Any thoughts on the CD "trimmer"

Mlsstl: I purchased one of these units from a local audio store with full return privileges. After making direct comparisons with identical discs i.e. one "cut" and the other "uncut", the audible difference made me decide to keep the unit.

As a point of reference, i had my girlfriend ( at the time ) sit and listen to both identical discs, one cut and the other uncut. She had NO idea what was going on, and as such, could not have known which disc was "cut" and which wasn't. When i asked her which disc she preferred, if any, she always chose the cut disc. Her explanation was that "it sounds clearer".

To my ears, and several others that i've tried this test with, the results are almost always the same. Some folks can't hear any difference and to them, i simply say "count your blessings". After all, "ignorance is bliss" i.e. not knowning what they are missing because they simply can't hear it. While some might consider a loss of hearing acuity more of a curse than a blessing, the blessing part comes from the fact that it can be a whole helluva lot cheaper : ) Sean
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Rlwainwright

That may be so, Albert, but the fact is that the VAST majority of CD players pull the disc inside the machine's case. So, please explain to me just how "stray" light is getting inside the player?

Obviously CD's pulled inside or otherwise blocked from stray light are exempt from that problem. The post by Missti indicated errors were impossible and I wanted to point out an absolutely clear example contrary to that statement.

My personal experience with this machine matches Sean's comments exactly. Perhaps others will remember the CES a couple of years ago where an Audiodesk was set up by the distributor. Attendees could get one or more of their CD's trimmed for free so they could hear the benefit.

Several people bought two brand new CD's from music vendors on the floor, had one trimmed, then proceeded to various rooms where both discs were played. Results were identical to what Sean outlines, I heard it myself as did other visitors in the room that had no idea what was going on.

Remember too, I am a fan of analog and seldom listen to CD's. However, I do support those who want the highest possible level of performance from their music systems and that includes tweaks to digital.

The process works! Find someone who has one; listen to your CD untreated and then then his that has been trimmed. It is an amazing tweak. Forget the marker; it isn't needed. After cutting your collection cryogenically treat them which is the next best inexpensive tweak there is. Your sound stage will will have a blacker background and smoother presentation.

This is the kind of info I had hoped for,when posting.Thanks to all.
IMO,the issue is sort of like the debate about aftermarket fuses,of the expensive variety.Many variable opinions,and I wanted SO to not get them.Well the proof was in my own experience,and as a friend purchased them,they were CLEARLY superior,in his(I have same unit)pre/phono section.Case closed!EXCEPT...in this case we are talking of a device costing more than a few bucks.And,once again,taking all the technical babble out of the equation,can sound a bit silly.
SO,I and my pal called a dealer,we have bought a good deal of stuff from,who carries the "trimmer".He has used it,and we inquired as to his thoughts,since we were/are interested in it(BTW,I am mostly a vinyl guy,but do feel CD is indispensible,for new music,and music comes first).
Well,here was a chance to garnish a double sale,yet SURPRISINGLY,this dealer actually tried talking us out of a purchase,and did not try to sell us anything else!
Whoa!How often do we see this?He explained that,in his experience,he and his associates cannot hear the differences between a cut vs uncut(OK,trimmed) disc.The guy has ben around for a long time,too.Hence,my post.
I am still on the fence here,but my pea sized brain is still in the process of evaluating other opinions,before making a final decision.
Best!

sirspeedy: If you want, you can send me a disc or two and i can trim them for you. That is all that i will do though, as i do NOT believe that markering them up is beneficial. In fact, in my experience, it has been a drawback. Anything that you want to do after that is obviously at your discretion. The only thing that i ask is that you include return postage fees if / when you ship the discs to me. Sean
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