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In defense of quantum products.

There are many audio products that have the word quantum in their name. The brand names Synergistic Research, Bybee and Kemp and Audio Magic come to mind. There are others.

Frankly, some of the explanations for these products are difficult for me to understand. I understand the general theory of quantum physics but when it comes to the details I often find myself getting lost very quickly. Are the explanations offered up by makers of quantum products accurate or not? And does it really matter? Is audio about understanding what manufacturers say or about enjoying the music?

Personally, I am only concerned whether the product works in my system. If the explanation is satisfactory but it does not deliver I could not care less about the theories offered in their defense. Happily, I have been lucky with products from Synergistic Research, Bybee and Audio Magic. I have not used any Kemp products yet.

What have your experiences been with quantum products?
sabai
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Sabai, Sounds like I hit a nerve. If you like what they do in your system then that is all that counts.

I have heard a demo of the Nordost quantum device at RMAF a few years ago. They did a A/B comparison. I thought I may have heard a difference but it was very slight. Certainly not worth the price IMO.

Cheers
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,993 posts
 
I don't see how "quantum" models relate to audio sound quality in any meaningful way.

A quantum model to me would infer mostly a different and inherently nebulous way to market a product. A different way to tell the same story in the end essentially that makes a product seem more revolutionary or innovative than it really is.

I proceed with caution with any products marketed based on such a model. It's almost certainly a marketing ploy based on principles whose application to the task at hand are nebulous at best and done most likely merely to increase the perceived value of the product.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
The irony, of course, is that everyone pretty much thinks that quantum products are a marketing ploy, so how does that improve sales for such products? Everyone likes products with easy to grasp explanations, like vibration control and EMI/RFI absorption. Seems like the best thing to do in such circumstances is for the manufacturers to stay mum about the quantum technology.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
Sarcher30, No nerves hit. Just want to be fair to both sides. Thanks for your impressions of the Nordost Quantum. I have always been curious about it but have never heard it. There are a lot of positive reports about it. Your impressions show there are 2 sides to the story.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am not a physicist; my PhD is in the History of Science. But I have read quite a few book on Quantum Theory and find the explanations offered for "Quantum" effects unintelligible. Most apparently refer to "Quantum Tunneling" , which is a critical process in the operation of the Universe. Without it the Sun wouldn't be hot enough to burn for example; or certain electrical devices operate at all. It involves to ability of particles to jump barriers that Classical Physics forbade them to cross by borrowing the energy to do so from the background field. Or else there are times when the barrier does not exist; take your choice. As best I can determine certain manufactures claim that processes they use somehow facilitates this effect. If they can indeed do this; and assuming it would give a desirable effect; what I can't understand is why they are f##ting around with hi fi accessories instead of writing their Nobel speech.
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