does anyone sharpie thier CD's???

Freemand: We've all read similiar "unsubstantiated" claims regarding just about everything audio related. Humans have been claiming to see, hear, smell, and taste all kinds of things since the beginning of man, much of which can be, and has been disproven by ivestigation/research (science). All one has to do is observe the high medical-placebo percentages, nevermind all the UFO-sighting claims.

You wouldn't have your beloved audio equipment/media if it wasn't for science! And, what claims would audio manufacturers (including Machina Dynamica) be writing in their brochures, other than the science-related data that everyone reads and compares?

Metro04: Very true, but many times over the past several decades scientists have reported discoveries that cast doubt on previously held thories/beliefs -- or are flat-out contradictory to what scientists have "known" to be true. In the audio world, you need a healthy dose of both -- science and the ability (and willingness) to listen.

The idea has been around for 10 years marketed as AudioPrism CD Stoplight green pen & CD Blacklight luminescent green mat. The red spectra of the CD laser is cancelled by green, instead of being refracted back at the edge & across the disk, which increases jitter at the laser pick-up. I believe it works, though it doesn't increase volume. The effect is similar to jitter reduction associated with a low-jitter clock: less glare, more liquidity. I think the Blacklight, which bathes the area with green phosphors, is more effective than the pen, but recharging the mat with a light source every 20 minutes is just too dweebish.

9rw: Yes, your point is true as well, but Scientists are continuously striving for proof and understanding. I'd feel a whole lot better if renowned research teams submitted "proven" technical findings over financially-motivated manufacturer’s claims. This "subjective" hearing nonsense wouldn't fly in any legit research organization (Science/Engineering firms, Universities, NASA, etc) without absolute technical proof/explanation. IMO, I feel ALL claims should require proof by whatever means, including DBTs or equivalent. Otherwise, it's no better than the "unregulated" vitamin, personal healthcare products, or similar "subjective" claims markets.

Metro04: Dgarretson provides a highly plausible technical reason. Besides, who stands to make a fortune here, Sharpie? The Sharpie folks probably don't even know about this.

I haven't tried this, but I wouldn't condemn those who have and say they hear a difference. It's not as if this represents a huge investment and anyone is going to let children starve because they spent $2.99 on a Sharpie.

Scientists don't have all the answers. Just look at the climate (politically driven) change debate. Lots of scientists know that it's nonsense -- at least where human activity is concerned. What's happening would be happening even if there were no people on this planet.

Enjoy your system! Oh, and be sure to buy some carbon offsets so you won't feel guilty for using electricity that you really don't need to be using.