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.
As a new-ish customer of Perfect Path, I would like to thank Frank for his steadfast and truthful enthusiasm for the PPT products. If I had listened to wilfully ignorant posts such as fsonicsmith, I would never have placed my initial order. I almost didn’t, because of people like him who have posted similar ignorant garbage here.
I’m so glad I did indeed take the plunge. Total Contact, PPT E-Mats, Alpha Cards, and Stop-It plugs not only work as advertised (or better than advertised), they are the future of audio. I really mean that. The Future/Now (sonically speaking). It’s the most excitement and enjoyment I’ve ever had since geting interested in audio in the early 1970s. My real name is Mark Taylor, I have run the G45Central 60s garage collectors website since 2006, which fsonicsmith may know if he knows anything about the real Fred Sonic Smith (RIP).
Don’t be put off by 100% uninformed posts such as those spewed in ignorance by fsonicsmith. As Frank said, and as my own experience has confirmed, you’ll most likely get more than you bargained for.
And if fsonicsmith would like to hear a PPT-enhanced digital transfer of one of Fred Sonic Smith’s first 45s with the MC5 on AMG (maybe "One Of The Guys" or "I Just Don’t Know"), let me know and I’ll put up a link in a day or two. Mark
It kinda makes me wonder which competitor fsonicsmith is working for. Either that or he has some really good Scotch or Bourbon.
And speaking of that, if you like tequila and are a Costco member, Costco has some really nice silver tequila for sale under the Kirkland label. Eighteen bucks for a 1.75-liter bottle.
We are Perfect Path Technologies, established 2018. Timothy Russell Mrock's business is located at 19 Mill Falls Rd, Pembroke NH. 03275. His phone number is 603-203-4486.
<3 Not ONE customer has returned an item in his gracious 90 day return policy <3
Tim is so far from a narcissist, he likes to say, it's not about him..... it's about a revolutionary technology. That's why the missing About Me page. However.... I'll get the webmaster to get right on it ;)
<3 Oh, and you can come hear for yourself at the Capital Audio Fest this fall. <3
Good grief man. PM me and I’ll happily give you Tim’s phone number. You can talk to him until you’re blue in the face. Ask him any questions you want. I’ve always found him to be as open as can be.
Will he tell you exactly how he builds his products, or what is in them to make them work. Hell no he won’t. Why should he ... and why would you be entitled to the information?
Dude, it is primarily a startup company. What do you expect, glossy publications and lots of bells and whistles? Ask anyone who has bought any PPT products about the great service, the fast shipping and the fairness of Tim and Krissy. In the case of doing business with this small company, you usually get more than what you’ve paid for. Perhaps others will comment on this aspect as well.
Quite honestly, with all due respect, you know nothing of what you speak.
Frank
PS: You don't really trust Stereophile do you? Really?
Now that’s funny? Has anyone that has actually purchased the Gate said they’ve been scammed? On the contrary, nothing but praise. Yet fsonicsmith knows better than all of us without even trying any of the products. I’d be impressed if I didn’t know how wrong he is. No hard feelings though, can’t fault him in his ignorance too much as he knows not what he speaks of.
I love my Gate and you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. Good luck with that. 😎
Mark my words; within ten years, probably five, this scam will be busted and you who keep chirping like lemmings on PCP that the products are worth it will be hiding behind new posting-names. Too bad this is not a real names-only Board. Indicator number one; the PPT website has no "About Us" section with a photo and bio of the man collecting your hard earned dollars. Not even a full name. Indicator number two; the products are listed without good photos and descriptions of the product in terms of materials, circuits, etc. The scam artist hides behind "why should I disclose my intellectual property?" Indicator number three; very high prices without any attempt to justify them. Even exotic cable manufacturers show their bling connectors and diagrams of their proprietary weaves or designs. Indicator number four; other than one quote from "Stereo Times", the guy taking your money relies on you A-Gon'ers to hype his product on his site. Send this stuff to Stereophile and let's see what happens. That won't happen anytime soon. Indicator number five; there is no address listed for the business. The phone number comes back as somewhere in Manchester New Hampshire and that is about as close as you can get with reverse number look-up. Like all cheaters including athletes who dope, it take a while, but the cheats and scammers are eventually revealed. Y'all know how "con artist" got it's name don't you? "Con" stands for confidence. The con artist relies upon your confidence that the scam is for real. I shall be back. To say "told you so". See you later. Hopefully before too many others get swindled.
Tim was going to come up with a YouTube video. He's been busy making Gates, mats, etc, and developing new products, so I suspect the video has been put on the back burner. Maybe Tim or Krissy will chime in here.
It is a very simple installation and comes with directions. The improvement in SQ is astounding. No joke.
Things are sounding great at my place. The Gate is fully broken in and the house circuit is saturated with The Gate’s goodness.
Here’s a music recommendation. If you still have a turntable (sorry if you don’t), this two-album set offers great performances and it sounds amazing. I’ve had it in my collection for years. It is mono, but you won’t care:
Excellent questions! <3 Sorry, must of missed your post in the flurry.... Tim is OUT STRAIGHT, and doesn't look at the threads much. <3
The Gate has NO internal components that are subject to failure during a thunderstorm. Lightening strike will follow the path of least resistance, and The Gate is NOT in that path. <3
For the minimal cost, a house surge protector is an EXCELLENT insurance policy. Tim wired one into our house 20 years ago. It's a must no matter what part of the world you live in. <3 Especially if you have nice gear. <3
My earlier question went unanswered. As a potential customer, I’d like to know if The Gate has any internal components that are subject to failure in thunderstorms or surges? If so, what would be the average cost to repair? Also, would it be wise to install a whole house surge protector?
debjit_g If you got the Mega-Pack bundle you should be really happy. That’s what I started with. After I received it and installed everything, I was totally inspired to go further, and then I ordered a Giga-Pack. Even after getting all that and some bonus product, I still wanted more and ordered 4 more tubes of Total Contact. Waiting for it to arrive is driving me crazy, haha! I'm treating all my SR grounding cables with it, the entire lengths.
The E-Mats are way more than subtle. It’s a case of once you have them in place, you might suffer anxiety and withdrawal symptoms if they were removed, haha. So are the little Alpha cards, which have a similar effect. I would say 12 cards have equivalent EMF blocking power to one mat, but each has its own use because of the size. The Mats can be placed under turntables, amps, preamps, D/A and A/D converters, etc. Inside breaker boxes is a popular recommendation, but somehow that did not seem to work quite as well for me. Australian breaker boxes are different from the USA variety. On the other hand, I have a mat draped over the power outlets at the back of my PowerCell line conditioner, and the improvement there is incredible.
The cards can be taped on top of sockets and terminals, inside speakers near crossovers, etc. I use 3 of the cards as barriers to stop tubes and transformers interacting on each of my PrimaLunas - very, very effective there. How many mats and cards? Well, 3 mats is nice, but I have 12 and any fewer would be possible cause for an anxiety attack. You could never have too many cards (at least 10?) , if your system is large like mine.
Total Contact paste is a must have. There’s so much info available about it on other threads that I don’t need to repeat. The main thing to remember is to start out treating the usual things like interconnect pins, tube pins (carefully!), speaker terminals, power pins, wall outlets. One fantastic way to use the remaining paste, is to brush an ultra-thin coating onto TA-32 fo.Q tape and then wrap the tape around cable terminations, grounding cables etc. Remember it is very conductive.
PPT products seems really interesting and along the lines of SR products. I have SR fuses and have been quiet impressed. Though PPT products have a trial period, I would hate to buy anything thinking I could return it. At $5k, the Gate seems an expensive proposition at this time. Hence I would like to know from your experience what cheaper PPT products I can buy to taste the waters ? Is the Omega e-mat makes a great deal of difference or it’s effect is shuttle at best ? How many of them and where should it be placed ?
I too got the preliminary information about TC from Frank and others within the earlier threads. A huge thank you to all those folks. I have never enjoyed my old and new music more.
stfoth - In answer to your question - I bought PPT because of what I read on Audiogon. I paid full price and have never been offered anything for my comments. I received some extras in my orders that were a pleasant surprise, but that was before I made any comments. My comments are always totally for real, rest assured.
And I agree with Frank that fully treating an existing system with PPT products (in my case I do not have the Gate yet), is a far greater and more profound improvement than upgrading an electronic component from good to great.
I just wanted to report that the e cards / mats and TC have upgraded my office and main systems, for less than the cost of a single high quality cable upgrade or power conditioner for one system. (I had been doing so for about two and a half years prior to trying the TC products listed) I have stated this before and will state again, as others have, these products are a bargain and work very well in my system.
If I had the money now, I would try The Gate so I could further upgrade both of my systems. Further, if it did not work or give me a “5K” upgrade in performance, I could just get my money back. I would do this because of my experience with ppt products, great service and easy access to the owner/inventor
I had interaction with Tim after purchasing TC with a simple question and he was helpful and friendly. He was never a pushy “sales guy”. He was just excited about his product. Prior to purchasing the mats and subsequently the cards I called Tim to ask for some specifics about placement. When I received the orders he through in a “Pelone” (Spanish slang for freebie) or two. I never asked for them but they are greatly appreciated. At no time did Tim ever ask me to post positive comments about these products. I am too busy to post consistently, but do so when I can because am truly excited about what the product has done for my enjoyment of music.
Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying. Don't get me wrong, I know the Ref-6 is a better sounding line stage than the Ref-3. I just don't have the desire to upgrade anything at this point because its totally unnecessary. The PPT products have gotten me off of the equipment merry-go-round. And besides, the Ref-3 coupled with the Ref-75se is a remarkably fine sounding combination.
Very interesting Frank. If I was going to summarize the whole of the PPT threads, it would be that the improvement in sound from eliminating the "spark" from less than perfect contacts (total contact), electromagnetic interference, i.e. RFI (matts), and dirty AC (Gate), this total improvement exceeds that of a new component such as the REF-6. I hope I got this right, if not sorry.
"Regarding The Gate, in terms of value, if it performs as others have said, IMO, it’s a great value in that it will provide sonic benefits over and above what most have experienced with their components."
The Gate outperforms anything I’ve tried in my system no matter the cost.
Prior to installing The Gate, I was seriously thinking about upgrading my line stage from the ARC Ref-3 to the Ref-6 ($14 000). At this point, barring a failure, I don’t feel any need what-so-ever to upgrade the electronics in my system or my speakers ... ever.
The combination of liberally applying Total Contact to every place I can think of, and installing the Omega E Mats in various places, and then placing The Gate in the circuit breaker box, has brought my system to the level that was totally unimaginable two-plus years ago. I still can’t believe what the PPT products have done for my sound. I’m still in awe.
I know some members think that I’m over the top, or exaggerating what these products do, but it is just the enthusiasm of a hard-core audiophile in disbelief of what is attainable once dirty AC line noise is reduced to almost nothing ... and a willingness to share the information with other like-minded folks.
I didn't understand why some took issue with your posts above. I understood exactly what you were saying. I'm glad you have the knowledge/understanding/willingness to do the research you described above and look forward to what you discover.
In my system, I think clean power is a top consideration. It continues to amaze me the sonic benefits from the products I own and use.
Regarding The Gate, in terms of value, if it performs as others have said, IMO, it's a great value in that it will provide sonic benefits over and above what most have experienced with their components.
For the money conscious, it would be a hard pill to swallow if one discovered after buying The Gate, at a later date, that one could have accomplished the same or similar sonic upgrade for 1/10th of the cost.
A question for PPT...is their any component inside that is subject to failure with a surge or a lightening strike?
I was the first beta tester for PPT's "Total Contact."
When Tim first approached me with the offer, based upon my experience with other contact enhancers, I was really reluctant to try it. Well, long story short, I did try it and loved the results. The rest is history. Did I pay for the product that I tested? Yes, but not with money. Here's a portion of a post I made answering a similar question to yours:
If you think something is "free" when you spend a year evaluating a product in three different versions, taking each one off before the other one is applied, then taking copious notes as the product "breaks in," continually being in contact with the person you are doing the testing for, and finally writing about your conclusions, I have a bridge to sell you.
Testing a product "for free" doesn't require a positive evaluation. It just requires honesty. If Total Contact was bunk, I would have said so.
It's fairly common knowledge and practice that early adopters in our hobby, especially with brand new products / technology, may get pricing that is slightly better than a negotiated (street) price once a product is established.
More importantly, would a few percentage points of additional discount serve as motivation to discard one's reputation? I think not.
I personally know a few of the members who have tried PPT products and I know they would not sugar coat or be inaccurate or overblown in their assessments of this or any product.
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
Has anyone else's buy and sell searches recently started coming up with ton's of totally unrelated items when doing a search?
When I do a search for perfect path technologies or the gate 40 or so items (guessing), including the matts, cards and tc are displayed, but not the gate.
Fsonicsmith, I only know Tim from being a customer. I have had limited contact with Tim ( a few emails and three phone calls) and have never conversed with the Mrs in any manner. I don’t know what you’re trying to insinuate but I have no affiliation with PPT other than being a satisfied customer. I started this thread to share my experience with this incredible product.
I realize youve never never heard a system utilizing the Gate so I can’t expect you to appreciate the value of this product but if it bothers you so much that it’s technology surpasses your ability to surmise as to how it might work, by all means feel free to ignore this thread altogether as we’d hate to contribute to any high blood pressure on your part. 😀
Neither Tim, or any inventor, owes you or anyone an explanation or justification regarding their technology. Their customer satisfaction speaks for itself. I doubt most of us could fully understand it if he did explain how it works and I don’t blame him for wanting to protect his intellectual property in the least.
As Tim stated his 90 day return policy is very generous and speaks volumes about his confidence in his products worth. This policy definitely outweighs any marketing jargon or scientific hyperbole as far as I’m concerned. It was this policy that prompted me to give the mats and cards a try and I couldn’t be happier that I did. Maybe I should have never availed myself of the opportunity to try these products and griped about what I knew nothing about instead?
@fsonicsmith Here is another new word for you to look up........ Intellectual Property.
White paper? Explanation? How about this, which is on the website.
You have 90 days to return all purchases except TC, no questions asked. I felt this carries a whole lot more weight then meaningless drivel, You know like the type your spewing.
Where is PPT and his wife? They were chiming in previously and now they are silent. I've been in this hobby long enough to know that PPT and his wife know exactly who Oregonpapa and Mac48025 are along with any other happy customers who chimed in here and they have traded emails here and there about this thread. So again, I ask; where are you? How about taking the time to give some clue as to what justifies the price? Or not-just tell us that like an original Shun Mook Puck
http://www.shunmook.com/hifiproduct_1.html there is "really rare stuff from ancient swamps in Africa" or maybe rare earth obtained from ancient Mayan ruins or a meteor recovered from Aboriginal tribesman or maybe as alluded to above some nano-somethingorother and we can all get on with our lives and derive our mirth elsewhere.
Thanks for taking the effort to do some research before labeling the Gate a rip off, noromance. There’s much more to it than meets the eye, I’m sure. I can definitely tell you it’s not a rip off as it’s provided me with as much or more musical pleasure than an component upgrade I’ve made ( some costing much more than the Gate).
I fully understand ones skepticism about something not understood.....I was there myself before giving these products a try. They’ve been some of the best audio purchases I’ve ever made.
I have no idea how this thing works or what’s in it and I couldn’t care less as I know what it delivers.....a purity and realism to music I’ve not previously experienced. While I don’t know for sure I’d bet my entire system that it’s not a mere capacitor. There is no way a capacitor could bring so much life and energy to the music. I believe removing RFI and EMI is part of the PPT magic but it’s not the full story.
I look forward to hearing what your research brings and I hope you get the chance to hear the affects a Gate brings to table, it’s quite eye opening and jaw dropping to say the least.
I have to admit there may be more to this than first realized.
I’ve been reading up on Spintronics, Nanoribbons and other very new nano technologies.
As an engineer, and given the possibility that PPT are utilizing new scientific breakthroughs involving patent expense and/or expensive research, I am going to quit denigrating the product as a "rip off." I feel it is only fair until other evidence becomes available.
That's what I thought before The Gate was installed.
Prior to installing The Gate, the system was pasted with Total Contact and the Omega E-Mats were under each piece of equipment, along with two placed into the circuit breaker box. At that point, I didn't think there was any more line noise to eliminate. Enter The Gate ...
It's very hard to describe what The Gate does, or better said, what it allows the listener to hear. The usual terms like transparency, dynamics, speed, etc., just don't complete the picture. The Gate affords a huge helping of realism, way beyond what I've heard before in over 40 years in the hobby. It really has to be heard to be believed.
Once tried, how can one not be enthusiastic about the product? If gushing with enthusiasm is a sin, count me in as guilty.
@uberwaltz Ha! Mea culpa. For my part, I’m intrigued as to what is inside the box. Pandora? Fortunately my AC power is clean enough and I’ve no desire to strap a cap across breakers.
Obviously I have no problem with spirited intellectual debate but I have seen very little evidence of that so far.
Yes some of the positives can be construed as a bit overblown but until you try you will never know what truth there is to it.
The negatives consisting of statement along lines of it may just be a $50 part is also extreme and very unlikely.
But sure why does someone not go ahead and buy the Russian Vostock, install and report back, then at least we have some reference and not just idle thoughts.
BUT again I will say everyone is entitled to their opinions and this is a free posting forum but if all anybody is intending to do is say things like it's scam or rip off WITHOUT any actual facts to back it up then my point stands.
It is is insulting and offensive to both those who have taken the plunge and more importantly the manufacturer.
@uberwaltz I am merely stating my opinion and counter argument. Your post telling me not to do this is not in the spirit of debate. I'm sorry if you feel demeaned. It is not my intent.
"gizmo"? Like the guys who said Total Contact was "goo". Wrong. And fo.Q tape was "snake oil". Wrong again. Common theme - ignorance of the subject under discussion.
If you're sure it’s a $50 600v 4uF cap, why don’t you buy some, put it in a box and sell the alternative product for one tenth of the price of The Gate? You’d clean up, and you’d do us all a favour. If you can’t be bothered doing that, then what can I say?
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