Sonic Tonic fom the Tweek Geek

@dlcockrum & @ozzy 
Interesting...
Thanks for the posts. 

Hi ozzy,

I decided to compare the Tweak Geek Dark Energy speaker cables with my Cerious GEs. Mike was super and sent the DE speaker cables out same day on Saturday with simply a CC deposit (not charged) and they arrived Monday. Too early to communicate any comparison between the two but I am liking what I am hearing with the DE’s.

I also asked Mike to send 4 bottles of Sonic Tonic with the cables. He recommended trying one on each of my power cord IEC connectors as you do.

For several weeks, I have been playing with Mad Scientist Black Discus at various places in my system.  Transformative on the Cerious GE speaker cables and also the Dark Energy, but the Black Discus just killed the energy when placed on my power cord IEC connectors. Mike said he had tried them and found exactly the same result on power cords, yet recommended that I initially try a Sonic Tonic bottle on each of my power cord IECs. So I did. Same result as the Black Discus - robbed all of the energy from the sound. Perhaps it is that these RF/EMI killers interact negatively with the active shielding of my SR power cords, but I can say with all confidence that they remove much more than RF/EMI in my situation. Not subtle.

Recommend trying the free samples of the Black Discus from Mad Scientist on the + speaker terminals of your amp. Talk about a WAKE UP! I would be greatly interested in reading your results.

Dave

koestner,

John, They have 2 different purposes. The DIY resonators are used for room interaction and placements within the room is key. 

The Sonic Tonic bottles are doing something to reduce the noise within the cable itself, allowing more dynamics to flow. Here again you must experiment with placement and quantity.
Too much of them in one place and it will make the music too forward and loose depth in the soundstage.
They seem to work best on IEC ends. But do try them on speaker ends, HDMI ends etc.

ozzy

Ozzy... how would you compare the Sonic Tonic to those small copper resonator things? The ones you made from fly fishing parts. I only ask because I have always respected you opinion (especially on the BSG-QOL) I made some of those resonators, and thought they did nothing. I seems that you like the ST bottles even more, but your answer will confirm.

Thanks ... John

I just purchased another 8 Sonic Tonic Bottles.
I hope others have tried them, they are a true sonic bargain.
ozzy

Can they detect the presence of artificial atoms? Can they detect the presence of one molecule thickness Graphene? If they can detect nothing it might not mean nothing’s there. It might look like a nothing burger. 🍔

Anybody got access to an AA Spectrophotometer or Mass Spec?  

Crushed up WA Quantum Chips would be my guess. 🍪 🍪 🍪 If it looks dark it could very well be pate au Graphene. 

Well I opened a bottle.
What it looks like is a paste at the bottom of the bottle. It looks dark but it is hard to tell with the dark blue bottle.
I then took some out of an IEC that had the Sonic Tonic installed inside the power cord and found it to be a hard rubber like substance. But, I think that is because it has been exposed to air.
So, can’t tell you what it is but I know Mike at Tweek Geeks likes the Bybee stuff so perhaps it is chips or filings from Bybee products and maybe some other secret ingredients.
Whatever, it sure is a benefit to the sound quality.
ozzy

geofkait,

Why don't you try it, smash it, and tell us ?
ozzy

Not curious at all? If you knew what was inside you could make better guesses where they should go, no? I’m not a big fan of the expression, oft used by reviewers and audiophiles alike, "I don’t care how they work but work they do!" It’s always better in the long run to try to get to the bottom of things. Geez, if they’re only $25 I’d smash one open with a hammer in a heartbeat and I’m not hot doggin ya.

Thanks for the comments.
However, unless you have actually tried the Sonic Tonic bottles all your assumptions and your opinions are just that. Personally, I don’t really know what is inside the bottles and frankly I don’t care.

The only real test is does it improve sound quality? And I say, yes, yes it does. The price is extremely minimal for the improvement.
Has anyone else tried them?

ozzy

jmcgrogan2
Not Geoffkait: "I also learned that the process of evaluating the effect of crystals is a difficult process. This is why I also think that Crystal based products get a bad rap sometimes. Their effect takes time to develop, sometimes a few days to stabilize. Removing them from the room does not immediately remove their effect either. It appears the room itself needs time to "discharge" once the crystals are removed."

@geoffkait , I have noticed this same phenomena with the magnet cables/cords (HFC).
They make for VERY difficult A/B comparisons due to the time it takes for the magnetism to interface with the system, and again, the withdrawal effect takes several hours to clear, IMHO.

A/B comparisons used to be so fun and easy, not anymore.

>>>>Just to make it clear the quote you referred to above is not mine. Not that it matters too much, since I pretty much agree in principle. It should also be mentioned, however, that it is also not obvious how crystals work, what the operating principle is. A lot of people assume that crystals operate magnetically or by absorption of RFI/EMI or by some unspecified quantum mechanical principle. The latter one assumes is what Tweek Geeks were hinting at when they dropped Jack Bybee’s name all over the place during the discussion of crystals and Sonic Tonic on their web site. Alas, gentle readers, I must abuse you of those theories. The crystals operate via a much more obvious and perhaps less glamorous mechanism. It should also be mentioned that there are actually a great many locations where crystals can improve the sound. Next up, are crysals directional? Do they have to be reconditioned? OK, enough about crystals. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

I also learned that the process of evaluating the effect of crystals is a difficult process. This is why I also think that Crystal based products get a bad rap sometimes. Their effect takes time to develop, sometimes a few days to stabilize. Removing them from the room does not immediately remove their effect either. It appears the room itself needs time to "discharge" once the crystals are removed.

@geoffkait , I have noticed this same phenomena with the magnet cables/cords (HFC).
They make for VERY difficult A/B comparisons due to the time it takes for the magnetism to interface with the system, and again, the withdrawal effect takes several hours to clear, IMHO.

A/B comparisons used to be so fun and easy, not anymore.

sgordon1, 
Thanks for your input.
Next, I am going to also add another set of the Sonic Tonic on the other end of the speaker cables.
ozzy

Here is an application of Bybee QSE with Sonic Tonic.
I used wide, clear, hd  Duck tape to secure the QSE (lengthwise) so that it attaches to the back of my speakers and extends, at an angle, over the terminals.  This has been in place for a few months.  I like the addition of Sonic Tonic, placement per Ozzy...

I also like making a CD sandwich before playing a disc.  With the drawer of the cd player extending into the room, loaded with a cd on the tray, I hold a QSE in each hand: one touching the top of the cd and one touching the tray beneath the cd platter.  Fifteen seconds is all it takes!

Tweek Geek and crystals (from their web site)
"My own experimentation began by placing large crystals of quartz, amethyst, tourmaline and other stones on top of cables, components etc. Most had next to no effect, some made me think there was a good improvement, only to determine later that it made the sound to bright and edgy. Not to mention looking like a crazy person to my family and friends.

I also learned that the process of evaluating the effect of crystals is a difficult process. This is why I also think that Crystal based products get a bad rap sometimes. Their effect takes time to develop, sometimes a few days to stabilize. Removing them from the room does not immediately remove their effect either. It appears the room itself needs time to "discharge" once the crystals are removed. Usually an hour or two. Up until I learned this I made too many snap judgements. Removing crystals and listening immediately afterward had me thinking that some made no difference. However, returning to the "un-crystallized" room hours later I would notice their absence. This was the cause of many re-evaluations."

....................

>>>>>I’m heartened to hear that another tweak manufacturer has been experimenting with crystals. As he intimates, crystals are enigmatic and complicated. My Brilliant Pebbles, introduced at the London HiFi Show in 2003, were the first comprehensive crystal based products for audio applications. Power to the Pebble!

Note to self: why did Tweek Geek discuss crystals just before Sonic Tonic. Is Sonic Tonic crystal based? Is this really just a wannabe copy cat of my Micro Brilliant Pebbles for Interconnect connectors and speaker terminals? The first version of Brilliant Pebbles were, uh, crystals contained in small laboratory glass bottles. Coincidence? Hmmmmm..

My most recent placement of the Sonic Tonic bottles has been one on each speaker at the binding posts lodged in between the speaker posts. (I have bi-wired posts)
Wow! what an improvement!
This is the best tweak bang for the buck that I have experienced.
ozzy

Should I say ouch? Good on ya, mate!

Yes, I'm old, but at least I can remember the things that matter.
ozzy

Whoa! What? Hey, ozzy, easy big guy. I’m only trying to help you guys out. You’re acting a little slow on the old response times. Too much Fosters last night one assumes. Still confused? Think "quantum mechanics" the tweek dudes mentioned and the SR Black fuse. 

Jay23,

I also have the Bybee signal enhancers and I place them on the components. The Sonic bottles are placed on the IEC ends, They synergize each other well. Well worth the cost of $25 per bottle.

geoffkait, Stay home...

ozzy

Putty? Interesting......maybe it's Silly Putty.

Wouldn’t it be a stitch if there was nothing inside the bottles? Say, the glass isn’t black by any chance is it?

ozzy,

Sure thing. Thanks for the answer! How would you compare them to the Bybee QSEs?

jay23,

Thank you for bringing this thread back to the intent.
At this point, I don't know what is inside. I think the top of the bottles are glued shut. Shaking the bottle does not indicate any rattle or liquid moving. So, my guess it is in some form of putty.

Thanks for the reply.
ozzy

Is the bottle filled with a liquid, crystals, or a powder?

They say it took a few months to develop Sonic Tonic in one breath. In the next breath they say it was a journey of 10 years. Huh! They say the liquid in the bottles reacts to RFI/EMI, producing a new beneficial thing. What would that new thing be, anti matter? 😳

OMG! Whoa! Hey! They stole the name of my Dark Matter product, too. For their Dark Energy cables. What in the wide world of sports is a-going on here?!

czarivey
THEY STOLE IT FROM US! Nasty Little Hobitses! They stole our precious!

They have neither the time, the training, nor the inclination for strategic thought. I can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration, Communist indoctrination, Communist subversion and the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids. Preserve our essence.

Geoffkait: If it took 10 years to develop I guess we can rule out water.

shadorne
How long does the audible improvement last and how much of the liquid did you drink to achieve the optimal effect?

I see what you're saying. You think it's Kool Aid, right? Strawberry, lime or cherry?

THEY STOLE IT FROM US! Nasty Little Hobitses! They stole our precious!

How long does the audible improvement last and how much of the liquid did you drink to achieve the optimal effect?

;-)

If it took 10 years to develop I guess we can rule out water.

You're right, czarivey, and cameras can steal your soul.

Yeah, I know this sounds like "snake oil" and perhaps it is.
But, what is inside the $$$ Bybee tweaks? Or what is inside the tubes of the Synergistic $$$ power conditioners? This why I mentioned this tweak. And who wouldn't want to see more details in an aging actress face, like Tara Reid?

I originally got them for trial, and for what it is; (4 small bottles placed on top of IEC connectors) and for such a small price you can't go wrong. He will actually refund your money if you don't want them.
I am using them on top of the Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme IEC power cables. Perhaps there is a synergy with the graphene? I don't know.
 
ozzy

Interesting, thanks for the post, Ozzy.

Ah, I get it, mcgroggen. Oil of the snake. 🐍

A journey of 10 years? Whoa! What? Hey, their feet must be really sore.

Oh, I took the tonic part literally!

If the stuff is anything like the Tweek of the 1980/90’s, careful on tube pins. Tweek was conductive, and if any was dripped between pins on tube sockets, shorting could result.

@bdp24 , the bottle will not fit on tube pins.
Look at the instructions, you NEVER take the cap off the bottle to use these.
You place the sealed bottle on top of connections.

https://tweekgeek.blogspot.com/2017/05/sonic-tonic-journey-of-10-years-becomes.html

If the stuff is anything like the Tweek of the 1980/90’s, careful on tube pins. Tweek was conductive, and if any was dripped between pins on tube sockets, shorting could result.

At first I thought this was something like Phonon 3n, to be applied on the connectors. When I saw it was for placement of the bottle on a component or cable, I said to myself, pass, but good for anyone who tries it and likes it. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise

Really, bottles of liquid stuff in a sealed jar placed precariously on the connectors of power cords. I have never been one to post something like this on any tweak, but I have to admit this is just darn near impossible for me to embrace right now.

Ozzy, I respect your experience, wisdom, and posts over the years. I guess this particular method of a tweak is causing me great anxiety😕

Geoff, I am sorry to say that your people are too busy reversing the direction of their fuses, interconnects and speaker wires to get in touch with anyone.  Give them a couple of years and it will all work out.
Jetter

So anyone can steal anything they want? My people will be in touch with their people. 

geoffkait,
I guess they thought your version needed replacement?

jmcgrogan2,
The movies get dumber every year. But, the little sonic bottles really bring out the image quality.

ozzy

OMG!!! Sharknado 5!!! Really???!!!
Oh the humanity!!!