Critical Mass Systems Center Stage LS 2.25 Loudspeaker Foot

There were several objectives behind the development of the Center Stage “LS”. Firstly, we wanted to develop a novel approach to solving the problem of degradation from excess energy build up caused by vibration in loudspeaker cabinets. Consider that loudspeakers are designed to vibrate. Think of the staggering amount of time and effort loudspeaker manufacturers dedicate to cabinet design and resonance control. They go into ultra-fine detail to explain any and all advancements and deservedly so. The problem is ominous. There are issues to address related to loudspeaker weight, volume, driver array, leveling and design. Developing a cutting-edge loudspeaker foot was a unique challenge and Critical Mass Systems succeeded.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Diameter at the point of contact with the loudspeaker: 1.5” (38mm)
• Total diameter of the top: 2.25” (57mm)
• Widest diameter of the foot: 2.5” (64mm)
• Height of the foot fully contracted: 2.25” (57mm)
• Height of the foot fully extended: 2.5” (64mm)
• Weight: 300 grams each (11 oz)

The round design is quite intentional. The rounded bottom allows the foot to remain aligned in precise contact with the floor and the bottom of the loudspeaker as the height of the foot is changed to achieve a level loudspeaker orientation or a raked-rear orientation. This precise alignment is not possible with spikes.

The entire lower ball structure is a massive height-adjustable spike. Spinning the ball clockwise raises the loudspeaker, spinning the ball counter-clockwise lowers the loudspeaker. There is roughly 0.25” (mm) of adjustment available.

The turning ratio is 3 to 1, lowering the torque required to raise and lower the loudspeaker. A safeguard is engineered into the foot which prevents the internal mechanism from over-

extending and detaching under load. Under load, the black outer shell (looks like a ball) separates from the internal structure of the foot. Therefore, vibration cannot pass upwards through the foot via the outer shell. We do this so floor vibration passing upward through the spike cup is forced into the foot through predetermined channels where it can be reduced. The upper shell is designed to pull resonance and heat out of the loudspeaker thus reducing entropy. In better words, the outer shell design and the inner shell design work hand in glove with the objectives of the manufacturer to produce vanishingly low distortion and ruler flat frequency response.

Identical to the objectives of Center Stage, the objective of the Center Stage “LS” Series loudspeaker foot is to help reveal the tremendous engineering in your loudspeakers. In fact, for those who already use Center Stage in their system and can add the “LS” Series under their loudspeakers, we promise a level of performance beyond your imagination.

What to expect during settle in
The settling in period is generally 7 to 10 days, but it can be longer. Because Center Stage LS 2.25 will dramatically greatly improve the equilibrium of your loudspeakers, you should expect your system to temporarily degrade at the outset. This is perfectly normal. Your soundstage will then begin to reconstruct a new and better equilibrium point.

In the end stage, the settling will be barely perceptible unless you really focus. It is extremely important to let the system play for at least 14 days before assuming it has reached equilibrium. Playing a system 24/7 is not necessary, but the more playing time the better. Think of it like running in a brand-new component. Run in time is normal.

Your end of the Bargain, or Making the Experience Better
Center Stage LS 2.25 is good for beginners and advanced listeners, so long as you exercise patience during the settling period. Sonic fluctuations you may experience during the settling period will subside as time passes. Here’s what you need:

Loudspeakers crafted by a known and reliable manufacturer. Your loudspeakers do not need to be among the “most expensive” or the purported “best” in the world. You will experience excellent results with low-cost components. A host of loudspeakers were used to design Center Stage LS2.25, some of them very low cost. This was done to assure consistency of performance. It is certainly true, however, that the better your components, the better your results.

Proper loudspeaker set up. This is essential. Center Stage LS 2.25 was designed to be most effective in 2-channel stereo system listening rooms with conventional loudspeakers of appropriate size and design for the room, and with seating positions reasonable and appropriate for the loudspeaker and room dimensions.
When you put Center Stage LS2.25 in, pull every loudspeaker tweak out. Center Stage LS2.25 will take about 7 to 10 days to settle.

Adding Center Stage under more of your components is the only means to realizing the full “Total Immersion Effect” so highly valued in high end audio.