Over the good part of this past year I’ve been beta testing a new tweak, the name of which is "Total Contact." Its a hi-bred graphene contact enhancer that is different from all other contact enhancers that have come and gone for one reason or another. I’m not new to these contact enhancers, having had quite a bit of experience with a product developed by the late Brian Kyle and his "Quick Silver" contact enhancer. The "Total Contact" is different ... a LOT different.
"Total Contact" is graphene based and is not a vibration control. It eliminates micro-arching between two contacts. Micro-arching, much like Micro-vibration smears the sound in our stereo systems. Its the type of distortion that we don’t know is there .... until we eliminate it. There is no break-in as we know it. The sound is improved right off the bat, but what you hear is only a smidgen of what’s to come.
I tested three generations of "TC," each of which was an improvement over the previous incarnation. The final mix was cryogenitically treated and made for a more effective, much smoother application. It comes in a large hypodermic needle type plunger containing 1.5 ml of product and includes a instructional DVD and an application brush.
The application should be applied with a very thin coat to all of your electrical connections .... from your cartridge pins to your power cords. I did my entire system, including the ends of my fuses.
Upon initial application, you will notice an improvement in clarity, correctness of tonal balance and a more overall organic sound. But ... that is just scratching the surface of what this magic paste does. As it cures, the improvements become more apparent. Much more!
There are two real break-through events that happen almost to the day with "Total Contact," one at four weeks and another at eight weeks . At four weeks, you’ll get a real jump in clarity and overall improvement. That’s only a taste though of what’s to come at eight weeks. At eight weeks your system’s focus will make a jump in SQ that is so real - its surreal.
After 40 years in the hobby, and a total tweak nut, I have never heard anything that does what this graphene paste does. The see-through clarity at eight weeks becomes simply amazing. The "paste" eventually cures into a kind of polymer plastic and it seems that the sound improves with each listening session. So, its important that you leave your contacts alone for the duration. If you’re the type of person that continually switches wires in and out, you’ll have to re paste until enough time has elapsed to get "the cure."
The only problem I had was with the first batch and that had to do with shorting out a tube pin in the line stage. Use the "TC" very sparingly on tube pins, if at all. I only had problems with the line stage tube pins. The Amp, CD Player and Phono Stage has had no tube pin problems at all.
Tim Mrock, one of our fellow A’goners, is the developer of the product. Its taken Tim 15 years and several patents to get it right. Tim has "pasted" every electrical contact he can find in his audio system, all of the switches in his circuit breaker box, every contact in his car ... and has used it in commercial applications such as hospital circuit breakers, surgical lights ... and other places where efficiency and long life of electrical components are deemed important.
This product is highly recommended to anyone who truly wants to get the most out of his/her audio systems. There’s enough product in each tube to do at least two audio systems as it just takes a very thin coat on each application to be effective. The last tube was enough to do my system twice and then a friend’s system this past weekend.
Frank
PS: There were a couple of other A’goner beta testers of this product as well. Hopefully, they will chime in here with their experiences for comparison. I "pasted" both of Steve Fleschler’s systems a few days ago, perhaps he will comment on his results too. We forgot to paste Steve’s power cords though, so there’s a lot more to be had from Steve’s two fantastic systems.
I can't account for the "loss of life" in your system. It was just the opposite here. You say that perhaps you applied too much. It should have gone on as a very thin coating using just a small dab on the tip of a small brush ... and then spread out onto the connection.
You said that you tried both the TC and the MS products. Which one did you try first? If it was the MS product, were you careful to get all of the oil off before applying the TC?
How long did you let the TC stay in the system before you removed it? Reason I ask is that in the past I've tried various tweaks where I thought the highs were rolled off a bit. After listening for awhile, I realized that what happened was a dramatic drop in the noise floor, along with a drop in what could be called distortion sizzle. The highs were still there in spades but without the white noise distortion that I mistook for part of the highs.
Actually we don’t know how many Beta testers there were. Or who they were. Plus it’s not the sort of thing most people would do, post negative results. Most likely the agreement was something to the effect that the product was sent out and if results were favorable would the Beta tester be kind enough to post comments? But posting negative comments wouldn’t be nice for one thing. Not cricket. That’s why audio magazines almost never publish negative reviews. It’s not nice. But also things happen. Something could have to the amp under review during shipping, for example. If someone posts negative comments he may have defend himself against an onslaught of accusations.
I applied the product with a Q tip and a small brush around all the connectors on my cables, fuses and such. It did not impress, in fact what I noticed (as I stated previously) was that my system sounded dull and lifeless. I used it for quite some time. After removing it all the life came back. Maybe I applied too much, maybe I got a bad batch or whatever...
Yes, it is a leap of faith of $300 to try the newer version when the version I had did not impress me. But with so many glowing reviews I just don't understand, that is again why I wanted to try a small sample to just apply to a couple fuses.
I have since started applying Stabilant 22 and find that to be just right.
^^^ Nope, no damage control. Its just that so far, there has been nothing but excellent reviews from those who have taken the plunge and bought the product. I'm figuring that something wasn't right in the way Ozzie used the product. I'd like to help him. Why? Because TC is too good of a product for Ozzie and others not to be enjoying it,
By the way George, you got a small sample to try out. What was your experience?
I’d be very interested in knowing exactly how and where you applied your first beta sample. I know that some tweaks are system dependent, but to go from rave reviews from almost everyone whose tried it, to, in your case, hearing no improvement at all seems like a stretch to me. With the system you have, Ozzie, you should be able to hear the effects of the slightest change.
How did you apply the TC and the MS products? What did you apply them to? How long did you leave the TC on? Did you notice any degrading of the sound due to either product?
Not doubting you here Ozzie, just wondering what went wrong if anything.
Hey I have no dog in this hunt. Would a decent compromise with Ozzy be to send him a very small amount of your current production TC so he can try it on a few fuses or whatever in his system? I know you don't want to be giving product away. Perhaps since he tried previous iterations of the product you might do him this one kindness.
Please keep in mind that you are asking people to take a leap of faith in trying TC. Such a gesture might fortify your professional image in many others here who have been following this thread and are considering taking that $300 leap with you.
Hoping something can be worked out to both of your satisfaction.
Well YOU obviously are reading too much in my email. Without any response I figured you were too busy to respond.
I didn’t demand anything. I do however feel slighted that you only sent me the first version when it is now apparent that there were 3 upgrades.
So, I asked for a sample of the latest upgrade. Afterall if others are hearing sonic improvements where as I did not in the first sample, I though perhaps my criticism based on the first version was not justified.
I have to say your post, puts me in a very awkward position,and is very uncomfortable to say the least. The way you posted, it makes it appear as if I do not care about customer service, which could not be further from the truth.You emailed me twice, only after I privately sent you a very warm and friendly message, saying hey no hard feelings about the beta testing,informed you about the 3rd revision, and offered you special purchase consideration as a goodwill gesture.You responded to my message explaining how the 2 products sounded the same to you, but you would be willing to try a sample on your fuses.It became obvious you did not read all of my message, or worse you disregarded it. The following day you posted in this thread that my product was no different then the Mad Scientist, because you tried them both, but hey you would be willing to test them again. Then you sent the first email,requesting a free sample, still blown away at your behavior, I did not respond. The following day you sent me the second one almost demanding one. Still blown away from the day before, and even more so with the second email, I did not respond. Well unfortunately your actions,which I find selfish BTW, and I forgive you. The bottom line is your welcome to still purchase it, like everyone else. There are no free samples, testing is over.
It is day 6 and I am am working at my desk listening to the office system and I am experiencing something I did not expect in sound quality improvement since yesterday. The noise floor seems to have dropped further. This has allowed the musical detail from the low to high frequencies to play in a natural dynamic fashion, without any glare. It is even more organic an real.
I applied TC just to the outside of my USB connections, as Tim directed, and noticed an improvement. I use an Audioquest diamond coming from my Mac to my fav. It removed a lot of glare from the music.
It certainly does improve video performance. The new Sony 43 TV with the new Oppo 203 (upgraded with a better power supply and audio sound board - Oppo Mod.com ), really does have a better picture and sound. The picture detail is enhanced and the depth of field of the picture is improved. Colors are enhanced. Sound is fuller and more dynamic.
Home Theater systems will benefit from Total Contact.
Treating the cable input wire alone was a major improvement is picture quality.
In my theater room, I have an Laser Epson 10000 projector. Are you saying that it will improve the picture quality of the projector if I apply to the power connector? Based on what Frank said, I can brush the solution on and not have to wait until it dries or cures before plugging back in or connecting. Am I missing anything?
Paste the plug on your Epson projector. Any other electrical connection you can get to on the rest of your video system as well. I did most of my rear projection TV and the picture is definitely improved. I had to make some adjustments in color, brightness, etc., but it was worth the effort. I’m getting somewhat of a 3-D presentation now. Must be the added detail. The Superbowl looked mighty fine.
You don’t have to wait for anything to dry or cure to plug back in. You’ll have a different perspective once you start using TC. Its not a liquid. Its more like a very thin paste that ends up looking like you used a very soft pencil to paint the connector surfaces. Just a little dab will do ya. :-)
@soundlogic Tracking was uploaded shortly after purchase, mailed same day here it is again #9405803699300586793518 you are suppose to receive tomorrow.
Customer service is #1 priority! You buy, we ship, immediately!
I had a similar experience with my opus 21 CD player. Not with fuses but with the umbilical, power chord, and interconnect. They were the first treatments in my main system. The timing seemed off. I removed 2 of the five still points from under the transport and it got a little better. However, I stated listing to the same rotation this evening and I was shocked as to how much better it sounded after 72 hours from the initial application. It may be a break in issue?
One of the advantages of taking it one component at a time is that we can hear how it effects each component thus being able evaluate the break in. In my case it worked out well, since I don’t think I could have removed the product from those small sockets.
This was an extremely painful thread to read. It was like listening to the Democrats and Republicans in Congress. I have an open mind as I did when I purchased various fuses. I really think upgraded fuses helped my high end system just like upgrading my power cords. If you are a naysayer and an audiophile, I have to believe $300 is not going to break the bank. If it will you are probably not an audiophile and tweaks in sound improvement shouldn't even be discussed. I have wasted $300 on many things in life. If I can improve my system for $300 then i will give it a try. If it doesn't improve, I just move on to something else. Currently, I have been testing various power tubes for my Raven Amp. It is fun to hear the subtle differences amongst the different tubes.
Based on what I read, I will apple the substance to all component fuses and speaker connectors and the male end of the power cables. I assume I do not have to take them apart. If I do then this is not for me. I am hesitant about applying to the tubes in my amp. It is already hard to take the tubes in and out and I don't want grease anywhere near my amp. I am not sure where you would apply the solution to the actual wall socket which is already an upgrade. In my theater room, I have an Laser Epson 10000 projector. Are you saying that it will improve the picture quality of the projector if I apply to the power connector? Based on what Frank said, I can brush the solution on and not have to wait until it dries or cures before plugging back in or connecting. Am I missing anything?
In my Marantz Sa11-2 SACD player there are 7 fuses, all have been upgraded to the Synergistic Research Blue. The addition of Total Contact to both ends of each fuse gave a sense of increased soundstage but at the cost of the music having a sense of excitement. There was a feeling of loss of emotion. This returned as soon as I removed the Total Contact from the fuses.
Removal of the product was easy to do with a paper towel and alcohol. so this was an educational and easy experiment to do. The ease of application and removal makes it rewarding to try it on many types of connections.
I just completed my office system power chord connections. I was not expecting a whole lot since my office system is not as resolving as my main system but it made a significant step up in clarity, PRAT, dynamics, soundstage etc.... It sounds way better than it should. The power strip is a ten year old Office Depot $20.00 special! That’s my next upgrade.
I will let you know when I complete the main system. That should be interesting.
If anyone has XLR termination on their interconnects or serial terminationated unbiblicals, I suggest you get in touch with Tim for specific instructions. He was very helpful and specific about the process. This one of the reasons it has taken so long to complete my system. It is slow and tedious but well worth it.
When I ordered, Tim sent me an email confirmation/tracking number within a day. It took another day for the product to get to the post office. After that I was able to track the progress. Once I got it, I had some application questions. I called the phone number on the instructions and he was very responsive and helpful.
David,. the first item Frank applied TC to were my SR blue fuses. What did you find objectionable? I haven't removed the fuses in six weeks, waiting for the 8 week surprise. Thanks, Stephen
I ordered TC a few days ago. Does Tim send an email confirmation/tracking number once the order is placed? I sent Tim an inquiry via PM several days ago and never received a response.
I agree with Geoff and have performed some of these applications.. Screws and nuts and bolts can also be a benefit for treatment. They act as antenae for signal to re enter the pathway creating interfering energy. This treatment benefits all metal fasteners steel, aluminum and even brass. This treatment also benefits screws and fasteners and even metallic bezel plates and screens on loudspeaker frames...Same thing a reduction of energy re entering the point of signal wave launch..less interference mingled with the intended signal. Tom
For those who think they can handle it can I suggest painting the teeny tiny conductors of any and all ribbon connectors inside electronics? Also, since Graphene is an excellent shield for RFI/EMI try painting any and all microchips inside electronics. Microchips are known producers of RFI/EMI. Just in case nobody mentioned it the pins of Stereo Cartridges, especially low output MC.
I also have applied Total Contact to the tubes of the Art Audio PX-25 Amp. PX-25 output tubes - 4pin GZ-37 Rectifier tube( Equivalent to a 274B) - 4 pin BH7A Driver tube - 9 pin 6922 Driver tube - 9 pin
The limited space at the base of the tube on the small 9 pins tube should cause one to be quite cautious when deciding to use Total Contact on this type of tube. I would suggest on bigger tubes to apply no more than the distal 1/4 of the pin. On small 9 pin tubes perhaps just a small amount on the tip of the pin.
I would make treating tube pins a low priority. I would treat the circuit Breaker Box and the Wall Outlets before treating the tube pins.
I have applied TC to my tube pins for a nice improvement. Use caution though, Paste only 1/4 to 1/2 of the way up the tube pins to avoid a short across the bottom (glass) of the tube. Reinserting the tube in the socket should be enough pressure to push the TC up further onto the pin.
I have now evaluated the Total Contact on four different systems and it is worth the money to buy it, and it is worth the time and energy to apply it.
I give it my highest recommendation to buy.
It is not goop, not a thin messy liquid, not a thick flakey paste, but a gel with a consistency that is easy to apply and obtain good thin coverage.
It is easy to remove from metal with an alcohol pad and without using elbow grease to do so.
I have not found one type of electrical contact that did not positively respond to an application of Total Contact.
Interconnects, power cables, and speaker cables all have had a positive effect.
In addition I have treated the house Circuit Breaker Panel- approx. 75 connections. If you know how to turn off the power to your house you are smart enough to do this. Of course this would be considered an off label use.
I have even treated my Pass Labs First Watt amp inner connections that are press fit connections ( non soldered). Quite a nice sonic improvement to an already great sounding amplifier. Another off label application.
So far the only location that I did not like the effect is on the contact ends of the Synergistic Research Blue fuses. Other fuses yes.
If anyone would like to call me and discuss my uses and observations please give me a call. 575-644-1462
@resolution1 Power cables are a good choice to show your friend. Thank you for your enthusiasm! No current needed, Oxygen does the work. 4th week, I would say when it happens, it sucks you in, What is this? Seems to be the typical reaction. You will know for sure! No mistaking it!
@mapman pretty soon, I will be listing one.
@candela007 You can not use or mix this product with solder! It is not a substitution for solder. I do not recommend pulling the covers off your equipment and looking for connections.
I will be visiting with a friend that might like to try the TC. Knowing him well, the first question he will ask is of the break in pattern after the initial application. Would you describe it as a slight or steep improvement between the initial application and week 4, or does it stay level then jump at 4 weeks?
Finally, should I treat the power connections in the system in order to provide the best sample demonstration? So far the power chords have provided the most dramatic improvements in both of my systems.
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