toolbox149,
I make my own. You can use Blu-Tack instead of glue when inserting the cones into the caps.
I make my own. You can use Blu-Tack instead of glue when inserting the cones into the caps.
Synergistic Research HFT's
I acquired a ten-pack of SR's HFT room treatments and installed them according to directions just prior to last night's listening session. Easy to install using the blue-tack type of material that was included in the package.
http://highend-electronics.com/products/sr-hft-high-frequency-transformer
The listening room already sported two pairs of Shataki Holograms ... one pair in the front corners of the room and a second pair in the rear corners of the room. In addition to the Holograms, there are tube traps along the rear of the listening position. I thought I had my room problems solved with the existing treatments and I was satisfied with those results.
Enter the SR HFT's ...
I had my friend Robert over last night to help evaluate the changes, if any. I was looking forward to maybe a small improvement at best. I mean, what can one expect from little metal devises that stick to your walls ... little devises so small that one wouldn't even notice them unless they were called attention to?
Long story short ... we were hit over the head with astounding disbelief at the ... I don't want to use the word "improvement," because that would be an understatement. I'll use the word trans-formative instead. Because, that's exactly what this tweak has done; its transformed my listening environment, and consequently my entire system, into an unbelievable music machine.
The first CD I played was a private recording of Rachmaninoff's third piano concerto, with the L.A. Philharmonic orchestra during a Rachmaninoff piano competition. The disc features the winner of the contest on piano. This has always been one of the favorite recordings in my collection. It transports the listener into the venue in a very natural way. This CD was burned right from the master tape with no artificial reverb or compression. A good test for any changes to the system.
Uhhh .... what I thought was a great recording transported us into the live event. Astounding to say the least. How can such a simple tweak as ten little dots spread around the room have such a huge effect? My theory is ... the sound energy coming from the speakers causes certain resonances at certain frequencies, and those resonances excite certain areas of the room and smears the sound. The HFT's take those resonances out of the equation. That's my theory, anyway.
Here's the noted improvements:
1. A much more solid presentation at higher volume levels. Everything just seems to hang together better.
2. Bass control: The best bass from my system yet. Very defined. The lower registers of the piano are a delight.
3. Size of the presentation: What I thought was a big sound stage before has been expanded in a very focused way.
4. Transparency: I can "see" much further into the presentation now. The audience noises,coughs & sneezes, the orchestra tuning up, the members turning the pages of the music, the conductor walking on the platform ... all there where a lot of it wasn't before.
5. Musicality: The correct tones of the instruments, which I've paid particular attention to in the system, were much improved. Strings, timpani's and the presence of the piano were all dead-nutz on. Amazing.
6. 3-D: A much more holographic presentation. Good Lord, how much better can this get? So much more "air" around the performers. It really adds to the suspension of disbelief in a big way.
I could go on and on with our positive impressions last night, but I will echo what Robert said: "This is your greatest tweak ever!" "It sounds like you've improved your entire system."
After playing a number of CD's featuring piano, we switched to the analog rig and played a whole variety of music ... from straight ahead jazz to Hawaiian music. The expansion of the sound space, and the realism from analog and tubes with the new room treatment? Unbelievable.
The ten pack of HFT's gets you to "level two" ... one more pack of five would get it to "level three." Based upon last nights results, there is another five pack in my near future.
Are any of you other A'goners using SR HFT's in your room? If so, please post your results here. I'd like to know if your experiences with these devises are similar to mine.
Happy listening, guys.
http://highend-electronics.com/products/sr-hft-high-frequency-transformer
The listening room already sported two pairs of Shataki Holograms ... one pair in the front corners of the room and a second pair in the rear corners of the room. In addition to the Holograms, there are tube traps along the rear of the listening position. I thought I had my room problems solved with the existing treatments and I was satisfied with those results.
Enter the SR HFT's ...
I had my friend Robert over last night to help evaluate the changes, if any. I was looking forward to maybe a small improvement at best. I mean, what can one expect from little metal devises that stick to your walls ... little devises so small that one wouldn't even notice them unless they were called attention to?
Long story short ... we were hit over the head with astounding disbelief at the ... I don't want to use the word "improvement," because that would be an understatement. I'll use the word trans-formative instead. Because, that's exactly what this tweak has done; its transformed my listening environment, and consequently my entire system, into an unbelievable music machine.
The first CD I played was a private recording of Rachmaninoff's third piano concerto, with the L.A. Philharmonic orchestra during a Rachmaninoff piano competition. The disc features the winner of the contest on piano. This has always been one of the favorite recordings in my collection. It transports the listener into the venue in a very natural way. This CD was burned right from the master tape with no artificial reverb or compression. A good test for any changes to the system.
Uhhh .... what I thought was a great recording transported us into the live event. Astounding to say the least. How can such a simple tweak as ten little dots spread around the room have such a huge effect? My theory is ... the sound energy coming from the speakers causes certain resonances at certain frequencies, and those resonances excite certain areas of the room and smears the sound. The HFT's take those resonances out of the equation. That's my theory, anyway.
Here's the noted improvements:
1. A much more solid presentation at higher volume levels. Everything just seems to hang together better.
2. Bass control: The best bass from my system yet. Very defined. The lower registers of the piano are a delight.
3. Size of the presentation: What I thought was a big sound stage before has been expanded in a very focused way.
4. Transparency: I can "see" much further into the presentation now. The audience noises,coughs & sneezes, the orchestra tuning up, the members turning the pages of the music, the conductor walking on the platform ... all there where a lot of it wasn't before.
5. Musicality: The correct tones of the instruments, which I've paid particular attention to in the system, were much improved. Strings, timpani's and the presence of the piano were all dead-nutz on. Amazing.
6. 3-D: A much more holographic presentation. Good Lord, how much better can this get? So much more "air" around the performers. It really adds to the suspension of disbelief in a big way.
I could go on and on with our positive impressions last night, but I will echo what Robert said: "This is your greatest tweak ever!" "It sounds like you've improved your entire system."
After playing a number of CD's featuring piano, we switched to the analog rig and played a whole variety of music ... from straight ahead jazz to Hawaiian music. The expansion of the sound space, and the realism from analog and tubes with the new room treatment? Unbelievable.
The ten pack of HFT's gets you to "level two" ... one more pack of five would get it to "level three." Based upon last nights results, there is another five pack in my near future.
Are any of you other A'goners using SR HFT's in your room? If so, please post your results here. I'd like to know if your experiences with these devises are similar to mine.
Happy listening, guys.
119 responses Add your response
Has anyone tried using circuit breakers on apartment or home circuit breakers? I just did and was pleasantly surprised, so I am checking on others' experiences. I tried two grey ones there and liked what I heard. Also, has anyone found that one can use too much blu-tac when affixing an HFT or ECT to some surface? I am beginning to wonder whether HFTs should also be placed directly on the surface that produces bad resonance? And perhaps one should use the least amount of blu-tac as it might make sense for the back of the HFT to make contact with it. Or does the HFT work by absorbing resonating waves from the air through its open, concave side as opposed to its flat rear flat side? Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this? I have certainly found that ECTs are most effective when placed directly on the noisiest computer chips rather than just near them on a computer or DAC PCB. I just started today to remove some of the generous amounts of blu-tac that I have on the back of some of my HFTs, so I guess I should know eventually if it makes a difference. But perhaps there someone knows something about how HFTs work or has some ideas? Thanks. |
Yes ECT"s and HFT's will effect the sound when placed on a circuit breaker or on the Black wire (hot wire) exiting the circuit breaker. Two to perhaps 5 inside a breaker box can have a nice effect. After deciding where I want my devices placed I switch from blu- tac to a drop of super glue to affix the devices. They effect is amplified . Have fun and experiment with location! David Pritchard |
Thanks Ozzy I will try those. I see them on Amazon. One more thing to add on circuit breaker panels - a bit off topic though. I have found that a sheet of Stillpoints ERS paper over my panel is very effective in improving sound for the whole system. I have an ERS sheet taped to the inside of the steel swing door that covers my panel. |
http://www.ebay.com/itm/311722560634 These are my ordered cones, it shows 3/8"???????? Is it their lenght or their diameter? I m lost please help |
@sasko yo, chill man. Take a deep breath.. it seems you ordered them from a German seller. Here's the info with my translation: 15 Stück. - 15 pieces Ø 9,5mm! RIESIG! - Diameter 9.5mm! Giant! Gewicht 2 Gramm | Stück. - Weight. 2 grams/piece Bohrung Ø 3mm. - Hole diameter 3mm Höhe 7mm - Height 7mm The diameter, 9.5mm, is 3/8". If you're making the diy resonators, you'll need 3/8" copper caps to put these cones in. The copper caps are sized based on their inside diameter. So it should be a perfect fit, assuming accurate manufacturing specs. |
Glory. I just read up on ASI sugar cubes. Wow, their placement would really drive me crazy. They maybe a very effective room treatment but I’ll stick to the easier SR HFT system despite the higher price. I just lose patience after a while of tweaking my system and just want to listen to my music. I was informed by SR that the Blackbox and Atmosphere are only to be used with an HFT system to be effective so it’s probably true that an FEQ would similarly require the same SR HFT setup. |
Pretty sure those Sugar Cubes are the brainchild of Franck Tchang, you know, the original designer of tiny little bowl acoustic resonators, the one of pure, silver and gold and platinum. The ones SR and others copied. Timely tip - The very best way to determine exact locations for almost all acoustic resonators is to map out the entire 3D space of the room using a SPL meter and one or more test tones. |
madavid0. Yes there is a no questions asked 30 trial period. I’m sure they can pass a double blind test since my wife could tell the difference (huge) without me informing her of what I was doing. I doubt they are carcinogenic. Don’t worry about that. However, they are small and easily swallowed, so yes they are especially dangerous to toddlers as are many other small objects. (Don’t leave any washers or bolt nuts lying around either). |
So I have a serious question about all of these various acoustic treatments from SR and similar. Just how effective do you think they might be for the user of a Lyngdorf 2170 with its room perfect software hopefully already having taken care of the majority of the perceived acoustic issues these devices are supposed to help? |
I heard them demonstrated at the Factory open house at Synergistic's listening room. The effect of the HFT wide angle is significant and I will be ordering them soon. They are used in addition to the regular HFT's. They will be demonstrated at the Newport Audio Show the first weekend in June. I think the Synergistic Research room is worth the effort to go to the show. David Pritchard |
David ... I tried to find the "wide angles" on the Highend Electronics site and they weren't there yet. Do you have the info on price? Also, have you tried treating your HFT's with Tim's TC? I pasted mine and got another lowering of the noise floor. Don't ask me how it works, cuz I haven't a clue. :-) Also, I'm very disappointed in the cancellation of the audio show. Was looking forward to seeing you again and maybe break some bread together. Hopefully, next year ... Frank |
The wide angle HFT's are being sold by Highend Electronics - look at their items for sale advertised here on Audiogon. I am sure that the other Synergistic Research dealers are able to order them - like Scott Walker Audio, The Cable Company, and David Wiseman. SR suggests 3 to 6 Wide Angle HFT's be added to a room that has already had HFT's installed. There is a good video on YouTube discussing their placement and a printed diagram. I believe a 3 pack is $399.00. I did change my plans so I can go to the Newport Show June 1-3. If you are able to go feel free to call me during the show. Cell phone 575-644-1462. David Pritchard |
"Anyone compared the new HFT wide angles?Enter your text ..." Yes, I ordered a set soon after Alfred got stock. They clearly improved the focus of my soundstage depth width and height. The other obvious change was a natural feel to the room as the music was less mechanical? Hard to put into words. I have (I think) regular 12 HFT's in the room as well. |
I like the new Wide Angle HFTS. By adjusting the height of the side units (approximate ear level), and the distance (forward and back) to the front of the room, I was able to reach a new level of engagement with the music. On the front wall, I am using the HFT X Wide Angle unit. It is amazing how a slight alteration of their positions can impact the sound. Hint: even when you think you are "there," keep experimenting! I already have a myriad of SR gear, including DIY HFTs, and am very pleased with these new additions. |
"I see that SR has come out with a new "BLUE" wall outlet. I wonder how it compares to the Black outlet?" Frank, I will post my thoughts on the BLUE duplex outlet next week. I ordered recently from Highend_cc here on audiogon. Alfred is the go to SR guy he’s treated me very well. I have a BLACK as well as a much loved older Oyaide R1. The black and Oyaide are both very easy to recommend a huge bargain for what they provide. Over the years my Oyaide has become loose so the Blue will replace it. |
2,298 posts06-23-2018 7:36am^^^ I see that SR has come out with a new "BLUE" wall outlet. I wonder how it compares to the Black outlet? Nooooooooo! really!!! http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Judge-Judy-Shake-My-Head-Gif.gif |
I installed one BLUE and one BLACK duplex outlet. The outlets are in a twin receptacle box connected to a dedicated circuit about 25 feet from breaker box. I have a second twin box next to it with one standard outlet and one older Oyade RS1. Sound sucks in every way out of the box as expected. Nearly unlistenable. About one hour in things are improving nicely. Two hours, things are much much better.... what a silly hobby. VAC Sigma 160 and the Oppo spinner power supply plugged into the BLUE the Oppo is connected to the BLACK. The power cords grip well hold well with my heavy PC’s so that’s a plus. I’ll return here Friday evening. My guess is at least 50 hours to settle in somewhat? What do you all think? Very curious what Folkfreak has to say. |
I recently installed a Black Duplex. I was told, by those in the know and who have experience with the Black Duplex, to be prepared for 10 days of break in. In my system I found they started sounding really good around day 16 and did not fully settle until 21+ days. This was with continuous run time, playing music. |
Well I have my Blue duplex now but I cannot afford to lose hundreds of hours waiting for it to break in (not that I ever felt that my Blacks changed that much over time btw). So what I'll do is rig up an old power cord so I can burn it in via my Cable Cooker (same settings used to burn in power cords) and leave it on that for 72-96 hours before installing it. So most likely it will be installed next week. Good thing is this should allow me to get used to a new set of speaker cables in the mean time and not get confused by the simultaneous break in of an outlet and a cable change |
Got my Blue outlet burning in on my Dharma Cable Cooker now -- have a pair of power cords (one with its plug cut off) so that one is plugged in, and the other is connected to the screws on the outlet. The Cable Cooker is set at the level for burning in power cords and speaker cables I’m going to give it 4 days/96 hours at least before I try putting it in the wall |