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Perfect Path Tecnologies ‘The Gate’

Having been a music lover and audio enthusiast for more decades than I care to admit to I’ve had the privilege of owning some tremendous components over those years and thought I had attained a level of musical enjoyment that would be difficult to improve upon without spending more money than I could afford. Then along came The Gate to turn my audio conceptions on end. 

While I was quite skeptical of all of the positive proclamations regarding the Perfect Path mats, cards and contact enhancer ( how could they possibly bring about such sonic improvements?) I took the plunge and purchased a nano bundle to see what the hubbub was all about. Much to my surprise they not only brought about improvements to my systems’ ability to recreate a more musical sound but did so in spades. 

When Tim of Perfect Path Technologies asked if I wanted to try his new product, The Gate, I jumped at the chance thinking it would be a nice addition to what the other products provided. I wasn’t prepared for the quantum leap The Gate brought to my music listening pleasure. As much as the other products brought about a much lower noise floor, greater detail and delicacy, improved dynamics, richer tone and more realism The Gate does so in magnitudes difficult to describe. The best way I can describe its affect is unreal purity leading the most realistic musical sound I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.....outside of a live performance obviously. It has me listening to all of my CD’s as if for the first time again.

I have no idea how The Gate actually works or what it does I just know it’s the most dramatic tweak to my system I’ve ever experienced and I wouldn’t think of being without it. As to how it’s implemented, it’s installed in the electrical panel with one lead connected to the common buss and the other to a breaker ( preferably 220). Hope I got the terminology correct.....I’m far from being an electrician!

At $4,999.00 it’s not cheap but worth every penny to me as I’ve spent more on components with less sonic improvement. 

Lastly, I realize some will scoff at something they can’t understand and I get not understanding it as I don’t, but I would hope people could keep their skepticism healthy and civil. I am not here to promote or sell, nor do I have any affiliation with PPT. I am only sharing something that I’ve found to be transforming in my system. Sorry for the lengthy introduction.
mac48025

Showing 5 responses by mribob

mribob
229 posts
 
I had the pleasure of Frank, and his friend come over to my home yesterday, and we listened before, and after installation of the Gate. I now have 24 hours of 'burn in' time, and wish to share my observations.
First, it took around 10 minutes to install, with volt meter, to ensure proper and correct installation.
I am noticing a distinct improvement in resolution, and as others have pointed out, much better bass response, with both depth and clarity. On Karrin Allyson's track of 'April come she will', the guitar riffs from the left speaker during her vocals were much clearer, more evident than I heard prior to installing the Gate.  The systems sounds 'cleaner', purer, with lower noise floor, and greater ease. I think my rig is pretty resolving, and I am using 6 eMatts, some TC paste, Shunyata Triton 3 Power conditioner, and NAS streamed digital files thru a dCS Vivaldi 2 DAC....I wouldn't classify this as 'jaw dropping' improvement yet, but after 24 hours, do feel its a worthy addition to my system, and I like what its doing to improve my listening enjoyment. I intend on keeping the unit. I like the ability of Tim to offer his in home trial. By the way, the unit is very well made, weighs 10 libs, comes in  perfectly made hard shell flight case, and does for me what other uses have already posted. I am a happy camper, and Tim supporter.
As I notice further improvements, or not, I will add to this post...
Bob


 
mribob
229 posts
 
I've had my Gate installed now for just over two weeks, and feel it has settled in nicely. I agree, that there is a steady improvement over time...and as other's have posted, there is a significant improvement in quality of bass...much deeper, and cleaner than before. Female vocals do sound much richer, with more 'sonic density', full orchestral works allow me to better hear each section with better resolution and detail...much better reverb and ability to convey the space the music was recorded. I do suffer from a poorly designed room, so can't really address improvement in sound stage, but that's on me, not the Gate.
I don't like going overboard with hyperbole, but can honestly state I am impressed with the improvement of the Gate; perhaps not as 'jaw dropping' as others have experienced, but it provides significant more enjoyment, and improved sound that I will be sending Tim a check shortly and purchasing the unit. I guess my review is putting my $$$ in the game, not just my opinion. I agree, that many of Tim's products are synergistic, and the TC paste, and eMatts, and now the Gate all have contributed in different ways to elevate my system, so its sounding the best its been, and enhancing my listening enjoyment and pleasure. Thanks, Tim, and Frank for bringing these items to my attention.
Enjoy the music,
Bob

mribob
229 posts
 
Its been over three weeks since the Gate has been installed...Tim was kind enough to suggest a more optimal placement position for it in my panel via text photo...been busy at work, but today, have the house alone, and I'm able to enjoy the stereo and louder listening volumes. Sitting here, listening to an album from 'Academy of Ancient Music, Andrew Manze, playing Bach's Concerto for oboe and violin, strings and continuo in D minor...and its simply breath taking....the music flows seemlessly, full of sonic depth and textures, that was missing from my rig previously. Sound stage, bass, detail, resolution in spades....the music just fills my large listening space, and transports me to a live concert hall. I rarely listen to classical, but am raptured by the beauty.
I believe the synergistic effect of my judicious use of TC paste, 6 eMatts, and now the Gate have really transformed and elevated my system. The changes for me were gradual, but when I now have time to listen, its just amazing. I have no dog in this hunt...but wish to share my personal observations on how these products are helping me simply enjoy the music like never before, and thats why I worked hard to improve my rig...hard to believe it could get better than this.
Peace...and enjoy listening.
bob
mribob
229 posts
 
My Gate is now 'mature', and its been installed for just over one month. My system is now stone 'quiet' with deep blacks, lowest noise floor I've had in my rig, better sound stage, and more musical magic and presence than before. My LCD TV is also a bit sharper, and the TV sound thru my AV pre-pro is also improved, on same circuit as my two channel rig. I still use Shunyata Triton III power conditioner to good effect.
I am keeping my Gate, and sent in payment. I like its additive effects with the eMats and TC paste. As Frank has described, now I am just sitting back, and rediscovering my music collection, listening and enjoying more, and worrying  less about tweaking gear or focusing on equipment issues. Tim has a hit on his hands with this product...highly recommended
mribob
229 posts
 
I too share Batmobile and Mac’s experience in dealing with Tim, he is extremely responsive, and occasionally on big orders throws in some unexpected goodies, always appreciated, but never expected. He is fair, easy to deal with, and I find his products have allowed me to enjoy the music, focus less on gear.
i echo Papa’s views, before you slam some of these innovative unique concepts, try them risk free. I am not a shrill, and only rarely post, but I feel an urge to defend integrity of other ‘Goners that I know and respect.
lets just enjoy our hobby, and learn how some tweaks might help us achieve those goals.
Bob
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