Black Ravioli Big Pad Plus: Review

I have now been using two sets of four of the new Plus footers under my two most critical components in the digital chain: my streamer and the DDC/DAC/Clock combo.  Their effect has been a not inconsiderable uplift in sound quality, but more of that in a while.

Let's take a step back and consider that, in my case, they were replacing the already remarkable Big Pad Mk. II.  These footers, 41 x 41 x 23mm in size and very dense, work on undisclosed constrained layer principles to provide two functions: effective isolation from feedback and real-world subsonics; and damping of the component itself.  That the Big Pads have been effective can be judged by the sheer number of high end systems using them.  In my case, they are the best footers I have ever used and I have a box full of discarded other brand footers that didn't stand up to comparison.  I cannot say better than the fact that my whole system uses them under each component.

The Big Pad Plus doesn't really give away its internal function other than to observe that, over the standard Big Pad, it features four metal posts that are proud of the underside of the footer, this being placed in contact with the supporting surface.  The top side remains as before and is in contact with the underside of the component.  In most cases, you would not use the existing component feet, the Black Ravioli should be placed in firm contact with the underside of the chassis.  It's worth experimenting with positioning, especially if the component is unbalanced (heavier on one side).



I found I could gently lift my components one corner at a time and substitute the Plus, although the studs mean the component sits a touch higher than before.  One thing to watch out for is that the posts cause the Plus not to grip the supporting shelf as do the Big Pads, so they can slide a tad on a polished wooden surface.

The standard Big Pads have remarkable properties in isolating any component, helping it to resolve detail more finely by removing the effect of smearing through external disturbances.  The Plus takes that one big step further: it provides a higher level of isolation at higher listening volumes, making for terrific resolution and lack of smearing in the music.  Big dynamic swings and peaks can be quite startling in their attack, being rendered so very cleanly.

Clarity and the ability of the system to go very loud very cleanly on peaks is impressive.

The Big Pad Plus are not inexpensive, but they sound to my ears worth the jump in cost from the Big Pads.  If you already use Big Pads, or have a well resolving system in need of a step up, the Black Ravioli Big Pad Plus could be just what you're looking for.

I doubt it as the posts are internally attached to... something.  Metal plate?  Part of the constrained layer, for sure.

Well, I've been doing it all wrong. Word from Derrick of Black Ravioli is that the Big Pad Plus should go with the studs facing upwards, against the component chassis. The flat face goes downwards against the support.

In my defence, how could I know when no instructions are provided!

So now both sets of four are the right way up and sounding even better.

What an excellent and unique product they are.

Scientific proof that Derrick is right