Five favorite tweaks
- Thread starter Gregadd
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My top five favorite tweaks - price independent:
-Townshend Seismic Sink (last generation of the air bladder platform) - best isolation I've found for my cd/sacd player-in use for more than a decade.
-Quantum Physics Noise Disruptor - best EMI absorber - on top of my player and power conditioner and under my amp.
-IsoAcoustis Gaia loudspeaker isolation feet - better than any spiked solution I've tried.
-ASI Top Line feet - extraordinary resonance tuning used in combination with the Seismic Sink and other isolation platforms.
-Nordost QRT QV2 and QK1 plug-ins used together (four QV2 with two QK1) - banished sibilance, expanded soundstage, improved tone and timbre - a great value.
-Townshend Seismic Sink (last generation of the air bladder platform) - best isolation I've found for my cd/sacd player-in use for more than a decade.
-Quantum Physics Noise Disruptor - best EMI absorber - on top of my player and power conditioner and under my amp.
-IsoAcoustis Gaia loudspeaker isolation feet - better than any spiked solution I've tried.
-ASI Top Line feet - extraordinary resonance tuning used in combination with the Seismic Sink and other isolation platforms.
-Nordost QRT QV2 and QK1 plug-ins used together (four QV2 with two QK1) - banished sibilance, expanded soundstage, improved tone and timbre - a great value.
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Perhaps my favourite tweaks at this moment:
1.- Nordost QKore
2.- Acoustic Revive, Ultra Low-frequency Pulse Generator R-777
3.- Nordost QV, QK and QX
4.- Taiko Audio Daiza platforms and Stillpoints
5.- Furutech NCF Booster and NCF Booster Signal
6.- Nordost Q Point
8.- Synergistic Research UEF Performance cable elevators
1.- Nordost QKore
2.- Acoustic Revive, Ultra Low-frequency Pulse Generator R-777
3.- Nordost QV, QK and QX
4.- Taiko Audio Daiza platforms and Stillpoints
5.- Furutech NCF Booster and NCF Booster Signal
6.- Nordost Q Point
8.- Synergistic Research UEF Performance cable elevators
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Stacore Advanced isolation platform under tt.
Arya Audio Revopods footers under spkrs.
Tubulus Argentus DB-25 cbls from preamp <> preamp psu.
Townshend Maximum supertweeters.
...and last but very much not least, mere £50 spend on 12 cub ft Acoustic Rockwool in hatch void connecting my room to bigger space below. The bang for buck rating on this change trumps everything.
Arya Audio Revopods footers under spkrs.
Tubulus Argentus DB-25 cbls from preamp <> preamp psu.
Townshend Maximum supertweeters.
...and last but very much not least, mere £50 spend on 12 cub ft Acoustic Rockwool in hatch void connecting my room to bigger space below. The bang for buck rating on this change trumps everything.
Gregadd,
I think all these adjustments have been addressed in this forum except perhaps the Nordost Q Point.
I am very happy with the performance of this device at the power stage.
So much so that I'm going to add two more to the system.
Its effect produces fluidity and coherence in the musical message in a somewhat surprising way, both at the darTZeel and Jeff Rowland 625 S2 I own.
It is worth giving it a try and experiencing it in a well-configured system since the effects are very pleasant.
I think all these adjustments have been addressed in this forum except perhaps the Nordost Q Point.
I am very happy with the performance of this device at the power stage.
So much so that I'm going to add two more to the system.
Its effect produces fluidity and coherence in the musical message in a somewhat surprising way, both at the darTZeel and Jeff Rowland 625 S2 I own.
It is worth giving it a try and experiencing it in a well-configured system since the effects are very pleasant.
Thank you I am combing through Nordost articles. I will post a link to one what explains what it does. I am sure there are many who will dismiss it as expensive snake oil.
Introducing the QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer - Nordost BlogNordost Blog
Introducing the QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer - Nordost BlogNordost Blog
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My tweaks are a lot cheaper and more mechanically inclined.
1) A rigid, rock solid rack system (I use Mapleshade Samsons)
2) Mass loading on the top of each component. (20-40 lbs of lead)
3) Vibration control internally and externally using Noico car damping sheets.
4) Judicious use of Stillpoints ERS Paper.
5) A combination of brass cones to control lateral movement and soft Sorbothane/Navcom to dampen box vibrations.
For a more complete discussion:
www.whatsbestforum.com
1) A rigid, rock solid rack system (I use Mapleshade Samsons)
2) Mass loading on the top of each component. (20-40 lbs of lead)
3) Vibration control internally and externally using Noico car damping sheets.
4) Judicious use of Stillpoints ERS Paper.
5) A combination of brass cones to control lateral movement and soft Sorbothane/Navcom to dampen box vibrations.
For a more complete discussion:
Component Mass Loading and Dampening
The concepts of mass loading and internal damping of stereo gear are often overlooked and underappreciated. First, massive shelving units should be utilized. I use the Mapleshade Samson Racks. They are TANKS! These racks are spiked through a thick carpet into the cement floor FTR, I use 100%...
www.whatsbestforum.com
1- Dalby feet
2- Shun Mook Giant feet
3-Furutech NCF iec's on equipment
4-Audio Magic fuses
5- tube rolling all gear to your ears
2- Shun Mook Giant feet
3-Furutech NCF iec's on equipment
4-Audio Magic fuses
5- tube rolling all gear to your ears
One of the best "tweaks" I found was to get one of these for more accurate measurements on speaker placement. There are many models of these things and I would guess most would work just fine.
Bosch Laser Tape Measure
Room treatments are definitely # 2, using a live end - dead end method. I built my own diffusers using wooden dowels and bought GIK panels for the absorption.
#3 Experimentation with different equipment footers is needed. Not all components react the same to any one type of footer. Some liked squishy, some wood, some rollerblocks, some rubber things. It's definitely a trial and error process.
#4 For record enthusiasts there is nothing so important as proper setup and isolation of that mechanical spinning device. On that note, getting a record cleaning machine was a vast improvement over dirty vinyl, even new records benefit from a cleaning.
#5 is easy and I know you all do it already. Enjoy a beverage or smoke of your choice.
Bosch Laser Tape Measure
Room treatments are definitely # 2, using a live end - dead end method. I built my own diffusers using wooden dowels and bought GIK panels for the absorption.
#3 Experimentation with different equipment footers is needed. Not all components react the same to any one type of footer. Some liked squishy, some wood, some rollerblocks, some rubber things. It's definitely a trial and error process.
#4 For record enthusiasts there is nothing so important as proper setup and isolation of that mechanical spinning device. On that note, getting a record cleaning machine was a vast improvement over dirty vinyl, even new records benefit from a cleaning.
#5 is easy and I know you all do it already. Enjoy a beverage or smoke of your choice.
I've heard the Shun Mook feet (Super Diamond not Giant) but not the Dalby. How would you compare the two?
I would say the Shun Mook's calm things down in such a musical way that they tend to make a system sound more like live music. The Dalby's also take a giant step toward live music in my system, yet they are so visceral and still allow the music to retain that wonderful attack and decay! I have also heard that the newer Dalby's ( mine are the originals) are even better.
hi5harry,
Which series Audio Magic fuses do you use?
Can you give me a brief description of how they sound?
I'm thinking of using one in my phono preamp once I get it completed.
Thanks!
Scott
Hi Scott. I don't want to de rail a great thread and sure don't consider myself an expert. I will PM you and give you my and some friends thoughts. Thanks
This is crazy: https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/v...osts-16th-annual-pumpkin-chunkin-competition/
When I put cables on the Martin Logan CLS I could have used something like that. My CLS was mounted on Soundanchor stands. The weight of the chord was to heavy and it cracked both of the power sockets. The weight of the cord caused it to separate from the socket.
When I put cables on the Martin Logan CLS I could have used something like that. My CLS was mounted on Soundanchor stands. The weight of the chord was to heavy and it cracked both of the power sockets. The weight of the cord caused it to separate from the socket.
Update - Dalby Lignum Vitae feet have replaced the ASI under my player and on my list of "Top Five" tweaks. Lessloss Firewall CMARC 640X Entropic replaces Quantum Physics Noise Disruptor on my "Top Five" list.
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My absolutely favourite tweak, which happens to also be free, is to throw a blanket on your TV if you have one between your speakers.
Besides that vibration control and noise/EMI rejection is king. Of course, we have a selection of active filters, isolators and reclockers. What I want to share are cheap and easy things we can do.
The separation of audio and non-audio electronics can yield surprising results. It can be caused by direct interference of basic SMPS power supplies and EMI radiated by them. Physical distance and using separate power outlets are key.
Eliminating vibrations as much as possible. You can use wooden cutting boards of suitable shape and size as simple platforms to put your gear on. Many CD players benefit from damping the top cover. We can do that with a heavy book. Rubber circles used for damping AGD vibration are decent entry-level stuff as well. you can find them in your nearest hardware shop.
Besides that vibration control and noise/EMI rejection is king. Of course, we have a selection of active filters, isolators and reclockers. What I want to share are cheap and easy things we can do.
The separation of audio and non-audio electronics can yield surprising results. It can be caused by direct interference of basic SMPS power supplies and EMI radiated by them. Physical distance and using separate power outlets are key.
Eliminating vibrations as much as possible. You can use wooden cutting boards of suitable shape and size as simple platforms to put your gear on. Many CD players benefit from damping the top cover. We can do that with a heavy book. Rubber circles used for damping AGD vibration are decent entry-level stuff as well. you can find them in your nearest hardware shop.
Seeing how it's tweaks, read up on the Q45T solution. I heard from a buddy with a great ear and a fantastic system saying he was blown away by just trying it in a couple places. I did the same 2 days ago and was very impressed. I think speaker cables are a perfect place to start because it could be easily wiped off, but that won't happen!
I have never heard of the Q45T solution, however, I did some reasearch and it seems interesting. Will definetly be looking into it. We have heard of other contact solutions but we have never tried them before.
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