zaZen
II - Soundbase - IsoAcoustics

Hi-fi accessories - Vibration isolation

Vibrations are the invisible enemy of every hi-fi system. What the ear perceives as a slight blurring, a lack of spatiality or softened bass often has a banal cause: the surface on which the turntable, tube amplifier or DAC stands resonates - and poisons the signal before it even reaches the amplifier. This is precisely where the IsoAcoustics zaZen comes in: as a compact, functional and elegant isolation platform that consistently decouples structural vibrations and thus exposes the full sound potential of the component.

The platform is made of a particularly dense fiberboard without cavities - a deliberately chosen material that gives the overall system acoustically favorable mass. The surface has a medium-gloss black finish made of polyurethane and UV-cured clear lacquer, which blends robustly and timelessly into any rack. However, the four patented IsoAcoustics isolators on the underside are decisive: they are based on the same technology as the renowned OREA and GAIA series, but have been specifically adapted to the respective weight range of the zaZen. A two-part elastomer system made of hard and softer material works across the entire frequency spectrum - not just in a narrow band like simple rubber or foam feet.

The zaZen was tested at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) - an institution known in the audiophile world for its incorruptible measurement technology. The result: the noise level in the system drops measurably, instruments become more spatial and tangible, and bass lines gain contour. Record players in particular benefit: The scanning system navigates through the groove with extreme precision - any external vibration that disturbs it directly costs information and sound.

Tube amplifiers and digital source devices such as DACs or streamers also react noticeably to the zaZen: the sound image appears more effortless, the stage opens up and the foundation remains stable even at higher volumes. The application is extremely straightforward - simply place it under the component, align it on a flat surface and you're done. No adjustment, no individual positioning of pods, no effort.

The zaZen series is available in two versions: the zaZen I supports up to 11.3 kg (25 lbs) with a height of 38 mm, the zaZen II supports up to 18.1 kg (40 lbs) and measures 42 mm in height. The footprint of both models is identical (43 × 38 cm) - large enough for most compact to medium-sized components. Both models are suitable for components with a minimum weight of approx. 2 kg so that the isolators are in the optimum working range.

If you have heavier devices or high-quality turners with more demanding requirements, the IsoAcoustics Delos series is the logical next step - made from solid walnut or maple, with significantly higher payload ranges of up to 87 kg. The zaZen thus positions itself as the accessible, space-saving entry-level model in the IsoAcoustics platform world - with a genuine audiophile effect, at no audiophile surcharge.