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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
mrsilver's avatar
mrsilver
13 posts
 

I use the ZX boxes throughout my system and I got to say for a fact this is the biggest bang for the buck upgrade I have ever done!. I inserted one in my Lexicon DVD player and it was like
I bought a brand new tv, the colors more vivid, the blacks got blacker, the detail was unbelivable not to mention the sound.
These little boxes work in everything, infact if you install them and live with them awhile and then take them out the component you put them in sounds or looks [ video ] broken.
It's for real folks. By the way they retail for 400.00 but
are easily worth the price of admission, if they had one draw back... it's it is so addicting.
vman71 OP
218 posts
 
PART 2

This is a review of the installation of another Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX device. Unfortunately, I was not able to put it in my 300B S.E.T. amp due to the lack of space and the fact that it doesn’t have a bottom plate. So the Pulse Gen ZX was installed into my Tube Technology tube preamp. Again, two soldering points makes it quick and simple.

I let it burn in for an hour and then started listening for any changes. Again, there’s an audible difference for the better. Immediately, I noticed improvement in the clarity of voices and instruments, improvement in the separation and placement of voices and instruments, and an improvement in the blackness/quietness of the background.

I’m going to leave this second part short and to the point. It’s another sonic improvement to the system and one that leaves me not questioning the value of the device and it’s ability to impart a sonic improvement that is easily and readily noticeable.

I would encourage those that are looking for a tweak/modification that can improve the performance of your component and the overall end result, the sonics of your system, to try one of the Pulse Gen ZX’s.

This Pulse Gen ZX will be a permanent fixture in my Tube Technology tube preamp.
fullrun
26 posts
 
Question:
I'm a beginner DIYer... tho have done lots of electrical work around the house... Does the Pulse Gen come with specific instructions of where the point of connection should take place within the hot and neutral wires leading to the IEC?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 
I have found the biggest difference on my system was the pulse gens for the speaker cables velcroed to the speaker cable right before it goes into the speaker .
Please keep in mind I have Bybee purifiers in the cdp and pre. every system and situation is different I guess.
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