GALILEO

To achieve maximum performance, Galileo Isolation Feet must be tuned to the resonance characteristics of the audio component they support.

Every audio component has its own unique resonance profile, determined by factors including its mass, dimensions, chassis construction, materials and the internal distribution of its components.

Consequently, even two components with identical weight may require different Galileo settings if their construction differs. Likewise, components of similar size but made from different materials will exhibit different resonance characteristics.

For this reason, it is impossible to determine the correct Galileo setting based solely on the component’s weight. Weight serves only as an approximate starting point for the adjustment process.

The final setting should always be determined through listening tests.

Galileo has been designed so that its highest position corresponds to lightweight components weighing approximately 1–3 kg. As component weight increases, the optimum setting gradually moves lower. The lowest position is intended for components weighing approximately 70–80 kg.

This exceptionally wide adjustment range allows Galileo to be optimized for the vast majority of audio components while maintaining maximum vibration control performance.

The objective of the first listening session is not to find the perfect setting immediately, but to determine the adjustment range within which the optimum setting is likely to be found.

The easiest way to achieve this is by comparing two clearly different height settings.

For a component weighing approximately 10 kg, we recommend starting with 3 full turns above the lowest position, followed by 5 full turns.

For a component weighing approximately 30 kg, a good starting point is 2 full turns, followed by 3½–4 turns.

For a component weighing approximately 50 kg, begin with 1 full turn, then increase the height to 3 full turns.

These values should not be regarded as final settings. They are intended only as reference points to help establish an effective starting range for tuning.

The lower of the two suggested settings will typically produce a fuller, smoother and more substantial presentation. At the same time, it may also sound slightly slower, less energetic and lacking in rhythmic drive.

The higher setting will usually reveal more detail, openness and clarity, but potentially at the expense of tonal richness, body and weight.

If your listening impressions correspond broadly to these descriptions, the optimum Galileo setting is likely to lie somewhere between the two positions.

The goal of the next stage is to identify the point where the natural tonal richness and weight of the lower setting combine with the resolution, energy and openness of the higher setting.

Once the upper and lower limits of the adjustment range have been established, you can begin the fine-tuning process.

If you start from the higher setting and the sound lacks tonal richness and body, lower the Galileo Isolation Feet by rotating the adjustment ring clockwise by four scale divisions (approximately 1/4 of a turn).

Conversely, if you begin from the lower setting and the sound appears overly relaxed, heavy or lacking in energy, raise the Galileo Isolation Feet by 1/4 of a turn, rotating the adjustment ring counter-clockwise.

After each adjustment, allow the system a short time to settle before listening again. Only then should you evaluate the changes and decide whether further adjustment is required.

Continue making adjustments in 1/4-turn increments until you notice that the sonic character begins to change in the opposite direction.

As the feet are adjusted upward, the presentation will gradually become more open and revealing. If it begins to lose its natural tonal richness and body, you have moved beyond the optimum setting.

Likewise, lowering the setting will gradually increase weight and tonal density. However, if the presentation becomes excessively warm, slower or loses its natural rhythmic flow, the optimum point has also been passed.

In either case, return slightly toward the previous adjustment range.

Once the optimum range has been identified within approximately 1/4 of a turn, reduce the adjustment step to 1/8 of a turn (two scale divisions) and repeat the listening process.

The higher the performance level of both the audio component and the system as a whole, the easier it will be to hear the changes introduced by Galileo.

After finding the optimum setting with an accuracy of approximately 1/8 of a turn, we recommend leaving the system in this configuration for one to two days.

During this time, Galileo and the supported component will continue to interact mechanically, allowing the entire system to settle into its new operating conditions. A subsequent listening session may reveal that one final, very small adjustment is beneficial.

Any final correction should be subtle—typically one scale division, occasionally two.

Avoid making large adjustments of 1/4 or 1/2 of a turn at this stage, as doing so is likely to move away from the optimum tuning point and require the tuning process to be repeated.

If Galileo Isolation Feet are used with multiple audio components, we recommend recording the optimum setting for each one. This allows the correct adjustment to be restored quickly whenever the system configuration changes, ensuring consistent listening results.

Once the height adjustment has been completed, the final step is to optimize the placement of the isolation feet beneath the component.

The most common arrangement for a set of three Galileo Isolation Feet is a triangular layout, with either one foot at the front and two at the rear, or two at the front and one at the rear.

However, this configuration should not be regarded as the only correct solution.

Depending on the component’s construction, internal layout and weight distribution, an asymmetrical triangle may provide even better results.

Moving one or two feet by only a few centimetres can noticeably alter the way vibrations are transmitted through the component, leading to audible differences in performance.

Particular attention should be paid to the position of heavy internal parts such as the power transformer. Placing one isolation foot directly beneath the transformer may produce a different sonic result than positioning the feet so that the transformer’s weight is distributed between them. We encourage experimenting with several different layouts and selecting the one that delivers the most natural and coherent musical presentation.

When correctly adjusted, Galileo Isolation Feet allow the supported component to operate under optimum mechanical conditions by minimizing the influence of unwanted vibrations.

The result is improved resolution, greater transparency, more precise imaging and a more natural musical presentation.

Galileo has not been designed to alter the character of an audio component or artificially modify its tonal balance. It does not add bass or increase treble energy. Its purpose is to reduce vibration-induced distortions, allowing the component to reproduce the information contained in the recording with greater accuracy—including subtle musical details that were previously masked by mechanical interference.

Every audio system is unique, which is why feedback from Galileo users is especially valuable to us.

If, during the tuning process, you discover interesting observations, develop your own adjustment method, or believe this guide could be improved, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Your comments and experience help us continue improving both our products and future editions of our user guides.