WA-Quantum GmbH's Quantum Chips

I would suggest putting several chips on each Tice Clock.

Have you tried backing out any of the other chips to see if their effects have been holding steady?

Well, I have to conclude that in my system (using the Cary 306 Pro SACD) that the Capacitor chips and the Transformer chips were not a good thing. The sound quality actually sounded a little distorted and flat. I suspect that the digital circuitry just did not like these chips. But,I am still using the one fuse chip with it.

However, I now have 14 cable chips, 5 Transformer chips, 8 of the large Cap chips, 8 of the small cap chips, speaker chips, and many of the fuse chips and this is the first time I have experienced a negative reaction with the chips. Very interesting …
Any other comments?

Ozzy, You have heard the sound of one hand clapping! And congratulations on limiting the fly population.

Rja. Not quite in half, but some may not have children.

But Ozzy, can you cut the fly in half in midair? Then you have accomplished something Grasshopper!

Apart from the SR Powercell, all my other equipment that I've tried the chips on have either seperate power supplies or the transformers are seperated like a double decker bus so maybe this could be the reason why it kind of killed the sound by over doing it.

The chips has made my system sounded IMO worse so one thing for sure is that they do do something. I tried them on/off about few times remembering the positive gains of the fuse chips in my pre and never got it back so finally gave up because a: they dulled the sound and b: they wouldn't stick anymore.

Ozzy, I'm so glad that they are doing wonderful things for your system.

Flashunlock, that seems mighty peculiar. What does your system consists of?

Flashunlock, was it anything like this (excerpt from the Positive Feedback review of the Red And Blue Intelligent Chips review):

"However, the application is wholly different. The original GSIC (still around and upgraded, by the way) is used on CDs and its effects are permanent. The new ones are placed on top of transformers and power cords and their effects are completely reversible. They come in two versions: the light Blue is for use on amps; the orangey-Red is for front-end gear. I can merely hope the fracas caused by the original GSIC is not to be repeated.

Four of the Blues went on top of the IEC jacks of the power cords at the point where they entered the Kharma MP150 monoblocks; three Reds similarly went onto PCs of the front-end. After a couple of rounds of on and off, one hones in on their effects: the insignificant, little, weight-less, blue wafers produced noticeably sharper transient attacks and soundstage focus. What—how do they do that??? You actually get a crisper, faster, tighter, and more dynamic presentation. Image borders firmed up, and the corpus inside them became more solid and dense. In the bass, this firming was heard as a propulsive, noticeable, bouncing rhythmic line. The chips also redistributed sound energy, taking some away from the lower mids and moving it downwards into the bass region. All to the good, you would think. However, I wasn't so sure about that. I had a nicely balanced frequency distribution to start with: the chip-induced redistribution caused some lumps and unevenness—Fabio's violin lost some of its patina and acquired an unnatural and disturbing focus. The sound was evidencing a degree of hardness now.

Without the chips, the presentation was notably softer, less focused, and more spread. Stage width was more continuous across its span because instrumental borders weren't as demarcated. Dimensional cues were good, and frequency response was nice and even, if favoring the midrange. I liked it better this way, without them: I judged it more natural."

Flashunlock, I can abide with the WA Chips not making a difference in some applications and in some systems. That's one thing. But when they hurt the sound, that I cannot abide. Did you by any chance bring a lot of books or telephone books into your place last week? :-)

System sounded a bit off today and since nothing has been added prior and after the fuse chips. I duly removed them from the pre amp and what do you know.... the sound came back to live. The fuse chips gave more dynamic, volume to a sense etc at first but now after a week or so has dulled the sound especially the highs. Music became less involving, detail and lost the PRAT factor. I have no idea what the chips are doing but they will not be going back into my system. I know a lot of you have found them to be very impressive but these are my findings and opinion. Your may differ.

Thanks

Mapman, I'm a little disappointed that you completely overlooked asking if quantum material might have long term health risks. It seems to me that's the logical next question after asking if they might be defective. You can't eat just one chip. Ha ha

GK
MD

Only geof would equate asking reasonable questions about products and vendors in aforum like this with wife beating. No surprise!

My system has become so dynamic with all of the WA-Quantum GmbH's Quantum Chips that I swear, I think I can knock down a fly in mid air with a single drum wack.

Flashunlock wrote,

"Ozzy... thanks again. a lot of tweaks don't work in my system because it is a very balanced and revealing one."

I had a bad feeling this would happen one day.

:-)

Ozzy... thanks again. a lot of tweaks don't work in my system because it is a very balanced and revealing one.

Flashunlock, Well I guess you gave it a try. I think you can still get your money back even if they have been used.
I'm still liking them. Soon, I think I will have over 40 of them. What I am hearing is way more dynamics and a much clearer soundstage. It just seems to get better and better with the more that are added.

Mapman wrote,

"How does one know if the chip is working properly or if defective?"

That's what the naysayers always ask about tweaks when someone reports no effects or that it makes the sound worse. There are a number of reasons why people sometimes don't hear certain tweaks. Defective product is not one of them. And no, the electrons in the WA Chips do not evaporate. You tried some tweaks that didn't work, right? Were they defective? Lol

The main reasons why people sometimes don't hear certain tweaks or don't get the same results as most users are (1) instructions were not followed correctly, (2) there is at least one problem somewhere in the system that prevents the device under test from being heard, (3) the listening ability of the user is not all he thinks it is, and (4) the system is not sufficiently resolving to be capable of revealing the effects.

"How is the customer support with these products when results are not heard and a defective device a possibility?"

When did you stop beating your wife?

As someone pointed out earlier, some dealers for the WA Chips, if not all, have a 30 day return policy. Furthermore, don't all tweaks these days have a 30 day return policy? You know, what the Four Reasons why some customers don't hear them.

Onhwy61 wrote,

"It's important to remember that audiophiles are more interested in cutting edge technology than NASA, the military or the telecommunications industry. Anyway, that's what one person argued earlier in this thread."

Yes, I get the sarcasm, but let's do a quick survey, shall we, of some of the technological innovations, advanced technology devices and cutting edge technology that have come down the audio pike in the last 20 years or so.

In no particular order - Quantum Resonance Technology (QRT), quantum dot nanotechnology, sub-Hertz vibration isolation, quantum teleportation, Lessloss Blackbody, mind-matter interaction (cream electret, rainbow foil), mineral crystals for resonance and RFI/EMI control, ionizers and demagnetizers for CDs and LPs, Schumann Frequency Generator, whatever the WA Quantum Chips are made from, Herbie's HALO electron tube dampers, SteinMusic Harmonizer, Mpingo Disc resonator, tiny little bowl resonators from Tchang and Synergistic Research, Bybee quantum filters, and morphic resonance (Red X Coordinate Pen and Morphic Message Foils from PWB).

NASA, by contrast, brought us rocks from the moon, exploding Space Shuttles, a Space Telescope that couldn't see and the dream that there might be water on Mars.

Ozzy, thanks for the advice but I have left them in there for over 2 days for the Powercell. Also, I thing I hate about the chips is that once you peel them off the sticky glue is hopeless meaning trying to attempt re using them.

My time with the chips has been done and only the fuse ones are being used.

Thanks.

How does one know if the chip is working properly or if defective?

How is the customer support with these products when results are not heard and a defective device a possibility?

Flashunlock, I have found that the fuse chips seem to show positive results right away. However, the others take a couple of days.

Ok, tried the chips all over and the only one that worked for me is the fuse chip in my pre amp. The transformer and cable chips did absolute nothing.
Firstly tried the transformer chips(4) in my CD player and noticed a drop in detail and dynamic, also sound stage shrunk. Took them out then tried them in my mono amps, again, did nothing to the sound. Next tried them along with a cable chip on SR Powercell 10SE-MK-2... sounded dull in comparision so took them all out except the fuse chips in my pre amp and the consumer unit.

Lord help us!

..if your not too busy with more important things....

I just keep ordering more and more...there is some magic power in them there chips...

It's important to remember that audiophiles are more interested in cutting edge technology than NASA, the military or the telecommunications industry. Anyway, that's what one person argued earlier in this thread.

Mapman wrote,

Geoff said, "But if they are quantum mechanical in nature wouldn't that be big news?"

Mapman wrote, "Maybe. It all depends. The devil is in the details which apparently are not being disclosed in this case. So as presented, it cannot be assessed as anything beyond a marketing term which is apparently good enough."

According to the press release the WA Quantum Chips operate at the "subatomic Quantum level." I realize that is not very helpful. However, they go on to say,

"In each case the Chip is mounted on an adhesive backing which can be attached to the device. The Chips are "programmed" for their specified applications."

Now, what else besides quantum material can be programmed? You know, "programmable matter." "Artificial atoms." Hel-looo! If what they say about the chips being programmed for specific applications is not true, I.e., a marketing ploy, the various chips should be interchangeable, no?

"But if they are quantum mechanical in nature wouldn't that be big news?"

Maybe. It all depends. The devil is in the details which apparently are not being disclosed in this case. So as presented, it cannot be assessed as anything beyond a marketing term which is apparently good enough.

Where's the beef?

Rja wrote,

"Now it seems the "Quantum" moniker is all the rage and some people seem disturbed by this, most likely those with some physics background, because they see the name as "false" advertising. 8^)"

There have been quantum physics devices in audio for more than twenty years. Bybee, Quantum Corp., now Nordost, not to mention the original Intelligent Chip and Ultra Tweeters from JMSR as well as Rainbow Foil and the Red X Pen from PWB. Could it be the physics types are either in denial or haven't been paying attention?

"And although dissection of aliens doesn't really interest me the dissection of a Quantum Chip would. Anyone have an electron microscope they'd like to volunteer?"

Some skeptics did just that with the original Intelligent Chip, examined the top and bottom surfaces of the tiny metal disc contained inside the orange Intelligent Chip with a scanning electron microscope at a metallurgy lab. The skeptics who examined the chip found nothing and claimed the quantum aspect of the device was a scam. Little did the skeptics realize the "quantum material" is located between two thin discs sandwiched together. They also did not realize there are only several million or so atoms of the "quantum material" inside. So, even if they had thought to open up the metal sandwich and tried to find the quantum atoms with the electron microscope they would never have been able to find them. It would be like looking for a tiny needle in a huge haystack!

I remember a time, maybe late 50s or early 60s, when the word "Quasar" became very popular. Of course none of the products with "Quasar" in their name had anything to do with actual Quasars. If I'm not mistaken the term was used occasionally on television shows like "Startrek" as well.
Now it seems the "Quantum" moniker is all the rage and some people seem disturbed by this, most likely those with some physics background, because they see the name as "false" advertising. 8^)
And although dissection of aliens doesn't really interest me the dissection of a Quantum Chip would. Anyone have an electron microscope they'd like to volunteer?

Raj,

But if they are quantum mechanical in nature wouldn't that be big news? Most folks probably figure quantum mechanics is strictly an atomic or subatomic level phenomenon and has no relation to the real, Macro world. Something that small, if it contains quantum material, must contain extremely minute amounts of the stuff, you know, being so thin and small. One wonders, if you wear infrared goggles in a dark room would you be able to see photon emission of the WA chips? What would happen if you cut one of the WA Quantum Chips in half? Could you get two chips for the price of one? Why are so many types and sizes of chips necessary?

If the WA Chips are NOT quantum, why on Earth would a company chose the word Quantum for the name? Doesn't make sense, you know, with so many folks like yourself suspicious of anything with the word Quantum in it. You know how audiophiles are....

And if the WA Chips aren't Quantum what else could they possibly be, you know, being so small and thin? And there being so many types, each "programmed" for a specific application.

I've been reading about these for a while now. There are reports all over the place. Many find these "things" to change the sound of their systems. Some changes for the better and some for worse and that the effects can change by placement and number used. They are most commonly described as "stickers".
As far as "Quantum", that's just a name as far as I'm concerned not necessarily a claim. They could have called them "Audio Stickers" or "Ajax Labels" or "Fun Stickies", wouldn't really matter. Figure, about half of all stuff in audio is named after something either Hindu or Buddhist. "Quantum" is just so "in" right now like "Titanium". Lots of "Titanium" stuff right now that contain absolutely no titanium for instance. So that part is insignificant to me.
But they seem to be doing something and no one can figure out why, that's what seems weird to me. Weird enough that I might have to give them a try. Maybe they should have named them the "Little Enigma Thingies".

Raj wrote,

"This is weird stuff."

What's weird is that high end audio has found more applications for quantum mechanics than any other industry, including the military, energy, telecommunications, space, computer, automotive and aviation. As for quantum dots applications, the best the private sector can come up with is some pretty little Christmas tree lights.

IMO: This is weird stuff but if they work who cares!

I find that the cable chips seem to work best on the IEC.

OMG! The chips are invading!

Red and Blue Intelligent Chips. Sound familiar?

"The original GSIC (still around and upgraded, by the way) is used on CDs and its effects are permanent. The new ones are placed on top of transformers and power cords and their effects are completely reversible. They come in two versions: the light Blue is for use on amps; the orangey-Red is for front-end gear. I can merely hope the fracas caused by the original GSIC is not to be repeated."

Full review of the Red and Blue Chips by Positive Feedback at:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/gsic.htm

Onhwy61 wrote,

""a line of "Chips" operating at a subatomic Quantum level, which improve the efficiency of current flow and signal transmission."

If it did this, wouldn't this technology be in every auto, plane, cell phone, communications satellite, space probe, computer, television, cell phone tower, etc.? Wouldn't dozens of industries be rushing to embrace this technology? Why are only audiophiles able to perceive the advantage?"

It's not necessarily that only audiophiles are able to perceive the advantage. It's more likely that audiophiles are interested in or even enamored with cutting edge technology, whereas industries like telecommunications, NASA, aviation and the military are deliberate and slow in embracing new or cutting edge technologies since new technologies take a very long time to assess and integrate into existing systems. I.e., those organizations are very conservative. Audiophiles are under no such constraint, they simply try these newfangled things out and see how they sound. The Shakti OnLines were measured to provide better gas mileage but I kinda doubt General Motors ever heard of Shakti, much less integrated Shakti products into their automobiles. On the other hand, some vibration isolation concepts for audio were derived from microscopy and some quantum audiophile products were derived from military submarine technology.

I now have experimented some more chips on the SR Powercell 10SE-MK2....

1: A cable chip on the 32A plug.
2: A transformer chip on the back of Powercell body in the middle.
3: A transformer chip next to the DC active plug on the Powecell.
4: Transformer chips on each of my dedicated mains outlet sockets.
5: A transformer chip on SR Gallileo plug that supplies the SR precision cable and Powecell.

Tried the transformer chips on the 4 x transformers in my CD player (Esoteric K-01)and I didn't like how it sound... dulled, rounded and compressed the sound.

Also tried the Cable chip on my power cord (Siltech Ruby Double Crown)for my CD player and it didn't do a thing.

I personally think that the Fuse Chips improved the overall sound the most.

a line of "Chips" operating at a subatomic Quantum level, which improve the efficiency of current flow and signal transmission

If it did this, wouldn't this technology be in every auto, plane, cell phone, communications satellite, space probe, computer, television, cell phone tower, etc.? Wouldn't dozens of industries be rushing to embrace this technology? Why are only audiophiles able to perceive the advantage?

Mapman,

To make things even more confusing, when the appropriate WA Quantum Chip is used on an acoustic musical instrument the tone and overall sound of the instrument improves, according to the testimonials of musicians. If the WA chip, as the press release states, "improves the efficiency of current flow and signal transmission," one wonders how can that be the mechanism of operation for an acoustic musical instrument?

"Mapman, the blurb, "changes at a submolecular level" on the page you linked to appears to be nothing more than ad copy by VH Audio, a dealer for the chips. Has the actual WA Chip manufacturer revealed something you can sink your teeth into? Probably not. "

"WA-Quantum GMBH is a manufacturer of high technology products including a line of "Chips" operating at a subatomic Quantum level, which improve the efficiency of current flow and signal transmission in audio devices including fuses, capacitors, phono cartridges and tonearms, transformers, transducers, and audio cabling. "

Still nothing to sink teeth into from either source. Even worse, it appears the dealer and maker are sending two different messages. Now I am even more confused. Did the dealer get it wrong somehow? Who knows?

I, apparently like others, would really like to understand how the product does what it does, but I am not holding my breath at this point personally. It is what it is, whatever it is?

WA-Quantum GMBH Debut Audiophile "Quantum Chips"
Source: Press Release

"WA-Quantum GMBH is a manufacturer of high technology products including a line of "Chips" operating at a subatomic Quantum level, which improve the efficiency of current flow and signal transmission in audio devices including fuses, capacitors, phono cartridges and tonearms, transformers, transducers, and audio cabling.

Special chips are also available for use with both electronic and acoustic musical instruments.

In each case the Chip is mounted on an adhesive backing which can be attached to the device. The Chips are "programmed" for their specified applications."

Mapman, the blurb, "changes at a submolecular level" on the page you linked to appears to be nothing more than ad copy by VH Audio, a dealer for the chips. Has the actual WA Chip manufacturer revealed something you can sink your teeth into? Probably not.

Mapman wrote,

"I think I've seen their literature says it changes molecular structures somehow or something along that line."

Link, please, or quote.

I think I've seen their literature says it changes molecular structures somehow or something along that line.

I don't know how many of you saw this small review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue63/furutech.htm

Myles brought up this point that I found very true in my own system: the WA-Quantum Fuse Chip makes it obvious which way the fuse should be in one's component.

Before I applied the chips to the Furutech, HiFi-Tuning Supreme and Synergistic Research SR20 fuses, the differences in the directionality of the three fuses were very subtle to my ears.

After I placed the chips on them, the difference was obvious: in one direction the sound is full and rich in the mid and lower region and in the other direction the sound is thinner and highlights the upper region.

I could always hear the difference when I had the Isoclean fuse, but I didn't notice a difference in these three fuses that really mattered too much.

Chuck

Antigrunge wrote,

"All I can tell is that their effect is not unlike that of Bybee purifiers although they happily coexist and support each other. Given the applications, I think it has most likely to do with RFI/EMI suppression although my guess is as good as anybody's."

Not sure I go along with your detective work, there, Antigrunge. If it has to do with RFI/EMI suppression how do you explain the use of the chips on musical instruments? That certainly can't be RFI/EMI suppression, can it?

Cheers

" I think it has most likely to do with RFI/EMI suppression"

THat would be my guess as well.

RFI/EMI noise is essentially always present and devices that work based on proximity to circuits are most likely affecting this somehow IMHO.

IF so, then the question becomes more about how this is done and is the approach more effective than other means that might cost much less, like use of Mu MEtal, etc.?