@ozzy
Grateful for your initial comments here.
They will continue to get better and better through roughly 150 hours of "on time"
I have a friend with a High End Projector and he can't stop raving - the SMPS Noise is unimaginably high on his unit. Major upgrade for him
Many thanks - Mark
My Snubway and Main Stream Master Class Combo Review
I must admit I am a sucker for tweaks.
I have owned and tried so many. I have always admired those who think outside the “box”. Some of these items were great, some maybe? And then some were just a “swing and a miss”.
I have communicated with Mark through the years and have used several of his products. So, I ventured into the Vera-fi Audio filters that many of you have expressed that you have liked. That is specifically; the Snubway and the Main Stream filters. I’m not sure if that is the appropriate category but I think that is what they do.
When I first received them, I tried them on my Audio dedicated AC line. First listen, the music sounded louder and more in my face. I was concerned that perhaps they were too much for my already “clean” audio system.
I then moved them to my dedicated Video AC line. On this line, I have an AudioQuest 1200 conditioner, an 85” Samsung TV/LED, Oppo 205, Satellite Dish, Apple TV and a 7 channel Outlaw amp. And I also had a Puron filter. When I first viewed this Video system with the filter combo now in use, boy, was I impressed! I watched a few pre-season NFL live games and the image was fantastic! So clean, immersive, with deep contrast, and deep colors. I knew these units would be a permanent part of this system.
So today, again, I tried that combo on my Audio Dedicated line. On this line is my AudioQuest 7000, Lumin X1, and 2 Michi 8 power amps. But now this time I did not get the image overload, perhaps these take some time to burn/break in. I will let these units percolate for a few days before I pass additional comments. But… I did order another set of them.
ozzy
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UPDATE: It’s now been several days since inserting the Snubway/ Main Stream filters back into my audio system and I now feel comfortable in making a few comments on the performance. The Challenge: My Audio system has several unique add on’s that are not present in my Video System. First to mention is the AudioQuest Niagara 7000 (a big-time power conditioner). I also have a full complement of AudioQuest Dragon power cords. And I have an SR Master fuse and the new SR Pink fuses in my amps. And, I have really doubled down on cleaning up ground noise. I have a Puritan Ground City for chassis ground and a Entreq Silver Tellus Grounding box for signal grounding. Plus, I have a couple of my own DIY grounding boxes for my speakers. These devices have really improved upon my listening enjoyment. So, the Snubber/Main Stream filters will have to improve upon all of this. Perhaps this a tuff challenge. Well after revisiting them, I definitely feel the filters have improved quite a bit after some run in time. The audio “in-the face” (harshness?) as I stated previously was gone, whew! So, these filters do need some hours to develop. It’s funny though, the Video seemed to be immediately improved. But again, it could be because all of the extra components that I listed above that is in my audio system. I must admit, I didn’t think the filters would come around to my expectations. I have tried many different plug-in type of gizmos that did little if anything. Now I’m not sure of exactly how many hours of break-in has passed, perhaps maybe now 72+. And then suddenly, I started to hear a more defined and real center image. Hmm. Then, within the next few hours the sound stage started to widen. And finally, as I write this, the bass has become quite tuneful. Happy camper… So, if you have your audio system tweaked out and cleaned up as I do, don’t expect the “magic” with this combo to be instantaneous. Give them 3 or more days of burn/break in. Now, I am really digging the sound quality. Recommended by this tweaker. ozzy |
jmfinney, Thank you for the kind comment. I have been on this site for many years, and I really try to be sincere with my comments. Member’s comments on equipment I find to be more valuable than reviews from “paid” Reviewers. I always wonder… The Snubway by itself worked well with my Video setup. I was impressed, images were sharper. However, when I added the Main Stream everything got a lot better! Colors, contrasts etc. So, to me they complement each other. Actually, seeing the image improve was an easy test. Now on my audio setup. I had enough original foresight to install a quad Furutech outlet box on this dedicated AC line. So, this gave me the ability to plug in my AQ 7000, Puritan Ground City and now both the Snubway and the Main Stream devices. I have not tried the filters directly into my AQ power conditioner, perhaps I might yet. I am of the mindset that if you can clean it up at the wall the power conditioner can only improve upon that. I’m still getting use to the filter combo, some songs that I was familiar with have a different soundstage. That is; sometimes its deeper, other times it may be flat. Hmm. And there seems to be a general cleaning of the image. Some songs sound a little sharper. No matter what though, these units need burn in/break in time. So, we shall see if they improve more. I will be very interested to read what you think of the units when you get them. ozzy |
I recently purchased two Snubways. One is used on the Zerosurge into which my main components are plugged in. The other is used on the Zerosurge into which my subwoofer is plugged in. The Snubways provided immediate improvements in sound. In particular, the noise floor has been lowered substantially, the sound is sharper and more defined, bass is more articulate, and 3D imaging is wider and deeper. I’m not a big tweak guy, but the Snubway works very, very well and is reasonably priced compared to high-end power conditioners. I don’t have outlet space for the Main Stream, but I expect that it works as well as the Snubway. From my personal listening experience, and having spent real money on the Snubway, I can say that you likely won’t be disappointed, particularly with a 30-day, no questions asked money-back guarantee. I have no affiliation with the manufacturer ... I’m just a very satisfied customer. |
@facten I asked Mark about this and he said that with the switched outlet Zerosurge, the Snubway should be placed in an "always on" outlet. |
I recently purchased the Snubway and Mainstream combo from Vera-Fi Audio and wanted to share my honest impressions. I'm from Europe, absolutely zero affiliation here...actually some weeks ago I was even asking feedback about Vera-Fi company. First, I want to commend Mark at Vera-Fi for his excellent support throughout the purchasing process. The transaction was smooth and efficient. Once I received the devices, I plugged them into my Ansuz C3 power distributor and began listening the next day. I was immediately impressed by the positive changes in the sound. These devices have a more significant impact than simply swapping cables (anywhere in the chain). They seamlessly integrate with your system's existing sound signature, revealing additional details, deepening the bass, and widening the soundstage. The music feels more impactful and engaging, with reduced harshness and smoother flow. I believe these plugs are ideal for fine-tuning your system and elevating its performance. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, probably impossible to beat AFAIK. I'm highly satisfied with this discovery and am eager to see what Vera-Fi Audio has in store for the future. Thank you to everyone for their comments and to @verafiaudio for his outstanding support. |
So, after a few more days, the combo has really settled down and is in the zone. Music earlier that once sounded perhaps a little sharp now sounds more relaxed but still detailed, that is; in a good way. I still believe my Audio system may have taken a little longer to mesh due to all of the other components I have that deal with AC noise. facten, I did have at one time 10 Puron’s on my audio line and a few more on my Video and Subwoofer circuits. Eventually, I came to the realization that it was too much. I sold/gave away most of the Puron’s but kept a couple to compare to the new Snubway/Main Stream combo. There is really no comparison. All the good things that the Puron provided was many times better. I now only have one Puron left that resides in my computer/Modem/ EthereRegen, clock etc. room. It is amazing how cleaning up the AC opens up the music. Perhaps that is why some audio equipment is so expensive? ozzy |
I had a single Snubway about a week and was immediately and remain 100% blown away. I don’t often read unobtanium reviews but was drawn to Jason Serinus’ review of the $150,000 Dan D’Agostino 3 chassis preamp. Most notably his comments which described what I was hearing pre/post Snubway, and I thought, this $150,000 preamp must have a similar circuit built in and could/would a built in Snubway be the missing link in all hi-end kit without the huge price they would charge for it. Licensing? Hmmmmm |
Appreciating this nice thread |
Another Update: I have 3 dedicated lines. 1. I line for my Audio System with Snubway/Main Stream filter 2. 1 line for my (4) JL Audio F-113 Subwoofers. Set to 45hz. 3. 1 line for my Home Theater Video system with Snubway/Main Stream filter. I just tried the Snubway/Main Stream Filter set from my Video system on the Sub line, and they are not going anywhere. It seems when the bass is right everything else just locks in. Center image really locked in, hard to believe that the bass with these filters could affect the image specificality. And, with really deep tuneful bass. So, I ordered one more set to re-insert into my Video system. Each dedicated line will then have a Snubway/Main Stream filters. ozzy |
I’ll do a report: I bought the Main Stream + Snubway combo from Mark and have had it in the system for 6 days now. I liked MS right away when plugged into the first outlet of my main power conditioner, but SW was a degradation of quality during the first day. Sounded harsh and less nuanced. So, I plugged the SW in an outlet in another room and left it there for three days. I’ve now had both the MS and SW plugged into the first outlet of my main conditioner using a splitter/adapter for another three days and the system is singing with higher resolution. Sounds awesome, no more issues with the Snubway unit, no additional tweaking was necessary for me to have the freq response that I want. I don’t even want to try positioning them somewhere else in the power chain. That initial issue with the Snubway degrading my sound was, and still is, confusing to me, but it’s totally absent now. 🙏 |
Yeah, I don’t know. That’d why I said confused. Wasn’t the typical phases of cable and electronics burn-in that I’m so familiar with. At first with the Snubway, I was just thinking "Ummm, no". I even texted a friend that I would probably return it for another Main Stream unit. But then the wiser, more patient part of myself realized that I hadn’t given it any time to settle or whatever. Happy I gave it a chance. And they were both sounding pretty good after 4 days, but 5 or 6 days seems to be revealing the sweet spot with whatever had been occurring. I also a have a handful of strategically placed Purons in my system, but I have modified them all to my satisfaction, so I decided to leave that info aside for the report. Altogether, the whole system is so complex, that I can only merely share my observations. I don’t have an explanation for the warm-up period... |
Received my Main Stream yesterday.. Kinda funny story here I didn't think it was going to show up till Monday since tracking showed in transit from UPS to USPS yesterday.
Trying to make a long story short ;-) I sold my Puron earlier in the week listening to my system Friday night you could notice the difference with out it... just a SnubWay in the line still sounded good but kinda flat and missing that little bit of emotion it had brought to my rig.
So my friend here in town had a second Puron not in use, he offered it for me to use, so drove across town only 20 minutes away so I could have an enjoyable listening session.
Joking as I left his house, said now the Main Stream will show up and sure enough on the porch sitting for me it was delivered (Big Smile) so for fun still plugged the Puron in for warm up the amp and listened to a disc very familiar with then plugged the Main Stream, cold from the get go pretty much Bettered the Puron in Every aspect like a Puron on Steroids, listened for 4+ hours I am truly impressed.!!
I don't need to bore you with all the Audiophile verbiage you know what this thing does in combination with the SnubWay it is a world class product. enough said.
Those were my findings from about 2 weeks ago, I feel the Main Stream refined a bit more after about 72 hours and is really making music Very enjoyable and Engaging! my system has a wonderful and natural Flow now..
Thanks Mark, great job on this one, you and your "Team" Knocked this one out of the Park...
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I ordered my second set of Snubway, Mainstream and 2 Graphene Sluggos late August. Still no update on shipping. Victim of their own success and Labor Day Sale Discounts. Chalk it up to growing pains getting their business set up in the US. It would be nice of them to provide expected ship dates and shipping updates. Maybe once they catch their tail and get caught up. Worth the wait! |
Good Evening @shkong78 |
Guess I’ve put 72-84 hrs on 3 Vera Fi Main Streams & 2 Snubways. 1 MS & 1 SW plugged into a 1FT 10ga w/ 3 outlets pigtail. That is plugged into the only dedicated circuit & its quad wall outlet. A single Main Stream goes in 1st position of SR power distributor #1. A 2nd rig just like the first is plugged into SR power distributor #2 where the flat panel TV is. After trying several combinations & locations, I felt this configuration offered the biggest return. At this time, I’ m noticing more dynamic bass, deeper soundstage, more focused center image & slightly more detail. The overall presentation has been subtly, but noticeably, elevated to a higher level, resulting in a more emotional connection to the music. I simply feel closer to it!
immediate |
Thanks Ozzy. Do you condition your amp with these, or do you have the amp plugged directly into the wall and these conditioning everything else downstream of the AC outlet? I’ve always had my amps plugged directly into the wall, along with my power conditioner, and then every other device plugged into the conditioner.. Thanks, Tim |
What do you say to someone who maintains that the last three feet of the delivery of power to your electronics can’t possibly influence the delivery of power to your house? If you are an audiophile who cares about sound, and you follow and pay good money to use the latest products in the industry…. how on Earth can you honestly believe that a $2.95 extension cable is desirable, or justifiable? I invite you to consider previous threads here, that address the “best” length of a power cord. How can a six inch cord for $2.95 possibly do justice to the tens of thousands of dollars of quality equipment that is forced to depend on it? |
sgordon1, You evidently do not understand what I posted. Or perhaps I did not make it clear. The dual plug in I suggested will take just one socket space allowing you to use both the Snubway and the Main Stream into that open socket. And, because you are just inserting the Snubway/Main Stream into it, all of the other Audio components are then using appropriate outlets. ozzy |
This 10awg 3 outlet 1ft extension works quite well. I have 2, 1 is configured with 2 2Main Streams, the other has 2 Snubways plugged into it. Both extensions are plugged into 2 of the receptacles in the quad box servicing 20a dedicated circuit. Mid-fi 2ch streaming system is extensively optimized, but there has been a very stubborn, faint, but annoying buzz coming from both speakers. Slightly more audible in the speaker nearest amplifier vs the other. You literally have to place your ear flush on the cone to hear it. This combination of MS’s & SW’s at the wall outlet has chipped away at that last bit of remaining noise where others have fallen short. Below is the link to the short multi-outlet extension. It’s the only 10awg in a 1ft length I could find.
Maximm 10/3 Indoor Extension Cord 1 Foot, 10AWG Black ETL Listed, 3 Prong Plug 3-Outlet Heavy Duty Indoor, Power Cord 1ft https://a.co/d/cPgxjQd |
Read with interest |
I have had my mainstream and snubway combo for 3 days in, and another mainstream at the outlet for my amplifier for a day. Let me tell you, all the things i hated about my system: Buzz, Mediocre soundstage, lack of clarity, digital glare, and boomy bass is all gone. I don’t know but these conditioners are basically the backbones of my system. It made music so much more enjoyable and exquisite like eating steak to now eating wagyu. Mark was remarkable, always there to assist me when he can. Still waiting for the 120hr mark for thrm |
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After having found additional receptacle space on my Zerosurge to plug in the Main Stream, I can state confidently that the Main Stream is the missing piece of the audio puzzle. The Snubway works great on its own, but both of them working in tandem have raised the listening experience to an entirely new level. In particular, micro-detail now is off-the-charts as I am hearing things on very familiar recordings that apparently had been blocked due to "dirty" electrical lines. We all likely have heard about "blacker backgrounds," but I’ve experienced that with these products first-hand as I now have a prior point of reference. I don’t think that folks realize the large degree of hash and other noise residing on their electrical lines, particularly where the line isn’t a dedicated one. We spend so much time and money on components, but don’t give much, if any, attention to power concerns. That may be due to ignorance or the ridiculous cost of many "audiophile" power conditioners, many of which have a deleterious effect on sound quality. These products are the antithesis of that general reality. You know how you can have a great listening session one day and a not so great one the next? I think that inconsistency is due to what’s going on at any particular time with the amount of line noise. Nights are usually better because there’s less equipment operating. Well, that’s not the case with the Snubway and Main Stream. So far, my listening sessions have been consistently good and satisfying with both of them in the system. To me, the Snubway and Main Stream, when combined, are the equivalent of a huge component upgrade at a very reasonable price. I really am floored by these little wonders, and am getting so much more from my system than I did before. It’s really quite astounding. |
I’m currently running 3 pairs of Snubs & Main Streams. Using 3 of the 10 gauge 1ft 3 outlet extension cords mentioned in one of my previous posts above, there is 1 Snubway & 1 Main Stream on each cord. I plugged one combo into wall receptacle of dedicated circuit, one combo in top left receptacle of Equi=Core 1800MK3 & one combo in SR Powercell 8SE distributor that feeds A/V equipment. Very worthwhile improvement over the 4 Purons I’ve been running since they burst on the scene. Recently received 2 sets of Heartsound Audio HoloStages. Initial impressions are frankly mind blowing! I’ve tried many tweaks & this one moves the needle more significantly more than some others that address the acoustics of the room. These are completely passive devices that are out of the signal path. |