Stack Audio Serene Stabiliser and Serene Mat turntable accessories
Stack Audio began developing upgrades for turntables around a decade ago, focusing on eliminating vibrations that compromise sound quality and starting with the iconic Linn LP12 Sondek. Building on this, we introduced the AUVA EQ series, which isolate various audio equipment from external vibrations. Recognizing the unique challenges turntables face, we pushed the innovation further with the Serene Stabiliser and Serene Mat. These components bring new thinking to vibration absorption technology for enhancing vinyl playback, whether used independently or together.
Serene Stabiliser
The Stack Audio Serene Stabiliser redefines record playback by addressing vibrations at source rather than relying on mass. Unlike traditional weights that press down on records and risk straining turntable motors or altering tonal balance, the Serene Stabiliser uses an innovative patent-pending Tension Activated Particle Absorption (TAPA) system to dissipate vibrations effectively. This lightweight design preserves tonal integrity, enhances clarity, and delivers a more immersive listening experience, setting a new standard for vinyl enthusiasts.
The Serene Stabiliser fits over the turntable spindle and rests on the record label. It consists of a machined aluminium casing containing lightweight particles enclosed by a silicone membrane. At the centre of the membrane is a machined hub that fits over the turntable spindle whilst the aluminium body presses down to create a secure fit. The tension created by the hub stretches the silicone membrane into a taught trampoline-like surface, allowing the internal particles to be excited by the micro vibrations present on the surface of the record. Utilising the principles of our Auva particle impact damping technology reconfigured
to handle micro-vibrations, the Serene Stabiliser employs lightweight rubber particles to manage vibrational energy by colliding and converting it into heat through friction. This works in tandem with a flexible membrane surface that ensures the most efficient transmission of micro-vibrational energy through to the particles. This dual-mechanism design helps prevent vibrations from reaching the stylus, allowing it to track the undulations in the groove with greater precision and clarity. By lowering noise at this sensitive point, the Serene Stabiliser enhances subtle details and spatial depth, creating a more natural and immersive listening experience.
Specification
Dual-mechanism TAPA design (patent pending) combining particle impact damping with a tensioned silicone membrane
Works with rigid and suspended turntables
14mm spindle insert allows for use with any turntable with a 14mm (from the top of the record) spindle length or lower
Lightweight build: Weighs approx. 85g to reduce stress on the motor and bearings
Compact size: Measures 77mm in diameter and 25mm in height
Designed and made in the UK
Covered by the Stack Audio 60-day money back guarantee. Price: £195.00 inc. VAT/£162.50 exc. VAT
Serene Mat
The Serene Mat is a record mat like no other. A patent-pending design, it features deformable sprung pads tuned with advanced computational analysis that effectively absorb micro-vibrations that can otherwise be transmitted to the record, masking and degrading the audio signal picked up by the stylus.
Traditional turntable mats, made from the likes of felt, rubber, cork, or rubber, come with inherent limitations. Their large horizontal surface area and minimal thickness prevent them from flexing under the lightweight record, leaving them dependent solely on limited damping. This restricts their ability to manage vibrations across the full frequency spectrum, often leading to unwanted resonance that can muddy the sound. The Serene Mat combines four sprung pads which have been precision tuned, each with a raised nib that helps centre the record’s weight onto the springs. This focused pressure activates the springs, allowing them to absorb micro-vibrations that conventional mats do not address.
Made from a specially formulated silicone, the Mat benefits from the combination of the pad stiffness and the damping qualities of the silicone material itself. Together, these elements provide superior vibration isolation, enhancing clarity and revealing hidden details in your music. Unlike conventional mats that rely only on damping, the Serene Mat delivers a higher level of vibration mitigation, resulting in a more refined listening experience.In developing the Serene Mat, we employed rigorous computational analysis with the assistance of Dr. Vaclav Ondra CEng IMechE, refining the design through 29 iterations, ensuring every detail contributes to uncovering the finer nuances of the music.
We conducted extensive vibration testing with multiple turntables, gathering a large quantity of data. By analysing this data, we identified the worst-case vibration scenarios likely to occur across a broad range of turntables. This approach enabled us to design the Serene Mat to deliver consistent performance in all scenarios. The chart above illustrates its vibration-damping capabilities. The result? Clearer, more immersive sound quality, allowing the music to shine without interference from unwanted resonance.
Specification
Works with all weights of 7”, 10”, and 12” records
Dimensions: 294mm diameter x 3mm high; 7.5mm diameter spindle hole
Can be used with all turntables with a spindle length of 14mm or lower (from the surface of the record.)
Specifically formulated silicone
4 tuned sprung pads (patent pending)
Compatible with non-screw pucks and weights (up to 500g)
Designed in the UK.
Covered by the Stack Audio 60-day money back guarantee. Price: £75.00 inc. VAT/£62.50 exc. VAT