Downsizing continued - Mana & PSUs

Tests were carried out on shelf 2 of a 6 tier standard Base rack and on 2 phases of Mana: Soundframe/Mana Board/Soundframe/Damped Mana Glass (on concrete floor). Other combinations may bring different results but here's what I found. The words I use to describe my impressions are used in relative not absolute terms - so a Matsui might sound more 'glassy' and a NAP500 more 'weighty'.

1. Hi-Cap on Base.

Dull, lifeless, uninspired - felt like getting up and making a cup of coffee.

2. Hi-Cap on Mana.

Detailed, exciting, fun, uncouth, showy.

3. Supercap on Base.

Weighty, authoritative, musical, coherent, transparent.

4. Supercap on Mana.

Glassy, aggressive, fatiguing, disjointed.

In order of preference I would rate them: 3 then 2 with 1 and 4 equal and opposite lasts. 1 would be more livable with, 4 more immediately impressive.

Conclusions

Mana works wonders for some Naim kit eg. 32.5, Hi-Cap, and buggers up the sound of others, eg. CDS2, Supercap (note the expensive stuff). Mana does seem to add something - this can be good news or bad news depending on the equipment.

Base is neutral and provides good isolation. Despite its poor reputation here I would much rather my S-Cap and CDS2 stayed on the Base rack - its seems not to add anything, nor take anything away.

I find it interesting that the Mana seems to elevate 'lesser' equipment - its protagonists make extravagant but probably correct claims in this regard. Expensive kit which is presumably better engineered and isolated seems to reject any further enhancement and just recquires a solid, level, isolating surface.

Alex

Disclaimer: my system, my setup, my room, my ears, my brain.

ps The combined power and musicality of the CDS2 head unit on Base and the CDPS on Mana really nails you to your seat.