Adding Darkz C2T to Børresen speaker stands
With the C2T positioned underneath the stands, the sound becomes crisper and more articulate as well as more delicately rendered, but without adding any dryness as can often happen with other hard-couplers. The fluidity remains. To my delight, the bass becomes faster and clearer. The upper midrange also becomes more expressive as well as more prominent, and spatial sounds are rendered more distinctly. These may be the entry-level Darkz variants but boy do they have a large effect!
Changing to Darkz S2T
Following my previous experiments with the two top-model Darkz as part of the Ansuz power distributors, I knew there was a considerable difference at the high end of the Darkz assortment. It was comforting to find that the same holds true for the two most affordable models. Sure enough, with the S2T’s having replaced the entry-level C2T’s, the difference is not subtle. All the extra articulation and expression remain but the improvements are now filled out more completely down to the rest of the sonic spectrum.
Whereas the C2T’s are already hugely effective but have a mildly prominent (but not unpleasant) upper midrange and a relatively slightly leaner bass, the S2T’s are harmonically more balanced top to bottom, with the upper bass also gaining more substance in the process.
The latter aspect is especially noteworthy in combination with the cleaner-sounding 01 speakers, where the S2T is undeniably synergistically the ideal match. The fuller-sounding Z1 speakers are less in need of the improvements in the upper bass that the dearer model brings. But if one desires an extra uptick in bass fullness and harmonic richness, the S2Ts are still commendable with these speakers.
Darkz under other audio equipment
Darkz also work incredibly well under audio components such as in this case a classic Wadia WT3200 CD transport. The Darkz greatly improve the player’s pacing, articulation, transient attack, and overall precision. The Darkz perform their magic under a CD transport but, as I found, just as well under an integrated amplifier, such as the Accuphase E-280 in the other room.
When also using the Balls on top (in this case directly coupling to the WT3200’s bottom plate but ideally used in combination with Darkz Feet), the transparency and precision further increase.
My secondary system may be relatively modest but its performance is lifted enormously using Darkz.
Initially, I used Anusz C2T (Aluminum) Darkz footers, then upgraded to S2T (Stainless Steel), which were again upgraded to T2 (Titanium). T2S is normally superior, but in this case, I preferred the leaner, tighter, more direct sound of the T2 under the Accuphase amp.
They are hidden from view but the CD player is also on Darkz, in this case the T2S which add spaciousness, refinement, elegance, and flow.
The Auralic Aries G1 streamer is on Darkz T2.
Conclusion
Take it from me: Darkz Resonance Control works like magic, and annoyingly yet reassuringly, the higher up you move the model ladder, the more the sound improves. The entry-level Aluminum C2T is well worth trying if you are taking your first steps into using aftermarket footers. They provide excellent value for money and can work really well. That is until you try the Stainless Steel S2T which in practically all my experiments provides simply better sound than the C2T. The same goes for the next model up, the Titanium T2, which you really should not try unless you are willing to spend the extra money for hearing is believing. T2S (Supreme), finally, is indeed even more special and magical, but after having done many more experiments, I find that sometimes the tighter, soberer, and more direct T2 works better while sometimes the more refined, spacious, and ethereal T2S provides better results. Between these two, it simply depends on the audio component, the system, and your personal taste which will be the ideal match. In any case, all Darkz models are highly recommended, even the ones that cost more than a whole range of audio components.
External Links
Distributor for the Netherlands: Ohm Audio
Manufacturer: Ansuz
Ohm Audio
Open by appointment
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00
Zernikepark 21
9747 AP Groningen
Phone line 1 : +31 (0)6-38027736
Phone line 2 : +31 (0)6-38027745
Email : i n f o @ o h m – a u d i o . n l
Hi Christian,
If you had only one set of darkz would you place them underneath a preamp or the end?
I have not found any single category equipment to be more or less sensitive to the influence of footers, Darkz or other. It all depends on what a particular component needs. You should find out which of your components can best use a little more incisiveness, articulation, resolution, etc, and use the footers there.
Hi
I am surprised how these ball bearing system are designed. They remind me of the old Peak Consult system. Using aluminium on all stages is the best way to get higher resonance. The only one I tested and found extremely good is made from 3 different materials apart of the tungsten balls. I saw the same “design errors” in a famed US ball bearing system, even more expensive. I was vibrations mechanical professor in a French Engineers University and expert in vibrations for more than 30 years.
Do the Darkz footers work with the Artesania Exoteryc racks?
Well, if you would get the optional threaded-end extenders (officially intended to be screwed in audio components instead of their standard footers) that couple to the Darkz via 3 extra balls, they could potentially be used in place of the Artesania spikes, but I’m not sure if you would too easily overload them that way. Using the same optional extenders you could potentially use them on the arms of the Artesania levels, which might actually lead to very good results.
I’m surprised you haven’t tried it.
I do not have the optional threaded adapters at hand to try this. But another reason for not persuing this is that the loose balls required for this application are very fiddly to work with. Unlike with the Darkz themselves where the balls are contained within the three discs, the threaded extension sits freely on top of 3 extra balls, which are prone to falling and rolling away on the floor. This is far from ideal, especially when you are a reviewer who frequently changes component positions.
Hahaha recognizable
Makes sense. I’d need to tape each of them together or something before removing the equipment. Thank you for taking the time to explain.