2. analog
  3. 127367-2726

Relaxing Records for Better Sound - Using the AFI FLAT

I am re-posting my review under a new heading.  While this is a device for taking out warps, I think its RELAX function, which improves sonics, is of greater import.

I have had a FLAT (that does have a nice ring to it) for several months and here are my impressions:

1.     I love the look and what appears to be very solid German design and construction.

2.     Its operation is straight-forward and it has performed without any issues. The only thing I would note is that, as stated in the user manual, the cool-down cycle will not function properly in very warm ambient temperature. It basically cannot fully complete the cool-down cycle. After confirming this for myself (I am guessing the room temperature was around 27 or 28 C) I from then on ran it with my aircon on (24 C ambient temperature) for the cool-down cycle with no issues.

3.     I have found its ability to flatten records excellent, five stars. This is described as the Standard function. I thought that I would have limited use for this feature, but since getting the FLAT I have been much more observant and found that quite a few new records that I have bought are dished. The Standard cycle has successfully flattened all my warped records.

4.     It also has another function, Relax, which is of much interest. This is a milder version of the Standard cycle. Unfortunately, there is zero description, apart from how to operate it, that I could find in the 19 page user manual on this. I wanted to know what Relax is meant to accomplish and whether it can be used on both played and unplayed records, and new and old. I have been told, but have not been able to substantiate, that the designer believes it to release something trapped in the vinyl during pressing. I wanted to know whether there is any audible difference using this cycle so I managed to find two identical unplayed records in my collection of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”. They are US pressings but not the original 1971 pressing but must have been a subsequent Warner Bros/Reprise “Super Saver Series” reissue which I picked up around 1987-88. I checked that they had identical Matrix/Runnout identifiers. I cleaned both with my KLAudio Mk2 cleaner and used the Relax cycle on one. A day later I played the non Relaxed record with a friend with excellent audio ears. The recording quality was not the best. We then put on the Relaxed record. We were both amazed. There was a very significant difference. The non Relaxed record was irritating and the Relaxed record was transformed to listenable.

5.   I later listened to a 1987 German pressing on Warner Brothers of “Shaka Zulu” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I would have had this record for over 25 years but had not played it. I had washed it with a KLAudio Mk1 in Nov 2014. It is an excellent recording and pressing. I put it through the FLAT’s Relax cycle and listened to it again. It is not often that I can compare two events separated by 18 hours and categorically be sure of the outcome. The recording had a significant increase in ambient information that turned an excellent recording into something special. I think also that the soundstage was improved in width and solidity.

6.     The Relax cycle will only take out the mildest of warps. Nearly all warps need the Standard cycle.

Since, I started to Relax FLAT all my best recordings. I highly recommend this device to take out warps, and also more importantly for me, to Relax favourite recordings for improved sonics. I would not be without it.

All the best,
bluewolf

Showing 5 responses by nkonor

nkonor
635 posts
 
bluewolf,

I appreciate your follow up review of the AFI Flattener. An expensive accessory to be sure. Probably worth it to the die-hards among us vinyl fans with some spare $.
nkonor
635 posts
 
bluewolf,

Is the AFI record Flat distributed in the US? By who?

Thanks
Norb
nkonor
635 posts
 
I am still hoping that someone can provide a lead on a distributor in the USA and cost $

Thanks in Advance 
nkonor
635 posts
 
rwwear,

Thanks for posting the Link for the Vinyl Flat. I may try  it. I do think that the AFI Flat would be more controlled. Most of my records are flat. Some used records that I bought have the long warps and 1 or 2 with sudden edge warps. I have multiple copies , so it is not really a problem.

The AFI Flat has a RELAX function that uses lower heat and shorter heating time, but longer cooling time if I am understanding correctly. This  RELAX Function supposedly RELAXS stresses in the record incurred during the pressing process; This is what I am interested in.

Read bluewolfs review above for the sonic results that he reports. Even though it is a "Spendy" piece of gear.I think it would be a worthwhile accessory for Hard core vinyl fans. I have an AudioDesk Pro US cleaning machine, A VPI 16.5 for initial cleaning of used records and rinsing after US cleanig, I have a Furatech De'Mag for demagnetizing records. I think that the AFI Flat would be a worthy adddition to these tools to obtaining SQ.

I have found a dealer in Canada; but the new improved version is not finalized. Michael Fremer is supposed to get an AFI Flat for review; I guess we will just need to wait until this is accomplished.

I have be in contact with another user in the UK and he echos the same kind of results.
nkonor
635 posts
 
jbny,

Sorry that it has taken so long for me to reply. Can you PM me with the phone # to contact the manufacturer that you purchased from direct. I would also like to speak with Oliver in Germany.

Yesterday, I had a pro come to my house and remount my Lyra Kleos cartridge and fine tune my Triplanar tonearm. Tri Mai and Atmasphere did an OK job of mounting and adjustment of the Kleos and Triplanar; but Brian Walsh of TTsetup .com brought the Triplanar / Kleos to a new level of performance that Tri and Ralph did not achieve.Last night was a late listening session for me and right now, I have the system warming up with a cd on repeat and the TT running just to warm up the bearing. Should be ready in about an hour.

I am very happy with my current system. It plays Music in all the ways that I have chased for 30 years. Has all the features that I longed for and nothing that I do not need. Unless I win a lottery; This will be my final system. The AFI Flat is the only item that could possibly add to my enjoyment of Vinyl.

Is the AFI compatible with US electricity? No added Customs fees? How long did it take to arrive? What was the total cost delivered to your door?
You have had additional time to use your AFI Flat. Are you still happy with your purchase? Do you have any additional thoughts on its use and the results / benefits to SQ?

Your experience and thoughts will be much appreciated.

Thank You

Norbert

More to discover