Symposium Acoustics

[Re-tread]

Greetings all. I realise this ancillary update about upgrading Symposium Acoustics rollerballs is approximately 13-months latent from the previous entry, but for anyone interested, I can (finally!) offer "some" feedback on my Symposium Acoustics Grade 2.5 Superball upgrade.

13-month Timelapse (quasi-explanation):
a. First 8 months: stereo was packed up, and made international voyage to new GEO across the Atlantic, and placed in climate controlled storage upon arrival.
b. Last 5 months: stereo was un-packed and set-up in our new abode; and installed with the new 7 sets (3 per set = 21 total rollerballs) of Grade 2.5 Superballs that go underneath my 7 major electronic components, sitting on 5 Symposium Acoustic platforms supported by shelves within my Finite Elemente "Spider" rack.

Baseline: all 5 of my shelves have SA platforms, ranging from: Svelte (2), Svelte Plus (2), and Ultra Platform (1).

Symposium Upgrade: All 7-sets of SA "Superballs" replace the previous 7-sets of SA "Grade-10" Rollerballs, which each occupy my previously owned double-stacked RollerBlock Jr HDSE (21 sets), which are all supported on their various SA Platforms (cited in above Baseline).

How: Changing all 21 rollerballs from the previous Grade 10 to the better Grade 2.5 Superballs took a little coordination with Peter at Symposium, but because I was moving, the timing seemed very apropos. Moreover, the coordination required me to carefully pack and return the original "Grade-10" rollerballs I already owned, where I was fully credited their full price, which was then applied towards the purchase of the new Grade 2.5 Superballs.

Sonic uplift from the Upgrade: In my case of a new listening room (different wall construction type, room dimensions, RT-60, etc.), it is a bit challenging to subjectively "describe with precision" what the Superballs upgrade has done, but I can say that my system is more relaxed, palpable, and easier to listen to. Ease and purity (yes!). Also, I can hear deeper into the sound-space in between the notes, which is very enveloping, and increased my perception of "depth". Quieter and Deeper (yes!). IMHO, my system has lots of dynamic power, and, I do have a "small-ish" listening room, so this sonic adjustment makes the music more friendly and more seductive.

In closing, I would like to thank Peter at Symposium for his counsel and guidance in making this upgrade happen smoothly.

Re-tread

 

[Ricco275]

Is anyone aware if Symposium is fully active in business? The European dealer has been waiting over a month for an update on pricing and lead time for my order.

 

[djsina2]

Is anyone aware if Symposium is fully active in business? The European dealer has been waiting over a month for an update on pricing and lead time for my order.

I bought something a few months ago. He’s always very busy but answers his phone reliably. Did anyone try calling?

 

[Chop]

I'm in the UK and I've just bought stuff from Symposium (a huge and a small Ultra Platform) without problem. As always, I found Peter to be responsive and helpful with responses to emails usually in a couple of days. As Re-Tread says above, Peter's counsel and guidance is always welcome: So far as I'm concerned he's a safe bet.

Along with the Ultra Platforms from Peter I am investing in a new ebony armboard for the Verdier. Can't wait!!

 

[Ricco275]

I bought something a few months ago. He’s always very busy but answers his phone reliably. Did anyone try calling?

Thanks. The dealer sent a couple of emails.

I'm in the UK and I've just bought stuff from Symposium (a huge and a small Ultra Platform) without problem. As always, I found Peter to be responsive and helpful with responses to emails usually in a couple of days. As Re-Tread says above, Peter's counsel and guidance is always welcome: So far as I'm concerned he's a safe bet.

Along with the Ultra Platforms from Peter I am investing in a new ebony armboard for the Verdier. Can't wait!!

thanks a lot it sounds reassuring. Enjoy your new jewels!

 

[Re-tread]

Greetings @Ricco275 ! By chance, any progress update on your Symposium Acoustics order?

Re-tread

 

[Ricco275]

Greetings @Ricco275 ! By chance, any progress update on your Symposium Acoustics order?

Re-tread

Hi. Actually no progress. It seems Peter is restocking his products. So far I have no visibility for delivery on rollerblocks, svelte platforms and fat padz. I have prepaid for them and asked a refund. The dealer says he will get the products soon. I’m having this feedback repeatedly. It’s quite frustrating.

 

[Chop]

FWIW, my order arrived in the UK promptly, about 3 weeks from order. However, Peter did tell me his elderly industrial saw finally needed replacing nd there have been problems getting replacement parts then replacing it. Now all done and I think he has been dealing with a backlog.
Again, he's been a pleasure to deal with directly.
- I'm delighted with the Ultra Platforms.

 

[ecwl]

Yeah. Symposium is like that. Last time I ordered, it took like almost 6 months because what I wanted was a rare size so it wasn’t in stock and had to be manufactured. Same for a friend of mine who also waited almost 6 months after ordering before receiving his products. Basically, if the products you want are in stock, you’re in luck and you get it super quick (like one product I wanted). But if they’re not in stock, Symposium can take forever to manufacture them.

That said, my friend and I are simply super happy with the results of the product. I mean, it’s based on sound science and you can hear the results. To me, it’s worth the wait. Even though for most audiophiles, I think waiting 6 months for a product is very anxiety provoking.

 

[Ricco275]

Yeah. Symposium is like that. Last time I ordered, it took like almost 6 months because what I wanted was a rare size so it wasn’t in stock and had to be manufactured. Same for a friend of mine who also waited almost 6 months after ordering before receiving his products. Basically, if the products you want are in stock, you’re in luck and you get it super quick (like one product I wanted). But if they’re not in stock, Symposium can take forever to manufacture them.

That said, my friend and I are simply super happy with the results of the product. I mean, it’s based on sound science and you can hear the results. To me, it’s worth the wait. Even though for most audiophiles, I think waiting 6 months for a product is very anxiety provoking.

Especially if you have already paid for them as in my case.

 

[Re-tread]

Greetings @Ricco275 , I hope this text finds you well. Just to aid your concern, I will add the following in support, if helpful:

As a fellow "audio" traveler (and coincidentally a previous customer of SA multiple times), I can understand your frustration waiting for someone to deliver an agreed product at an agreed price (and, one that has been already paid for..!). I can relate..! That said, I can also echo what @ecwl has said about SA. Some custom items at SA, for example custom sizes, custom modifications, or, specific items out of stock that require special machining, can take some time to produce and deliver; however, in my experience the proprietor/operator is very honourable. In my custom order, it did take some time for SA to deliver... true. But, I held high confidence in SA to stay the course, albeit, not at my most desired tempo.

In audio, I typically choose to use smaller purveyors, whom are not always ramped up for "industrial sized" through-puts. Thus, I have come to appreciate the "patience is a virtue" adium. In my experience, the anticipation seems to lead to a better appreciation once arrived/installed.

Hang in there, and here's to wishing you a successful experience once installed.

Re-tread

 

[Ricco275]

Greetings @Ricco275 , I hope this text finds you well. Just to aid your concern, I will add the following in support, if helpful:

As a fellow "audio" traveler (and coincidentally a previous customer of SA multiple times), I can understand your frustration waiting for someone to deliver an agreed product at an agreed price (and, one that has been already paid for..!). I can relate..! That said, I can also echo what @ecwl has said about SA. Some custom items at SA, for example custom sizes, custom modifications, or, specific items out of stock that require special machining, can take some time to produce and deliver; however, in my experience the proprietor/operator is very honourable. In my custom order, it did take some time for SA to deliver... true. But, I held high confidence in SA to stay the course, albeit, not at my most desired tempo.

In audio, I typically choose to use smaller purveyors, whom are not always ramped up to "industrial sized" through-puts. Thus, I have come to appreciate the "patience is a virtue" adium. In my experience, the anticipation seems to lead to a better appreciation once arrived/installed.

Hang in there, and here's to wishing you a successful experience once installed.

Re-tread

Thank you Re-tread. Hanging there indeed