Stereo Magazine, Germany 3/2005

Seeing the Whole Picture

Sound Mechanics focuses on the suppression and elimination of disturbing resonances through their racks, feet and unusual bases.

By Tom Frantzen

Oak is considered to be unbending. It resists attack through sheer mass and energy absorption, whereas, bamboo bends flexibly and diverts destructive wind energy. Both may be compared with the underlying principles of Asian martial arts, such as Karate, which employs hard blocking and Aikido, which is gentle and flexible. These two principles function comparably in this new HiFi furniture by applying two construction principles: damping and attenuation by mass, and fastest possible, loss-free dispersion of energy. Sound Mechanics (in operation for over four decades in Hong Kong) would like to bring both philosophies under one hat and to optimise the challenges of sound improvement. Oscillations should be kept within measure so that they are neither too weakly nor too strongly dampened and are dispersed in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Each construction detail is to the highest test standard. Wood is the key material in providing natural timbre. It is not allowed to be too thick under any circumstances. Greatest attention has been applied to form and geometry, as in the bevelled edge of the platforms. The influence may have been derived from esoteric elements of Asian philosophy, such as Feng Shui, but the process is strictly rooted in physics.

That becomes clear also with the C100-Brass-Supporting-Feet (3-piece set) for loudspeakers, which, naturally and by no means coincidently, optimally absorb acoustic radiation by virtue of their aspheric form. Although Harmonix had already developed a similar octagonal plate with an indent to accept a spike, the C101 (3-piece set) offers comparable quality at a more attractive price.

The slightly mysterious wood hemispheres with fillings in many built in non-spherical chambers are offered in different levels of quality. Unwanted oscillations and vibrations are absorbed. Practically each form and filling is patented - the German patent specification is stated as appropriate for "acoustic absorption devices" - and this principle is especially important to the chief technical designer, Frederik Kwoh.

It is also of no surprise that the C8W-Type walnut wood hemispheres filled with six different materials is the designer's favourite, because for only 75 euro it produces almost perfect sound when arranged under a CD player. Leaving aside the impact of the test product's value, it is an outstanding achievement in its own right.

Dynamics are increased as the sound field is cleansed, while at the same time voices are brought into focus. The musical flow increases, and the whole gains more authenticity by being naturally more flawless. We are already eager to learn the opinions of the ten readers to whom these supporting feet were sent for testing.

The type C8B (beech, 3 piece set) with eight materials, and the MC 88 (Blackwood, 3 piece set) filled with ten materials, one of which is tungsten, increase resolution and gently lighten the sound. While the small cones are less sensitive and practically always function - with the larger ones you must be careful of the resulting tonal balance. When they work, they are however clearly better and, particularly for more expensive components, would be first choice. The fundamental view of Sound Mechanics is to use the earth as their means to dissipate unwanted oscillation (mechanical) and electrical charge/disturbance.

Looking at oscillation as "mechanical noise" and its analogy to the electrical connection is remarkable and merits special attention. Additionally, Sound Mechanics' racks are magnetically earthed. Which means both the TX Rack shelves and the separate equipment platform, the PX 2000, are naturally shielded. The two-piece, absorption and transmission coating technology is meant to translate electrical and electromagnetic fields as well as high frequencies into a form of energy that is harmless to the musical event.

The interior structure of the platforms is complex. Sound earthing is built into massive wood strips (Multi Laminor), which are aligned for oscillation dispersion. Also, a "q-Layer" is used, an organic mass for the reduction of the q-factor of the respective platform. Sound Mechanics simply rejects metal for the building of racks. The resonance behaviour of straight hollow metal tubes is considered to be completely unsuitable to the benefit of the music lover.

Instead, they improve the suspension of the platforms by using solid hardwood frameworks in the rack for better "mechanical grounding". The sum of all the detailed measures aims to provide an electrically calmer, more harmonious starting point with greater resolution of details including an increase in fine dynamics.

Taking all into consideration, the racks of the TX series and the tuning measures in both the form of cones or platform rank among the best accessories we have seen and heard in the last few years regardless of price.

These products from Hong Kong are even more interesting when one considers the moderate pricing structure - particularly, since not only the technical underpinnings, but also quality of manufacture are completely convincing.

Clarity of sound is the focus of what Sound Mechanics offers. Their products, without question, genuinely enrich the accessory market. Employing predominantly mechanical measures at comparatively modest cost, Sound Mechanics products lead to clearly audible improvements. An absolute must try!