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Tweaks - An Honest Discussion

I know there is a lot of talk about performance tweaks in this forum and the value that can be realized.  I've started this thread because it seems that folks tend towards believing they are either the silver bullet to sonic bliss or conversely simply snake oil.  I believe tweaks are somewhere in between and in most cases, worth about what you pay for (crazy  I know).

I'm open minded to tweaks and have employed many in my system over the years including isolation, fuses, footers, HFTs, cabling, cable risers and attempts at reducing RFI (among others).  While I believe that many of these tweaks incrementally helped me get better performance out of my system I never for a second found any tweak make a transformational difference the way that a significantly upgraded piece of gear brings to the table.  I think many of us have been quite happy with our systems over the years but that doesn't mean implementing a tweak can possibly compete with the benefit of replacing a piece of gear that is well matched to elevate your system. Just because you're happy with your setup doesn't mean a major gear change can't really elevate the experience - surely well beyond any form of tweakery.  

As an example, I've been very happy with a Hana ML cart and how it's performed in my system.  I recently decided to acquire a Lyra Kleos cart - for a $2K increase the change has been transformational in terms of dynamic range and ability to convey detail and imaging.  There has never been a dot I've placed on a wall, carbon platform placed under gear, or RFI shielding device I've ever used that could possibly come close to this equipment upgrade.  Same goes for upgrades to my system over the years in terms of amps, pre's, and speakers.  For anyone to suggest that through tweaks alone you can elevate your system to a level that only gear changes can achieve simply falls flat in my experience.  Some may be shocked to hear that most of the time a $200 tweak truly only gets you about $200 worth of improvement (if any) and not the equivalent of a $5000 gear upgrade. I know there is a certain allure that by simply being smart and applying elbow grease that we can extend the sonic limits of our system well beyond it's design, parts, and capabilities but that's just not true IMO.

What's your experience been?   
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hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Of course all systems are different from one another but...the BDR boat sailed a  l o n g  time ago.  Easily my biggest regret tweaking was all the $ I spent on an assortment of BDR #3 and #4 cones and pucks. I didn't want to give up on them but my ears insisted!  I have found other uses for them around the house although some are just residing in the listening room closet taking up precious space.
The #3 BDR products make the music slower sounding and thick in the midbass.  The #4's are better but impart an unacceptable brightness in the upper midrange.  The sound takes on an amusical assertiveness that shortens listening sessions.
So what to use to tune your components?   Herbie's Tenderfeet!!  That's it.  Some may shy away due to their reasonable cost.  "They can't be any good, they don't cost enough".  I use other Herbie products to decouple my speakers and subwoofers from the room.  Once you do that, there is no going back!
I have never purchased a product from Herbie's Audio Lab that has disappointed me.  If you're not sure about using Herbie's products just email them. They have always been very good about responding with helpful advice.
Happy Listening!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
hifiman5
Of course all systems are different from one another but...the BDR boat sailed a l o n g time ago. Easily my biggest regret tweaking was all the $ I spent on an assortment of BDR #3 and #4 cones and pucks. I didn’t want to give up on them but my ears insisted! I have found other uses for them around the house although some are just residing in the listening room closet taking up precious space.
The #3 BDR products make the music slower sounding and thick in the midbass.

>>>>>I’ll drink to that! 🍺 Any materials science type like your humble scribe will tell you and any yutz with ears will too, cones that are made of soft materials don’t sound as good as cones made of very hard materials. So, avoid carbon fiber, copper, aluminum, brass as they rank quite low on the Mohs scale of hardness. Go for very hard materials like ceramics, hardened steel and diamonds if you can afford ‘em. You know, like Shun Mook Diamond Resonators.
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,196 posts
 
For those without money.... Use ebony block ( aliexpress) with Herkimer diamond..... :)
This will replicate Shun Mook...At lower cost....

Because Geoffkait is right.... :)


Moh of real diamond is 10

Moh of H.D. is 7.5
Topaz will perhaps fare better than HD. a little harder and cheap...

But I bet that will do a great job....
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
For me the most rewarding process is that of system "tuning".  The tuning process often involves applying tweaks strategically to tune your system to your perception of excellence.  This is the step where you really have to think creatively and find that sweet spot where it just sounds right to you.  Once you get there, turn out the lights and allow the music to wash over you, immersed in the beauty of it all!
ricmci
221 posts
 
The most audibly meaningful "tweak" I have done was adding a power cord to my integrated.  I think it was around $600. Far from outrageous. I have added numerous components over the years, each of which provided improvement, but nothing as distinct as that mid-level power cord. So yes, I believe in the right setting you do not need to make a massive investment to hear vast improvements.
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