Audio Magic Pulse Gen products

ke-Houston,

I'm still using the PEA's (4) in the corners of my audio room.

ozzy

*call*

Hi Magic Fans, I have been trying to read and understand Audio Magic products as much as possible. Whenever I can the distributors, they are trying to push some other brand products. Any idea why?  Their contention is the newer designs and companies have better / latest technology. Are you still happy with Audio Magic. Any updates will be greatly appreciated. Happy listening.

After extensive testing and tweaking of the PEAs and the IPC Acoustic Energizers the latter are the hands-down winners. The former have a subtle effect. The latter are on a whole other level. In my system.

Yeah, I can’t tell you how many times I have tried to remove these items only to put them right back, due to the lack of losing that "magic".

The PEA seems to clean up hash from the upper range and generally make each sound more coherent.
In comparison the Pulse Gens seem to make the sound more real, mainly in the midrange, and slightly more bloom.  

I've been experimenting with a battery powered PEA. It is the smallest unit of the three sizes available. 

So far, I like it best around AC devices such as line conditioners. I get the most effect there, so far. I have not tried it inside components. Second strongest effect is over the inlet of components, close to the IEC inlet. Over power cord plugs is about the same as the IEC inlets.
One of my PLCs has the Pulse Gen inside, which works fine, and is further improved by the PEA over an unused outlet. Over the metal has less effect.

I plan to buy the middle sized PEA, AC powered, and place it over my Synergistic Research Powercell. The Powercell is made of hard plastic and should let in the radiated field of the PEA. One in the breaker panel will be worth a try.

Remember: The small and medium PEA units fire downward. 

I'm having Joesph Chow of Audio Horizons modifying my pre amp and I bought a gen x premier to go in it.. I'm wondering how it'll work myself...

I'm curious whether the new Pulse Gen ZX Premier is a step up from the original.

I am wondering if anyone has tried a Pulse Gen module inside
a surround sound processor. I have an Integra DHC 80.3 and was thinking it might be helpful there.

I also have a PEA on both of my speakers just over the crossovers. I noticed that the balance was just not quite right. Turns out one of the switches was off.

Browns fan, thanks for the reply.

Ozzy, I have my speaker clarifiers on the binding posts. Once I was listening and something wasn't right. I found that one of the speaker clarifiers had fallen off and was on the floor. I put it back on and after about 30 minutes everything returned to normal.

These cancel EMI/RFI not just in the cables, but also in the immediate vicinity of the clarifiers. EMI/RFI is very likely not a constant, so it may be that on a good day, you can remove them and not hear a difference, but on a bad day, you wish you had them back.

I tend to hang on to stuff once I am convinced it makes a difference, until and unless I find something else that addresses the same need better or cheaper.

Since its been a while that I have had the speaker clairifiers attached to my DIY speaker cables I decided to take them out.

When I did I couldn't tell any difference? Huh???
To the point that I actually listed them for sale for a few days.

Then on a hunch, I jammed them in between my biwire binding posts and the magic returned! So, I cancelled my ad.

Now, is it because they were unplugged for several days that caused the improvement or was it because placing them on my speaker binding posts...???

I should add that I have added the Synergistic XOT to the speaker binding posts, perhaps that is why the improvement when I moved the Clairifiers to the binding posts.

Any thoughts on this? Perhaps they need to be unplugged for a while to recharge?

I have a couple power chips on my main breaker panel. I also have a transformer chip in the PS-10 along with several cap chips.

Ozzy,

Thanks for letting me know. I have 2 Pulse Gens on the way. I will try one in my power regenerator and one in my preamp. Have you tried a Pulse Gen in your preamp?

By the way, do you still have WA Quantum chips in your system? I have a transformer chip and a power chip on the way -- my first chip purchase. I was thinking of putting the transformer chip in my power regenerator and the power chip on the IEC end leading to my Triton. Any ideas?

The Pulse Gens primarily. They work great installed in my Oppo 95 and also inside the PS Audio P10 power plant. But I had several others installed in my other gear and one by one I removed them.
The PEA's are a different animal. I have one inside the Power plant, one on top of my Synergistic FEQ, and 2 on the back of my speakers.

Ozzy,

Are you referring to PEAs here or Pulse Gens or both?

Yes, but it seemed a bit too much of a good thing. In other words I had too many of these and it kinda dulled the sound.

Ozzy,

Thanks for letting me know. I have a couple of Pulse Gens on the way. Have you ever tried yours on a preamp?

Yes, I still have 3 PEA's. One is on each speaker and one is inside my PS Audio P10 power conditioner. I have a Pulse Gen inside my Oppo 95.
I'm also using the Audio Magic Speaker clarifier's.

Ozzy,

Are you still using your PEAs with HiDiamond cables?

Davehrab,

I beg to differ. There is magic here. Not everything that matters can be measured. And not everything that can be measured matters. Even Jack Bybee said, damned if I know, when asked how his technology works. But some folks need explanations to believe their own ears.

Guys, I've had the 3rd standard PEA in place for a while now. After buying the first, I was able to pick up a couple used from guys that found they could get by with one. This allowed me to get a pretty good feel for the benefit each additional PEA brought.

The first was installed on top of my AM Mini Ref, which also places it between the Coincident CSL power supply and preamp proper. After being in place about an hour, it was obvious the PEA wasn't going anywhere and I would do well to think about adding more. Especially given that this 1st PEA was on the middle shelf of my Maplehsade (4" thick maple shelves) rack, which I expect renders that PEA of no use to pieces located on the top and bottom shelves.

Addition of the second PEA found its best placement on top of one of my Cary mono blocks, which are placed between my Magnepan 3.7Rs. I moved them around a bit and back and forth from one monoblock to the other. Finally, I found that on top of the one of the Carys right above the input board gave maximum benefit. Overall, the benefit associated with adding the 2nd PEA was certainly noticeable but not quite at the level I saw in adding the first PEA.

The opportunity to pick up a 3rd PEA came along, so I figured it would make sense to locate another one above the input on the other mono block. Surprisingly, addition of this 3rd PEA resulted in a huge improvement--OMG level. I was expecting diminishing returns on addition of the 3rd one. What I got was just stunning beauty. Smooth, rich, clear, sweet, detailed, airy, dynamic, you name it I've got it at a substantially improved level. Now all I need is more time to listen.

The bottom line here is what I have said previously. These things are for real. They can be the last piece in bringing it all together and making things right. Well done Jerry!

Wow, Audiotunesx you and I have crossed equipment lines. My reply is based on my personal experience.

I am one of the all time tweaker's. I can't begin to tell you all of the tweaks I have tried. I feel everybody's equipment linked together has different reactions to different tweaks. Sometimes tweaks impress and sometimes they do not. More than 95% have come and gone in my system.

I installed a regular Pulse Gen inside my Oppo (not easy) and I do not think the treble changed at all. The sound became much more organic as they say.
But, I also have 3 Audience Ar2p-TO units plugged into my dedicated circuits. From there I am using PS Audio P10 in which the Oppo is then plugged into.

I have the standard PEA on top of my Oppo and it improves further the sound quality and picture quality. I think the PEA + Pulse Gen = 3.

I also use a digital terminator but I have mine on my Dac. All of the Oppo in and outs are used. You should also try some of the analog terminators on unused inputs on your preamp. They do help quiet things for a few bucks.

Now, I did try the Kemp QA unit along with the Acoustic Revive units, but I was not impressed enough to buy either of them.

I had the regular Stein units along with the ultra versions. At first I thought they were great but as time went on their effect became dull and uninteresting compared to not using them. Luckily I was able to send them back and I had 2 pairs of each for bi-wiring !

I own and like the Speaker Clarifiers. But, I think their use is to eliminate RF/EMI that may be riding on the speaker cables and my speaker cables are DIY versions so perhaps they help my situation more than if I used other speaker cables.

Does the PEA units increase dynamics and have any impact in the mid-range? Is it relaxed because of a dulling in the leading edges, upper treble and bass?

Quick Pulse Gen Review: I have an Oppo 105 with a Bybee music rail. The player has an Acoustic Revive 18000 power cord w/Oyaide 079 plugs. I installed an AM Pulse Gen. After the players 200 hour break in, the AM Pulse Gen was overkill. I had an exaggeration in treble that covered up the mid-range. I pulled the unit out and eventually put an Oyaide 079 on it. I plugged it into my Audience Ar2p-To and voila, the pulse gen was balanced. Now I get transparency, solid bass, increased dynamics, sweeter voices, etc. I think the unit takes on some of the house sound of the power cord and connector it's closest to. I tried a Wattgate Silver plug, but the Oyaide was just right providing the right amount of dynamics without harshness. The PAD Canorus that is attached to the Audience PLC seemed to be enhanced with the Pulse Gen...

I am now curious of the PEA. I would like to install a mini inside the Oppo 105 right in front of the transformer (it has a perfect spot there for AM units). I would like to know if the PEA relaxes the sound by dulling dynamics? Does it have any impact on the mid range and bass? I currently have a nice ruler flat frequency balance, but my imaging is still very cloudy and I lack soundstage width. I'm hoping the PEA may assist without diminishing instrument weight, mid-range and dynamics.

On a side note, I found the highend_cc digital terminator to be another nice tweak. Only one is needed on the Digital Out of the Oppo, using another simultaneously on the In is too much of a good thing. This $20 tweak provides about 30% of the improvement my $400 Entreq ground conditioner made. Also I would highly recommend the Kemp QA Plug. Talk about amazing synergy with the Pulse Gen! On my system the Kemp QA Plug only sounds good at it's minimum setting. It takes the overall digital sound signature out of my system and replaces it with a very analogue (natural) sound. I can finally listen to Celine Dion with Magnepan 1.7's in great detail, yet with smoothness and refinement. It brings you one big step closer to a live performance for a small price. Another must have tweak!!

I have not tried the AM Speaker Clarifier. But have tried the Stein Speaker Match Plus. This is the only tweak I've found that has a huge impact in the mid-range (Kemp QA a distant second). It added much needed weight to all instruments. Soundstage width increased substantially. Imaging is better. Bass digs deep, and PRAT is more natural. However, it revealed a harshness in my system. The AM Pulse Gen helped smooth that out. But it was the Kemp QA plug that brought it all together.

I'm also going to give the Nordost Kones a try under the Oppo. Anyone tried the BC model yet?

All HiDiamond.

Ozzy,

What cables and wires do you have now?

No, Sold them all.
All of have left of my Synergistic products is the MGS.

Hi Ozzy,

Thanks for the information. I own 3 Symphony Pros that I use to good effect with Schumann resonance devices and Steinmusic Harmonizers. I intend to add the PEAs to my system eventually. Do you still use a lot of Synergistic Research products?

Sabai, No experience with the Qx4.I did however own 3 of the Quantum Symphony Pro units that were made from the same company that now makes the module for the Nordost unit.
I thought it improved video quite nicely. With audio they seemed to create a suck out in the mid bass range so I sold them. Perhaps the newer Nordost units have improved on this.
Also, on the internet I saw the insides of the Nordost units, and I could'nt believe that there is close to nothing inside!
I realy don't know if the Audio Magic PEA's and the Nordost units are similiar in function, you would have to ask Jerry.

Ozzy,

Do you have any experience with Nordost Qx4? If so, what is your experience with them vs. the PEAs?

I just ordered a couple more PEAs.

I have been moving my two PEA's everywhere. Try putting one of them very close to the house fuse panel that services your stereo. My second PEA sits on top of the row of male plugs exiting my Mini Ref 2.

Ozzy,

Thanks for letting me know. I think I will eventually add 3 to my system. I already use Schumanns, Steinmusic Harmonizers and Symphony Pros to good effect.

Excellent! There are no downsides with this item. Fairly inexpensive for the sound quality improvements.

Ozzy,

Thanks for letting me know. And how is the imaging?

Sabai, There is a depth to the sound quality that is oh so relaxing.

Ozzy,

What positive changes have happened for your sound stage? How is the imaging?

Just to get the Audio Magic PEA back onto recent activity, I can't believe how much the PEA's have added to my enjoyment, the soundstage is just unbelievable.

I hope some of the online reviewers will try these soon so the word gets out and others can try these units.

Rja, I can tell you that when I moved my Coincident Statement Line stage (tube with SS rectification) away from its position on either side of my AM Mini Reference Power conditioner, which contains a pulse gen module, the system sound suffered rather dramatically. I can also tell you that Dan Wright offers installation of Pulse Gens in his ModWright Sony and Oppo players (tube analog stage, tube rectified). The speaker clarifiers are modified pulse gens that are intended to be used at the binding posts of speakers.
In theory, any equipment affected by RFI/EMI, tube or SS, should be improved by the pulse gens.; My experience is consistent with theory.

Is there a difference in the effect of these tweaks on tubed vs. solid state components?

Brownsfan... I took your advice and contacted Jerry. Copied below is Jerry's response. Emphasis added that the PEA's can be fitted with a plug in power supply which might be of interest to those thinking about installing one inside their component.

"1. Mini Mite 2" x 2" x 1 1/2" this unit is designed to go inside of equipment where space is an issue.

2. Standard 4" x 5" x 1 1/2 " this is the work horse it can be put on top of equipment, speakers, breaker boxes, etc.

Use your imagination everything has electrons so it will work on most anything.

3. Monolith 24" tall 8" wide 8" deep this is our floor stander designed to go by each speaker and one behind the listening position this allows the music to travel through the air a lot easier creating greater depth and width,smoothness , detail and better bass.

All units run off 2 AA batteries or can be fitted with a plug in power supply for 25.00.

2- AA lithium batteries running non stop 24/7 will last approximately 4 months... if you turn them off when not listening they could last up to 2 years."

Ozzy, I think what you said a couple posts above is key. Both the Pulse Gens and the PEAs are resulting in a "purer sounding" system. They are both, in different ways, removing something that is not right. With the pulse gens and speaker clarifiers in my system, its removing a bit of grunge in the high frequencies, giving at the same time a clearer more detailed sound that is also more relaxed. Those attributes don't commonly go together. I also find the Pea I have has added to the soundstage and depth.

There is a very high return on investment with these two "tweaks."

Sabai, That's a tough question to quantify.
But, I'll do my best.
Adding the three PEA's after what I already had installed was a complete change in image quality. So perhaps the three units would total a 10.
Each unit added one at a time would then be perhaps a 3+.

Ozzy,

Thanks for all this valuable information. Would you say the impact of just the standard PEAs was subtle -- or not so subtle? How would you characterize the change on a scale from 1 to 10?

Sabai,

The website says that the standard is to be placed on top of the components' I think the large ones are the ones to be placed behind the speakers.

I'm getting a very nice, purer sounding, wide, deep soundstage. It seems that any frequency bump(be it low frequency or high)is now completely gone and replaced with a very relaxed sound. But, I also installed the Pulse Gens units inside the same components in which Jerry says the PEAs improve on there effect.
I also have the speaker clarifiers on my speaker cables. Each item added to the depth and realism.
I'm playing familiar tunes and smiling...

It's something you would have to hear (feel) to appreciate.

Ozzy,

Thanks for the update. I am still running some cables in series.

I would very much appreciate knowing what effects the PEAs have brought to your system and where you are using them. I have read that placing them behind speakers gives a good result.

Sabai, I now have a complete loom of HiDiamond cables throughout my 2 channel and home theatere equipment.I am still very much enjoying them, and I doubt that I will change to other cables.

On the PEA's. I own 3 of the standard size that are placed on top of components. There is a smaller size that can go inside the component and a larger floor standing unit.