I just have started using the CD Millenium mat in my system. My observations are similar to those of monobloke and coolhand.
Perhaps a little more positive:
Pros
I liked the fact that on complex orchestral, the various instruments are much better delineated. Much cleaner and more organized which feels right.
On video, I find even mumbles are quite clear. And color saturation and images are much smoother.
So the cd mat is doing something right.
Cons
On the other hand, the orchestra feels like it was recorded in much smaller more confined studio.
And on jazz ensembles, it no longer feels like it was recorded in a club...it feels like a close-miked recording.
On Norah Jones' first album (Last track on the album) you clearly lose the sense of air and decay around breathing, flutes, etc.
She feels spookily three-dimensional without the mat, like she is singing in your room. Once the cd mat goes on top, clarity of the ensemble is better, but she is no longer in the room...she is just well recorded.
Anyone else have thoughts on this? Anything that someone has figured out to keep the Pros above and get rid of the Cons? (Nothing is perfect...but pursuit of it in this hobby is the fun!!!)
Thanks!
Perhaps a little more positive:
Pros
I liked the fact that on complex orchestral, the various instruments are much better delineated. Much cleaner and more organized which feels right.
On video, I find even mumbles are quite clear. And color saturation and images are much smoother.
So the cd mat is doing something right.
Cons
On the other hand, the orchestra feels like it was recorded in much smaller more confined studio.
And on jazz ensembles, it no longer feels like it was recorded in a club...it feels like a close-miked recording.
On Norah Jones' first album (Last track on the album) you clearly lose the sense of air and decay around breathing, flutes, etc.
She feels spookily three-dimensional without the mat, like she is singing in your room. Once the cd mat goes on top, clarity of the ensemble is better, but she is no longer in the room...she is just well recorded.
Anyone else have thoughts on this? Anything that someone has figured out to keep the Pros above and get rid of the Cons? (Nothing is perfect...but pursuit of it in this hobby is the fun!!!)
Thanks!