Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Aesthetix ABCD-1 Accessory by tianguis

Model:	ABCD-1
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$200
Description:	Moving Coil Demagnetizer
Manufacturer URL:	Aesthetix
Model Picture:	View

Review by tianguis ( A ) on March 07, 2003 at 20:03:16
IP Address: 66.108.72.92

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for the ABCD-1

Voodoo, snake oil, unsubstantiated claims? That's what I suspected about moving coil "flux busters" and "demagnetizers". Having used the Cardas Sweep bands at 33 and 45, and having noticed the improvement in detail and "air", I was satisfied. I shouldn't have been.
Today, with a newly acquired ABCD-1, I took the time (all of 30 seconds, plus disconnecting and reconnecting phono leads) to run my Crown Jewel Reference (original, not the SE) through the process. The immediate improvement was major.
What I had heard as lack of deep bass response with this cartridge was gone. The improvement in top-end detail and precision was palpable. Sibilants were no longer harsh, but still there (as they should be).
The more I participate in this sport, the more I realize that every step must be taken to improve reproduction, not just the ones which fit our pre-conceptions.
Larry Welsh

Product Weakness: There are none, although I haven't compared it to the effect produced by the Sumiko.
Product Strengths: Intantaneaous, dramatic improvement across the board.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	47 Labs Gaincard
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Teres, Wheaton Triplanar
Speakers:	Hammer Super 12's with Fostex FT17H's, Bybees, AudioCap Thetas, silver wired.
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mo-Fi Beatles Abbey Road
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One Track (plus many more)
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Transcendent Sound Balanced Power Supply
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	There are none, although I haven't compared it to the effect produced by the Sumiko.
Product Strengths:	Intantaneaous, dramatic improvement across the board.