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Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance

73.15.9.55
Posted on November 14, 2023 at 22:57:25
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Fellow audiophiles, it has been a bit since I posted here. But this is way too good not to share it. I found a way to lower EMI noise across the AC line in our homes using Rochelle salt. Very easy to DIY and costs like $20 to treat your entire home. The sonic performance increase is astounding, and it can be used to tune your system. I posted the entire DIY in a Head-Fi thread I am the main contributor. The thread is called "DIY Ground Box", but really is a thread focused on lowering noise within the system.

For about a year now I have been focused and obsessed on lowering system noise whether it is signal ground or AC earth ground. Mostly inspired by Entreq, CAD and similar companies. Then from experimenting with ground box ground cables and component generated noise, I came into this tweak. I do not know of a retail option or anyone else mentioning what is in this DIY.

This tweak is absolutely the lowest effort, lowest cost, to highest performance tweak I have experienced in 25+ years in this hobby. The entire DIY post is large. I just wanted to make it available to audiophiles here, my old stomping grounds. I cannot remember the rules if I can post a link. So here is a link to the direct post, if that is not cool then I could copy and paste the entire post. Just let me know... Peace

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/diy-ground-box-thread.968372/page-71#post-17820953

 

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Don't sleep on this tweak, will upgrade your sound system..., posted on November 16, 2023 at 00:50:26
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 As simple and inexpensive the tweak is, the performance increase is likely beyond any tweak or upgrade you have ever experienced. For about $20 in materials. If you follow the "free" DIY I offered the performance gains are immediate. You will hear information/detail in your recordings that were not available to you before. The DIY instructions were only made available recently. But audiophiles that have tried the tweak are reporting similar results to what I get after installing the tweak. Which is the following:

* increased speed and impact of macro and micro dynamics
* increased ultra fine micro detail retrieval across the entire note or sounds being heard. This is across the whole note or sound(s) from attack to decay and effects the entire frequency spectrum.
* Blacker/quieter background
* improves timbre, probably because of the first two benefits noted above
* separation and space within the sound stage is also improved
* Bass slam and bass detail retrieval of ultra fine detail is improved.

 

I will give it a try, posted on November 16, 2023 at 08:48:48
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26543
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 I have used Tourmaline in Christal and power form for years to good effect.


 

So that is what they found in the Whitehouse recently!, posted on November 16, 2023 at 10:13:27
Chip647
Audiophile

Posts: 2686
Location: The South
Joined: December 24, 2012

Did not know Biden was an audiophile!

 

RE: I will give it a try, posted on November 16, 2023 at 10:15:49
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Good, and then please post what your experience is. I think you will be quite happy with the results. Performance gains/effect of the tweak are immediate. The more junction points along the AC line that is filtered or treated the more resolving your system will get. I just highly recommend following the DIY exactly regarding placement and volume/weight of the Rochelle salt used to start.

I use Tourmaline powder and small chip sized pieces as part of a ground box recipe and ground cable enhancement wrap. I also use several other minerals. So far I have found Rochelle salt to be the most effective at absorbing EMI within the context of an audio system. The key is where to apply/use and volume used.

 

Pssst, that is a secret... N/T, posted on November 16, 2023 at 10:18:26
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 N/T

 

What about sparkle and air?, posted on November 16, 2023 at 14:33:23
Jon L
Audiophile

Posts: 6149
Joined: April 6, 2000
 In this hobby, every time I have introduced tweaks to reduce RFI/EMI, I have experienced loss of high frequency sparkle and air. I prefer a very clear, vivid, detailed, forward sound.

 

RE: What about sparkle and air?, posted on November 16, 2023 at 14:55:53
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 I understand, been there and have experienced that also. This tweak is different. Not only will you get whatever HF extension you desire, you will get to hear more macro and micro detail. If your system is already highly resolving, tweak will allow for more ultra fine nuance of detail to be reproduced by your system. You can tune system warmth or take it to very analytical. Allows for tuning of presentation body and bass slam.

Essentially what the tweak does is systematically remove EMI from the AC line running throughout your home. This is accomplished by absorbing the EMI from easily accessible junction points along the AC wiring. The EMI is masking information in the recording. If you follow what I recommend in the DIY, this will upgrade your system.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on November 24, 2023 at 12:43:20
Tuckers
Manufacturer

Posts: 2012
Location: San Francisco
Joined: September 29, 2001
 I have been going through that long thread. I am very interested in grounding for audio. A few questions:

1. Have you felt any health effects since you treated your whole home? Many people report a sense of calm or destressing, better sleep etc. As, if this works, you are also lowering the EMR fields that enter your body.

2. Have you experimented with long term testing? Many of these materials will absorb EMR but tend to 'fill up' over time and lose their effect over a period of a couple of days to months. Shungite is one such material in my experience. Some people that know how to make the best products use a number of contrasting/complementary materials that can basically recharge themselves. This creates a cycling pump effect that works for years at a time. I don't know what those materials/ratios are, but I'ld love to find out :)

 

This is the real deal, posted on November 26, 2023 at 10:06:29
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26543
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 I am impressed. Started off overblown in terms of dynamics and tipped up in response. It has settled now and is everything you claimed. A big plus IMO. Thanks for giving the details here.



 

is there any place to order Rochelle salts other than Ebay? , posted on November 27, 2023 at 05:38:47
Story
Audiophile

Posts: 11158
Location: NJ
Joined: December 11, 2000
 if it does cost about 20 bucks I may try it



 

Amazon. , posted on November 27, 2023 at 06:40:30
Steelhead Mike
Audiophile

Posts: 109
Location: New England
Joined: September 2, 2000
 NT


M

 

Thanks Mike /nt, posted on November 27, 2023 at 07:04:06
Story
Audiophile

Posts: 11158
Location: NJ
Joined: December 11, 2000



 

What about something like this?, posted on November 27, 2023 at 12:57:31
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17549
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002



.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

This tweak is removing/absorbing noise..., posted on November 28, 2023 at 02:02:36
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Goal is to remove or absorb EMI noise, not reflect or shield EMI.

This tweak using Rochelle salt is an easy way of removing or absorbing EMI from the AC wiring across your home. I was told by a client that is a contractor and confirmed via Google search, that for every square foot of a home or dwelling, takes about 1' of wiring to AC wire up the entire dwelling. So a 2000 square foot home has about 2000 feet of wire. I have found that this long wiring run is acting like an antenna. By treating a single junction (light switch or AC outlet) whether on the same circuit as the audio system or not, the lowered noise floor can be easily heard through your system.

In the original link is to a thread that people in US, Canada and UK are trying the tweak. They are starting to post their results, feel free to go read them. I have also posted further system tuning during install notes and tips. The performance gains from this tweak is stunning. If my instructions and suggestions are followed, this tweak will outperform any upgrade (including component) or tweak you have ever tried. Will upgrade the performance level of your system beyond what you thought it was capable of. I am not kidding. Just read the post in that link and the following posts to better understand what the tweak is all about.

 

My pleasure!, posted on November 28, 2023 at 02:06:34
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Did you read my following posts as to how to further tune your system for tonal balance and bass slam?

How many junctions did you treat across your AC wiring? Did you treat your entire home?

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on November 28, 2023 at 02:19:54
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 I have been experimenting with this tweak for about a month I think. I posted about it in that HeadFi thread maybe 2 weeks or so ago IIRC. I am chill by nature and sleep like a baby, so no changes in my mood or anything like that. Sonically the performance gains stay constant. You have to try this tweak or process to absorb EMI from the AC wiring. The performance gains will shock you. Especially if all junction points across the home's wiring is treated.

Also by treating a junction point on a different circuit than your audio system is on, at the other end of your home, can be heard through your system. This blew my mind. And your system is tunable from this junction point also.

 

RE: This tweak is removing/absorbing noise..., posted on November 28, 2023 at 18:02:00
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17549
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 "The performance gains from this tweak is stunning."

How are you verifying the results?

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: This tweak is removing/absorbing noise..., posted on November 28, 2023 at 19:15:35
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 The difference is audibly obvious right after the first junction (light switch or AC outlet) is treated. Audible effects from treating a junction is immediate. The more junctions across the AC wiring that are treated, the more resolving your system gets. Tonal balance (range between warm and neutral) and body weight of presentation can be adjusted from any junction on any AC circuit in your home. This is all obvious, you will not be wondering "if" there is a difference.

I call this a tweak, but it is more a process of lowering EMI/EMF noise accumulated across your AC home wiring. The difference this tweak or process makes is so significant in the increase of performance of a decent to high end system, there is a caveat. Each junction must be tuned to the taste of the listener. I have provided guides on how to tune after the original DIY post. I highly recommend studying the tuning guides for optimal results.

If you do not follow my directions exactly, including the tuning guides I posted after, results will not be optimal. Tuning is not complicated, just follow the guides and will be obvious when you experience the tweak.

 

RE: My pleasure!, posted on November 30, 2023 at 08:38:41
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26543
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 Not yet.


 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 2, 2023 at 12:49:37
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Thanks for the info....are you saying put the small bag near ( next to the black wire and the smaller of the two next to the white wire? Thanks again

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 3, 2023 at 12:08:06
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003






Since I do not know where you reside in the world, I will assume you live/have US style wiring. In the US "usually" black is Hot, white is Neutral and green is ground. I included a pic of a standard AC wall outlet and light switch. The light switch pic shows me pointing at where the ground is installed at the light switch. The install of Rochelle salt wraps is on the inside of the wall plate itself, by Hot and ground wiring only. Read and re-read the DIY post linked in the original post on this topic.

I call this a tweak but it really is just a safe process to absorb or remove EMI/EMF from being accumulated across the hundred to thousands of feet of AC wiring in your home. My apartment is 1100 sq feet with 35 such junctions. There have been people telling me their 2500 sq feet homes have 85+ such junctions, just to give you and idea. As crazy as it sounds, just applying this technique at one junction in your home can be heard from your audio system. The more of the junctions along the AC wiring is treated the effect is cumulative. For optimal system performance increase, follow my directions in the DIY post exactly to start. Once a home is treated, the performance increase to your system will be like nothing you have experienced from your system before. For the price of lunch... LOL

Then I also highly recommend reading my tuning guide posts that followed. This will sound ridiculous or insane, but even fine tuning one junction point across the AC line can and will let you tune tonal balance in your system. This tweak is highly effective, which you will experience, do one junction point at a time and tune system by ear.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 3, 2023 at 12:31:35
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Thanks ...US is correct....I'll let you know when do as you suggest

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 3, 2023 at 12:36:45
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Look forward to reading or knowing how it works for you. If you have questions, just ask here or in that thread where the DIY post is. Have fun, it is a very simple but interesting project.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 3, 2023 at 13:20:59
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Do you have a suggestion as to where I get the scale....thanks

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 3, 2023 at 13:42:41
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003



Fastest is from Amazon. You want a .01 precision digital scale. I got mine from Aliexpress (pic is of my scale), lower price but have to wait 2 weeks vs a few days from Amazon. Mine is a 500g max weight, .01 accuracy. Below is a link to a Amazon option, which I do not own so look at the reviews. I will also provide a link to the small zip lock bags I use and purchased from Amazon and Rochelle salt I use but available from Amazon.

Amazon .01 precision scale option:
https://www.amazon.com/Vitafit-Scale-Digital-Pocket-Jewelry/dp/B0936D7DJ5/ref=sr_1_6?crid=TW6PU7ZBPLPX&keywords=precision+scale&qid=1701638879&sprefix=precision+scale%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-6

Amazon bags I use (NOTE: this project only needs the 2 smaller sizes):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BK48CFF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=headfi-20

Rochelle salt I use but sold on Amazon (I buy 1-2 lb at a time from eBay):
* 4oz ($10.99 includes shipping):
https://www.amazon.com/Sodium-Tartrate-Rochelle-Salt-ozs/dp/B0B51ZHQKN/ref=sr_1_6?crid=17ILY5W63DXKY&keywords=rochelle+salt&qid=1701639524&sprefix=rochelle+salt%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-6

* 8oz ($14.29 includes shipping):
https://www.amazon.com/Sodium-Tartrate-Rochelle-Salt-ozs/dp/B0B51ZPSN4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=17ILY5W63DXKY&keywords=rochelle+salt&qid=1701639595&sprefix=rochelle+salt%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-3

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 4, 2023 at 19:35:57
Dryginger2
Audiophile

Posts: 320
Joined: October 2, 2014
 No question that this low-cost tweak moves the sound of digital recordings closer to live music - more analog, open, clearly defined and relaxed. Plenty of sparkle and air! Easy to overdo the amount and be disappointed at first but persevering with smaller amounts paid off. In my case less than a quarter of a flat teaspoon.

Many thanks for sharing your excellent tweak, cdc - they don't come along like this often.

 

My Pleasure! How many junctions did you treat along the AC wiring?, posted on December 4, 2023 at 20:46:30
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 N/T

 

RE: My Pleasure! How many junctions did you treat along the AC wiring?, posted on December 5, 2023 at 08:31:45
Dryginger2
Audiophile

Posts: 320
Joined: October 2, 2014
 Three for the initial testing but will now be adding another twelve.

 

You are in for treat!, posted on December 5, 2023 at 10:08:41
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Makes sense. The more junctions across the AC wiring that is treated the more resolving your system gets. Just be sure to critically listen after each junction install to make sure system is tonally balanced and you did not over dampen. You will know if you over dampened if there is a loss of resolution.

Will be interesting to know your thoughts after you treat all the junctions in your dwelling. In my experience treating 3 junctions is like upgrading a glass fuse with a high end audiophile fuse. Treating entire dwelling transforms a system.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 5, 2023 at 16:27:05
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 do you use paper/masking tape?

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 5, 2023 at 21:27:03
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Feels like paper. The masking tape is nothing special, just a general purpose 3M brand masking tape.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 7, 2023 at 18:45:29
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Thanks for your post.....My system is all Ayre electronics (preamp, amp, silver disc player) with Vandersteen 5A speakers. and turntable with Windfield cart. All components are differentially balanced and am using balanced cables...so that noise doesn't intrude. I treated 4 outlets which power the speakers amp, preamp, and CD. The result was cleaner and clearer picture with more separation of instruments, especially an increase in depth perception . Will continue treating more outlets, but a definite thank you to you.

 

My pleasure! , posted on December 7, 2023 at 19:04:43
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Yes, keep treating more junctions. The more EMI/EMF that is removed from the AC wiring (across all AC circuits) the better it gets. Eventually ultra fine detail and layering of micro harmonic information becomes available. Noise floor keeps getting lowered as more and more EMI/EMF is absorbed from the AC home wiring.

Eventually from utilizing this process or technique of absorbing EMI/EMF, you will realize that our home's AC wiring is acting like a giant antenna that absorbs high frequency noise. Just be sure to tune each junction before moving on for tonal balance and make sure you do not over damp. You can tell that you over damped if some of the ultra fine detail/resolution is being masked. As you treat more junction points your system will become more resolving.

As the resolution increases it effects different aspects of system performance. From sound stage, to fine then ultra fine micro detail, to micro and macro dynamics, to separation of all sounds, to space of venue, reverb, attack and decay trailing detail and so forth. You will understand as you treat more and more junctions. Will likely improve any video devices in your home like TV monitor or computer monitors.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 8, 2023 at 08:43:29
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10961
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
 Is there any added value in treating outlets that are not in use and/or light switches that are in the "off" position? No current is flowing in those two instances, so no EMI, I would think.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 8, 2023 at 17:39:17
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Great question. The answer is yes.

Think of it this way. For every square foot of living area in your dwelling/home it takes about 1' of wire to wire up the entire home. So a 2000 square foot home takes approx. 2000' of wire. All this wiring is acting like an antenna picking up and accumulating EMI/EMF noise. Once you treat the junction points (AC outlets and light switches) throughout your home, you will realize this is true.

Very easy to test the above. Treat an unused outlet or light switch wired on the same or different circuit and "hear" it effect your sound system. The more of these junctions treated across the AC wiring in your home, the more resolving your system will get. Just try what I am sharing, you will understand.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 9, 2023 at 16:18:39
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Is it possible (as in most tweaks that I've had) to overdo this....or as it would seem to be...just do the whole house.?? I've done about 1/2 the house and I seem to be hearing a closing in rather than opening up?

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 9, 2023 at 16:57:16
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 If you are hearing a shrinking of the sound stage, presentation getting too warm or rolling off top end, you are using too much Rochelle salt on the ground side. If you are hearing a loss of detail or ultra fine resolution you are using too much on the Hot side. Resolution should be improving with each and every 1-3 installs/treatments of junction points. If done properly, your system will get more resolving all the way until all the junctions are treated. Trust me on this.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 10, 2023 at 15:33:30
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3543
Joined: April 23, 2007
 ..so, if as you say I used too much salt, would you remove all the packets and replace them with 1/2 amount specified, or continue using the half and leaving the installed packets

 

Good question!, posted on December 10, 2023 at 16:43:43
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Whatever I say at this point would be a guess. That is why I recommended to treat one junction at a time then listen, then tune/adjust. Then move to the next junction point and repeat.

In your case if I were you, I would start at the last junction point you think where the sonic improvement stopped and adjust from that point.

Think of it this way. After each junction point you treat there should be no sonic degradation, should be an improvement. Use what I said in the previous post to you as a guide for ground and hot side tuning.

From all the reports back from people around the world that have installed this tweak, they report preferring any where from .33 grams to 1 gram is best for them. All report after finding the correct amount to use for them, after every 1-3 installs, resolution in there systems increase until all junctions in their homes wiring is treated.

Probably it all depends on the amount of EMI/EMF that the homes wiring is exposed to, picks up and how sensitive the system is to the noise.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 14, 2023 at 09:08:28
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3413
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 Couldn't agree more. I had to redo all the plates I had previously treated because I "thought" the scale I use for coffee roasting would be good enough. Well, it wasn't even close and that's on me. The first key step for a successful Rochelle salt tweak is to get a scale accurate to .1 gram. They're not that expensive as already noted.

 

How has the tweak worked for you?, posted on December 14, 2023 at 14:20:49
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Glad you figured a way to implement the tweak. I have a few questions for you that may also help others contemplating the tweak or is utilizing the tweak:

* how much Rochelle salt are you using at the Hot and Ground sides of the junctions?

* have you treated all junctions in your home or just some?

* what are you hearing from your system after implementing the tweak? Basically what has the tweak done for you?

Thanks for the feedback! I shared this tweak hoping as many people as possible got to experience it.

 

RE: How has the tweak worked for you?, posted on December 15, 2023 at 09:08:28
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3413
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 1.Used the 1 gram(hot) .5 gram (neutral) formula.
2.33 duplex and single switch plates treated.(probably 80%-90% of what's possible in a 1360 sq. ft. house)
3. Listening sessions have been limited and I haven't even listened in my smaller room set up yet. So briefly after listening to 3 or 4 CD's in my larger set up... lower noise floor, increased clarity, better separation of instruments and vocals in the soundstage...IOW, a little less confusion when things get complex. Individual vocals and instruments that are highlighted in a recording seem to "pop" and be more vivid.
This all said, much more listening is in order in both systems to possibly come up with a more accurate assessment, but I certainly hear no downside at this point.

 

Has there been an increase in resolution?, posted on December 15, 2023 at 18:35:28
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Meaning is your system more resolving now? And what does "IOW" mean?

 

RE: Has there been an increase in resolution?, posted on December 16, 2023 at 08:55:03
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3413
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 IOW = "in other words"
Yes, initially more resolving as I've hinted already. That said, I just went thru a major flooring project and with the rooms empty, it made access to duplex and switch plates a lot easier. Now with everything put back together,(finally) I'll have more time to further evaluate the effects of this tweak in both systems. Thx for your discovery and input in regard to this project.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 16, 2023 at 11:46:43
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12659
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 i have several items that are supposed to filter this stuff:

1.Satic Pure Power Plug-in: "The Pure Power Plug-In is a simple yet effective solution that plugs into a standard outlet and filters harmonics and interference from your electrical circuit to providing clean power and reduced electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. Two Pure Power Plug-Ins appropriately installed can produce a healthier and more efficient electrical system"

2.Jps Labs Digital AC: "Using advanced engineering, THE DIGITAL AC-X effectively ISOLATES and ABSORBS any noise within the cord itself for over a 100 fold decrease, allowing any quality digital component to provide amazingly real inner detail and resolution while offering smoother sound and video"

3. PS Audio Ultimate Outlet: "The claimed advantages of the balun-based over the series/parallel filter or isolation-transformer-based approaches to power-line conditioning are: a) cancellation of noise at a much wider range of frequencies, b) reduction of differential as well as common-mode noise, and c) no limitation of power."

4. PS Audio Noise Harvester: "The PS Power Noise Harvester™ is the world's first true power line noise converter that actually eliminates power line noise - instead of shuffling it off somewhere else."

Would the Rochelle salt tweak help?

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 16, 2023 at 18:50:59
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 This tweak is more effective, especially if the whole home is treated. Meaning the results are much more profound than any of the products you listed. I will say that when I have tried the products you listed was A/B or A/B/C type testing or listening. And in other peoples system except the JPS power cable.

Yesterday I started to experiment with a compound that absorbs microwave frequencies. When used with the Rochelle salt tweak the results so far are spectacular. All I can say is try it for your self if you want to compare. Most of the AC plug in filters "if" improves performance is subtle. This tweak or process to absorb EMI/EMF is not subtle.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 17, 2023 at 10:46:27
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Ok thanks. I can try it but can you explain where to put the bags of salt. I read the original post and got confused. You said Hot and ground and it shows vertical and horizontal bags. I think the vertical are near the hot, so that makes sense, but the ground or horizontal is only by one of the grounds and there can't be a 2nd because of the middle screw. Then in tuning you talk about horizontal vs. Vertical which is now confusing.

So where do you put the bags? What value to start with? One was .5g IIRC...but was it vertical or horizontal? 1g was that vertical or horizontal?

Assuming I can just duplicate the picture is the vertical 1g and the horizontal .5g?

Thanks

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 17, 2023 at 11:22:26
cdc
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Posts: 962
Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Since this tweak absorbs HF noise on the AC wiring line that is doing something different than the plug-in filters you have, I suggest you invest in a .01 gram scale. They are about $10 on Amazon. For I soon (or eventually after I finish fully testing) will be posting about a compound that filters microwave frequencies that can be used with this tweak and other applications with fantastic further performance gains.

Yes you can start with on the hot leg (vertical) 1g and the ground leg (horizontal) .5g. This is total Rochelle salt and bag weight. Which equates to about .5 gram hot leg and .2 gram ground leg. I highly recommend that you tune at each junction install by ear. Tuning is accomplished by adjusting the amount of the Rochelle salt used at each leg, depending on the effect you want. Just experiment and you will understand. At any junction, you can (and should) tune system tonal balance and presentation body weight. For every 1-3 junction installs you will hear your system become more resolving. Key is make sure after each and every install you do not lose resolution. I have posted here and on the Head-Fi thread on how to do this.

What is extremely cool about this project is that you learn that your entire home's wiring acts like an antenna. Picking up and accumulating airborne and electronic noise generated by your home's electronics. Even a junction at the other end of your home, on a different circuit from your audio system treated can be heard. Must be the noise on that circuit is transferred at the main panel.

This project is extremely inexpensive, yields very high performance gains and is easy to do.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 08:22:16
Mick Wolfe
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Posts: 3413
Location: AZ
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 For what it's worth, I've gotten very good results using 1 gram and .5 gram of Rochelle salt in each duplex application. This equates to 1.3 grams and .8 grams respectively when the bag weight of .3 gram is added. I've also mounted both bags vertically. Just used a single 1 gram bag (1.3 gram total) mounted vertically at single switch plates. All I can say is that there appears to be more than one way to tune one's system in regard to this tweak.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 08:59:53
cdc
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 I agree. I have to look, I think I noted the effect and provided a pic of the ground side also being installed vertical on junction plate. This does effect system presentation.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 12:13:03
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 Yes, I revisited all my switch plates this morning and added a .5 gram bag mounted horizontally as shown in the link. So my baseline remains as stated earlier....1 gram and .5 gram of Rochelle salt with bags mounted vertically in the duplex plate. Same with the switch plate only the .5 gram bag is mounted horizontally as shown in the link. As stated earlier, these are weights of the salt. The weights with the bag are 1.3 grams and .8 grams. Regardless, this tweak is truly a great find, but it will be up each individual to tune to a level that sounds best. It's probably safe to say that the 1 gram/.5 gram formula is probably the maximum amount of Rochelle salt one would want to start with. Trim the amount of salt from that point if the effect seems to be taking things in the wrong direction.

 

I agree about the tuning and am glad you like the tweak... N/T, posted on December 18, 2023 at 12:23:03
cdc
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 N/T

 

More importantly, a big thanks for bringing this tweak to our attention., posted on December 18, 2023 at 16:58:33
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 NT

 

You are welcome! I will give you guys another..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 17:27:54
cdc
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Location: N. California
Joined: May 15, 2003
 Probably better I just post it separately. Super easy 5 mins max per power cord tweak. Will upgrade performance of almost all power cords, headphone cables and SMPS.

Happy Holidays!

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 19:37:54
JimBop
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Posts: 1288
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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 I have done the same as Mick - 1.0 and 0.5 grams of salt in the bags.
Do the lesser amounts you are using make a significant difference?

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 18, 2023 at 22:19:50
cdc
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 So long as you tuned after each junction you installed you are good. Many just install several at a time and do not tune/adjust by ear as they install at a junction. The lower amounts are helpful for those that do not follow instructions. LOL

How is the tweak working for you? Did you treat your whole home or?

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 21, 2023 at 09:22:22
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 While I'm thoroughly enjoying this tweak, Tuckers makes a good point. Will there be a point of saturation where this tweak no longer has an effect?

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 21, 2023 at 09:53:27
cdc
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 It has been about 2 months for me and I have not experienced a loss or change in performance.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 21, 2023 at 11:03:18
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 That's good to know, thx. In a similar but not quite the same scenario, ferrite clamps don't seem to have a saturation point. Different materials for sure, but maybe it gives us a ray of hope :)

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 18:15:33
Dawnrazor
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 Ok so I took the plunge and while I don't think I am putting things in the right place, after the 3rd junction (2 outlets and a light switch) it seems like a blacker background. I will try some others. Sadly I am betting I don't have the patience to tune anything especially since I didn't hear any differences on the 1st two applications. Also I screwed up the measurements because I missed that the weight included the bag...so I have more salt than it mentions.

There are tons of outlets in this house...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 18:35:44
cdc
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 Well I am a bit surprised you do not hear a difference, especially with 1 gram at Hot and 0.5 grams at ground after 3 junctions aside blacker background. Takes a few mins a junction and next to free to treat a junction. Keep treating more junctions and see what you hear. Where in relation to the sound system are the three junctions you treated?

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 18:59:07
Dawnrazor
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 They are in the same room though I am not 100% sure they are on the same circuit. I will do the outlet the system is plugged into next and see if that helps more.

Its also possible I am not clear on where to put the bags of salt. One is vertical and one is horizontal at the bottom of the outlet.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 19:23:59
cdc
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Posts: 962
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Where you place the Rochelle salt matters a lot. 1 gram vertically on the the hot side. The 0.5 horizontally is where the ground is installed at the light switch or AC outlet.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 19:38:04
Dawnrazor
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 Well I don't have an outlet like that. The ones I have are normal with the screw in the middle, so the only place by a ground is at the bottom. Is that ok?



Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 19:43:11
cdc
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 That is fine. The picture is just to depict how to easily tell hot (smaller blade) from neutral (larger blade). You also have to look at the light switch and outlet to verify where the ground wire is actually being run to the outlet or light switch.

If you hear no changes after an install it very well could be where you installed/placed the Rochelle salt. You are the first I know of that hears no or slight change sonically after 3 junctions.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 20:14:15
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
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Ok at this point I have done 4 outlets and a double gang light switch.

I didn't really look where the wires were run and maybe that is the issue...i just did one vertical and one horizontal. The horizontal could only go on the bottom because that is where the ground is and if it is the top one, well I can't get the salt there anyhow.

Don't get me wrong, it sounds better and cleaner especially after putting it on the outlet where the gear is plugged. This is an example of what I am doing. Also thanks for the tweak and the help.



Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 22, 2023 at 20:22:31
cdc
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 No worries, it is my pleasure. Usually the performance gain is very noticeable after 4 junctions. The more of the junctions across the home is treated the better the performance gains. System should get more and more resolving.

 

RE: Using Rochelle salt to absorb EMI from your homes AC line to supercharge your audio system performance, posted on December 23, 2023 at 09:18:24
Mick Wolfe
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 I'd like to get your thoughts on this tuning approach. Rather then reducing the amount of Rochelle salt at each duplex/switch plate,(36 in my case) why not just remove the salt completely from a given number of duplex/switch plates. In other words, if one wanted to remove 20% of the salt at each plate, instead of fiddling with 36 individual plates, just remove the salt completely from 20% of the plates? Just a thought to mull over, but it would make tuning a lot easier.
Now to further my tuning adventure, I'll probably be adjusting the .5 gram bag from vertical to horizontal in my duplex receptacles. I've also maintained the original suggestion of 1 gram and .5 gram of salt (not counting the bag) at each duplex or switch plate at this point.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 23, 2023 at 09:25:30
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
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 BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 23, 2023 at 09:45:20
cdc
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 LOL don't snort the stuff. The only thing that matters is does the tweak improve the performance of your sound system?

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 23, 2023 at 16:33:26
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
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 I was able to do 6 outlets, 3 light switches and one breaker in the sub panel before I snorted all the salt. No tuning, just install. Sorry good luck with me tuning. Anyhow it sounds cleaner and more nuanced with fine details that used to get lost. Bass is more resolving and staging is a touch wider. Will keep at it. Thanks again.

Also, I have some power strips with outlets on them. Will treating those help, or is the outlet enough?

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

I have tried what you are suggesting..., posted on December 23, 2023 at 19:20:30
cdc
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 I have tried completely removing Rochelle salt from a junction and performance drops. As you (or I) start to get use to a more resolving system, it is very easy to hear when performance drops or changes.

Thus the easiest way to dial in the system tonally is by junction by junction. You may only have to adjust a few junctions to get the tonality you prefer and improve musicality. There is a balance you will have to listen and feel for. The interesting thing is this tuning is possible with this tweak. You can try whatever method comes to mind. Then listen to your system, trust me you will understand through experimenting.

Also as a system gets more resolving from removing noise from a system the more sensitive the system is to changes and it is easier to hear these changes. This is whether the noise removal is from signal ground or AC power or earth ground.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 24, 2023 at 00:29:03
cdc
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Posts: 962
Location: N. California
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 You can place a 1 gram wrap at the wire out of a SMPS (works well here also) on a power strip but would not treat the individual outlet of a power strip, may over damp. Of course there is nothing preventing you from experimenting.

I personally would stick with treating the junctions, whether on the same circuit or not. Notice the more junctions you treat the more resolving your system is getting? And of course tuning at each junction offers the best balance and performance, but that is your call.

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 24, 2023 at 07:13:46
JBen
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Posts: 3084
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  Since: July 26, 2010
 Well, was there not a saying along the lines that music is the opium for the masses? Or something like that :) Happy holidays, to you and all the inmates.

Our good friend OG42 alerted me to this thread. It is good to see you keep experimenting. Since I am away for home, I will have to wait a couple of months before trying this stuff.

A couple of thoughts came to mind as I read the thread. Has anyone tried pill capsules to hold the stuff yet? They come in 1 and .5 gram sizes and, if they can take the mechanical/chemical challenge, they may help in some situations. I wish I could remember where I got the ones I once bought for a little project, which involved hot-gluing them, BTW.

Also, your neighborhood Harbor Freight may have at least one scale that is cheap and accurate enough. (Mine has lasted well beyond the usual HF short life expectancy.)

Have fun!

 

RE: I have tried what you are suggesting..., posted on December 24, 2023 at 07:29:54
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 Thx. Yes, the method you've just mentioned sounds fairly painless and more logical. Still haven't felt the need to change anything at this point, but I like that approach if needed.

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 24, 2023 at 16:38:27
cdc
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 The hollow pill capsule idea is interesting but will not work. Three reasons...

1) Works best if the Rochelle salt is spread across a longer distance for more coverage.

2) The width of the hollow pill will or likely will not allow the wall plate to properly fit back into place. Meaning you need a flatter holder of the Rochelle salt.

3) Bag makes tuning easier. Easier to add or remove the Rochelle salt from the bag and weighing.

Interesting, never checked Harbor Freight. Amazon is easy also to get a $10 .01 gram precision scale.

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 25, 2023 at 07:18:48
JBen
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  Since: July 26, 2010
 Thanks for the feedback on the pill capsules, CDC.

Have you heard from anyone trying this tweak on isolated power conditioning setups?

While I am months away from being able to try this tweak, I am staying tuned so I can quickly ramp up the testing once I return from this trip. It is likely that when we get back home, my wife will leave again to babysit the granddaughters for several days. That's precious tweaking time for me! Staying home alone - to do as I please - typically works great to tune my audio stuff. Pink noise and loud music tends to get me in trouble... :)

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 25, 2023 at 08:08:47
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
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 Hey J,

So glad to hear from you! hope you are well and merry christmas.

I can't wait for you to try it and expect tons of measurements and listening tests. It reminds me of the maggie RF choke tweak in that it creates a clearer background and probably does a similar thing...wonder how much salt you should put on the maggies :) said another way, I wonder if it may also work on other things besides power.

Enjoy your trip and have fun getting to know your home electrical system.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 25, 2023 at 09:38:11
JBen
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  Since: July 26, 2010
 Great to see you around D!

LOL, you know how it is, tweaking is in our blood, though I've been kind of offline on this longer than I wished. The current Maggies (1.6QR) came Razored and I left that alone, as should be with this creation of yours. They did get their RF chokes, which are doing their imaging thing, as expected. However, I stopped the tweaking there due to...stuff.

This should start changing when I get back home. And this little new tweak may have a very timely chance. By evaluating it before I implement other planned changes, I should be able to perceive changes vs the current known system sound personality.

Like you suspect, it sounds to me like the Salt could add more of the same spicing and charms that the chokes already bring to the plate. We shall see.

Merry Christmas and happy tunes!

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 25, 2023 at 11:01:12
cdc
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Posts: 962
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 I have what I would consider a isolated power setup for my headphone system.

What do you consider an isolated power setup?

 

RE: What do you consider an isolated power setup?, posted on December 26, 2023 at 04:27:36
JBen
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  Since: July 26, 2010
 In my case, the full audio system feeds off isolated power conditioning units. Nothing fancy though, largely OneAC medical grade stuff. When I go on "best listening mode", even the ethernet hookups are taken off (I don't do wireless either).

The power isolation helped achieve a significant SQ/imaging jump long ago. Not as obvious with the present Maggies, which are not as tweaked as my previous ones, but resulting in often solid 3D imaging within a (walls-erasing) huge soundstage. To be sure, not everyone can perceive this. However, those who can, will notice that something is amiss if power isolation is off when they return at another time. If playing something they know well, some of them even point to the space where things were expected to be, and no longer are.

That said, there no such thing as full isolation, which I am sure you know. Thus, one fights the macro noise sources and also tends to the less obvious ones. When I do even a little more, the ears usually confirm the fruits of labor.

Along with many other inmates, Dawnrazor and I have tried some radical ideas over the years. Some work and others don't but the average still favors having tried. Which is why the "Salt" deserves to be tried, me thinks. :)

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 26, 2023 at 08:48:16
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 The same thought crossed my mind.

 

RE: What do you consider an isolated power setup?, posted on December 26, 2023 at 09:39:59
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
Location: N. California
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 Yes, the tweak works the same with your power conditioning units and setup.

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 27, 2023 at 17:02:37
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
Location: N. California
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 especially given the high this tweak gives!!

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 28, 2023 at 03:53:53
old guy 42
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  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey DR,

Always nice to see your posts. Gonna hop on the "Salt Train" soon. I had to see why my new streamer (WiiM Pro Plus) was dropping out. Had to replace my router. Oh well, at least now I can listen to old tunes, '49 to '55 when the feeling hits me.

The inmate cdc was VERY kind to share his discovery on AA. Plus, his directions are clear and concise!! Kudos to cdc

Stay well, and hope you have a Happy New Year!!!

 

RE: I have tried all of the products you listed in the past..., posted on December 28, 2023 at 06:30:54
Dawnrazor
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Location: N. California
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 Awesome. Knew you would show up to the party! So glad you are around. Bet your salt train exp will be awesome. Yep, cdc was super nice to share this great tweak.

Best for 2024!

hopefully there is no new tweak involving kilo size bags...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

So far I have treated, posted on December 28, 2023 at 09:03:08
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12659
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 7 outlets
11 light switches
7 SMPS
3 PoE connections on my switch
1 breaker at a sub panel

sounding really clean

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 28, 2023 at 10:36:31
cdc
Audiophile

Posts: 962
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 Nice, glad you like the tweak. The more of the AC wiring in the home treated, the better the performance. This project became very interesting for me when I realized this.

You mentioned "sounding really clean". Can you elaborate on what you are hearing that changed after applying the tweak as you have?

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 28, 2023 at 16:13:59
JBen
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  Since: July 26, 2010
 Nah, nah, none of that "sounding really clean" generality, D! We want details, like CDC seems to suggest. Tell you what, remove half of them salt bags for a comparo, and then remove the rest also. Report the increasing levels of depression felt as you accomplish this.

Anyway, you can be much more colorful about SQ changes. I've seen you do it! :)

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 28, 2023 at 16:15:42
Dawnrazor
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Posts: 12659
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 Soundstage is more 3d and the background is blacker. The sound is "bigger" and more resolving. I find myself playing things louder than before because of the absence of distortion that would equate to loud.

The bass is better defined and while smaller, its def more 3d and warmer.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 06:51:26
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 Yep..... that description puts us on the same page ;)

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 07:12:25
Mick Wolfe
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  Since: September 4, 2000
 I will add that dynamics scale with greater ease and clarity. This especially noticeable on vocals. So basically, I'm getting a less confused presentation when things get dynamic and complex.

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 07:17:59
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12659
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 Well said. I would also say that there is more 3d texture to those voices.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 08:16:51
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12659
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 Sorry to disappoint. I added some color to a post with cdc below. Everything is just bigger. Bass though is a bit smaller but with more definition. Its like when looking at a microscope and everything is out of focus and when you focus it, the image is now smaller but clearer.

There is a sweet tone too that I am getting.

I will try to get specific. There is a song that is recorded a bit bright and I use it to test the highs. These days I am listening on electrostatic earbuds and the highs are super transparent. Anyhow its harder to listen to that song loud....it gets to a point where its too bright. Anyhow, now I can crank that track and the highs are listenable and even enjoyable. Its like there is enough separation not to overwhelm.
I used to wonder what happened on that track.

Here is the track if you want to listen, though I can't vouch for Youtube quality:


Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 29, 2023 at 08:28:18
old guy 42
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  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey J,

Good to see your post here!

Wishing you the best in 2024!!!

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 11:33:12
old guy 42
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  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey DR,

About 2010 or so, I installed those shorting rca plugs in the unused inputs on my pre-amp. I also installed rca caps in the unused outputs on my pre-amp.

This tweak was immediately apparent. Sounded like what you described happened to your treble after you applied the salt packs!

I am going to get started with the salt packs after I finish burning in a power cord and in breaking in a new pair of input tubes.

Glad this salt tweak is working for you and others!!


 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 12:01:34
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12659
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Exactly. I did the same and even capped unused usb and word clock ins and outs and aes/ebu and rca. So the salt helps even if you have done the shorting plugs.

yikes I just realized the dac I am using has open connections and I am out of shorting plugs. Woe is me...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 29, 2023 at 14:11:54
JBen
Audiophile

Posts: 3084
Location: South FL
Joined: May 18, 2008
Contributor
  Since: July 26, 2010
 Hey OG42, I guess you knew I would show up despite my "quiet mode" of late. A compellingly attractive -- if "absurd-sounding" -- tweak PLUS you and Dawnrazor looking into it...can't have you both having all the fun...just like old times :)

Frustratingly, TODAY has been a shocker. So, we are going home in Feb. and I was salivating for my tweaktime with this new "toy" as soon as I get back. Well, as the day progressed, all manner of new "February to-do's" have popped up to impinge on my God-given right to musical joy. Gotta find a way!

 

RE: So far I have treated, posted on December 29, 2023 at 14:57:04
JBen
Audiophile

Posts: 3084
Location: South FL
Joined: May 18, 2008
Contributor
  Since: July 26, 2010
 Yes, I read the one you expanded on earlier, much appreciated.

As I read what you posted now, I was reminded of Tazsmonn's xover (which YOU "made me" try:) and of an "imaging effect" it caused. This was in 2009. I was on my way to finalizing the line-level xover for my Maggies and, suddenly, I just knew that I had to find a way to replicate this "imaging effect" with the new xover. This led me to eventually discover Al Sekela's chokes.

The point I'd like to make is that my discovery of Al's choke tweak's virtues was due to the rich and detailed manner in which several people described their effect. It was shocking to hear folks with higher-end Maggies describe what my MMGs were also doing but with Tazsmonn's xover (despite its other limitations). As a result, my MMGs got Al Sekela's chokes (but not Tazsmonn's design limitations), all thanks to those ample descriptions.

Hell, it was YOUR good descriptions of your own MMG's sound which led me to the realization that yours and mine were of the same design generation. Which explained why their highs were so clean and their bass stronger...much more so after tweaks.

 

RE: BTW, this is the closest I have come to feeling like a drug dealer, posted on December 29, 2023 at 17:47:00
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 397
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey J,

Man oh man. You bring back great memories of "Mag-Wire"!! You, DR and I each had our own configuration of Mag-Wire speaker wire on the Pans. I had great fun back then! Measuring, repositioning the Pans, choke tweak and a whole lot more. Me getting great advice from both of you to enjoy my tunes a lot more.

I am betting you will find something to add to this salt tweak even with a late start on implementation...-.

Hope you get some time when you get home to work on your system!

Also, you are still the biggest gentleman I know!!!

 

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