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

Owner
Tom - interesting about the improvement it made to your TV. I'm going to try these treated magnetic sheets on other electronics too.

sbayne

Owner

After looking at my order again its actually called magnetic sheeting. I ended-up calling them directly and asked them to cut the sheet into 8x11 mats which they agreed to do. When I got the order it wasn't cut but they gave pretty much an entire roll of the stuff which I believe was 30'. Anyway, this is what I used.

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-X-5-Roll-Magnetic-Sheeting-Black-Vinyl-20-Mil-thick-Free-Shipping/121882051238?hash=item1c60bc82a6%3Ag%3AqQoAAOSwPgxVLsbR&_sacat=0&_nkw=24%22+X+25%27+Roll+Magnetic+Sheeting&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

sbayne

Can you share a link for the roll of magnet that you got as well? Does it have the white film on one side like so many seem to have?

t_ramey

Yeah, when I read a member's post about the TC being applied to the exterior casing of mc-0.5's and having a positive effect I wondered too what is happening with this stuff. Thanks for the tips!

t_ramey

Owner

Hi Tom - thanks for the feedback. Good to read I'm not crazy thinking these magnetic mats help the sound quality. I've always thought keeping magnetic fields away from our stereos was the way to go. Maybe its actually keeping "stray" magnetic fields away but focused strong magnetic fields are beneficial.

As to the graphene oxide, I simply used a paint brush to apply it to the mats. I put the mats together while they were still damp. I didn't wait for it to fully dry.  I continue to read about graphene oxide and I'm not totally sure its positive effects are all about conductivity. It seems to create a coating that can be used for many purposes including improving batteries, optics and electronics. I'm not going to try to explain why (because I don't understand it). Do a simple Google search. Its fascinating reading.

sbayne

I just ordered some of the graphene oxide to try. I initally got 20 magnet sheets at 20 mil and thought they did make a nice improvement on both the stereo as well as my tv. I then got some 60 mil sheets and layed them on top of the 20 mil and felt things improved more so I'm interested in seeing how the graphene oxide changes things.

Scott, what are you using as an applicator? Does the oxide dry quickly or are you applying it wet and then start stacking immediately?

t_ramey

Owner

Thanks Bill. Here is what I've been using:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1Bottle-250ml-Bottle-5mg-ml-Single-Layer-Graphene-Oxide-Aqueous-Dispersion/111589243678?hash=item19fb3cbb1e%3Ag%3AnGkAAOSwKytZGKqd&_sacat=0&_nkw=graphene+oxide&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

You can buy different quantities from this seller. It says for "R&D only", "keep out of the reach of children", etc on the label. So, I wouldn't drink it :-)

Also, please let me say I have no idea if this will work in every system. Its just a relatively low cost (ongoing) experiment.

sbayne

I ordered the magnetic mats.  Please attach a link to the graphene oxide you purchased.  Do you just paint it on? I assume so. Is this stuff toxic in any way .... that is a warning label on the bottle etc.... Thanks a bunch.  

grannyring

Great stuff! Keep it up.  Seems you are an active DIYer now!

grannyring

Owner
The graphene oxide had a positive effect on the magnetic mats I've been using. Almost every aspect of the sound has improved. If people are reading this I would highly recommend you get on E-bay and buy 20' or 30' of 20mil magnetic mat and a 1.5mil bottle of graphene oxide. Total cost should be a little over $125. Cut the mats to the exact size you need. Use about 7 - 10 layers. Cover each layer with graphene oxide. Stack them either on top or below each component and the inside cover of your breaker box. (Obviously don't put them by anything that could be damaged by a magnetic field such as a phono cartridge, hard drive or even some speakers) Let them sit for at least 3 days. If you don't hear a positive difference I will be shocked! 

On a side note, I read through the latest posts on the E-Mat thread. Looks like the manufacturer and "tester" who received the product for free are trying to squelch opinions from some of the most well-known and respected people on Audiogon. The manufacturer even sent sample E-mats to one of those people, who then didn't give an absolute glowing review so apparently the manufacturer told him to send the samples back! If he would have simply set-up a website to sell his product and let true word-of-mouth sell his product he would have been much better-off. I assume whatever he has created is a much stronger version of what I have put together. 

sbayne

Owner
I've now painted the magnetic mats with graphene oxide. I'm leaving on another 3 day trip so I will let them "cook"and do another extended listening session.

sbayne

Owner
I've done some serious listening the past few days. The magnetic sheets are definitely making the presentation more musical. I still need to do more experimenting. For example, it seems by adding even more sheets to the layers makes a nice improvement but I have no idea how much is too much. I realize I'm creating a magnetic field which I thought should always be avoided (lots of audio tweaks try to eliminate EMI) but it seems they are actually beneficial!

sbayne

Owner

Bill - making the grounding box was easy. I ordered everything off Ebay one night when I decided to build one. The wood box came from there as well. I just checked and it doesn't appear the guy is active on EBay anymore, unfortunately.  I just drilled the holes in the back of the box and added the binding posts.  I used 10lbs of tourmaline and bought a roll of copper . In all, it cost me about $150. I think it was worth it. If nothing else it was a fun project.

The whole thing with the E-mat pissed me off. Really don't understand giving a product away to people who have no idea how it works and then squelching any discussion in that regard. I'm sure its a good product so let it stand-on its own and give us an idea of what's going on - I'm sure its much more than just a magnetic mat! Anyway, I'll report back in a few days.

sbayne

Did you make the wood chassis for the grounding box? Looks good and nice job on the piece.  I have been reading up on these and want to build one. I bet your system is sounding great!

grannyring

Great.  I will follow your comments here.  I am also interested in your grounding box. Was it worth the effort?

grannyring

Owner
Over on the E-Mat thread I was called unethical by the OP and the maker of the E-Mat told another Audiogoner to simply ignore my post about his use of the E-Mat on his speakers and to post pictures of it. I have no interest in being goated into a fight so I simply dropped-off the thread. I'll continue to post my findings about magnetic mats here on my system page.

sbayne

Owner
Ozzy - The DIY grounding box has binding posts that are attached to copper strips that run through tourmaline crystals.  The grounding wires run to your component. I've attached some additional pictures. I'd read about this technique and finally gave it a try. I'm sure there are better solutions but it did seem to lower the noise floor in my system. By the way, a couple of years ago you taught me how to make DIY resonators so I'm kind of returning the favor.  I've enjoyed reading about your system over the years and how its evolved.  Scott

sbayne

Can you provide some more info about your DIY ground box?

ozzy

ozzy

Owner
I'm now back in town and gave a listen with the four 8x11 magnetic mats under my music server. No doubt another improvement in sound! My 30 additional "mats" also arrived but there was a note in the box saying they could not cut them to size so they sent me a 30' x 2' roll! I now have 10 layers of 20mil magnetic mat on the inside of my breaker box and 10 layers under or over all my components including the power conditioners. I sat down for a brief listen and wow! but I'm going to let them "cook" for a few days before reaching any conclusions.......

sbayne

Owner
Three days ago I put four 8x11 magnetic mats on top of my music server (no hard drive inside - if there was a hard drive the magnets would wreck havoc with its magnetic platter). I've been out-of-town but gave a listen tonight. Well, I was a little amazed but there was definitely an improvement in sound quality! Each image was a little bigger in the soundstage yet a touch more natural sounding. I'm going away again for 5 days so I will give a listen when I get back. These are very inexpensive so I just ordered 30 more and will try them throughout my system. Interesting stuff!

sbayne

Owner

Here are my thoughts on reviewers. I recently posted this in response to a magnetic mat that is being sold on Audiogon that was sent to a number of people free of charge. I'm going to copy it here so I can easily get to it for future use:

oregonpapa (Frank) - Thanks for the cordial response. I don’t think receiving a product for free obligates the receiver to post a favorable review but if the person wants to establish a relationship with the manufacturer and keep the freebies coming they would naturally be inclined to give a very positive review. I would hope a person wouldn’t be dishonest just to get free product but full disclosure allows a reader to make their own judgments.

We see this all the time with "professional" reviewers. They review the same companies over and over consistently spewing-out positive reviews. Toss-in the "reviewers discount" they usually get, the free meals at shows, the in-home delivery/setup/consultation and you’ve got to wonder if the relationship is a little too cozy.

A big reason I like reading "non-professional" reviews is because you assume the person actually bought the product and is not being "paid" in anyway for their time or effort to write the review. This is especially true when a money back guarantee is involved - they have decided it truly was worth investing their own money and didn’t return it.

As to my positive comments on products, I can assure you I’ve paid for all of them except for the Burson Audio cables I reviewed which I now agree Audiocircle correctly nixed.

sbayne

Owner
I had a nice long listening session with an old friend last night. He hadn't heard my system for about 6 months or more. I've had a lot of turnover in equipment since he was last here. He thinks its vastly improved. He is going to try the graphene oxide I've been using. He has a very nice system but is not a tweeker/change equipment nut like I am. I will say the graphene oxide certainly has not lost its effectiveness - if anything its getting better with time.

sbayne

Owner
Yep, I think the Corelli works best when plugged into the same outlet as the power conditioner which feeds your system. Versus plugging it directly into the power conditioner or some place else on the line such as a power strip. I've tried plugging the Corelli into other power lines throughout my listening room and it had no effect. So, I'm a little surprised the distributor told Ozzy it would affect other lines (he even said dedicated lines) in the listening room and to use it with a power strip. As always, its best to use your best judgment (and ears) when implementing tweeks such as the Corelli and Total Contact.

sbayne

It's vaporware! : )

Yes. I have the power conditioner plugged into the other outlet.

david_ten

Owner
David, at least I know someone is reading this! ha,ha. Do you have a power conditioner that feeds your system plugged into the Synergistic Black duplex that has the Corelli? (You really need to get your system page up-to-date, my friend!)

sbayne

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