Well I read some reviews about the new High Fidelity cables that were designed by the former owner of Virtual Dynamics. They seem to be using magnets as their claim to fame in their design.
I happened to have some rod type axially magnets that were about 3/8" in diameter and about 1" long. I installed 2 of them near the end of my speaker cables near the speakers. 2 sets are needed for each speaker wire left and right).They are installed so that the magnetism is pulling through the cable.
It is quite interesting, but I would like some others to try this and share their opinions before I comment.
I also added a set at the Amp end.These magnets cost about $3.39 each and you will need at least 4 of them or 8 if you want to try them also at the Amp end.
I bought mine from http://www.amazingmagnets.com/show-fractional-r1000c.aspx
Make sure you select USPS for about $4.95 shipping otherwise you will end up paying for UPS at about $13 for shipping.
these magnets are especially good if you have a tube amp with output transformers. you should place them closer to the magnetic circuit to increase the level of distortion. audiophiles love colored sound and that's exactly what magnet would do.
I guess what I am trying to do is to get more people to try it. Because, the magnets definitely do something, but Im not sure why? With only the magnets at the speaker end it does sound like an improvement. Adding the extra magnets at the amp perhaps changes the sound too much. At this point, I can't say if its an improvement in sound, but it sure is different.
I meant you're right on the mark. How can it not be audiophilia. You have my sympathy on the crystal. Here's a little secret; everything you're trying to achieve with external tweaks can be actually had in 'perfect channel balance'. It's that simple. How you achieve it is up to the sources you trust to steer you in the right direction. It's just uncanny that virtually nobody cares about the most important issue surrounding the very goal we're all attempting to capture. Amazing.
I use magnets for a number of things - electronics chassis, power cord plug, transformer, pc boards, glass, wood. In fact, colored magnets have been de rigueur for many years. Heck, I even make products that incorporate colored magnets or ARE colored magnets.
"I use magnets for a number of things - electronics chassis, power cord plug, transformer, pc boards, glass, wood. In fact, colored magnets have been de rigueur for many years. Heck, I even make products that incorporate colored magnets or ARE colored magnets. "
Enter Edward Leedskalnin. If anyone had a handle on the secrets of magnetism, it was him.
Here's a good 'Leed' for you Geoff. You may just come up with something but it'll probably take a little effort on your part. I expect 10% off the top:)
I get a lot of my colored magnets from Leeds, already. Different guy. Lol. One of my favorites is their little yellow magnet, the one for the door jamb. Blue for anything steel, red for aluminum. Heh heh
(For experimental purposes only) I get those nice little 3/4" ceramic disc magnets on the Internet. Cheapskates will love 'em as they're like 30 for 5 bucks or something. I've also been know to use neodymium magnets, 3/8" and 1/2" inch sizes.
My father used to run a scrap metal yard and had the best magnets ever. Big electromagnets that can pick up a car, like in a James Bond movie. NEver thought to try those with my stereo though! Hmmm.....
Mapman, ironically the power of the magnet has precious little to do with it. It's really the color of the magnet thst is the key. I routinely use those thin ceramic magnets and spray paint 'em, saving the much stronger neodymium jobs for, uh, special projects. The secret is knowing which colored magnets go where. "He who controls the mail controls information. " - Newman
Thanks Tom for posting your experience. The replies to this posting did get a little wild and off subject.
The point of my original post was that I was trying to create a DIY version similar to the new High Fidelity cables that use magnets in their design. Other than the fact that the magnets High Fidelity cables use surround the wire, how much different can they be?
What is the purpose for the magnets? Do they align the flow of electricity? Or is it really distortion, I wonder?
"What is the purpose for the magnets? Do they align the flow of electricity? Or is it really distortion, I wonder?"
That's a really good question and I have a feeling nobody really knows. I'm pretty sure folks just accidentally stumble on this sort of thing or read about it on the internet somewhere and experiment.
Magents don't channel RFI or EMI and they don't affect electron flow in the conductor...even if they did the music signal is not carried by electrons. If the magnets affected the electromagnetic wave that is the music signal wouldn't the magnet distort the wave? That seems more likely than "aligning the flow of electricity". The other problem with conventional theories how magnets might work is that magnets can often affect the sound when used on NON-AUDIO related objects - for example on refrigerators and refrigerator power cord plugs, TV screen, TV power cord plug, and many other non-audio Objects. So we have a kind of situation here in many cases where the audio signal is not being affected, directly or indirectly, yet the sound is improved. If you see what I mean.
"Magents don't channel RFI or EMI and they don't affect electron flow in the conductor...even if they did the music signal is not carried by electrons. If the magnets affected the electromagnetic wave that is the music signal wouldn't the magnet distort the wave? That seems more likely than "aligning the flow of electricity". The other problem with conventional theories how magnets might work is that magnets can often affect the sound when used on NON-AUDIO related objects - for example on refrigerators and refrigerator power cord plugs, TV screen, TV power cord plug, and many other non-audio Objects. So we have a kind of situation here in many cases where the audio signal is not being affected, directly or indirectly, yet the sound is improved. If you see what I mean."
I do see what Geoff means. In other words, you need to buy more more of his magnets for best results. Why? Because he says so. Its called marketing.
I use magnets in the ac and dc signal path and where they are placed makes for a fantastic improvement. I also use magnets in other ways and with other materials that make for some marked improvements. Can't tell you what yet..and I am not sure why..but better has been the outcome. Keep on looking and trying..be careful and don't swallow them magnets and don't burn down the house. Tom
You get points for that but you do sell other items that you tell people to apply out of signal path similarly, the more the merrier. So you lose the points back for that.
" I just want to help audiophiles out."
No comment except you are a commercial vendor, not a non-profit, so it is what it is.
I land hear to see what's going on and sometimes come away with an idea that's new to me or a crumble of a catalyst that may start a fire of thought. I can get that light from somebody that's new or old or even someone who's hear for their own self promotion or even those who just seem to want to spar. Tom
That's a very good perspective to have! I feel the same way.
Unfortunately, when it comes to Geoff specifically and his ideas and products, it just has not been worth it to me. The nonsense tends to greatly outweigh an dilute any value that might be there. The result is always a profoundly negative experience for me. But at least he has a sense of humor to go along with the nonsense, so he gets some points with me for that.
We have lots of magnets on fridge in kitchen adjacent to my family room with smaller system. Now I know why that sounds so good! I will be afraid to move them! :^)
"Unfortunately, when it comes to Geoff specifically and his ideas and products, it just has not been worth it to me. The nonsense tends to greatly outweigh an dilute any value that might be there. The result is always a profoundly negative experience for me. But at least he has a sense of humor to go along with the nonsense, so he gets some points with me for that."
Mapman, I can certainly understand that Nervous Nellies just aren't going to be able to scramble on board the Machina Dynamica train. No skin off my nose, I'm not trying to set the world on fire, just trying to start a flame in a few hearts. Meanwhile, I'm giving serious consideration to elevating you to Associate Troll.
Don't hold your breath. I'm still waiting for a reply regarding my recruitment on another thread. Something about 'Associate Shill'. I took it to be a timely confession. Not surprisingly on topic.
Received an odd email from Rick Shultz threatening legal action for my posting. Come on, my posting was merely for us DIY tinkerers. There must be more to your design than a few dollars worth of magnets?
I anm with OZZY on this! Come on man- This is just a group of guys shooting the sh** about magnets. I don't think anyone is intentionally dispariging any , or infringing on any commercial product design. People talk about specific gear all the time in these forums. Taking legal action or even threatening it has a very unpleasant chilling effect. So please try to understand it for what it really is.
When Mr. Shultz divulges exactly and specifically how his product works to improve the gear, he still won't have a leg to stand on against someone who has nothing but questions regarding his product. Looks like he doesn't want to be found out. Just what is proprietary about it?
Plenty of patents out there for meaningless products. I'll give him one for the spring loaded rca pin. I wonder how a pair of WBT's would compare, though. And also how his 'invention' would fare without the the spring loaded rca pin.
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