Douglas_schroeder, I agree with you completely about not accepting marginal improvements. You can't get exceptional results if you accept mediocrity. Why waste time with inferior products? Unless you dismiss them quickly, it takes more time and effort to evaluate them that it does to evaluate superior products. I have tried so many cables, components, add-ons and tweaks -- as many of us have. Most are not worth more than a quick "hello good-bye". There is no reason to accept anything less than spectacular. It's like music. Why accept a mediocre recording when you can have a first-rate remaster?
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Douglas, I completely concur with your principle that the more components you add (and, hence interconnects added) the more signal degradation must occur. Also I agree that there should be a wow factor reasonably immediately apparent, esp. if one is to be paying big bucks for a so-called improvement, although burn in can complicate matters since a lot of components do sound significantly better after 100-200 hours continuous use. Douglas, and all others on this thread, how would you consider two components; firstly, the Spatial Computer Black Hole anti-wave generator (bass attenuator) . It does not sit in the amp chain, but at the back of the room, and generates ultrasonic frequencies into the room in response to what emerges from the loudspeakers, to cancel standing waves/bass nodes. The effect on my listening was subtle to start, but after a few days listening, I would now not do without it. Second: changing to balanced power has removed a conditioner in the chain that components used to fit into, and has really improved power at source. Again, immediate improvement. |
The Black Hole device gains due to not being in the signal path; it also loses due to not being in the signal path. In other words, it doesn't potentially add to the amount of processing and diminish the signal further, but it also cannot impose a change upon the signal to improve it. It is perhaps the opposite of the QOL or X-DREI in that it suffers none of the drawbacks of these other devices, but cannot confer the same potential benefit as these others. We come down to the simple truth that the best way to alter the sound is with the signal path, but it's also the best way to screw it up. Hence, there are many good designers but fewer superb designers; many good system builders but fewer superb system builders. I can't comment on the Black Hole device as I have not heard it, but the principle is surely worth consideration. The Legacy Whisper DSW (reviewed) which I use has a rear facing driver which operates out of phase for similar purposes, to physically treat the bass wave interaction with the head wall. There is an obvious benefit to be gained in the opinion of some speaker designers/users with such a system, and it does not impact the signal of the mains. However, for many devices which are out of the signal path I find their effectiveness is an order of magnitude less helpful. I would much rather spend my time trying devices like QOL or X-DREI than work with objects outside the signal path. Regarding power; I have found that power supplies are critical when it comes to component design. However, many power filters/conditioners are also subtractive/additive, as they harm the signal as well by being in the signal path. Obviously, it's not recommended that you go without a power protection device like a power bar. You do so at your own risk. |
Setonaudio, not sure I fully understand your post. I agree that audio engineers fix the stereo perspective and wet/dry balance of mixes and that there are now devices/processors available to the listener that can further manipulate these elements. My point about QOL being an M/S processor is that it allows comparisons to other M/S processors regarding effectiveness and value. For instance, the SPL M/S Master offers studio quality performance and control flexibility for approximately $2,000. At the other end of the price spectrum is the $50 PSP SterePack DSP plug-ins. Is the QOL better than these other products? I have no idea. But at least interested people can make a comparison without being held back by the idea that what the QOL accomplishes is only available from BSG. |
Douglas, I disagree with your assessment of the Qol. Just because you did a review in one of the on line rags of an unrelated item does not mean your opinion is the only opinion. It is still only your opinion. Perhaps the unit you tested was defective. Which dealer did you get yours from to demo? I would like to see if I can also try that unit and compare it to mine. All you are saying is that more is less. That line we all agree. But, does a subwoofer help in a quality system? Does Biwiring help? How about NOS Tubes? Or a particular Power cord, dedicated circuits all of these help create the sound we appreciate? You are merely stating your opinion not fact. I suspect you did't even try one. Who was the dealer? I personally find the Qol to increase clarity and definition, just the opposite of what you stated. Perhaps, you have your speakers wired out of phase. I owned the Legacy Focus and I preferred them over the Whisper's that I believe you now own. The Whisper had a narrow sound stage and a strange bass quality. But again that is my opinion. Don't discredit an item just because you have to add another set of interconnect cables. |
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