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Snake oil and tweaks that work!

This is in no way intended to bring out argument but discussion of tweaks people have tried and have found success with. I know there are at least 50% of you out there that think everything in audio is snake oil, and you are initialed to those opinions. Please don't make this your battle field! If you want to start an opposing thread calling us nuts and getting in arguments please do, it might be fun to have both going. I want this one to be an informational for people who want to try things. I for one have tried a lot of the recommendations in Stereophile each month, most don't work for me, but I have found a few things that do work. #1 tweak: Speaker location. Even a 1/16" can make all the difference. I try to play with this about every six months. A dedicated circuit from the panel with 10ga. wire had a very noticeable improvement. Cables and wires matter, some have been good for my system, some real bad. We have plenty of threads covering this so lets no go there. The "Bedini Ultra Clarifier" works amazingly well for me, I know it's crazy but it works! The Cardas caps I got for X-mas really worked, they produced a more quite background, go figure. Black Diamond Racing "the Puck and the Shelf " have been great improvements, all the different cones I've tried change the sound, I haven't found one I would recommend. The Audio Prism Quiteline filters work great, but power conditioners and RFI/EMI ferrets did nothing. The last thing that has helped me is furniture location, I find if I move something only an inch it can help or hurt. I look forward to hearing others experiences.
128x128jadem6
tommylion
874 posts
 
jaybe,

Yes, I would say the effects are similar. They both lower the noise floor, and work well together. I found the iQSEs work best when placed close to a power transformer. Inside the chassis, if possible/practical, but they still work well placed on the outside. I currently have 6 in my system. I added them one by one, and heard further improvements each time, so be prepared, if you go down that road 😉
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ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,316 posts
 
@elizabeth - Am interested in knowing more about this antistatic tweak. Specifically, how large a piece do use and what sonic benefits did you realize?  Thanks
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ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,316 posts
 
Thanks, for the explanation E. I get the picture. Had wondered what the impact on temperature might be (which you addressed). Found some sheets of the black stuff on Amazon. Not very expensive, either.

In addition to your usages, I am wondering about using it to help with static buildup on LPs.  Fix a small piece to the turntable plinth and have this in light contact with the side of the turntable platter itself.  Stick a drain wire in it connected to TT ground.

Thanks again.


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