After I'd concluded my critical listening sessions with the PS Audio Stellar M700s that I review elsewhere in this issue, I got a call from Dave Morrison of IsoAcoustics, in Markham, Ontario, makers of the Gaia loudspeaker isolation feet. He told me that they had a new product, the Orea, that applies to audio electronics—preamps, power amps, DACs—the isolation technology used in the Gaia. (Orea is a simplified form of Ourea, for the nine primordial mountain gods of Greek mythology, all progeny of Gaia: the Earth.) He suggested that I try the Oreas under the Stellar M700s. My experience with the Gaias had been very positive; if the Oreas were anything like that, I had to try them.
Oreas are available in two versions, depending on the weight of the component supported: the standard model, suitable for most amps, and a heavy-duty version for massive monoblocks. Morrison brought me eight Oreas intended for the M700's weight class.
With four Oreas under each Stellar M700, and each amp sitting on its own Polychristal stand, the sound acquired another measure of clarity and transparency; the result was similar to the effect of putting Gaias under my speakers, though not as marked. Supporting each amp with only three instead of four Oreas, one at front center and two at rear left and right, produced very similar and perhaps slightly better results. The Oreas sell for $69 each; at that price, I find them very worthwhile.
With four Oreas under each Stellar M700, and each amp sitting on its own Polychristal stand, the sound acquired another measure of clarity and transparency; the result was similar to the effect of putting Gaias under my speakers, though not as marked. Supporting each amp with only three instead of four Oreas, one at front center and two at rear left and right, produced very similar and perhaps slightly better results. The Oreas sell for $69 each; at that price, I find them very worthwhile.
