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

    • Aerial Acoustics 20T V2
    These speakers are version 2 of Aerial Acoustics' pinnacle speaker design. The workmanship is outstanding. They have 2" thick cabinet walls with heavy cherry veneer. The wiring and components are all premium grade. They use a 4" ribbon tweeter and proprietary Scan-Speak drivers. A true 20HZ to 20,000HZ speaker that is very musical.
    • Eversolo DMP-A10 and AMP-F10
    These are Eversolo's top-of-the-line power and digital preamp, DAC, streamer and DSP components. They are designed to work together and to keep all electronic noise to an absolute minimum. The A10 uses dual power supplies - one for analog and one for digital. Its volume control is a stepped-ladder R2R. And, has a built-in proprietary clocking system. The signal-to-noise ratio is over 130Db!

    The F10 power amplifier uses dual differential power modules, dual power supplies and a proprietary DC filtering system. I run two of them as monoblocks for an incredible 950 w/ch  and 70dB of current

    With the Aerial 20T V2 speakers these  components present a huge soundstage that is silky smooth and powerful.
    • ModWright Signature Truth SCD XA5400ES
    ModWright Signature Truth SCD XA5400ES with external tube rectified power supply. I've added Sophia Electric blue 6SN7 tubes to the output stage. I still have a significant CD collection. Overall, great analog type sound.
    • Audioquest Dragon Interconnects, Power Cables and Speaker Cables
    Expensive but worth it if you want the absolute best out of your system.
    • 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!
    • Synergistic Research Tranquility Pod
    The Tranquility Pod hasowered UEF and grounding technology.  It works with the SR Atmospheres that I have distributed around the room. Very effective with digital sources.
    • Electric Bamboo, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
    The Electric Bamboo is an excellent but very rare line conditioner. All hand-built around a massive transformer wired and grounded in the classic star configuration.  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.
    • Vera-Fi Audio MainStream, SnubWay and Puron AC Line Conditioners
    I use these conditioners as additives to my power conditioner. They give a more realistic presentation/soundstage and reveal more texture and impact to the overall sound especially in 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 on 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.
    • Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
    The Akiko Audio tuning stick is another grounding product that works with internal crystals.  The Kemp and Zero One products keep  the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible and add a more standard frequency Schumann Resonance as compared to the Synergistic Research products which variable frequencies. .
    • Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
    The PEAs are battery powered and affect Spintronics have 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.
    • StillPoint footers with risers
    I use original Stillpoints (with risers) under my amp, amp's power supply, streamer and DAC. These are still some of the best footers available in my opinion.
    • 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 components.
    • Timbernation Stand and Platforms
    Solid maple platforms stained cherry.

Comments 589

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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

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

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