With PolyCrystal racks, it is critical that the assembly instructions are followed carefully. After you have ensured the rack is assembled correctly and all fasteners are tight, level the rack itself using the adjustable bottom spikes (if you have a floor that is easily scratched, use the PolyCrystal Spike Disks). Then, level the top shelf by adjusting the inverted spikes that support it. Set up your stand on solid, reasonably level flooring, using the spikes underneath. (Please refer to the instructions for Speaker Spikes for setting up the spikes this way.)

Your most sensitive component (turntable, CD transport, etc.) should be placed on the top shelf. For further improvements, use PolyCrystal Isolators under all components.

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Set up your stand on solid, reasonably level flooring, using the spikes underneath. (Please refer to the instructions for Speaker Spikes for setting up the spikes this way.) Place your speaker on the stand, and rotate to the desired position based on your listening position relative to the stand's placement.

We suggest using three spikes to support the stand at the floor, but experiment for best results (four may be better for your system). We also recommend using PolyCrystal Speaker Spikes underneath the speakers for greater decoupling and resonance reduction. As above, start your experimentation with three spikes.

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For initial setup, simply ensure the Isolation Platform is located on a level section of flooring.

We suggest using three spikes to support the isolation platform, but experiment for best results; four may be better for your system. (Please refer to the instructions for Speaker Spikes for setting up the spikes this way). We also recommend using the largest isolation platform your physical space will accommodate, since a larger mass of PolyCrystal will always result in greater resonance control and more noticeable improvements in sound.

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You can use the ISO-3 or Reference ISO-3 Isolators underneath preamps, amplifiers, tuners, transports (CD and DVD players, tape machines, VCRs, etc.), D/A converters and power conditioners. For the initial setup, position the Isolators in a triangular configuration, pointing downward (inverted pyramid). You can use two in front and one in the rear, or the reverse. Either way you should experience considerably improved system performance.

To fine-tune your sound, try reversing the configuration of your Isolators. Starting from whichever was the better-sounding front or back position, move the isolators forward, backward, left or right. This type of fine tuning will enable you to achieve optimal resonance control for each of your components and will give you the best possible sound from your system. You can also try flipping the isolators so they point upward.

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These can be used for speaker cables, power cords, interconnects and any other cables. Note that cable placement is critical, and cables should not be allowed to sag:

Instead, the cable should be relatively straight so that it remains reasonably level:

This keeps the cables above the barrier of electrostatic shielding, thus preventing them from being affected by the electromechanical "grunge" that exists at the floor level.

Take care to place each cable carefully on the Cable Towers, as too many cables together on the same tower can actually cause interference. It may be best to have several rows of Cable Towers between components to prevent detrimental interference from occurring. You can experiment with slight variations in routing, though the greatest improvements will result from the elevation of the cables from the floor.

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Our spikes come with the popular ¼-20 threaded insert used by the majority of high-end speaker manufacturers (several other sizes are available through our Multi-stud line). However: Before you make any modifications to the enclosures, do some listening tests and start with three spikes to support the speaker.

The weight of the speaker relative to the height will probably not allow much variance in terms of the spike configuration underneath the speaker, as the spikes will likely be out near the edges of the speaker enclosure for greater stability. Nevertheless, take enough time to experiment (three spikes, four spikes, two in front and one in back vs. the other way around, and so on).

Once you have determined the optimum placement configuration for your speaker's spikes, use the appropriate studs to fasten them to your speakers.

To protect flooring surfaces, use the Spike Point Disk. This small but critical component features a special design that interfaces perfectly with the PolyCrystal spikes, and is the only protective disk we recommend.

Note that larger spikes isolate your music system components better than smaller spikes. Experiment by trying the larger spikes underneath your speakers. If you are using floor-standing speakers, try placing them on PolyCrystal floor-standing Speaker Stands.

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DissiPlates and Dissiblock are designed to be placed on top of components. Their weight and mass keeps them in place (no fastening is required).

As with other PolyCrystal components, experimentation is the key to maximizing sonic improvement. This is particularly true of the DissiBlocks, since their size allows greater latitude in positioning. For example, many audiophiles realize significant audible benefits by placing a Dissiblock directly over the power supply transformer, especially on power amplifiers. Another good location for Dissiblocks is directly over the transport area of the chassis on CD and DVD players. With patience and thoughtful experimentation, you too will find your "sweet spot".

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