High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Effect
Wow, so much for the 30 day return policy. 2hrs a day lets say.... Dangg. That’s alot of days. LolThe MC-0.5 is constantly breaking in since AC is continuously flowing from your service panel into the MC. And it’s best to leave the power conditioner or strip turned on so the magnetic field will continue through those circuits. The system doesn’t need to powered up. AC is converted to DC by a regulator after it has entered a component. |
@aseaman007, My information came from a conversation with Rick Schultz. The magnetic field is constant as long as there is power feeding the MC-0.5. And it travels through all connected conductors, even back to the service panel via the neutral (return) wire. If you’re asking me why my first try with the modules didn’t work out, I now know that I didn’t give them enough breakin time. They had a harsh top-end and I was moving them to different positions. Now, with three modules at the receptacles, I experience a lower noise floor, a layered 3D image, and a smooth top-end. Plugged into the duplexes gives me the most dramatic effect. Next, is in a power strip, and the least was in my power conditioner. Rick confirmed my findings with his research. I’ve seen the pics of 10 MC-0.5’s being used. That was when they were first introduced, but I have to believe there is a point if diminishing returns. |
aseaman, this is normal. I'm going to take a guess and say that it's due to fluctuations in the line voltage to the home and from the service panel. There are variations in voltage level, noise level, distortions in the sine wave of the AC. The magnetic field is constantly trying to align the electrons in this current and until the components in the module are fully run-in there will be inconsistencies. Just my take on the subject. And 4 days is only 96 hours. |
According to Rick, most benefit is having the MC-0.5 plugged into the receptacle, next is a power strip. Least effective is in an active power conditioner (YMMV). I had one in a duplex and one in a power strip on the same line. I then changed the setup by plugging both into a T-adapter and got more of the 3D effect... https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-15-Amp-Grounded-T-shaped-Outlet-Tap-Adapter-Orange-50281/203716851 (I'm using 3 standard MC-0.5's) |
@aseaman007, I couldn't find info on the Signature, how does it differ from the standard MC-0.5? I can tell you that two standard modules were 2x better than one. Adding a 3rd was even better. This is when I achieved holographic sound and more smoothness to the music; of course components play a role in achieving 3D sound. I have two in my dedicated analogue duplex and one on the digital line. Also on this line is an EquiCore power conditioner. |
I auditioned the MC-0.5's. I used two modules in my system and the effect they had on my music was astounding. They're not power conditioners, although they do lower the noise floor, but they create a holographic image. It's so hard to explain in words, but the music image is very clean with instruments sounding more realistic in terms of tonal quality, attack and decay, and a more defined sense of the recording space. It's more than what we call soundstage, it takes you closer to being there. It was very addictive. Unfortunately for me, they ultimately didn't work out in my listening room. My system is neutral with smooth extended highs. Over time, the modules created such top-end extension that my digital setup became very fatiguing to me. After removing them, I missed the holographic sound they had created, but I preferred my analogue-like digital system. I use a HF CT-2 digital cable with streaming and CD playback to an Audio Note DAC. I suppose I could have made some tweaks such as tube rolling to retune my system. I still will recommend them, YMMV. |
Anybody know if noise from the amp (hum and buzzing) would affect the performance of the 0.5's while playing music? The highs were not smooth with the modules installed and presented overall harshness, even though there were benefits to imaging. I purchased the amp (used) about the same time as the modules. When I returned the modules to the dealer, he was very surprised they didn't improve the sound of my system. |
@nonoise , I purchased a second 0.5 last week and messaged Rick about placement. He said one on the amp AC line and one on the source line. Optimal placement would be in the wall receptacles. I asked about placement of additional modules and Rick said they even work well when plugged into power conditioners. |
Since I live in a city and my system has always suffered from noise from the grid I'm now using a balanced power conditioner (EquiCore). It provides a black background and the level of detail and depth is a major improvement. But adding the MC-05 has provided holographic sound and realism to instruments and ambience. It's takes power conditioning to a higher level. Looking forward to my new module. |
Sorry @nonoise . But not really sorry. Just telling it like it is and hook a brother up. You should research carefully. I got advice from another member and learned about balanced power and that the EquiCore is not a regenerator and does not use filters. It uses a huge torroidal transformer which is similar to a powerful amplifier. |
@nonoise Something like this.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H47R36P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XrKpDb33RBF1W It's funny how we worry about every inch of cable and conductor; eg, fuses, plating on AC receptacles. But it's ok to add an adapter with who knows what type of metallurgy or construction. |
I've added my 3rd module and this is where experimentation needs to happen. I placed it in my power conditioner and let it run-in for a few days. Soundstage opened up, more inner detail, but did not increase the holography or the sense of realism. The effect was more like that of a traditional PC. I moved it to my source line wall receptacle which now has two modules via a T-adapter. Sound was overly detailed at first, but I now realise that there is a run-in period. There are immediate benefits such as 3D imaging, but the smooth, organic sonics are slowly presenting over time. Rick said to experiment. Also said the MC-05 doesn't perform as well when plugged into a power conditioner with a large torroid like mine. But, it's exciting to hear the results tonight. |
@keithtexas There is a breakin period of up to 400 hours according to manufacturer, although I'd say it's about 200 hours. There should be a noticeable effect immediately and over time highs should become smoother and soundstage will open up in all directions. According to Rick, if using one module in your system, it should be placed on the line feeding the sources. |
@keithtexas How are your sources being powered? As stated, sources are the primary position for the MC. I’ve found the top-end and mids will change many times during breakin. Each new module added to my system sounded overly detailed and I could hear changes for the better while listening. And you should get some 3D imaging at some point. |
@keithtexas I really believe the 0.5 will have more impact on the source receptacle. Use an adapter if you don’t have room, that’s what I’m doing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H47R36P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8z3sDbHQTM3SS I have one on amp side, 2 on source. |
