height 6” (not including spikes)

Material - Rosewood veneer at no charge. For high gloss paint, please add $350 per system.

Functional Weight limit – Optimal up to 130lbs. of load. (Greater functional weight limits available).

Since the difficult job of reducing mechanical vibration is accomplished by our isolation systems, Critical Mass Systems custom-made racks can offer outstanding structural rigidity with low mass. The performance criteria for our rack system is; provide vibration damping at critical contact points, support at least 600 lbs., enable light-weight shipment without assembly requirements, and add aesthetic symmetry to Critical Mass isolation systems. Call us for details.

Pictured: The sonically gorgeous Metronome Kalista Reference Transport and DAC each with separate power supplies ($60,000)

Metronome Gaia Excellence Turntable with separate power supply and Silent Base ($36,000). The legendary Lamm L2 Reference preamplifier

($14.790) and LP2 phono preamplifier ($6990). Kubala-Sosna cables (approx. $20,000). 3 Critical Mass Systems racks and 9 isolation systems: Grand Master

systems for the transport and Turntable (top left and top right), Reference systems for the Kalista power supplies

(bottom left and bottom middle), Master systems for all Lamm electronics, Kalista DAC and Gaia Excellence power supply. Grand Master isolation

systems for 6 amplifiers (not shown). Venue: CES 2007 Venetian Tower room 34-309 Las Vegas.