Copper Sleeve over IEC

Great results using 3M Anti-Static Electronic Eqipment Cleaner spray
(Office Depot). Treat both the inside and outside of the coupler,
applying spray and wiping off well, making sure to keep contact with the body of the the unit. I also use the spray occasionally on the rack, equipment and cables. I also like 3M's Scotch Cd Laser Lens Cleaner...

while the spray is still in your hand, apply some to a clean
cloth and wipe the wall behind your speakers...
imstant energy to the sound, detail, too.

I just tried this on both ends my Shunyata Python CX from the Acoustic Revive RTP-2 to the Krell SACD Standard Mk. III. Astonishing! Much quieter and cleaner sound, nothing exaggerated, just smooth, deep, and flowing. Got the copper sleeves from Handy Tru-Value. The 1 1/2 " diameter sleeve perfectly fits the Shunyata ($5.99 each). I couldn't resist, and fitted out the Audience PowerChords on my Home Theater as well - another perfect fit (Oppo, Samsung Plasma, Emotiva Pre-Pro). Fabulous results, and no downsides. Thanks the the original poster and the early enthusiasts. Really worthwhile improvement.

I feel that this thread really needs to be revived. All I can say is wow! I came across this thread through a link in Jim Smith's quarter notes (which come with Jim Smith's Get Better Sound DVD's... which I also highly recommend). I bought a couple of the sleeves (1 1/2 " plumber unions at Menard's for about 4 and a half bucks each). I had them sitting in a bag for a couple of weeks before I thought I might just as well try one on the ICE to my Sony XA-5400es player. Well everything got better...small details that weren't there before, layer and depth to soundstage, smoother and everything has more weight and air. I now have them on both ends of cd player and one each on IEC end of PS Audio PPP and integrated amp. I am stunned at what I now hear. The whole room seems to be alive now with music. I am a big believer in tweaks as I have incorporated many in my system with very good results but this is off the scale especially considering the low low cost. I can assure you that I wasn't expecting much if anything! I almost forgot my cables are 3 Juice II power cords by Wywires. Please give it a try there's a good chance this may be the most cost effective tweak you have ever tried. I feel as if I have upgraded my speakers and cd player for less than $20.00. I also noticed that the the system plays louder than it would at the same setting on the volume conrtol on the amp than it did before.

Thanks for reviving this thread, Tuffy, because I was unaware of this tweak. As a compulsive tweaker, I had to try it. I'm glad I did.

It works. At least in my system it does. I didn't actually use plumbing couplers. I molded my own sleeves out of copper and steel sheets. Here's what I did...

1. Molded a sleeve out of 24 gauge copper.
2. Molded a sleeve out of 22 gauge ferrous steel.
3. Sandwiched the two sleeves together.
4. Attached a braided ground strap to the copper/steel sleeve.
5. Attached the braided ground strap to the equipment chassis.

I did this for...

1. The IEC inlet of my Shunyata power conditioner.
2. The IEC inlet of my Meridian dac/preamp.
3. The male plug of the Meridian's power cord, which plugs into the power conditioner.

I haven't tried putting sleeves in any other locations, though I plan to when I get a chance.

Here's what I heard: Lower noise floor, more resolution, tighter bass, less glare in the treble. All of these effects were slight, but perceptible. I'm currently using all shielded power cables, so I'm not sure if the results would be similar with unshielded power cables.

For $25 in materials, it's a very nice little improvement.

Bryon