Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX Review Part 1 & 2


Category: Accessories

The following review is for a device to tweak/mod any component that uses AC. The device is called a Pulse Gen ZX from Audio Magic. The device is designed to control self-generated EMI/RFI (noise) within a component and to also condition and stabilize current flow. The size of the device is similar to that of a deck of cards. It requires two solder connections to the incoming “hot” and “neutral” wires inside the component (either right after the IEC or captured power cord).

First, let me say that this is the easiest tweak/mod that I have ever done (requiring soldering). It’s very straight forward and the two connections will always go to the “hot” and “neutral” wires (polarity is not an issue with this device). Because of the simplicity, ease of this tweak/mod, and the possibility of cumulative gains (see below for PART 2 to verify this), I think it makes it a sensible option for many people to try, both experienced tweakers/modders and the DIY beginners. It took me less than 15min to install this device into my component.

The results that I will be sharing are based on the installation of this device into my CD/DVD player (source), as I wanted to evaluate the affects to both audio and video. I used the Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” DVD as my main source of evaluation material.

Audio: Voices, instruments and musical presentation improved. Voices became more natural and clear. Instruments sounded even better, again the naturalness and clarity was what stood out. Lastly, the air and spaciousness of the soundstage came across as more real (extending both wider and deeper). All of these things made the presentation sound more musical, natural, accurate, and closer to feeling like the real performance was occurring right there in front of me.

Video: Clarity, colors, and picture definition were noticeable improvements. Skin and flesh tones were more natural looking. Colors more true. Smoothness of images, definition, and details were all more true to life.

The ease and simplicity of this tweak/mod, along with the positive results I experienced with this device, makes the Pulse Gen ZX easy for me to recommend to others. I think it offers great value and makes for an easy way to improve the performance each individual component with the possibility of additional cumulative gains (as more are installed). My understanding is that the gains should be cumulative, with each component in the system that you install this device in.

The cost of the device is $200 (self-installation). Is it worth it? I whole-heartedly think so, because of the ease and simplicity of installation, the “DIY ease factor” for beginner tweakers/modders, and the possibility of cumulative gains.

NOTE*** I will be doing a PART 2 to this review, as I plan to install an Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX in my S.E.T. integrated tube amp. When I do, I will be able to evaluate and verify the possible benefits of cumulative gains.
vman71

Showing 3 responses by brownsfan

Ozzy, I am thinking about buying two of these to go inside my Cary monoblocks. Here is why--- A couple of weeks ago, I decided to move my components around a bit prior to buying a new IC. This involved moving my Coincident Statement Line stage away from its location right next to my Audio Magic Mini Ref, which contains a pulse gen module internally. I immediately noticed a significant deterioration of sound. I let this go on for a couple days, thinking it might be due to moving my cables and power cords around. After 2 days, I couldn't take it any more and moved the Coincident pre amp back to its location next to the Audio Magic. The sound returned to its normal (glorious) state. I also use the Pulse Gens for speakers. In fact, I bought mine used from AudioMan58 above. I'm not sure what is going on with this Pulse Gen stuff, but in my experience it is for real.
Ozzy, I bought a standard PEA to position on top of my AM mini ref and between the Coincident Lines Stage and its power supply. Very nice! I also got a pulse gen to go inside my ModWright Sony. It provided another nice improvement, but the improvement was not on the same scale as I got with the PEA module. The PEA lifted another veil and improved localization of instruments. Attacks are sharper and decays are clearer. The PEAs are for real.
Ozzy, the standard PEAs ($600) have a bit of a range (4x the field strength of a Mini Mite Pea) so you could get one of those and move it around to see where it has the maximum effect. Properly placed, they should benefit every component within their range, which I would presume is 2x the range of the mini mite. The mini mite PEAs ($200) go inside a component like a pulse gen. I would expect their range would be about 18-20". All of the PEAs run off of DC rather than AC like the pulse gens. Jerry wired one up for me so I could plug it into a duplex and not have to mess with batteries. I have noticed that it takes a while (~ 1 hr) after the PEAs are turned on to give maximum benefit, so having one wired up to stay plugged in and turned on is not a bad way to go.

I am sufficiently impressed with the standard PEAs that I will probably pick up a second one next month. I know I have RFI problems and the pulse gens are good. But the PEA in my system was one of those jaw droppers.