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Cost effective Schumann Resonator

After reading about the Acoustic Revive unit, I was looking on Ebay and found a Schumann Resonator for $175 (plus $20 for a very nice plexiglass case). It's model designation is Chartres Mk.2. It is made by a fellow named David in Indonesia. He was a pleasure to deal with, start to finish. The unit arrived in about 10 days. The fit and finish was reassuring. It is a circuit board with good quality components mounted between two sheets of well cut and finished plexiglass.
I have read, and failed to understand a lot that has been written about Schumann resonators, but I am willing to. Suspend disbelief and try a tweak that a lot of folks say works. My initial reaction on hooking up the resonator was disbelief. Sound stage and localization were noticeably better. I had to disconnect and reconnect the unit several times to convince myself that I wasn't fooling myself. Mechanism of action be hanged, it made a very positive difference in my system. This finding was confirmed my moving it to a second system where, again, spatial information seemed much improved.
I am very happy with this purchase. Results rule!
shyood
jazzonthehudson's avatar
jazzonthehudson
277 posts
 
Both the AR888 and the Fleabay version (I recommend the Chartres Resonator Mk2 version for better resolution and detail, esp with +12V LPS, there are tons of suppliers for that on Fleabay as well).
Positioning the AR-888 or alternative product is key, you need to experiment. I recommend the first one in the middle between the speakers, between 5ft and 6ft, the second one either on the back wall or on the side wall at the reflexion point (the same location you would put an acoustic panel). 
This tweak has no downside: it does not change the soundstage or induce imbalance but, because of how it functions, "cleans" the air in your listening room, resulting in more details and increased clarity.  Other tweaks or cables can have side effects. IME one of the best tweaks!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
They sell a Schumann frequency CD all over the Internet probably Amazon, too, that will produce a 7.83 Hz acoustic tone in the room through any speakers, even bookshelf speakers. Of course the Acoustic Revive device and other similar units produce an electromagnetic wave. An electromagnetic wave, not to be confused with RFI or EMI or even a shield against RFI or EMI. An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of 26,000 miles. We can get into how such a long wavelength wave fits into the room later. Lol
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 

jazzonthehudson:

I also use and enjoy these Schumann frequency generators. As you pointed out positioning is a key to their being used with success. Too low in placement, and the sound is fuzzy with increased low frequencies. As the unit is elevated from the floor the focus and clarity improve. I have one between the speakers (my horn system), and one  behind the listener, both 
at a height of 6' 8" off the floor. Six inches of height change made all the difference between being an improvement versus just a change in sound.

I also have one installed inside the car - next to the interior ceiling and 1 foot behind the driver and passenger seats. Same effect- instruments have better focus. Confirmed by independent passengers who have no idea what I am turning on and off.

The ultimate version of this technology is the Synergistic Research Atmosphere Unit. It generates more than one frequency  and pulse duration.  This model is currently installed in my Terasonic speaker system, and allows you to synchronize the sound of each recording with the rooms acoustics. Adjusted easily using an I Pad as a remote control.

It allows each  recording to be heard at it's best. Expensive but to me, worth it.

David Pritchard
                   

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Question for users: why do you think location, especially height is important when placing the Schumann device? It just seems odd, I'm not doubting it. You know, what with the wavelength of the Schumann wave being so long and all, 26,000 miles long. 

Cheers

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,903 posts
 
While reading up on a new Clones music server I linked to their site and discovered that Funjoe has his version of a Schumann Resonator. He recommends a height of 5' and close placement to the listening position.

So I took out my Quantum version, which I've kept close to my system, in the rack, and placed it on a CD cabinet close to where I sit (about 1 yard) and it's 4' off the floor. What a difference it made. Much clearer presentation with better separation and a surprising increase in bass definition. There are real fingers plucking and pulling on those bass strings. It's really easy to hear the difference. Even the highs were better defined. There's a moment in a familiar recording where there's this shiny kind of shimmer, high up in the register, that turned out to be some very rapid high end piano key strokes, struck very softly. I can clearly hear piano foot pedals being engaged, sustained and released, when previously they just had a soft, thumpy impression of being used.

With the older placement, I heard only a slight improvement. Goes to show that I should keep up on things like this. Anyway, I was so impressed  that I went and ordered one from Clones Audio and it's even better than the Quantum unit. Much better. It has a slight buzz that you can hear with your ear close to it while the Quantum unit has a more aggressive buzz. Being a much older device, it might be on it's last legs.  The Clones device is also less than half the price of the Quantum unit, delivered from China. 

I put the older unit in my bedroom to see if there's any benefit and if there is, then there's going to be another Clones unit to order.

All the best,
Nonoise
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