Review: Solidair Audio Dub Star 50 Isolation Feet

Solidair Audio are widely known for their well-considered upgrades for Michell Audio record players and have recently developed performance enhancing isolation feet for Rega models. Turntables are susceptible to vibration and are sensitive to a wide range of frequencies, which can have a detrimental effect on the sound reproduction of your treasured vinyl collection.

The Solidair Audio Dub Star 50 Isolation Feet are a direct replacement for Rega turntables with feet secured using a 6mm threaded bolt, namely the Rega Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 turntables and other discontinued models using the same fixing. At time of writing, Miles Kilby of Solidair Audio is finalising a Dub Star foot to fit the Rega Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus, Planar 2 and Planar 3 models. The original feet are secured by a wood screw on these models and the same applies to earlier models, making the new model compatible with earlier models.

Fitting of the Dub Star 50 feet is a simple task, however there are a couple of steps to take to ensure no damage is caused to your Rega turntable and delicate cartridge. Firstly, remove the turntable platter for safety and then secure the tonearm on the arm rest. Make sure the cartridge is protected from accidental damage, by fitting the protective guard – if available. Unscrew the standard feet with a large bit sized cross head screwdriver and replace with the Dub Star 50 feet one at a time. No modifications are required to the Rega turntable, and the process is entirely reversable. Once the turntable platter is refitted, please check the level of the turntable and if necessary, rotate the feet to correct the level.

During our listening session, the main core of the system comprised of the following products:

• Rega Planar 8 turntable
• Ortofon 2m Bronze MM Cartridge
• Lehmann Audio Black Cube Standard Phono Stage
• Rega Aethos Integrated Amplifier
• Russell K Red 120 speakers

With the Dub Star 50 feet fitted and the Planar 8 levelled, we focussed on two tracks for our listening test; Sohn’s ‘Oscillate’ from the album Live with the Metropole Orkest and Anette Askvik’s ‘Liberty’ from the album Liberty. Once both songs were listened to, we reverted back to the standard fit Rega feet and then back again to the Solidair feet to reaffirm our findings.

Our observations were consistent with both pieces of music, with the Dub Star 50 feet. Sohn’s ‘Oscillate’ was presented with a solid tight and fast paced bass extension, and the vocals possessed a dry ‘realism’, without any fatigue. As for Anette Askvik’s beautifully produced ‘Liberty’, we also observed a tight bass, with the string and brass sections presented with an emotive honesty and airiness. Anette’s voice had a clean and dry presence, once again without fatigue. Reverting back to the factory supplied Rega Planar 8 feet, Anette’s voice had a coarseness and slight rasp and the saxophone sounded edgy. Low frequencies felt looser and less defined.

The following day, we undertook the same test using our Rega Planar 10 turntable, fitted with a Goldring Ethos MC Cartridge and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage. The amplifier and speakers remained the same as those used for the Planar 8 demonstration the day before. For the purpose of this demonstration, we played Isaac Hayes ‘Walk On By’ from the album Hot Buttered Soul. The results were consistent with our experience with the Planar 8 turntable. With the standard feet fitted, the busy music passages felt tiring to listen to, as if the general presentation was too much and we found ourselves losing interest in the complexity of the music… whereas with the Dub Star 50 feet in place, the presentation was clearer and more defined. The subtle percussion, electric guitar and brass section were easier to pick out and presented the track with greater speed and definition. The drum solo at the end of the track sounded more real and textured.

We frequently make it known that every product that Home Media invests in for the purpose of demonstration is an informed purchase, and the same applies to lesser value upgrades. In our opinion, the £165 cost for the Solidair Audio Dub Star to feet (3-pack) is a simple and cost-effective way of improving the performance of a Rega Planar 6, 8 & 10 turntable. We would go as far as saying the improvements we heard are game changing.

We are hosting an in-store event between Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th October, focussing on the Solidair Audio Dub Star isolation feet. The demonstrations are by appointment only and will last approximately 45 minutes. More details to follow, but if you would like to learn more, please contact Chris, John or Simon on 01622 676703.