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Crazy cheapo tweaks and impressive SQ hacking

Got a great little digital setup, enjoying the sound Ive been getting. But I had been craving a better DAC, maybe a really nice CD transport, player, SACD...etc.

Instead of going down the typical rabbit holes (where I inevitably be traveling), decided I’d try some silly tweaks and pluggin options?

Got a Raspberry Pi/Allo Digione with usb storage plugged in for files to play, into a cheapo Schiit Audio Modi Uber II, into a Creek Evolution 50A into some used Tekton Lore Reference, decent but very affordable cabling throughout thanks to Zu Audio.

Sound/resonance isolation a starting point, my daughter has an impressive rock collection, where she “loaned” me a perfectly sized rock to set atop the Modi, which I had already set upon some Hudson hifi feet. Also placed these feet under the Allo Digione. Then, downloaded a CD player plugging (Nanomesher) for the Digione that accommodates a cheap external CD/DVD drive via usb.

Stuck the CD player atop a dense little package box.

I cant even begin to describe the improvements...through CD player compared to ripped tracks from the same cd, more soundstage, depth, clarity, tone... mid bass has more color, definition and richness. Every clicky inadvertent texture is heard. Can hear Piano hammers lifting, releasing. Can differentiate the change in tone color and spit moving across a saxophone reed, you name it...all without being too harsh or clinical. I had already had the Hudson feet before using the rock and box, which suggests the cheapest mods worked the real magic here.

What gives? Didn’t expect this. Thought I was just grasping at the ridiculous...what will happen when I can actually allow myself to spend real money? Or do I have to? Thinking not?

Curious about your stories along these lines...anyone else with obsurd yet wonderful tweaks?
riccitone
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Color CD edge with an ordinary felt marker pen.
Use paper cups to hold cables up off the floor.
Rearrange cables to eliminate tangles, space apart, and avoid running parallel.
Play the demagnetizing tracks like on the XLO Test CD.
Spray Static Guard laundry spray on cables just before playing.
Flip off all unused circuits on your breaker panel.

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
For anyone using spring type isolation including my springs, air springs or air bladders, ensure that power cords and interconnects and speakers cables do not exert any force on the iso system, as that will constrain the top plate/component from moving freely. Cables and cords can be supported by appropriate size objects or suspended by thread to eliminate any vertical or horizontal forces that might be acting on the iso device.
riccitone OP
220 posts
 
@millercarbon @geoffkait 

Very interesting..

i think I’ve seen similar suggestions on other threads...time to try what you’re saying. Hopefully without my wife thinking I’ve gone completely nuts ;)

I have already set up an an array of 
adhesive backed hooks behind our cabinet to separate and suspend power cables and signal cables. Hearing difference after doing this got me thinking about more cheap tricks in the first place. Need to try raising the speaker cables. Can’t wait to try the CD color edge and spraying the speaker cables!

@geoffkait 

Where could I find your springs? That makes so much sense from a cancellation standpoint. 


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
There’s an ad on Audiogon as we speak for 4 Cryo Baby Prometheans for components weighing up to 40 LB. 5 springs for components up to 55 LB. For heavy components like monster amps and turntables and subwoofers use my Super Stiff Springs, 4 springs for components weighing up to to 120 LB. 5 Super Springs for components up to 150 LB. 
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