REVIEWS:
Critical Mass Systems Offers Two Product Lines
The BLACK PLATINUM SERIES
Direct Coupling Systems
And
The BLACK LABEL SERIES
Isolation and Damping Systems
.JPG)
The
Black Platinum
Series is an evolutionary leap toward capturing the "spark of life" in your
music system. These are Precision Component Support Systems based
on principals of physics that force the component to produce more
life-like images with more realistic power and dynamics while exercising precise
control revealing very low level detail and nuances in a profoundly musical
context. Physics based systems embody performance and precision over cost and
compromise.
The Black
Platinum Series includes a contemporary modular rack with a
fully integrated filter system
using aluminum as the core building material. From the top of the resting
area to the tip of the spikes; the precise
sequential filters; the
tungsten
carbide energy transfer points; the exclusive coatings;
the unique screws selected to fold into the
acoustic envelope; the innovative materials; the precise CNC fabrication; the
Black Platinum is tuned for lightning fast energy
transfer and spotless
performance. This is a direct coupling array focused on uniform energy
transfer between the component and the floor.
Direct coupling requires the use of metals as the major design elements because non-limited velocity is required. The keystone is control. This is accomplished in the selection of metals, their arrangement and precise sequential filters. Tungsten carbide is used at the energy transfer points to couple the filter to the rack: the balls are fixed and undamped to facilitate lightning fast 2-way energy transfer. Direct coupling executed in the Black Platinum Series evenly propagates wave velocity through the rack structure and the filter elements. Just as Black Label isolation systems pushed weight ranges, center of gravity and airborne vibration conversion off the alter of concern, the Black Platinum direct coupling systems go further to all but eliminate uneven wave propagation anomalies and energy storage in the filter elements. The result is a combination of image density, dynamic weight and unshakable space/time separation life-like and true.
In his preview of the PXK for Positive Feedback Online, Dr. Sardonicus writes, ........."If you are one of those audiophiles for whom detail is king, you really have to give this new product a listen. Whatever detail you thought you were getting is far less than what you can get, from the same equipment. It is easy to create the false impression of detail temporarily by simply lifting the top end a bit and introducing a bit of "tizz" (which is what passes for detail in way too many audiophile systems), but over time this will become apparent and fatiguing to most.
Real musical detail is a horse of a different feather, if you will. It is textured and nuanced and produces relaxation, not fatigue. It is this "zone" which allows the finest audio systems to create music without the Scylla and Charybdis of unnatural (and ultimately boring) blandness, or hyped (and ultimately wearing) zing. Boredom disappears, attention returns, you can listen for extended periods of time without feeling like you just finished a five hour road trip in (a) Jeep CJ. Buttery and smooth." -Dr. Sardonicus http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue38/criticalmass.htm
Loudspeakers are transmission towers and the Black Platinum rack is an antenna. The antenna vibrates in sympathy to the mechanical waves launched from the transmission towers and passes the energy evenly in all directions. The filter propagates energy transfer yet eliminates ringing as energy flows between the rack and the component and ultimately completes a 2-way link between the component and the floor. In this manner waveforms transferred between the floor, rack, component and air are reshaped. This is a marriage of the Laws of Wave Propagation with the Laws of Thermodynamics in a direct-coupling format that takes audio reproduction to a new level. There can be no room for error in executing direct coupling which is why Black Platinum stands in a field of one. The Black Platinum Series is as good as it gets and is for those who can afford the very best.
The Black Label Series represents cutting edge isolation and damping performance with a focus on classical styling. The Grand Master is a Stereophile Recommended Component. The Black Label Series has flourished through 3 evolutionary cycles: Red Label, Maroon Label and Black Label. The Red Label out-performed the competition in its time while each progressive labeling set a new benchmark for audio isolation systems. The Black Label is without parallel. The wood fiber chassis materials lend themselves to being customized to the size and look that is right for you. The expansive weight range optimizes components from 0 to 130 lbs. (greater weight ranges are available) If you prefer furniture styling with a veneer finish simply ask and the system can be designed for you at no extra charge. A gorgeous Piano Black High Gloss finish is available for a $350 up charge; this is artisan craftsmanship by a cabinet maker who has appeared in Architectural Digest. Regardless your selection of Reference, Master or Grand Master, the performance of the Black Label is legendary for getting you closer to the emotional context of the music.
BLACK PLATINUM
PXK
The PXK is a fully integrated, fully modular rack and filter system. The PXK utilizes the science in the Black Label but ups the ante by combining a cutting edge rack and a cutting edge filter system into a singular component using lightning fast energy transfer materials. Imagine starting from a clean sheet of paper and hand selecting every material and constituent element for the purpose of designing a rack and filtering system that "talk to each other". In the end, 45 filters and elements refined to thicknesses of .001" combined to make 1 level of the PXK system. From the top of the resting area to the tip of the rack spikes, the PXK rack and filter system move energy at lightning speed to bring the "spark of life" from your music system.
PXK Rack and Filter Systems comes in Black or Clear Anodized
Details:
Retail Price See your Dealer or Distributor
PXK Direct Coupling Filter system information:
Filter System Dimensions - 21.5" wide by 21.5" deep by 2.375" tall. Resting area - 19" x 19"
Exterior coating - proprietary Luminous Black
Functional Weight limit Optimal up to 280lbs of load. 180 lbs. standard.
Weight: Approximately 45lbs.
Rack information:
Rack Dimensions - 26.5" wide by 23" deep.
The PXK rack is a 3 leg design with 22" of depth from the front of the filter system to the back leg minimizing or eliminating interference with rear wiring ingress and egress
The PXK rack is modular and comes in your choice of luminous black or clear anodized brushed aluminum. You can order 1 level for amplifiers, or a complete rack. Spacing between levels can be specified in 4", 6", 8", 10" or 12" intervals
The PXK rack is made of solid aircraft aluminum. The side supports are 2" diameter. All other structural members have a common 1.25" height dimension
Three .5" tungsten carbide ball bearings with specially machined bearing cups interface the filter system to the rack
QXK
QXK Rack and Filter Systems comes in Black or Clear Anodized (pictured)
Details:
Retail Price See your Dealer or Distributor
QXK filter system information:
Lower filter System Dimensions - 21.5" wide by 21.5" deep by 2.375" tall. Resting area - 19" x 19"
Exterior coating - proprietary Luminous Black
Functional Weight limit Optimal up to 240lbs of load. 180 lbs. standard.
Weight: Approximately 45lbs.
Optional upper filter System Dimensions - 27.5" wide by 21.5" deep by 2.375" tall. Resting area - 25" x 19". 0 to 180 lbs. of load standard.
Optional upper filter System Dimensions - 30.5" wide by 22.5" deep by 2.375" tall. Resting area - 28" x 20". 0 to 280 lbs. of load standard.
Exterior coating - proprietary Luminous Black
Functional Weight limit Optimal up to 280lbs of load.
Internal structure 28 sequential frequency filters
Weight: Approximately 70lbs.
Rack information:
Rack Dimensions - 26.5" wide by 20.5" deep.
The QXK rack is a 4 leg design with infinite access to rear wiring ingress and egress
The QXK rack is modular and comes in your choice of luminous black or clear anodized brushed aluminum. You can order 1 level for amplifiers, or a complete rack. Spacing between levels can be specified in 6", 8", 10" or 12" intervals
The QXK rack is made of solid aircraft aluminum.
Four .5" tungsten carbide ball bearings with specially machined bearing cups interface the filter system to the rack
Black Label
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:
REFERENCE
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.
.png)
REFERENCE
HIGH GLOSS PIANO BLACK
Details:
Retail Price See your Dealer or Distributor
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).
Isolation and damping 21 sequential frequency filters
Weight: Approximately 35lbs.
Reference Product Manual in PDF
Master
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.
.png)
MASTER
Rosewood
Details:
Retail Price See your Dealer or Distributor
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).
Isolation and damping 21 sequential frequency filters
Weight: Approximately 45lbs.
Grand Master
Stereophile Recommended Component
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.
GRAND MASTER
HIGH GLOSS RUBY
Details:
Retail Price See your Dealer or Distributor
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).
Isolation and damping 23 sequential frequency filters
Weight: Approximately 60lbs.
Grand Master Product Manual in PDF
BLACK LABEL RACK SYSTEMS
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.
The racks shown above are solid maple; stained black.