Gingko Audio Cloud 10 User manual

GINGKO AUDIO Patented Cloud™ Vibration Control Platform
Thank you for purchasing the Gingko Audio’s patented Cloud™ vibration control platform. The
following tips to set it up will ensure that you get the most out of its amazing performance.
The patented Cloud is a simple yet effective vibration control platform. Its elegant design belies its functional
effectiveness. It works well because of the correct choice of material coupled with a flexible design that allows the
user to experiment with a wide variety of applications. In the end you the audiophile make the ultimate judgment
of how to best meet your needs, functionally and aesthetically.
How vibration negatively affects good sound is a well-known and accepted phenomenon on which we need not
elaborate. There are many available products aiming at reducing vibration affecting audio equipment. Most of
them seek to isolate the equipment from unwanted vibration in the environment, transferred through the surface
on which the equipment sits, be it the wooden floor or the metal rack. At the same time, vibration caused by the
equipment itself such as the CD transport mechanism or the turntable platter needs to be dissipated so it does not
affect other equipment on the rack.
We find that acrylic does an excellent job in dissipating any vibrating energy it receives because of its complex,
dense, and irregular molecular structure. It is not an accident that many audio products use acrylic in their designs,
whether an acrylic turntable platter or an acrylic chassis for CD players or transports. In addition to the acrylic
platform, the Cloud ™ also uses rubber balls to further isolate vibration from the environment from the equipment.
The rubber balls serve two critical functions. They provide four degrees of freedom in the movement of the top
platform relative to the bottom base. The top platform sitting on top of the rubber balls can freely move up and
down, front to back, and side to side, and rotationally while minimizing undulating, repeating motion that continues
after the original vibration. They work as very effective shock absorbers. The rubber balls are also used to balance
the uneven load of some equipment such as amplifiers or turntables. By placing the rubber balls in the different
positions in the base, the user can level the equipment and even the load. The standard balls that come with our
platform are found to provide the most neutral sound. You may experiment with different kinds of balls to find
ones to match your system and to suit your taste in music. Write us at [email protected] about your results.
We would love to hear from you and will share your experience with other audiophiles with your permission.
The Gingko Audio Cloud 10/11 carries a 90-day warranty against manufacturing defects. Please complete, detach,
and return the bottom of this page to:
GINGKO AUDIO
8 Nicklaus Lane
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
You may also register by going to www.gingkoaudio.com and click on Warranty Registration tab.
GINGKO AUDIO CLOUD WARRANTY REGISTRATION
NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL:
I BOUGHT THE CLOUD (please circle one) 10 11 12 14 Mini-Clouds Semi-Cloud
FROM: MAIL ORDER COMPANY AUDIO STORE INTERNET DEALER OTHERS ______
I PLAN TO USE THE CLOUD UNDER MY:
CD PLAYER DAC TURNTABLE PREAMP AMPLIFIER OTHERS _____________
Please add me to the USER GROUP mailing list for more up-to-date information regarding GINGKO AUDIO products and usage
YES NO

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 [email protected]
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.
Visit us at www.gingkoaudio.com 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).