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Know of a "Dirt Cheap" tweak?

I am looking for tweaks to improve the overall sound quality of my audio system. I recently purchased some TPC contact cleaner and it made a believer out of me. I noticed a signicant improvement, as if a veil was lifted my system sounded more clear and transparent. Bass got tighter too. Do you know of any cheap tweaks that have made a SIGNIFICANT improvement to the sound quality of your Hifi system...let us know... :-) Comments welcomed!
kasboot
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,455 posts
 

Use teflon tape (plumbers tape) to wrap around the outside end of power cords iec’s. This will make the iec a tighter connection and may also provide some damping.

ozzy

sabai
2,027 posts
 
lexphin,

I have been using copper beading cones inserted into copper end caps. The former are really hard to come by lately. You need to do a Google search. The latter can be had on Ebay. Since I have never used SR's HFTs I cannot comment on how they compare. All I can say is that if you find the right positioning the results can be very impressive with a DIY version of SR's HFTs. I have over 70 in my system -- total cost about $70 vs. $4,200 for 70 SR HFTs. How's that for getting a bang for your audio buck?
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Sand boxes on top of and under components.Dirt cheap, excuse the pun.
erik_squires
16,046 posts
 
Adding mass to smaller speakers, like exercise plates on top.

Blankets, pillows and tapestries can be useful experiments in room acoustics. Pillows especially around the speakers and on the floor, bean bag chairs, etc.

Best,

E
lexphin
62 posts
 
Hey Sabai thanks for the DIY transducers. I'm using 14 with good results.

 I read about this one on Analog Planet, the use of turnbuckles. between your rack and back wall. I bought 2 pieces of threaded rod and 4 nuts and the results were not subtle. The best $5 bar none!
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