bFly-Audio MASTER – Equipment Absorbers, Set of 4

The bFly-Audio MASTER is an equipment absorber that decouples hi-fi components from vibrations via five matched material layers.

If you want to start with decoupling without immediately investing in the reference class, you end up with the MASTER at bFly-Audio. The principle behind it is called MLA – Multi Layer Adjustment: several different materials in a single component. The MKII version additionally brings an HS plug made of extremely rigid aluminium, which increases horizontal stability. You choose size and height right here on the page.

Why the bFly-Audio MASTER?

The structure from top to bottom, as specified by the manufacturer:

• Cork with natural rubber
• solid aluminium body as a separating layer
• Cork with natural rubber
• Sorbothane with plug
• Natural rubber as floor contact

A single damping material can only ever do what it was made for. Combining cork, Sorbothane and natural rubber in one structure covers more than any single solution – and in one component that is supplied as a set of four in a case.

What you get

Four absorbers in a case, available in aluminium silver or black. You place them under the existing equipment feet or directly under the base plate – or screw them in place if needed (MASTER-2). Typical uses are amplifiers, DACs, streamers, CD players and turntables. What you get from them is not a new tonal colour, but more calm in the background. Described unspectacularly – and that's exactly as it should be.

Who is the MASTER suitable for – and who not?

Ideal for anyone who wants to give an already coherent system that last bit of calm. Plain speaking: if you're just starting out, invest first in speakers, placement and room. An absorber refines a good system; it doesn't repair a weak one. If you have a tube amplifier, take a look at the 4TUBE-2 or the Pure-Tube; if you want the greater effort, look at the Pure.

Our verdict

The MASTER is the sensible middle of the bFly range: cleanly layered, with height and thread selectable to suit and no show. Hand on heart – in a mature system, decoupling is one of the cheaper measures that still changes something. Which size, height and mounting suit your unit, we're happy to work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil before you order.

Technical specifications

• Type: equipment absorber for mechanical decoupling, MLA technology (Multi Layer Adjustment), MKII with HS plug
• Structure: 5 layers – cork with natural rubber, aluminium body, cork with natural rubber, Sorbothane with plug, natural rubber
• Diameter: MASTER-2 44 mm · MASTER-3 55 mm
• Height: MASTER-2 selectable 14, 21 or 28 mm · MASTER-3 selectable 15 or 30 mm – selectable right here on the page in the option «Height & Mounting» (no effect on sound, no price difference)
• Load capacity (manufacturer's figure): MASTER-2 up to 55 kg · MASTER-3 up to 75 kg
• Mounting: without thread (free-standing) or, for the MASTER-2, with thread M4, M5, M6 or M8 (CHF 30 surcharge per set, only in 21 mm height)
• Outer material: aluminium
• Colours: aluminium silver or black
• Manufacturer: bFly-Audio, Germany
• In the box: 4 absorbers in a case, in the chosen colour, size, height or thread version

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between MASTER and Pure?

Both work with bFly-Audio's MLA technology. The MASTER damps in five layers and is the more affordable solution. The Pure is the more elaborate absorber in the range. Which one suits your unit, we're happy to clarify with you.

Which size suits my unit?

What matters is the weight per absorber. According to the manufacturer, the MASTER-2 carries up to 55 kg and the MASTER-3 up to 75 kg. Divide the unit's weight by the number of support points and choose the suitable size right here on the page.

Which height should I choose?

According to the manufacturer, the height has no effect on the sound. What matters is how much space is available under your unit. The MASTER-2 comes in 14, 21 or 28 mm, the MASTER-3 in 15 or 30 mm. If in doubt, we'll measure together with you.

Can I screw the MASTER in place?

Yes, for the MASTER-2 you choose the version with thread M4, M5, M6 or M8 in the option «Height & Mounting» (CHF 30 surcharge per set). The threaded version is only available in 21 mm height. The MASTER-3 is available without thread.

Why buy the bFly-Audio MASTER at HD Zürisee?

Because size, height and mounting have to suit your unit – and that's exactly what we sort out with you, instead of leaving you alone in the jungle of variants. Call us, write to us or get in touch via WhatsApp, from our practice in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Mechanical sources and amplifiers benefit the most – take a look at the turntables and CD players. You'll find further solutions against vibrations under Decoupling, and the stable base for it is provided by hi-fi furniture.