Known primarily for its top-end, state-of-the-art Olympus equipment stands, Critical Mass Systems has brought much of its vibration-management technology to the entry-level Ultra Gateway. A modular platform, it can be ordered with any number of shelves (and those shelves can be upgraded in the future with the Sapphire 2, Ultra-Platinum, or the Ultra-Diamond models).

Additional upgrades include adding one of three levels of CMS isolation footers:

CMS’s LS 2.25 footers are included as part of the package. The Ultra Gateway delivers a dramatic and pleasant sharpening of microdynamics and lowering of background noise. That’s before following the clear and simple upgrade path. For anyone looking for that next step into true high-end audio but also wanting some serious value, the Ultra Gateway is an easy recommendation. DK, forthcoming