Chemically Altered Audio


Is there any interest in a discussion about home-made formulae that can significantly enhance audio quality? After reading some recent threads here, it appears that one company which had been involved in this aspect of audio is no longer in business, and has no immediate plans to reopen. I would not be making this offer if that company was still operating. My recent experiments in this area are extensive, and most of it is unique. The experiments are not influenced by the products of any other company. I would like to share the results, if it's not too controversial, and if such a discussion would not cause difficulties for anyone actively involved in the business. I certainly don't want to hurt anyone by revealing and discussing what I know. On the contrary, I would like to help open minded readers get started on some very cost effective, radical home-made solutions. I can describe in detail the steps necessary to create some home-made formulae which have proved to be very successful in my own system. I'll await reaction before I continue.
whostolethebatmobile
I am curious about trying to improve cables but my most extraordinary improvement were gained with acoustical controls with my modified Schumann generators with stones and the electrical grid controls with the stones....The effect were not small....Cables are important but cannot be compared to the modification of the house electrical grid or the room acoustical field....Modification of the speakers were also a great improvement....I will try something with my "golden" plate and the graphene powder and mica....


I already have the nanotape for using with the graphene powder and will use it on some connector...
asvjerry - the best way to apply the ingredients is in very thin layers. I have made sandpaper samples with up to a dozen layers, and they work better and better as you add layers. But my experiments show that certain ingredients work best when applied in a layer adjacent to certain others. For application to cables and chassis etc., more than 2 layers is not really practical, so I usually apply the semiconductors, conductors and superconductors (germanium, polyaniline, graphene) first. Safe, non-conducting materials are added last.

I use a brush. Thinning with water is good.
Dipping has not worked well for me.

I don’t really think the formula would work for speaker cones, but I haven’t tried it. I see no reason that it should work, apart from providing a measure of EMR protection for the entire speaker circuitry. There is also a spectacularly successful way to apply the material to any surface. It is called nanotape, and it really is incredible.
Just to ask the question:

Does the applied 'thickness' of the layers have any relation to the desired effect?

" The best formula consists of 2 parts. The first part contains the stronger chemicals. It is painted on first. The second part is the one I already put up on the forum, and it is painted over the top of Part 1 when it is dry."

I assume that explains the application 'steps', and the rationale for it....

PVA adhesive can be thinned, which ought to make application on a cable somewhat easier.  Perhaps a 'dip tray' could improve the coatings, rendering them more uniform.

Thoughts?
Post removed 
What is your most potent formula, the previous anti-static formula?
If not, please share the new one....
Here is a completely non-toxic, cheap and very effective way to improve the performance of cables :

Formula:
2 parts PVA (woodworking) glue
2 parts titanium dioxide (extremely high refractive index)
1 part 3-40 micron white tourmaline powder (high negative ion generation)
1 part 20-100 micron natural mica powder (anti-static qualities)
water as desired for paint consistency

mix together the ingredients, and paint onto the surface of an old speaker or interconnect cable to test. Or carefully paint the mixture onto the exterior surface of any chassis or component. You can do the interior surface if you have basic electronic knowledge and common sense.

This formula is very effective, but omits some of the more expensive, or difficult to obtain, or potentially toxic (to inhale) ingredients. I would say it is 20% of the potency of my most powerful formula.

PVA glue - hardware store
titanium dioxide - bakery supply store
tourmaline powder - Ion Trading Japan
natural mica - easily obtained on eBay
Technically, and perhaps ironically, the primary subject of the OP - static electric charge - is not (rpt not) contained in any of the three embeddings that mahgister oft reminds us. Oh, my! 😛
Being obsessed by three elementary linked phenomena like these embeddings, does not exhaust this complex subject...And I am very interested by improvement in my cable, I already use my golden plate with success with that, but something is lacking, I guess that it is probably graphene...I guess something is lacking because in the cable the effect is less powerful that behind the speakers, on the breaker panel, or on the Schumann generator.... What is lacking is in my mind already for some months and it is graphene.... It is the reason why I am interested by this thread...

Thanks Geoffkait for tracking my primary interest or obsessions....:)

By  the way I am also interested by information field and this is not linked to the 3 embeddings  …:)
Technically, and perhaps ironically, the primary subject of the OP - static electric charge - is not (rpt not) contained in any of the three embeddings that mahgister oft reminds us. Oh, my! 😛
If it works with the alternating current in the transformer then what reason is there to think it won’t work with the alternating current in a speaker cable?
Interesting question, I think the same...
I wish for more interesting posts around the ideas of this thread....
When you wish upon a star.... bonus Q: know what that means?

Transformers work because an alternating current in one wire induces a current in another wire- an effect that is greatly amplified in the presence of iron.

Why is that? Anybody? Beuller? We got guys here should know. For sure at the very least anyone mocking these tweaks ought to know. Otherwise, mocking what you know not, wow, what’s the word for behaving like that? Childish? Superstitious? Where’s WFB when you need him? 

Anyway, turns out there’s lots better stuff than iron. Which we know by trying. Greatly increases transformer performance. Even though its not in the circuit. Just like iron. 

How’s that for interesting? My even more interesting question is: If it works with the alternating current in the transformer then what reason is there to think it won’t work with the alternating current in a speaker cable?



I must add after one year here, that your remark about the way you use graphene and mica is one of the very few rare observations that was useful for me here on all audiogon...No  salesman speech but experiments by someone who has taken his audio journey in his own hand and dont only promote his"taste" about miraculous electronic component... Thanks very much...I will probably be able to improve my "golden" plate with that.... My best...
I think that this discussion is more than interesting....And useful....It is a change from tastes conditioning discussions and unconscious or conscious marketing electronic components habits by all of us, and from usual audiophile not so always useful other discussions...

I am interested by basic fundamental ways to upgrade any audio system to his peak potentials by homemade solutions at low costs...I know that this is not only possible by my own experience and experiments but this is the only way to Hi-Fi for most of us...

Almost all audiophile communities lives in the fog and illusive faith that all major upgrades are linked to the purchase of a costly new electronic components; a trip around all forums thread is proof of that affirmation...

My own experiments reveal to me that it is false and an illusion...They are 3 levels of quality for electronic components : low-mid-high...( sometimes many thousand dollars distinguish and separate some element from some others for example in the mid rung)

On each rung of this scale any upgrade on the same rung is an illusion in the sense of being a small changes rarely a great one compared to possible changes in the three embeddings...

The greatest upgrades in audio are controls of the 3 embeddings: mechanical, acoustical, and electrical grid...

The methods to controls these 3 embeddings can transform almost any mid system on the scale in a high one system, and if not, very near the high ones....( and transform a low one to a mid level one)

Then your experiments are great contribution about that goal to upgrade by controls of these embeddings....Not listening to that will be great lost for all....And coming back to usual small talks or advertisement for the products we all cherished inspired by our tastes and limited experiences( How can we decide what will be the absolute best electronic components? )

But most people are in the faith conditioned by the industry : only way to elevate a system is to change your electronic components, these same components that are most of the times already good, but unbeknownst to the owner, not at their peak potential S.Q. level because of defects in the controls of the 3 embeddings or in one or 2 of them...The most powerful and important being the acoustical, the electrical, on par with one other, and in third the mechanical aspect...

I think that it is easy, low cost, and possible to takes our audio journey in our own hand if we know the right direction to takes...Not so many threads pointed to the right direction, freeing ourselves of the buying illusion and frenetic abdication of our own creative thinking process....

I want you to go on with your discoveries and opinions, ignoring the negative ordinary voices...
Maybe we could reset this discussion. Otherwise, it will get nowhere and benefit no-one.

Forget the do-it-yourself aspect. Emphatically, I now advise,"do not try this at home". OK?

But would a discussion of the methods involved be of any interest to anyone? If not, I honestly don't care. 

...careful, your eyes might stick like that..

...and the Eggman knew that the contents couldn't be put back into the shell....the 'Humpty-Dumpty Scenario'.....
whostole, that's what I had hoped.  Pardon my concerns, but I've seen enough good intent go awry....

Electronics hold their inherent hazards; the majority of which we don't approach (AC circuits being a different case).  Chemistry is not the typical arena for most of the people here, so some caution can serve one well.

I've been around enough adhesives, solvents, paints, and the like to take a deep breath Before I open the container...after I read the label. ;)

Those who can, will.  Those that don't, probably are better off. *shrug*


Come to think of it I recall that "Dr. Audio" either endorsed or sold a Virtual Dynamics product.

Is that so Geoff, or is my memory off?

Fascinating that Dr. Audio may still be grifting.

DeKay



Oh you're using carpenter's glue I was thinking of PVC glue and you were stoned. 
Ultimately, I have no problems with what one chooses to expose themselves to...in fact , Have @ It. If it ’boats your float’, hold your breath and dive....

I’m just ’suggesting’ in my weird way to take precautions with that one doesn’t typically ’handle’....esp. with ’nano’ anything, nor mica, or ?

My precautions are as follows -
With nanoparticles or any potentially hazardous chemical in powder form, wear appropriate protective gear. Work outside. Mix the particles into a PVA glue slurry as quickly as possible. Once the particles are thoroughly mixed with glue and water, there is little or no risk of inhalation.
Mica is commonly used in soap and cosmetics. You can literally eat titanium dioxide (it’s the white stuff in marshmallows) although it will be banned soon as a food additive. Tourmaline powder has health benefits due to its ability to release negative ions.
In fact it is nothing at all like “something the Belts would concoct.” 
This thread certainly looks like fair game for commenting on one’s own handiwork. But I have a new strict no name policy.
Carefullness with any product is a good advice for sure....

But we are all conscious adults, and I dont want to kill the thread with excess fears...
+1.9, mahgister...*G*  If it works for you, I'm pleased that your are. ^5s', *fist bump*....
...with all due respect and regards to 'whostole...' and all who DIY  for whatever purpose or reason....and as one who 'tinkers' with things audio in nature and design....

Ultimately, I have no problems with what one chooses to expose themselves to...in fact , Have @ It.  If it 'boats your float', hold your breath and dive....

I'm just 'suggesting' in my weird way to take precautions with that one doesn't typically 'handle'....esp. with 'nano' anything, nor mica, or ?

A stray swipe with a finger...an unexpected spill....?  I would expect 'whostole' has taken care when feeding his curiosity with the unusual.

DIY, IMHO, has been at the root of all research; it just gets an 'upscale' name when performed by the 'pros'.

If I'm wrong....slap back.  I can take the punch, bunch....;)
Interesting thread indeed...

My deep and friendly salutations to whostolethebatmobile

Those who want to partake their experience and experiments about low cost and non commercial solutions are not a so big crowd and deserve interest, respect, and fair questioning for sure...

In my experience if something is low cost and almost free, the crowd of audiophiles will not be interested so much tough... :)

Most people dont believe in low cost solutions and sometimes dont believe their own ears....:)
My own thread does not provoke many reactions... My "Golden" plates,( Shungite+ copper tape+herkimer diamond+tourmaline) transform, with all my other homemade low cost tweaks, my audio system to a top system without any comparison between before and after....No one report really about their own experiment with that on my thread after almost a year.... I hope you will go on with your experiments, and report here,i am very interested by them...You deserve the utmost interest and careful respect...My best to you... 




Thanks GK. I’m not actually a real doctor, but here is one explaining the potential practical hazards of humans working with graphene using a common sense approach. As opposed to injecting rats with high daily doses.

https://www.thegraphenecouncil.org/page/GrapheneToxicity
It's funny how people will joke about a willingness to inhale proven carcinogens for kicks, and at the same time exhibit extreme caution and even paranoia when it comes to minimal contact with a substance which has no proven deleterious health effects, despite comprehensive lab testing. Take appropriate care when handling graphene by all means. But at this stage people are not dropping dead from graphene poisoning. 

@rodman99999  ....Well, at least your link about cheese gives me an excellent audio rationale for my life-long love of them.*S*  But 3 lbs. indulgence would certainly elevate my normally low cholesterol levels. to levels my cardiologist would have me physically restrained.  Especially if he found out why I had begun to do so....
Any LP static issues I've religiously treated with the use of a de-stat device (a Nagaoka Kilavolt #103; not available for decades now...) and a carbon fiber brush.  An 'stat mat' has proved to be optional; a Zero-stat 'gun' was a PIA then, and always was...relatively ineffectual too.

The title of this forum caught my attention, being a 'child of the '60's', for obvious reasons....;)
'Judicious applications' of THC, alcohol 'compounds' of preferred varieties, and stronger 'psycho-acoustic chemicals' always seemed to induce 'higher' responses and enjoyment.  The latter also tended to make one a tad 'ham-handed' with the handling of one's media, so proper care became an issue....*G*

I'm not really induced to handle molecular graphene....even handling MEK makes me cautious enough to pull on gloves.  And anything that I'll be about for any length of time drives me to a respirator with the right filters, goggles if I suspect inadvertent sprays.

'Life' at this point is short enough as it is....
THC seems to work great for me. I vape some indica and my hearing capabilities are close to  that of a dog. 
Graphene seems to be able to operate as a superconductor even when it is clumped and layers overlap. Seemingly it doesn’t have to be one molecule thick to have the desired effect. I have 3 types of graphene on hand for my experiments. The very expensive 1 molecule "single layer" graphene works only slightly better than the other 2. The other two are Arc Discharge versions, and nanoplatelets, and they are very cheap by comparison. I can hardly tell the difference in the strength of the effects between the 3 varieties. If anything, the nanoplatelets are the best overall, because they are much easier to handle. The single layer graphene is so light, it practically floats out of the bottle when you take the lid off. Way too hard to deal with!

You can definitely see it and weigh it. I do not recommend trying to smell it.
Isn’t graphene only 1 molecule thick? How would anyone REALLY know graphene is in the mix? You can’t see it. Can’t weigh it. Can’t smell it. I might be holding a piece of it in my hand right now, and not know it! 

38 years ago I treated my Records with Sound Guard. That stuff works! Those records still resist static and lint, and are very noticeably low in friction when using a carbon fiber brush. I’ve vleaned them, with no reduction in effect at all.
‘Here's a link to a Chinese company selling graphene/mica for antistatic coatings
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/manufacturer-graphene-conductive-mica-powder-for_60854960887....
The company is in Hebei, at the center of the Coronavirus outbreak, if I am not very much mistaken?
>>>I find it rather difficult to ascribe cause to effect. Don’t you?

It may be a stretch to presume, but it's all I've got really.
The OP reminds me (a lot) of Dr. Audio, for those who recall that episode in A’Gon’s history.


I hope the episode didn’t end badly.

whostolethebatmobile OP
Quick question. How do you know the effects are anti-static related and not something else?

I came to that conclusion after I painted my turntable mat with the antistatic mica/graphene paint. The effect was similar to, but much greater than the Furutech anti static SK-Filter which I also use. The effect of the SK Filter can also be greatly magnified by taping home-made anti-static painted tape to the arm, and to the base.

>>>I find it rather difficult to ascribe cause to effect. Don’t you?
Wow:

The OP reminds me (a lot) of Dr. Audio, for those who recall that episode in A'Gon's history.

Aside from preferring English Leather to Canoe I'm with Geoff on this one.

DeKay
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