Perfect Path Technologies: Omega E mat

That might depend on how long ago you looked, and it is way more now than "wall filters", although I happen to think they are very good, but to each his own.

Regards

I looked at the AMD website.  I am beyond wall-plug filters---don't like 'em for what I have--thanks, though, 

The way my EDED filters are set up now, with EDED #1, there are 30 amps of PFC at the panel to be redirected from there toward the rest of the house, and EDED #2 is on a circuit in between the main breaker and my AV breaker (which is the last breaker, on the bottom, on the right phase. That one eliminated a BIG bottleneck in my setup and the music has doubled in its realism...and it was already extremely good in that regard!

There's a company called Alan Maher Designs in Tunica, Mi.
I've just been breaking in a pair of new products that deal mainly PFC. They are $600 each and look like a black, double-sized wall wart, but minus any wires. I think the design is active, unlike a lot of Alan's other stuff for NFR, which is usually passive.

You plug them into the wall according to directions...in different duplexes according to where you want to deliver the PFC. I already had a bunch of other things AMD already treating the power that were plugged right near my system and that was already providing some PFC there. But, Alan tells me all PFC is applied locally and when you've applied enough of it locally, it will act more globally in the circuit. For Alan, there are 4 major points to consider that have an impact on AV performance. 1) at the incoming service to the panel (which in Alan's case, is just a laminated wrap of a paper-, or cloth-like material that you wrap around your PVC pipe about a foot or so below the meter (less than $400), with scissors and electrical tape takes less than 10 min. to install). 2) at the panel, there's something called the TDT Panel Kit (about $400) which is more complicated to install, but does not require taking the front plate off the breaker box. A graphene paint is included for you to paint the front surfaces of your breakers, but it takes a day or so to dry between coats and you need to apply 3 coats and then cut the provided copper foil (peel & stick) over the breaker faces...about a 3 day install. 3) Your system duplex. If you don't already have an after market duplex, Alan makes a good for about $100. If you do, you're not done here yet. Alan makes a plastic duplex cover for about $200. I know, if you're like me, your wondering straight away "How in the hell could anybody be asking me to spend no $200 on a wall plate?!?". That's what I thought til I tried it (I have all this stuff). Of course, it's not just a piece of plastic and has materials applied to the back side. But, this little thing Melted My Mind!!! All his stuff requires a "break-in" period, (Alan refers to it as a settling in period, since it is not like break in exactly, a bit of a roller coaster effect, ok-sounding one day and "meh" the next, just like your Mats.For the Wall Plate, it's a period of 15 days, not 14, not 10, not a few minutes, but 15 days...at that point, if it was anything in your system like it was mine, your mind will be blown. The thing about this item now is that the US regulations concerning the glue used for applying the materials have changed, forcing him to come up with a new type of glue. After searching he says he's done so, but that the new plates (functionally the same as the old ones) are not quite ready yet, but Alan is looking at January 2019 to launch his brand on the forum's, including, I take it, this one. 4) system components. For PFC's sake, the whole circuit can be taken as the sum of the 4 points mentioned. 100% PFC at the system = 25% PFC on the AV circuit. 100 PFC at each of the four points means 100% on the AV circuit. IOW, each of the 4 points = 25% of PFC, which is how Alan explained it to me. Technically it is possible to get local PFC of 100% locally...(2 of these new filters I'm testing out [something called the "EDED's"]), both applied to the panel. But, the goal is not to get 100% PFC necessarily. If you did here, there would be harmonic collapse, a capacitor needs a minimal amount of RFI in order to generate mid to high frequecies. Total elimination, means the mids and highs disappear on you. But, even if that did happen, no problem, just back off the filter distance a little bit on the circuit and you can dial in less PFC as you need. It might be useful to understand that might happen, but in most cases, that will never happen to be a problem, unless you have 100% PFC applied everywhere else in the circuit as well. One last thing to say about system PFC. If your system has 4 components, then 100% PFC for each component = 100% ot the total system PFC. 100% PFC for one component would = 25% of system PFC. Alan has all manner of filters available to treat for components (which I have as well), so you should check with him on all that whenever he launches. 

If and when you ever find yourself getting into the various filters for components, they will offer further NFR, and some will offer better grounding (another good topic!), as well, but all will benefit the sound every step of the way, just like the Mats do, only you can use Alan's approach to focus more on PFC than NFR, if you want.

The 2 EDED filters are so far absolutely AMAZING!!! I do believe I have even reached the end of my quest in this hobby with this purchase from AMD, I think. But, as you all are finding out with the Mats and all, I did not take on another slippery slope, instead I traded one out for another that has been far more efficient for my dollar spent. With equipment upgrading I was always taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back, but now with all this stuff, everything always improves and nothing is ever left behind or ever gets any worse. No more sideways changes! 

Cheers!

^^^

I'm all ears ...

Frank

@ivan_nosnibor   Do tell!  How can we discover excellent Power Factor Correction?

I lurk from time to time on this thread. I think you guys are definitely on the right track with the Noise Floor Reduction and all. I've never heard one of the mats, but I'm already hip to NFR and what it can do for the sound through a different company. 

Yes, NFR is crucial, but, believe me, you guys ain't seen nothin' yet. I believe all your reports, but there are more things to consider than simply NFR, as important as that most definitely is.

Just wait til you guys discover what excellent Power Factor Correction will do on Top of your NFR results!! When you get that far, trust me, you won't know how to act. :)

Regards

"First you think you are ’there’, and wonder how your system can sound any better." sgordon1

How many times I have thought that--must be twenty or more. The beauty of the Omega E-mats is that, after all the gear changes and tweaks, my system has never sounded this good----and it’s the same system I put together years ago by installing clean power, by adding quality components, by solving the common problems--I did it right. I would also say to all of you who are reading here, "You did your homework, you have chosen carefully. You’ve done well."

And through it all, who would have thought it has been EMI all along that has held the sound of their good systems in check. By placing the mats under and over components, by hearing the dramatic improvements, there can be no doubt--at least for me--that every piece of gear has been like a radio receiver for EMI, and all that noise has prevented my system from performing up to its potential---until now.


Sitting here, listening with ten mats, most placed in the past eight days, and I am hearing so much more detail and clarity. I placed one under each Maggie 3.6R to shield the crossovers, fuse banks and input wires, and I am already beyond pleased. I believe that the Omega E-mat deserves "Product Of The Year" in its category by the reviewers’ votes from a major magazine. There is simply nothing this good that has come around in a long time.  

^^^ Hooked is the correct word, hifiman5. I am, totally, as my previous posts will attest to. 

In spite of an already humongous record and CD collection, I'm finding myself searching out new music and artists that I'm not familiar with. Not thinking about upgrading equipment anymore and just looking for more and newer musical experiences is a testament to the fine quality of Tim Mrock's innovations.

After experiencing the ultimate transparency and realism afforded by these tweaks ... the Omega E Mats and Total Contact, there's really no need to spend money on new equipment anymore as far as I'm concerned.  

Knowing what multiples of the Omega E Mats and judicious use of the TC can bring to a system, I can't imagine what "The Gate" will do. One A'goner made the comment a while ago (can't remember who) how much fun it is when you can tell when a female vocalist is smiling, was on point. A lot of us are there already. With the new "The Gate" installed, will she pour us a beer too? :-)

Frank

Perhaps the most important thing @sgordon1 said above is about having open minds.  If we as audiophiles trap ourselves in an ideological box and allow for no escape then we shut ourselves off from Tim Mrocks' remarkable offerings.  The shame there is for the closed minded.  They miss the unmistakable benefits of products like TC contact enhancer and the transformative E-Mats.  

Lord only knows what we're in store for with "The Gate".  From what Krissy has said here about Tim's newest creation, it is revolutionary.  I doubted for a long time till I finally took the leap to try their system enhancements.  As I would hope we all know, once you've heard your system with what these products do you are hooked!  Please claw your way out of the box you may have trapped yourself in.

+1 for sgordon. 
 

First you think you are "there," and 
wonder how your system can sound any better.
Then you make a change and are more thrilled
with the results. 

And the cycle continues, in this crazy hobby,
simply because you had an open mind and 
open ears.

Eddy, I was also so satisfied with my SR Blues and other tweaks,  I did not make the jump to TC for some time. Like other products, I made my decision on the positive reports that kept coming in.    

crazyeddy ...

No need to worry about "goo" on your gear. The TC goes on in a very thin coating. It's easily removed with a Q-tip and a little alcohol. Once applied, you won't want to remove it. You'll just be listening to music.  It can be bought through Audiogon. The only "distributor" at this point is the producer, Tim Mrock. Use the Audiogon site to buy it. Tim has fast delivery.  

Frank

Continuing from above:  

It can be said, "Well, we've always known EMI can be a problem."  However, has anyone else shown to the degree of this effectiveness--at the level of the end user--just how much of a problem EMI really is?  If so, I have not heard of that person or product.  

Regarding Total Contact, the material that fills in voids and irregularities in mated surfaces, I have proposed that anyone with a component sound system that is connected up by wires and cables will benefit from TC because a connection is never as good as a continuous pathway. Naturally, with portable and interchangeable devices, we must make connections. TC enhances those connections to a stunning degree of performance.  Tim has shown us this, as well.  

If you are a designer of audio gear, if you are an EE, if you have vast knowledge and a superior audio system, you are not immune to the detrimental effects of component connections and EMI---doesn't matter who you are or what you have in equipment.  All any of us have is a signal in a wire---and a lot of EMI to go along with it.  I would like the commentary of some authorities here on this topic. If I appear to be promoting a product, I am, insofar that the inventor behind this singular product cannot be separated from its enlightening benefits in the attenuation of EMI.   

    

Thanks for your positive report, mac---glad you have "seen the light".  As you connect up your new components, paste all those connections with your TC, re-place mat and cards, sit back and listen for the accumulative improvements over weeks.  

I had been adding Omega E mats one-by-one over several months and enjoying each improvement the four mats brought.  This week, I placed a mega-bundle of four more E mats all at once to further shield my CDP (four mats now) and to fully cover underneath the mono blocks (two each).  The improvements in detail and soundstage began to emerge in a matter of even one hour.  

I was then inspired to pull together every source of EMI I could think of (there's more) and post it above (see my post #400).  Like many, I've been aware that cables and cords do make good antennas and need some shielding from EMI----did that, job done, forgot about it.  

The pervasiveness of EMI in our homes and systems has been proven by Tim Mrock, then innovator of the E mats and cards, to have much, much more of a degrading effect on our audio/visual systems than previously recognized.  Tim has successfully demonstrated the overwhelming presence and effects of EMI by inventing the device that effectively shields it out of our systems.    

David, and where would you place that fuse? Pre amp or amp? 

I must admit that I was quite skeptical regarding the Omega mats and cards. How could placing these innocuous looking products near our equipment possible do anything positive to the sound? Just didn't make sense to me. 

I purchased a nano pack and it arrived last Friday. Day one I was very positively impressed with a larger soundstage, blacker background and more air around each note. It created a very musical sound. The next day that effect was greatly diminished and I had almost given up on the mat and cards.....until this morning. Everything I heard on day 1 was not only restored, but restored in spades. I have no idea how these things work but my system has never sounded better. 

I have quite a few upgrades to my system ( Matrix IC's and PC's, new cd transport and major amp upgrades) coming up in the next few weeks that will add very positive benefits to my systems but I can't imagine them providing what these thin mats and cards have......but I'll be thrilled if they do.

 I can understand how many will scoff at such experiences as mine, I've been there myself, but you're only doing yourself a disfavor by not giving them a try.

I haven't even mentioned or tried the TC.....yet.

Thanks to everyone here for sharing your results, without them I would have never given these amazing products a chance. 

Tom

jmolsberg:
Congratulations on improving your system. For a Christmas present to yourself, I hardily suggest the current Synergistic Research special of - buy a SR Blue wall outlet and get a Blue fuse for free.

Who needs another ugly sweater for Christmas.

David Pritchard

All that plus a toaster oven, two kids, and two dogs 

Cell phone, WiFi, blue tooth, AM, FM, VHF, UHF, microwaves, digital broadcasts, baby monitors, transmission lines, short wave, CB---what is coursing through your home, body and stereo system, and what can be done to mitigate these pervasive effects? 

iPhone mic not too shabby. No other speaks or sub. Glad you got a kick out of the video. 

If I had a smart phone, I might have guessed---still with flip phone here---amazing what can be heard.  
So there are no other speakers in those cabinets?  Not bad at all!   

^ Ty. it puts a big smile on my face (:
those four 4" speakers put out more good sound than they should.
iPhone 

A dynamic, open system you have!  

Thanks for making a video--we should all be doing this.  What did you record with, Jmols?

One month into my PP tweak and I am delighted with what I am hearing. PP (1 mat, 5 cards and tc) and brass footers on the TT are my only tweaks. Not even a high-end fuse. My system has always sounded musical but now, more so. I hear further into the music and it just sounds more liquid than ever. The details at a lower volume are spooky.


here is a silly video (: Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljF7PRsoI8

Not going to happen........

I predict the waking up of the Trolldom.

🐺. need Metamucil?  Mr. Wolf,  Did the farmer find you raiding the chicken coup🐥 and deliver some justice to your skull?🤯

… the Garden Path, perhaps.

How about the Golden Gate? Or the Golden Gate Bridge? 😛

Hmm ... "The Perfect Path" leading us to "The Gate." I predict that the next Tim Mrock innovation in tweaks will be titled "Heaven." Personally, I can hardly wait. :-)

Frank

"Lastly, the Gate is part of the Perfect Path system. If you want the absolute sound, you need all the working parts" 

Yes, because we still need the mats around the gear for airborne interference. 

Whoa, Mamma! A final solution for all? Ah, the old Steve Jobs strategy. You could also say it’s the Michael Green strategy. The absolute sound. Lol. No offense to anyone.

@geoffkait  Tim has nicknamed you "ABB" Audio Ball Buster.  LOL. You are hilarious. <3 Thank God this isn't a fuse thread. LOL. <3

Hey Frank~ it's always good to talk to you. <3

@fleschler  When a power conditioner was released this year, with a retail price OVER 50K~ Timmy decided to create a final solution for all ~ AT AN AFFORDABLE price.  It will NEVER need upgrading or go obsolete. :) <3 Lastly,  the Gate is part of the Perfect Path system. If you want the absolute sound, you need all the working parts.  <3

Breakfast with Devo? Oh Timmy, you are too much! <3 LOL <3

Let’s figure 100 E-Mats at $600/ea That totals $60,000 So this The Gate could be priced at $15,000 and save space and $45,000. I’m not that well heeled to afford this tweak. On the other hand, if it were reasonably priced at $5,000, PP wouldn’t be selling any more TC or E-Mats for the above average audiophile.

And so,  let the conjecture begin. Tom

Whew!! That was a close call. For a second there I thought you were going to say Heaven’s Gate. 😬

Heya Phil I forgot one thing~ The creation does have a name. <3 It's called "The Gate." He's been mumbling that AC line conditioning should be heard and not seen. lol. <3 Ohh, and you made reference to 100 mats, it's more than that. <3 WAY more than that. <3 :) It's like a Perfect Path sonic tsunami once that breaker is flipped. Day 3 in this house. Zucchini and green beans have frozen since yesterday. lol. I've almost run out of dial on the fridge.  And now..... it's Indie Rock time. <3 <3

@mrs_ppt. Thanks so much for the very detailed reply.  That explains a lot about how it is installed.  Hard to believe it could have the impact of 100 E Mats but then I was skeptical about the E Mats and buying some invalidated that skepticism as the beneficial effect of TC and the E Mats is obvious.  I look forward to seeing how the rollout of "the brick" takes shape.  Thanks again! 

@hifiman5 . Hi Phil, It's roughly 2.5-3" wide 2" thick and 9-10" in width. The neat thing about it is, you take the panel face off, and the brick rests in the bottom of the panel. It has two leads, you trim to fit. One either goes into an existing breaker, or you can buy a dedicated breaker. Trim to length. Insert into breaker, the next line goes into the common. Switch the breaker on. Put the door back on and you are done.  Plugged into.... the panel. <3 LOL <3 <3

It would be interesting to know how it would be mounted in the service panel and what @mrs_ppt means when she mentions the new product being "plugged in".  Plugged into what?

  This new line conditioner sounds very interesting,  I can't wait to hear more about it

Price is To Be Determined. I do know that a large amount of time went into the original prototype; and he's since found a ton of ways to cut down that time. Have you met Timmy? He's a creative madman.... with inspiration in his heart, music in his soul and a sounding board like you guys. How sweet is that?  A dream come true. <3 He's been at this for almost 20 years, freezing my soft skinned fruit. DAMN IT, AGAIN.  <3 LOL <3 Call him, 603-203-4486. He lives for this stuff. It's Phil Lesh time, fellas. Happy Saturday. <3 <3 <3

Amazing. More innovations from the fertile mind of Tim Mrock. :-)

Frank

Great SCOT! 

@mrs_ppt

What is the price?

<3 I am the alpha beta tester of Timmy’s latest creation <3 He has to preview what I write, for disclosure’s sake. <3 Loose lips sink ships. <3 LOL :P
It’s an interesting concept, an active/passive line conditioner. It’s the ultimate in AC power conditioning. Mounts inside the panel. Weighs 10 lbs. Compact and dense. Your wife can drop it on the floor and not break it. HAHA. Seriously, that’s the best kind of any tweak. lol <3 He will laugh when he sees this post. <3

THE SONIC EFFECT? 2-3 hundred mats in your panel (if you could do it). NOT KIDDING. Off the charts. HUGE dynamic range, details in the bass previously unheard. I call it a "force field" in the sound room..... the music is powerful and inviting and emotional. It ’s comparable to warp drive on the Enterprise. It will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF.
Even the most radically "harsh" recordings in our collection are smooth and enjoyable. I do love the Beatles but Yellow Submarine specifically was OUCH ville. Last night, ( night #2 of his new product plugged in) and honestly, it sounded like the stereo system was gone and it was a Fab Four concert just for us.Timmy was reluctant to try this product in our personal system. Seemed inconceivable that we could get improvement. I win. LOL. I can’t wait until I can tell y’all more details. AND if he’s got a waiting list? Get on it. <3 <3 <3 <3 OOOOhhhh. <3 <3 It’s Friday I’m in Love <3 <3 <3 DING. It’s Timmy approved. <3 TYVM. <3