Good morning, I’m interested in purchasing Isoacoustics isolators to use under NDX2 or Supernait 3. Has anyone ever tried them? Were there any differences? What differences?is it better to add them to the source or the amplifier?
Have you done a forum search for previous threads about these products? Loads of opinions and views already given.
1 Like
There’s a new fancy-pants version at least of the ones for speakers. Called ‘Neo’ I believe and supposedly better than the originals. They’re certainly a good deal pricier.
Roger
Yes, I read something, but I wanted to know if anyone who had an NDX2 or a Supernait 3 noticed any differences. And under which of the two electronics could make a bigger difference?
isoAcoustics Gaia aren’t meant for components, but for speakers. They screw into the bottom of speaker bases/stands.
isoAcoustics has other products for compoents, such as their Delos and zaZen isolation bases, and Orea series isolation feet for components.
I use the Gaia Neo II for my speakers and they work great for that. I have used Orea feet and Delos bases in the past, but I now use Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) racks, isolation bases and dampers instead.
You should look at the Orea feet for your components, if you want isoAcoustics. I like HRS Nimbus damping pucks better.
2 Likes
Gaia’s are not designed to fit under sources or amps, they are designed specifically for speakers.
What Isoacoustic do make specifically for sources and amps are Pucks. This is because Gaia’s and Pucks are very much designed with the weight of whatever is placed on them in mind, too heavy and they don’t work. too light for the designed weight and they don’t work.
I’ve tried the ZaZen isolation bases and Orea feet on both my NDX 2 and Supernait 3. Extensive experimentation for about two years. I’m back to just setting them on my cabinet. Sounds better for my system.
BUT, my tube gear really responded well to both of the above. Horses for Courses.
2 Likes
I’ve had both. The originals improved bass response and midrange refinement, with improved soundstage. Now I have the Neo. I’m not so sure how much they improved sonically over the original, but I think soundstage improved further. The big benefit for me with the Neo is they look nicer, they install more easily and more rigidly, and adjustment (i.e. leveling) is considerably easier.
3 Likes
I correct myself… I already have the Gaia under the speakers and they’ve made a big difference. In the post, I’m referring to the Orea or Zazen model.
2 Likes
Perhaps @Richard.Dane can rectify the title to prevent confusion.
2 Likes
Amended.
2 Likes
You could also consider Isonoe feet if going down that route. Made for turntables but fit most components.
What did you not like about the ZaZen?
1 Like
I tried some Oreas when I had a Nova. I was full of hope, given the positive feedback I’d read on here. What did they do? They made the sound thin and etched. Every detail was explicit. But they totally destroyed the music. And they made the Nova look ridiculous, perched on four shiny feet. Dreadful things. Amazing as it may seem, Naim can design equipment that sounds good without additions. Oreas may impress your boring hifi friends, but if you are talking about music lovers, give them a miss. Save your money.
4 Likes
Thanks for the feedback, it’s always good to hear from a user. I’d noted that the Neos were rather larger and seemed to be easier to use but was unsure if that and the improved performance made them worth the 50% price uplift.
Roger
It was easy for me. I sold my original Gaia II pretty quickly, so the set of 8 Neo II net cost was less than $200. 
I like the Neo much better. The ease and precision of adjustment, and how well they couple to the speaker base, is worth the extra cost, IMO.
2 Likes
In my system, it really killed PRaT and hurt imaging, too.
And, for clarity, I’m not discussing loudspeaker isolators; just equipment isolation.
2 Likes
Is there a difference in sound quality between the discontinued Gaia and Neo? I would agree on the upgraded precision of adjustment with the Neo. In my opinion, the biggest flaw of the Gaia is the lack of adjustment to compensate for uneven floor. Although the footers could be rotated 180 degrees for level adjustment (the logo needs to face the front), it’s still a flaw as it’s not fine level tuning. There is always a niggling feel that I have not set it all up correctly.
Anyway, the Gaias do provide a noticeable and significant uplift in sound quality to the speakers which I currently own.
3 Likes
I agree and that’s exactly what the Neo versions solve. I have my speakers on uneven wood floors in a 98 year old house and need the leveling adjustment. The originals were a PITA to get right. The Neo dial in much, much better.
I also think there was a sonic improvement in terms of soundstage, but I cannot say that with 100% confidence. I’ve had other changes in the past year, and don’t always remember which helped what.
In any case, I recommend the Neo and think they are well worth the upcharge.
2 Likes
Sorry Niko I have no experience using any isolation devices under any Naim item
Personally I’d like to think that Naim provides the right ‘feet’ to do a proper job for their equipment
1 Like