MY Place sbayne

by sbayne on Ever Evolving

Description

High priority on tone, soundstage and overall balance of sound.
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Components Toggle details

    • Tekton Design MOAB
    These speakers use a double tweeter array to produce the midrange. The Be tweeter between the arrays is used as the actual tweeter. Then two big ass woofers are added. Extremely well reviewed and high value speakers!
    • Mr K Passive Preamplifier PPA01
    This is an extremely high quality autoformer based passive preamp. There is absolutely no noise but with with excellent soundstaging and dynamics. 

    • Aria Audio Aria Signature MK2
    This is a beautiful hand-built amplifier that puts out100 watts of Class A power with very high current capability. A extremely seductive yet authoritative sound with the Moabs.
    • MHDT Orchid
    The Orchid DACs are legendary. They use the TDA 1541A R2R chip for a a realistic and natural sound. This Orchid was Bill Dion's (grannyring) personal DAC which he highly modified by doing the following:
    - Upgraded the output capacitors to a custom made set of 2.2uf copper foil in beeswax, flat stacked design caps from Jupiter Condenser. Chris of Jupiter does not offer these out as they cost too much to build and takes too much time to manufacture. They are a sonic cut above the fantastic round Jupiter copper foil caps. 
    - 4 Miflex KPCU-02 0.1 micro farad copper foil caps in other key positions. 
    - 10 carefully selected resistor types located though-out the DAC 

    • Innuos PULSE
    Network Streamer internal with a RECAP2 power supply by Dr. Sean Jacobs built-in. Uses the innuOS 2.0 and Sense software. It's the best sounding streamer, OS and control software I've ever used. Here is more info:
    ⦿ Medical-grade filtered IEC 
    ⦿ Audio-grade toroidal transformer with an epoxy-filled center for dampening vibration, magnetic screening with coated SYN-SHIELD copper tape between windings and wrapped in black Mylar Tape
    ⦿ Over 40000 µF of high-end Mundorf Capacitors
    ⦿ Coilcraft Inductor

    • Inakustik Referenz LS-2404 Air Interconnects and Speaker Cables
    Inakustik Referenz LS-2404 Air Interconnects and Speaker Cables. These are meticulously made open-weave copper cables. Each strand is separated to insure an air insulation between the strands. It makes for an open very natural sound with the best bass I've had in my listening room. Expensive but worth it.
    • Network Acoustics Muon System
    This is a complete digital cable system (filter, LAN cable, USB cable). This at a higher level than the famed EVO system.
    • Cayin Audio Mini-CD MK2
    This is an excellent little CD player. I mostly stream but I still have hundreds of CDs.
    • DIY Power cables
    DIY power cables. They use multi-strand copper, an open weave, cotton cord in the center and ERS cloth at both ends. It's the formula Danny Richie uses for his power cables. They have an open, airy yet very solid sound. The key is to break them in for hundreds of hours.
    • Synergistic Research Powercell 12 UEF
    This is a classic power conditioner. It's UEF/EM based and compliments every component plugged in to it!
    • Synergistic Research Galileo SX Grounding Block
    The Galileo SX Grounding Block makes the system absolutely silent at idle and creates very black backgrounds for music. I made my own "high definition" grounding cables.
    • Synergistic Research Black Box

    The Black Box is a Low Frequency Resonator Array that works in conjunction with the Subwoofers, Atmospheres and FEQ X4 to solve bass node issues.  

    • Synergistic Research ART System
    This is Synergistic Research's older acoustic system that's based on resonators. It works very well with their current UEF system and provides excellent results. Complete ART systems are getting hard to find.
    • Synergistic Research: Atmosphere XL-4, Atmosphere, Mini-Atmosphere, FEQ X4 (2), UEF Dots, UEF Panels, Risers, ECT and GCT
    The UEF Panels, UEF Dots, Black Box, Risers, ECT and GCT are all types of sound resonators. I use an Atmosphere XL-4 (green ATM), Atmosphere (red ATM), FEQ X4 (2) (red ATMs) and Mini-Atmosphere (green ATM) - when used with the Synergistic Research control software they generate various frequencies of Schumann Resonances around the room. Bottom line they work: create a huge/realistic listening experience!
    • Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums
    These decouple and "float" your speakers on a spring-loaded metal base. It opens-up the sound and adds solidity to the bass but doesn't make the sound harsh like most metal speaker bases.
    • Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
    The Akiko Audio, Kemp and Zero One products treat the signal and power in my system keeping the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible or by adding more standard frequency Schumann Resonances. These products are excellent at making your system sound more "natural".
    • Synergistic Research Tranquility Bases and Tranquility Pod
    I use original MIGs under the Tranquility Bases.
    • Puritan 156, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
    The Puritan is an excellent line conditioner. The ADD-Powr and ElectraClear devices actually add electromagnetics (EM) to the AC line using an active circuit and algorithm. Contrary to popular belief not all EM is bad for sound quality in stereo systems. The proof is in the listening.
    • Puron AC Line Conditioner
    I use this in the first outlet of my Synergistic Research power conditioner. It gives a more realistic presentation of vocals and reveals a little more texture and impact to the bass.
    • Stein H2 Harmonizer system
    I have 4 Stein H2s in my system.I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They add layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument being in their own separate but integrated spaces.
    • Tombo Audio Lotus Harmonic Enhancer
    The bell on the top gives high resonance frequency while the tip on the top of the bell performs as a wave guide streaming high frequency up to the ceiling.
    • Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes
    The Swiss Digital Fuse Box replaces the fuse in your component with a pure copper "sluggo". The "sluggo" comes in various types depending on what coating, if any, is applied to it. The bottom line it allows much more current to flow into the electronics which is especially important with high current power amps. Every part of the sonic presentation is enhanced. I now use one on my power amp, DAC and streamer.
    • Perfect Path Technologies Total Contact, RCA caps, Stop-It duplex plugs, E-Mats & E-Cards
    This company has now closed because the owner has passed away. These products work to achieve a uniform and consistent RF/EMI and electron treatment around my components which greatly helps the sonics.
    • Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
    The PEAs are battery powered. Spintronics is the ability to control or manipulate how electrons spin. Electrons spinning around electronic signals carry audio information. The goal of the PEA devices its to get the electrons spinning as uniformly as possible. It opens up the sound and makes subtle cues in the music even more real.
    • Timbernation and Bright Star Audio Platforms
    Solid maple platforms stained cherry for electronics and Bright Star platforms for the subs.

Comments 577

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Scott, I'm enjoying reading your journey with the mats. Keep the updates coming!

david_ten

Owner
Tonight, I spent a couple of hours listening to a wide variety of music. I must say my system has never sounded so real yet dynamic. Its "right there" type of sound. Not a hint of brightness or excessive treble with a rich midrange and tight bass. However, I respect Grannyring's opinion to the "enth degree" so I took the magnetic sheets off and quickly alternated the sheets within the stack so they went from facing the component to opposing the component back and forth. In other words, they did not all face the same direction but alternated. I did not touch the sheets in the breaker box which are all facing away from the breakers. Against my own inclinations, I immediately listened again and all I can say is "wow"! However, I'm going to let this configuration sit until Sunday (its now Friday) and listen again....

sbayne

Owner
Bill - after reading your post, I realized my magnetic sheets are attached to the inside of my breaker box door so they are actually facing away from the breakers. The magnetic sheets are facing towards my components and speakers, however. I'm going to do some extended listening tonight and may move some things around based on what I hear. Thanks for the feedback. Scott

sbayne

Here is what I think so far of this magnetic sheet layering with graphene oxide between the sheet layers. It does indeed have an impact on the sound of my system.  I have them on my breaker panel door and on all pieces of gear and conditioners.  Nothing under or on my speakers.  

With the magnetic side facing the gear and breaker box the music is more detailed and louder. However,  there is a strange nervousness to the increased detail that I tire of after listening for awhile. When placing the magnetic side away from gear and the breaker box the sound is more full bodied and natural to my ears. More musically engaging really. 

Still trying to determine the overall changes with the mats facing away vs no mats at all. Well, this is what I am finding with my gear. The breaker box and integrated amp are the two areas that seem to have the most impact thus far. 

grannyring

Owner
I've placed them with the magnetic side facing the component. I've tried within the stacks to keep them all facing the same direction as well.

sbayne

Quick question. Have you placed the mat’s magnetic side facing the component or with the magnetic side facing away?

grannyring

Owner
I've now removed Bybee iQSEs I had in my music server and on my amp. I also removed DIY Shakti stones that I had through-out my system and on my speakers. I can't help but think they may have been disturbing the consistency of the magnetic field.  I added treated magnetic sheets to the top and bottom of my speakers as well as added additional sheets to my music server and amp.  I couldn't wait so I went ahead and listened for about 15 minutes. The sound seemed a little "weird" (how is that for an approved audiophile term?). I'm going to let it sit for a few days.

sbayne

Owner
Very thorough Bill. Not surprised. Looking forward to your comments.

sbayne

I added the graphene oxide between the layers.  I used a 3 inch foam roller to apply the graphene oxide.  I applied it very heavy.  My magnetic sheets are 8x10 with adhesive on one side. The adhesive made it easy to to stack the sheets with graphine oxide in between every layer. I put a thick coating that would sometimes ooze out when I place one sheet over the next.  I simply wiped off any excess with paper towels. I wore rubber gloves just to be safe.  

I will leave in place and report back.  

grannyring

Owner
Sounds good Bill.  I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately so my mats were able to sit without me taking a listen for a few days.  I’m guessing they went through some ups and downs in the beginning which I didn’t have to put up with.  But not really sure.

sbayne

I have 5 - 60 mill mats on my breaker box.  5-20 mill on my Lyngdorf 2170 and 3-20 mill on each on my power conditioners.  I have not applied the Graphene yet, but I have it.  I have 10 more 20 mil sheets coming for my speakers.  To early (no chance to really listen yet) to tell of the impact. Things thus far seem very dynamic and more forcefull.  We will see.

grannyring

Owner
Tom - Great that other people may try it too! I've cut all my sheets to fit my equipment - cutting it is no problem as far as I can tell. I may put some sheets on top and on the bottom of my equipment. I'm starting to think its all about keeping a uniform, consistent magnetic loop intact, so top and bottom placement makes sense to me. The graphene oxide is a coating that helps make the magnetic loop even more uniform and consistent. Based on what I've done and heard so far, I don't think it has anything to do with "micro-arcing" or "conductivity".  Scott

sbayne

Simple enough, that’s awesome. I told a friend about this and might order some magnets and oxide to try. He asked about cutting the magnet in smaller sections to fit in certain places. I haven’t tried this yet but it’s a good idea for anyone wanting to put them on top of components to avoid tubes and vent holes. Like you mentioned before it can go underneath as well which I have done on my dac and amp but also have some on top but there only half on because of tubes and holes. 

My mind keeps wondering what is better, a few 60 mil sheets stacked with some oxide painted or a bunch of 20 mil sheets which would allow more oxide to be applied? And then what about painting multiple coats on the same magnet? Definitely a lot of experimenting can be had. Thanks Scott for taking the initiative to give this magnet/graphene thing a try!

t_ramey

Owner
Tom - the only place that I applied the graphene oxide that it didn't seem to help was the outside of my WiFi router and router extension units. I was hoping for a little better WiFi coverage and thought it might help but it didn't. I was able to get it off with 409 cleaner and a rag.

sbayne

 Very cool, thanks Scott. I just recently got several Furutech NCF connectors so I’m not sure I’d like to paint them with the graphene oxide but maybe the KLE connectors on my ic’s would be a good experiment. Has there been a place where you’ve applied it and didn’t like the effect? I’m wondering if rubbing alcohol is all that is needed to wipe it off if it doesn’t improve a particular component or connector.

t_ramey

Owner
Hi Tom - Not surprised you found an improvement with the graphene oxide. I've used it on all the cable connections and contacts in my system. Really does seem to work. I cut and added some mats to the top of my speakers today, so I'll report back on that.

sbayne

The graphene oxide arrived after my last post yesterday and curiosity got the best of me so I applied right away to the stacks I had in place. Within 30 min or so I noticed a positive change and after this morning think the oxide is definitely enhancing what the magnets were already doing. Seems more natural and extended. Really neat. Looking forward to what another week of the new magnets and now graphene oxide will do to everything. Picture quality also got enhanced which I was concerned at first when applying but things are looking incredible. Still can’t get over this.

Scott-
Have tried appliying the graphene oxide to other things yet? Like maybe the exterior portions of cable connectors and such? It’s making me wonder where else it can work.

t_ramey

Wow Tom. Great to hear and thanks for going whole hog! I also have a mix of 60 and 20 coming.

grannyring

Owner
Bill - I totally agree. 

Tom - I may have to get some 60 mil sheets. Seems like the more the merrier. Maybe just try the graphene oxide incrementally? I went whole hog and painted all my mats at the same time. Would be interesting if you heard a difference with it being phased-in. I'm not above admitting what I've heard with the graphene oxide may be due to suggestion based on what I've read about it. However, to answer your question, it did not turn-out to be too much of a good thing :-)

sbayne

I received another set of 60 mil magnets today and have placed them on top of the mini stacks I started.  So the bottom has one 20 mil and now theres two 60 mil on top of that. I’ve placed these on tops of my speakers, dac, preamp/amp, and next to the power conditioner where everything for the stereo is plugged. 

Also have three stacks under my tv and next to the Apple TV. One on top of the conditioner that has the tv, modem, and router plugged into as well as a stack one each side of the modem/router which has my computer in the next room for music plugged into. Everything this past week with just the one 20 mil and one 60 mil was looking and sounding great but after about an hour with the second 60 mil things are just ridiculous for both the picture on my tv and the sound of the stereo. I’m almost scared to put any Graphene oxide on anything as I’m afraid to mess with a good thing.

I’ve spent about $85 so far on magnets that I’ve used and have another $35 of magnets coming with $57 of graphene oxide. I just can’t believe what a stack of cheap magnets can do. This is really amazing. The level of realism and clarity on vocals and instruments is crazy and I’m sure it’s only going to get better with more time of the additional 60 mil magnets I just placed. 

Scott-
Were you concerned at all that the graphene oxide was going to be too much of a good thing for the magnets? 

t_ramey

As you know the owner of PP/TC Audio, for some reason still unknown to me, just went off on me.  I have been one of his most vocal supporters answering many emails and Agon inquiries about TC’s use and positive results. Goodness he should be thanking me. Anyway, I like DIY and trying things out for little money.  Thus my interest in this recipe.  I can no longer post on TC or PP as the owner has taken away my fun and interest in those products. Just not worth the hassle posting and dealing with the strange responses which will follow.  Let’s just continue with this little tweak and see if it really helps our music sound a little better.  I spent $85 and will put these all over my system and on my breaker box.

grannyring

That is exactly how I understand it.  This is another tweak. Completely different. DIY and another avenue to potentially improving sound for very cheap.

grannyring

Owner

Based on inquires I've received I just want to make one thing clear: I am NOT claiming what I've put together is the same as making an E-mat. The maker of the E-mat says the magnetic mat has nothing to do with what's going with his product and says the magnet is merely there for convenience to attaching to components. Also, he states his is totally proprietary and came from his own research and development.

What I'm discussing here is the exact opposite of the E-mat. Everything used is not proprietary and is available in the public domain (E-bay), it appears the magnetic field being created is very important to improving the sound and using the graphene oxide is based on research that is all over the internet. The fact the magnetic field builds overtime if its not disturb (the magnetic loop is not broken) and more mats create a stronger magnetic field resulting in better sound quality seems to validate what is going on with what I have proposed. 

So, bottom line, I'm just messing around as a DIYer. I'm going to stop talking about the E-mat on this blog (I've already dropped-off the thread). Please don't ask me anymore questions about it either publicly or privately. Thanks.


sbayne

Great stuff.  Thanks for the links! This is my project next week. Will report back.

grannyring

I've done quite a bit the last couple of years to get a better picture on my 2013 Panny Plasma. First, its sitting on a Star Sound Tech Apprentice platform. The power cable is a Furutech DPS-4 with NCF connectors with TC applied to the wires as well as the male connector blades.

I have Mad Scientist black discus everywhere from the modem/router to the hdmi cabling to the power cables. Sometimes there's a negative effect like when I had used Sonic Tonic and had too many of them and the picture got a little washed out. The black discus proved to be better so I got rid of the Sonic Tonic. 

The magnet sheets added a nice clarity while retaining a natural look so I'm pretty happy with them as is so I'll see what the graphene oxide does.

t_ramey

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