In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Minusk: a new Vibraplan?

Post Subject: Sort of like the double hornPosted by steverino on: 5/12/2014

I ran across this Negative stiffness isolation platform (the anti Viagra??) independently but I should have known the Cat had pounced years earlier. It is hard to tell how much the concept has advanced since 2007 as I only found one firm doing it (Minus K). It sounds rather straightforward in that if you have multiple threat vectors you create a composite which deals with them all concurrently. My understanding is that this platform has components which deal not only with horizontal and vertical displacement but also compensates for tilt. Has anyone tried this or have indirect reports of effectiveness or lack thereof? Looking around I did find a recent article in December 2013 HiFiZine by a Patrick Dillon. Actually it was a pleasantly modest and calm review of the product. He used it under his SME 20/2 turntable. His summary I quote:

"At $2600, you need to be seriously committed to your rig to consider a Minus K platform but for me, it’s offered the best upgrade in LP reproduction I’ve experienced since I bought the SME20/2. It is at least comparable to benefits you might get from spending the same amount on a new cartridge. It is also better than either the PS Audio PowerBase or the Gingko Cloud I’ve also tried under my SME. That it requires zero maintenance and is not attached to air pumps or power cords makes it even more attractive to me... "

Here are some specs on the Minus K models:

BM-10 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform ~2500

Weight: Approximately 35 lb (16 kg)
Dimensions: 12.2” W x 12.2” D x 4.6” H(310mm W x 310mm D x 117mm H)

This can support up to 100 pounds.

--------------------

BM-1 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform ~$4500

Weight: Approximately 80 lb (36 kg)Dimensions: 24" W x 22.5" D x 9" H(610mm W x 572mm D x 216mm H)
This can support up to 500 pounds.

They have intermediate models between these. Their appearance is slightly nerdy in basic black but not bad looking either.

Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site