A visit to the ENT (Ear doctor) and Audiologist (hearing tester). |
If you are using a computer to a DAC for digital, try a USB Disruptor and the accompanying USB cable, only around $170 for both. Sounds better than my $500 USB cable. Lower noise floor and can listen to for much longer periods without fatigue. Also sounds better than the Uptone Regen and much much better than an AQ Jitterbug. |
Ok, so let me ask the obvious stupid question. I know that resistance in electricity is big. The less resistance the better more usable current. I have 14g ordinary radio shack speaker wire run to all my klipsch surrounds and rear surrounds and my mirage os3 fs towers and mirage os center. Would I REALLY notice a difference upgrading those cables? 14g shouldn't have too much resistance coming from an Emotiva xpa3 and xpa5 right? But i do have custom badass interconnects
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Well badass for me. They're a 12g belden wire with silver connectors |
I have tried numerous tweaks in the many, many years that I have been into this hobby (obsession?). Some have, IMHO, had little effect on sonics (like a green felt pen to coat the rim of CDs) while other have led to much more benefit. My most recent tweaks were replacing stock fuses in my system with Synergistic Research Black fuses. Amazing and unanticipated improvement in soundstage and detail. Tube rolling can also be an effective tweak. Also, consider replacing cables (interconnect, speaker, and power). I have also fooled around with footers (not a fetish) but have heard only minimal improvements in sonics. Try to audition tweaks before committing to purchasing. Enjoy! |
Three additional tweaks are
a) cryo-treating cables and equipment
b) footers from Anvilturntables
c) replacing amp binding posts (or iec ac inlets) with silver or rhodium plated pieces
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I learned about cable value by borrowing 4 pairs of increasing expensive Audioquest interconnects from my local audio dealer. I found the quality of the whole sound/presentation improved at each level. Today I have more expensive cables than I could afford to buy in post 2008. I only wish I could afford the Tara Labs Zero, or at least try them in comparison to some really expensive cables.
Vincent Raptor |
Thanks to all who have responded since I advocated for safety.
To toddverrone, Good point, that is what I thought that a few inches in height would not make that much difference. I could even try those 2"x 2" squares that have a cork center and hard rubber top and bottom which have rails running across them. I used them before on components and they seem to make some difference, especially with my CD player. I bought them on line from an industrial parts company that offered them in different sizes. They were inexpensive, like $1.50-$2.00 per square depending on size. Unfortunately, I lost the company's web address when my computer crashed about 1 year ago. Vendors like Elusive Discs sells them but they are about six bucks per item. When I upgraded to separates recently, I used what I had for the pre-amp, instead of the CD which sounds a bit different without them The player is an Ayre CX-7e mp and is fairly heavy at 35 lbs. Nevertheless, it still needs some vibration control under it. I will have to check out the Stillpoints items (recommended by member, "Zorro") but I know they are expensive. Nordost's new "Kort" metal vibration pucks are too expensive. Audio Prism makes some vibration control items that look good and are not too expensive. Music Direct offers them. Tweakdom is a very crowned field and results can be spotty Thanks, SJ |
just put a big rug in my listening room and somewhat shocked at the improvements...did not do it for sonic reasons either...just got lucky |
my other best new tweak is to unplug my streamer when listening to CD or LP |
Room treatment is huge! Hardwood floors are very reflective of sound. Area rugs are a great help, as you've discovered.
I have some windows to figure out. Too much resonance and ringing, but I hate curtains... |
@jmccl12 those mirage speakers don't look too power hungry or difficult to drive, so I think you're probably fine with 14awg, but the only way to truly know is to try. |
The Best result from a tweak in my system was from Mana Acoustics stands for Naim SBL speakers!
Dedicated 20amp powerline from the breaker to the System saves you the troubles of unplugging the fridge and all computers and light dimmers while listening.
Shakti Stones, M'pingo dots, green markers and Black Holes for CDs, i tried them all: they make life Fun! ;-) |
@2channel8: You are definitely on the right track. I'd add ear wax softener and a bulb syringe to your recommendation; used at regular intervals, maybe 5-6 times a year. You'll be amazed at the improvement in your auditory prowess...
Vibrapods are excellent at isolation and vibration control and cheap too. |
They all change the sound.....its up to the listener to determine if it's better or worse.
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hifiJones......Very true....and for many aging enthusiasts on these pages, it would be hearing aids.
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Any, and all of the Audio Magic products. It began for me with the fuses. I now use AM’s Pulse Gen ZX’s, Blue Dot Disruptor, ac Power Outlet, Mini-Ref power conditioner, and Speaker Clarifiers. Every time I added one of the Audio Magic products my system improved. I highly recommend the AM PEA devices! I’m using three now, which have literally exploded my system’s soundstage, recreation of air, and greatly improved the natural tonality of all instruments, vocals included. Everything just sounds more real. You can’t go wrong. |
A shout out for PWB Electronics, you know, all those things that go bump in the night and give audiophiles the heebie jeebies. The unspeakables. Peter Belt RIP.
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speaker placement and system match is the best tweak to my system, then after market power cords like Shunyata brass spikes under subs and speaker stands, my speakers already came with stillpoints for the path stands, other than that i think the rest is snake oil. |
