Rank the tweaks, geeks!


How would you rank the general importance of the following gear (not room or electrical) tweaks. You can use your own setup and experience as your basis. If you tried something and it didn't matter, put it in a separate paragraph at the bottom with "didn't matter" next to it. If it doesn't apply to your setup, just don't include it on your list.

speaker wires
speaker isolation
interconnects
cable risers
component isolation
tube dampers
power cords for amps
power cords for preamps
power cords for other compnents
better capacitors (where?)
better fuses (where?)

Did I leave out an important tweak? Please add in as you see fit.

Think it's all snake oil and voodoo? Go watch some TV or take a walk and let folks on the thread have their fun. Because this is a hobby.

If you think that "everything matters" but are willing to go beyond that and suggest what would be the best first step toward doing something, please list the best first things to do. A "to do agenda" rather than a "priority list."
hilde45

Showing 1 response by audiorusty

My list doesn't exactly follow the Op's list (my apologies, but then, I never have followed the rules) but the improvement I experienced when each was implemented was significant enough to warrant a mention.

Most important tweak in my opinion, though probably not an actual tweak is dealing with room acoustics. I dealt with mine electronically instead of acoustically because of cost, floor space and WAF. I do plan to explore acoustic options in the future.

The next biggest improvement was when I switched to fully balanced operation. The improvement in tone, dynamics and system noise was completely unexpected.

This doesn't fall into the tweak category either but the improvement was significant enough that I feel it needs to be mentioned, adding an active crossover between subs and mains. The difference in clarity and tightness in the low end was rather eye opening

Time aligning the subs and mains added even more clarity, space between instruments and improved imaging.

My last tweak is actually on the Op's list, component isolation. I haven't done extensive isolation and because of my penchant for loud, bass driven music the isolation platform under my TT is more of a necessity than a tweak. Other components I have used minimal isolation on so far are my subs and amps. I also have plans to explore isolation under my other components and improve the isolation under the subs and amps.