The Quantum Signature is the logical next evolutionary development of Symposium's Quantum Platform. Retaining the best features of the Quantum, the new Quantum Signature embodies an accumulation of technologies invented, developed and utilized by Symposium Acoustics in the effective coupling and damping of electronic components in a dedicated platform, and spares nothing in the quest for true, state-of-the-art performance. Utilizing technology borrowed from the very successful Svelte Shelf and "expanding the envelope" to the limits of practicality and design, and now combining it with newly developed low frequency LDSS (Linear Displacement Suspension System) damped isolation, the Quantum Signature delivers the last word in neutrality, nuance, timber resolution, dynamics and transient preservation. As one high-end audio industry insider who owns one said, "There is nothing else in the industry like it."
Technology
Mechanical energy inside of electronic and electromechanical devices can cause increased noise levels due to spurious electrical energies induced by this vibration in conducting signal paths. The goal is to ensure that all signal paths are maintained neutrally. All equipment must be supported by some kind of foot device, whether it be individual members or a large flat plane. The Quantum's top is split into four separate, independent platforms, each of which is designed to absorb and dissipate energy from the component. Because of the separation, energy drained from each of a maximum of 4 feet cannot combine and be reflected back into the component. Thus, draining/damping of the component chassis is achieved more effectively, further lowering intermodulation distortion which may be caused by subtle mechanical energy, whose object is to lower the noise floor. Lower noise levels in the component allow faster transients across the entire spectrum. In addition, extreme low bass preservation has been improved, even over the vaunted Ultra, which was our previous reference in this area. The Quantum Signature takes the bass benefits of the Ultra and extends them a full octave lower, to the foundations of audible sound.
Quadrant Isolation
By splitting the top surface of the platform into 4 quadrants, the Quantum divides the work of energy drainage into four isolated sectors. These independent sections in effect separate components into four parts, achieving superior overall drainage but also reducing mechanical intermodulation of these unwanted mechanical energies in the component. Each of the four iso-quadrants are constructed of dual layers of heavy gauge, constrain-layer damped stainless steel. Each rectangle of stainless steel is precision laser cut to tolerances of 1/1000 inch or less, and each of the four resulting top sections are hand assembled and carefully finished.
LDSS Vertical Isolation
The Quantum Signature features an all new suspension system utilizing a custom damped, spring-assisted suspension damped by AirCell foam. Thousands of tiny air bubbles provide superior damping at bass frequencies without overhang or bass "bloat," while the custom, damped spring suspension ensures high weight capacity, predictable behavior under load, and reliability for the owner's lifetime. Each Quantum Signature is "tuned" for a desired weight range in order to provide effective, damped extreme low frequency isolation. Combined with its unique and unequalled high frequency quadrant resonance damping, the Quantum Signature represents a new reference standard of isolation and vibration control treatment for virtually all active components, including analog turntables, digital sources, and more.
Precision Supercouplers
Four special equipment " Precision SuperCouplers" borrow from Rollerblock technology. Made of 7075 aircraft aluminum and coated with a harder-than-steel skin of black "hard coat" anodizing, the black SuperCoupler has a precision-machined matrix of honeycombed cavities which significantly improve the conduction of mechanical energy, improving energy transmission between component and Quantum quadrants. Each SuperCoupler is placed on one of the four quadrants to contact the bare chassis of the supported component.
Turntable Motor Cutout Versions
The Quantum Signature is also available in a special edition especially made for turntables with separate motors. This Motor Cutout version has a fifth section isolated from the normal 4 quadrants in order to further isolate motor noise from the turntable plinth structure.
"HRX" motor cutout Quantum Signature. Click for more views
Summary
The combination of the Quantum's features and innovation results in a platform that extends the benefits of energy drainage and isolation a full octave below what was previously realizable with even the Ultra Platform, and with greater neutrality and transient preservation. With all components, and even small or light front end components, the Quantum is nothing short of spectacular; it sets new standards for vibration control treatment, and brings component performance to entirely new and higher levels.
