2. misc-audio
  3. 168099-139155

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 3 responses by kennyc

kennyc
1,836 posts
 
+1 @millercarbon
Yes, impossible. Impossible to rank these.
Too much effort to rank, and for me it’s better only as a checklist as what one needs to address (or not) in their own system.
kennyc
1,836 posts
 
@hilde45
Which of the tweaks on your list were most important to deal with first?
I'm probably an atypical audiophile.  After 5 years of research I'm nearly finished completing my bucket list high-end analog/digital audio chain hoping to land somewhere mid-fi (couldn't think of another term).  Awaiting funds to purchase speakers and cables.  So I'm addressing all the non-tube tweaks simultaneously.  
kennyc
1,836 posts
 
@hilde45
Don’t fully understand the stuff about Cisco switch; have been using wifi rather than ethernet cable because I’ve read that ethernet cables are susceptible in real ways
Read increasing reviews of the sonic benefits of an audiophile Ethernet switch. 
Last I checked the $4k Telegärtner m12 network switch was at the top of the heap. Fortunately, there are some new audiophile Ethernet switches more wallet friendly.

To further lower noise there are optical isolation options for both Ethernet and interconnects. A 2019 list of Ethernet switches: https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/298457-ethernet-switches-for-audio-part-a-list-of-switches-re...
A sceptic review who thinks it’s a placebo:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-audiophile-network-switches-make-a-dif...
But there are many who hear improvements and not everything we hear is measurable with current science.

There’s also Uptone EtherRegen and audiophile Ethernet cables.

I haven’t yet decided how far I want to go down this $ rabbit hole.
More to discover