Do not use household cleaners such as Windex or an alcohol-based cleaner to clean
the acrylic as they craze the shiny surface.
Suggested Operation Procedure
1.
Each of the Cloud ball is specially designed to optimally support a 10 lb load, and has a maximum
capacity of 20 lb (beyond which the platform becomes unstable). Therefore, three balls work best under a
30 lb load. Add more balls if your equipment weighs more. Mass load the unit with more weights (ankle
weights from a sports store work very well) to bring it to within the optimal range. We find that more
balls (a stiffer suspension) make the music more dynamic while fewer balls (a softer suspension) make the
music sound fuller. Experiment and choose the sound you like. Experiment with different number of balls
and positions to match your preference in the sound. Should you need more of our standard balls, you
may order more by writing us at
2.
Place the bottom base on a firm foundation such as the floor or a sturdy equipment rack. It is a good idea
to use a bubble leveler (found at any hardware store) to ensure the bottom base is level.
3.
If your component weight is less than 40 lbs, start with three rubber balls in the dimple positions that
would provide a balanced weight distribution. We provide a set of standard balls that we found to
provide the most neutral sound.
4.
Place the top platform on top of the balls. Use your fingers to feel all around the edges to ensure that the
top platform sits squarely on top of the bottom
base to allow it to move freely without touching the
bottom base. It is a good idea to slightly lift top platform before sitting it down on the bottom base to
ensure that the balls sit squarely in the dimples without being pinched on the sides. That way, they
provide the best rotational movement.
5.
Place the equipment unit on top of the top platform and use the leveler to determine if it needs further
leveling. If it does, remove the top platform and replace the balls in the other dimple positions to balance
the load and repeat Steps 4 and 5. Add more balls in other positions should you need additional support.
6.
For the Cloud designed specially for turntables such as the VPI Scout or Scoutmaster, we provide four flat
clear adhesive silicon pads that can be positioned on the acrylic top plate to cushion the silver coned feet of
the Scout. We recommend that you position the turntable slightly off to the right side of the platform since
as the rubber belt stretches you may need to move the motor slightly to the left on the platform to keep
the right belt tension.
7.
If you purchase the Cloud platform specially designed for the VPI Super Scoutmaster, it consists of two
pieces: a fixed platform for the motor assembly, and a suspended platform for the plinth. They are
designed to be perfectly level when positioned side-to-side about ¼” apart.
8.
The Mini-Clouds consists of a set of three balls sitting in three acrylic bases. A set of Minis holds an optimal
weight of around 30 lbs. You may purchase additional sets of Mini-Clouds if your equipment weighs more.
If you use the Mini-Clouds under turntables such as the VPI Scout or Scoutmaster, place the balls directly
under the plinth. The height of the balls is just enough to raise the turntable so that the cone feet are off of
the bottom surface.
9.
The Semi-Cloud is designed for the balls to support the underside of the equipment while lifting the feet off
of the shelf. Put the balls in the holes so as to not interfere with the feet while floating the equipment freely
on the balls. Add more balls in other positions should you need additional support.
10.
To assess the improvement the Cloud makes to the sound, first play some familiar music through your
system to establish a baseline. Then add the Cloud and listen to the same tracks. It is much easier for two
people to do this experiment: one to lift the equipment (especially if it is heavy), and the other to position
the Cloud under the equipment or to remove it. You will be amazed at the positive effects. The noise
background will drop, instruments will be clearer, soundstage wider and more pinpoint, bass will be
tighter, and most of all, the music will become more involving, drawing you in. Try it and see for yourself.
11.
If you purchase a Silver Lining™ integrated dust cover/platform combo for your equipment, the platform
top plate is beveled at a 45 degree angle to provide a custom fit to the beveled bottom edge of the table
top cover. Slide four fingers under the cutouts on the sides with the thumbs resting lightly on the sides of
the cover to lift the cover off of the platform. Be careful not to accidentally hit the equipment when lifting
the cover off of the platform.
to join the Cloud User Group for ongoing tips on using the platform from other
users. Also, contact us should you need additional balls.
Do not use household cleaners such as
Windex or an alcohol-based cleaner to clean the acrylic as they craze the shiny surface.
This will void the warranty. We recommend using Novus plastic cleaner and scratch remover that can be purchased
at any Harley Davidson store (used to clean shiny surfaces on motorcycles).
