Q: Mr. Wang, can you tell us a bit about the theory behind the Terminator? 
A: The design of our unique vacuum structure and high-pressure air cushion of the Terminator T1 base is the same as the structural concept of a semiconductor vacuum chamber. The components are all semiconductor vacuum components. Their purpose is mainly for generating a totally sealed space inside the enclosure so that the trapped air inside cannot get out. What are the benefits of a confined space? Half the vibrational energy will first be offset. The steel shims in the middle of the Terminator T1 creating a vacuum will move up and down for adjustment. When the amount of air in a confined space remains unchanged but the space shrinks due to weight moving the steel shims downward, air density increases and shock transmissibility speed goes up. This pressurized air transmits remaining traces of input shocks to the 88 independent 360° annular vibration-guiding ball points rapidly and uniformly. Whatever residual energy remains is eliminated by the 25 graphite suppressors and inner center column.

Q: You describe your isolation feet as the most complicated in the world. Why did you choose this methodology over other options?
A: Vibration causes waves. Those waves can only be eliminated in two ways: redirection to elsewhere; or absorption. Common solutions for the first are tapered or spherical shapes. In our design, this is accomplished by the 85 coated steel bearings. Absorption takes into account that just like sound waves, mechanical resonance occurs at different wavelengths. Using dissimilar materials, specific wavelengths can be blocked. A single material will only be effective across one specific often very narrow frequency band and thus not be a comprehensive solution. Hence we apply composite materials. For example, our 25 copper-inlay graphite-coated suppression columns block variable wavelengths very effectively.

Q: One of the key differences in your design are interchangeable cores for system tuning. The Terminator 1 is the first isolation product I've come across to offer that route. Upgrades to higher-grade materials like harder more perfectly round bearings to enhance existing design properties I‘m familiar with. Ditto for weight-rated elastomerics. Interchangeable components for the sake of sound tailoring is different however. In the pursuit of absolute isolation, how can two different results be right? Why offer a choice?
A: With the Teflon column, the violin is softer, plucked sounds are gentler, the middle frequencies are more relaxed and mild. As a result, this column is suitable for systems in which the high and mid bands are brighter and more pronounced. As for the graphite column, the sounds are more energetic and their shapes more focused to be suitable for systems whose character is relatively soft and loose. Providing two center columns, the adjustment becomes more flexible. In the future, we plan to offer center columns titanium, copper, aluminium and stainless steel for further flexibility.

This marked the end of my first round of correspondence. The responses put things into a rather interesting context. The Terminator is to maintain consistent isolation properties whilst introducing the ability to slightly modify its own core to fine-tune system matching. Would the design match or exceed the isolation standards of more conventional approaches? Would the introduction of tuning flexibility compromise the anti-resonant properties? These were questions that could only be answered by listening. The test system was comprised of the Apogee Duetta Signature Speakers, Bel Canto 200.4 Evo amplifier, Tortuga Audio preamp, Wyred4Sound DAC-2 and Wyred4Sound Music Server running local files as well as 44.1kHz Tidal streams. Cabling was a full Arkana Physical Research loom as well as Wyred's own I²S cable. Power cords combined Arkana and Audio Arts. The Paradigm Servo 15 subwoofer was switched in and out of the circuit to assess Kat Audio's abilities to deal with heavyweight bass vibrations. EquaRack footers were used under the sub, DAC and preamp to maintain my prior reference point. The Bel Canto amplifier became the prime test bed for the three Terminators, first because it was best suited by weight, second because it historically made bold face the character differences of isolation devices. For comparative analysis, the Weizhi Precision feet as well as EquaRack MF-1 footers did duty under the amp. These are both ambitious solutions which represent benchmarks in my stable not only at their disparate price points but in absolute terms against every contender I have come across. The recording selection was eclectic, all of the customary audiophile reference pieces trotted out plus a healthy dose of general music running the gamut of technical merit. Out of the multitudes, here are a few.