This review page is supported in part by the sponsors whose ad banners are displayed below |
 |
 |
|
|
Late arrivals in the CA sessions were the ceramic speaker pucks. These augment the effectiveness of speaker spikes by providing a greater level of isolation. They were impractical to apply to the Apogees so I assembled a second system around the Audio Space AS3- 5As, a lovely current-gen version of the BBC classic that captures the heart of the music with a wider dynamic palette. The sub remained to provide a firm foundation and cruel resonance challenge. I first balanced the system with the Charisma Audio stands using their own spike and floor protector arrangement and then substituted the CA pucks for the padded protectors to see how they would affect the sound. In this instance I intentionally pushed the system a little midbass rich to create a classic tube signature prior to insertion of the CA pucks.
Not surprisingly the footers maintained the signature midrange intensity of the other CA products. Focus, attack and transparency improved over the stock feet as well as spatial localization and definition. What surprised was the extent to which the ceramic pucks eliminated induced midbass bloat, leaving a considerably cleaner bottom end. The Charisma Audio stand already contributes a high level of isolation and damping in stock form but these results showed that the ceramic devices could push that performance considerably higher. The pucks succeeded at substantially cleaning up the sonic picture in the face of full subsonic assaults.
|
 |
How did the full CA-supported system sound? The family sound ran to full advantage. Choral material was better separated and room acoustic tended towards the clean and transparent rather than dense and tangible. High frequencies were extended and clean, playing it neither hard nor overly sweet. Soundstaging was large and well defined and clearly showed the classic BBC monitor’s tendency towards increased center fill and depth with progressively quieter levels. The accumulative amounts of ceramic increased the total system’s ability to resolve detail and hold dynamic integrity longer and louder especially in the mid and upper mid bands, progressively reducing the overload point to negligible levels. The music was intimate, lively and engaging.
Time to pack up the tweaks and muse over the findings. Has CA Electronics managed to create a superior isolation line that merits your attention? Yes. In a highly competitive marketplace these little ceramic devices offer a very unique signature that many should find quite engaging. They force attention directly into the midband with high intensity, clarity and dynamic verve. They may be guilty of spotlighting but do so precisely where the majority of music has its core and where many systems can use some help. If your system has languished into high-end blandness, the CA Electronics ceramic isolation products will breath some life into that sonic picture.
|
|
|
The isolation feet are a highly effective tweak that can elevate any system with the need of additional illumination and clarity in the midrange. The smaller XS cones perform well but can be overloaded precisely where their contribution is greatest. The larger devices fare progressively better using more ceramic material to achieve higher saturation points in a standalone situation. An isolation base would be an obvious enhancement to benefit all of these products and eliminate that weakness especially with the XS. In the right system the ceramic cones and feet will shine. They not only achieve a high level of articulation and dynamic responsiveness in absolute terms but do so at a price considerably lower than established competitors. That makes them not simply high performance tweaks but inexpensive high performance tweaks that can deliver serious sonic improvements. Very high value.
|
 |
The ceramic cable clamps have enormous application potential. They add transparency and body simultaneously by eliminating high-frequency distortion. The extent to which you will appreciate these capabilities will depend on your current system balance. For those who prioritize air by any means, this will be a drier presentation than you're accustomed to. For those who prize clean and pristine, this is the perfect ticket to get more out of your cables. It's a unique and desirable accessory that belongs in every audiophile's repertoire of tweaks. [If you've ever tightly gripped a speaker cable whilst the system played loud low bass, you probably have felt individual bass pulses in your hands. I know I have. Presumably these clamps undermine that mechanical business for the sonic payback Glen described – Ed]
|
|
|
The ceramic speaker pucks simply work. They augment the basic spike to disproportionate levels. The abundance of ceramic material here renders them effective in low-bass isolation and allows the CA Electronics midband signature to express itself with full dynamic life and immunity from overload. If you’re running speaker spikes and your floor will accommodate these, they're a quick,worthwhile upgrade that can kick your system up a good notch.
The cable elevators are less geared for dramatic change and more for fine tuning, offering subtle improvements in focus, transient liveliness and mid/upper mid glow. They also keep your speaker cables tidy and dust free. This is a tweak to apply as your piece de resistance so your system not only sounds the part but looks it.
Who should look? Think of the CA signature sound as non-feedback tube emphasis in the mid band combined with transistor razor precision. It’s an enticing marriage of tonal balance and dynamic definition for those who appreciate it. If the designer’s philosophy of intense midrange life appeals to you, these products will be on your short list. Who will not be happy? Those looking for more body in the lower mids and upper bass or demand more sultry density in their acoustic envelope will find the CA Electronics a touch cool and comparatively dry. People with systems already geared for mid and upper mid prominence may find them too much of a good thing.
|
|
Quality of packing: Cardboard packaging with generous amounts of internal waffle foam to provide protection. Should be immune from shipping misadventures.
Reusability of packing: Yes.
Condition of components received: Perfect.
Delivery: Picked up from Canadian distributor Charisma Audio.
Website comments: Simple, effective and well laid out.
Human interactions: Courteous and informative.
Warranty: Warranted against material flaws and production faults.
Final comments & suggestions: Turbo charged midrange illumination combined with all the audiophile refinements of soundstaging and resolution for extremely little money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
