"No war path. Just pointing out that audio equipment is designed and built to produce high fidelity audio reliably without all manner of tin foil tweaks."
>>>>>Not only is that statement not true it’s not even close. Let me give you a few examples of what I’m talking about. One, the induced magnetic field of all large transformers extends out from the transformer obviously so it poisons the audio signal anywhere in proximity. The same is true for all wires that carry current. The induced magnetic field is an issue ignored or overlooked by ALL high end electronics designers.
>>>>>Two, large transformers are bolted directly to the chassis. What could be more ridiculous? Yes, I know the transformers need to be secure for shipping. AND the printed circuit boards are bolted down to the chassis. It’s almost as if the designers are sound asleep. 😴 So what you actually have here - for almost all high end electronics - is a vibration nightmare. 🙀 The same thing applies to CD players, the CD is subjected to all manner of vibration from the CD transport motor and external forces. I don’t even have to bring up seismic vibration. Oh, I just did. In addition, the background scattered laser light in ALL CD players interferes with the pure laser signal back to the photodetector. I know what you’re thinking, the error correction codes take care of that! 😀 Neither the Orignal CD designers or the Redbook committee, whatever nor The designers of the players are even aware of the problem. Hel-loo!
>>>>>I don’t even have to address wire directionality and fuse directionality as those issues are covered elsewhere. Suffice it to say those issues are either unknown or conveniently ignored by most of the high end manufacturers. I can also point out capacitor vibration, susceptibility of electronics to RFI/EMI both from within and without, the susceptibility of electronics, especially the fuse and ribbon cables to magnetic field and RFI/EMI. In short the current state of the art is a mess. They need to start over.
No war path. Just pointing out that audio equipment is designed and built to produce high fidelity audio reliably without all manner of tin foil tweaks. No different from anything else that is designed and built for a specific task. If something extremely minor or insignificant is making an audible difference then the design or construction or setup or proper function of the audio devices should definitely be in question.
I am just saying that if you don't question yourself (reliability of memory/hearing and the tests you conducted) and question whether every piece of your kit is performing up to scratch then you could easily overlook something...
Whoa!! Look out! Shadorne’s on the warpath again. 🦃 His splendid anti-audiophile rant reminds me to start a thread sometime on the dodgy subject, How small can something be and still make a noticeable improvement to the sound? Suggested candidates: silver holographic foils from PWB (3/4" by 1/8"), Graphene layer on the Black Fuse (one molecule thick), Mpingo disc, Green pen, Red X Coordinate Pen for writing messages), tiny little acoustic bowls, replacing stock screws in midrange driver with non magnetic screws, the Walker Black Diamond Crystal for high end stereo cartridges, cryogenics (invisible and weightless), teleportation tweak (self promotion alert) (weightless and invisible), thin fishing line for suspending cable or cords, Marigo VTS Dots (1/8" diam) for electron tubes and capacitors, Flying Saucer (small copper foil), one per window.
If you find something that shouldn't make a difference but does make a difference then it is time to either
1) check and root out a faulty piece of equipment (lose wire, broken down capacitor, ground loop, faulty software/firmware setting or bug etc - there are tons of things that can go wrong.) 2) check yourself into an institution for those who hear strange things in their head.
Huh?! What? Uh, oh, somebody didn’t get the memo. "The Devil is in the Details." 👹
I respectfully submit that "the details" are what separate real audiophiles from weekend audiophiles, or should I say, gulp, Mid Fi? Some common examples: (1) which direction you insert the fuse, (2) which direction you connect the interconnects, (3) the precise placement of speakers, especially the distance of separation, within an inch, (4) the absolute level of the CD transport, (5) the absolutely correct geometry of the tonearm/cartridge, within 1/10 degree, (6) cleaning, demagnetizing and ionizing CDs prior to play, (7) establishing correct system absolute polarity, cleaning electrical contacts of all audio AND non-audio wall outlets.
Tom, have you completely lost your mind? Didn't you get the memo, all duplex outlets look approximately the same? Duh? Write your congressman or contact Better Business Bureau of your panties are still in a twist. 👙
For those among us who may wish to use their own eyes for comparison to the photo in the link above you could possibly venture to Geoff’s own site as he wishes you should do. Notice the change of photo profile and the stunning and rich backround of rich Corinthian leather..$30.00..compare to the Amazon link below.. Leather in photo not included. http://machinadynamica.com/Tru_Tone_Cover.jpg
For comparison here is a photo of a strikingly similar ceramic ac outlet cover sold on Amazon for $3.82. Forgo the faux leather and upgrade at a low cost with the use of a non ferrous brass screw ( 59 cents) instead of what is supplied. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41vDumcXTWL._SX425_.jpg
Geoff You always change the subject when the negative is of you..Tell us more about the form and function of the wall plates you buy from Amazon and then resell. Other than yourself who do these wall plates benefit? Tom
So Geoff at a 25 piece qty. you will have a cost per piece of about $5..per unit...nice profit on a $30.ticket. Good job ..Worst you have to do is to drive to the post office..if your allowed or maybe you call for pickup. Then you will have done nothing. Tom
Skippy as in peanut butter? Just pointing out the obvious about price gouging..25 of these plates may weigh 1lb..5$ for treatment and $15 for roundy round shipping. Tom
theaudiotweak You can buy one just like it..though untreated from Amazon..for less than $4.00. How would know its treated unless you had 2 that were untreated and you sent 1 off yours9elf for treatment and then compare. Tom
Whoa! What! Wow! You’re quite the genius when it comes to pointing out the obvious. Good job, Skippy. Did you learn that in Acme Audio Engineering School? 😀
You can buy one just like it..though untreated from Amazon..for less than $4.00. How would know its treated unless you had 2 that were untreated and you sent 1 off yourself for treatment and then compare. Tom
theaudiotweak Geoff, Much of what has grown out of the movie theater Professional installations of the 1930’s ..Western Electric and RCA are still being pursued for their simple magic and are being copied even today for their use in high end audio system products. You should remember those installations as you are of the same era though not as significant. Tom
What on Earth are you going on about, now? Maybe you need a time out. 🛌
Jea48, did you forget to take your smart pills this morning? You’re so emotional. I wonder what’s eating Gilbert Grape?😱 I apologize in advance if English is your second language. It's possible there is a language barrier, although I doubt it.
I hate to judge too hastily but perhaps I need to hire a translator to translate my posts. Jea48, what was it about ceramic duplex outlet covers and resonators that you didn’t understand? Why all the angst? Don't get all strung out on me. It’s not rocket science. 🚀
Geoff, Much of what has grown out of the movie theater Professional installations of the 1930’s ..Western Electric and RCA are still being pursued for their simple magic and are being copied even today for their use in high end audio system products. You should remember those installations as you are of the same era though not as significant. Tom
You two knuckleheads seem to be ignoring the fact that I’m the one with the degree in theoretical physics. I’m the one with courses in statistical thermodynamics and nuclear physics. That I’m the one with courses you’ve never even heard of, you know, like indeterminate structures and theoretical propulsion. Can I respectfully suggest you two guys march yourselves 🏃🏃 right down to whatever Podunk school you went to, assuming you even went to school, which I actually doubt, and demand your money back? Which probably isn’t that much money to begin with anyway, maybe a hundred bucks. Whatever kind of education, Phys. Ed. or whatever you get from the back of a matchbook cover. If you’re getting upset by my comparison of pro audio and high end audio that would be, uh, your problem.
"Upon graduation from Acme Audio Engineering school today many of you will go on to do great things. The rest of you will be in pro audio."
(recently copied from another thread)
Now this:
“This particular conversation highlights the differences between high end audio and pro audio.”
I personally earned a great living in professional audio and must reply to the attempted insults listed above which then begs the questions...
If we did NOT have ‘professional sound’ who then would be responsible for Geoffrey even being here?
Who came first? The recording engineer or Geoffrey C Kait?
Oh well, mistakes do happen.
I would rather be working in “Professional” sound in comparison to becoming a disgruntled space agency retiree consistently shilling his products on the AudioGon forums.
To the OP: We purchase products and parts for our engineered sound rooms from vendors with return and paid “in-full” refund policies. Some vendors who deeply believe in their products offer to pay for return freight as well - just ask them. Auditions will provide you the audible answer without opinions and/or insulting personalities getting involved.
I may be slow but I’m ahead of you, Tom. You have undoubtedly only scratched the surface of materials treatment. I don’t know why you insist on thinking you know what I’m referring to. When you assume something you make a fool out of me and Uma Thurman. Can I suggest you start thinking outside the box? 🕋 A journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step. 🚶
I use the same treatments in pro audio products and home audio materials and products. Material treatments are beneficial to most everything even if the product's raw cost is $3.82. Forgot about the $.59 brass screw. That should be treated as well. Tom
Tom, you really are high, aren’t you? What on Earth are you going on about? This particular conversation highlights the differences between high end audio and pro audio.
Tom, are you high? My audiophile outlet covers are treated a number of ways. Sorry but I can't actually tell you how. Then I'd have to kill you. Do you really think I have a kiln here and produce my own ceramic duplex covers? That's special.
Or maybe Geoff buys his ceramic wall plates on Amazon https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41vDumcXTWL._SX425_.jpg for $3.82 and offers them up to audiophiles that visit here or his website for $30.00. If I were to use these plates I would upgrade and use a non ferrous brass machine screw for $.59.. Tom
Just to mix things up a little the ones I sell are actually resonantors. I know what you're thinking - why would you want to put something that resonates there? Thus, you can employ them on UNUSED outlets as well as outlets for audio devices AND outlets for non-audio devices with good results.
Some more data to consider: I built a power box with 6 outlets and put a fancy stainless steel faceplate on it so it would look nice. I then decided to try a lightweight nylon faceplate after getting rid of ferrous materials in my power cords.. the nylon faceplate definitely sounds better.
As for which faceplate you should get.. that's beyond my paygrade
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