Two amazing tweaks... total cost $5

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Both of these tweaks have been covered extensively in this forum. However, I was so amazed by them I wanted to share my experience. Iâ€™m in the process of trying to get the most out of my current equipment, before I consider any upgrades.
Speaker placement: I moved my speakers out from the wall a few more inches (the front grilles are now approx. 24 inches from the back wall), and I was amazed at the transformation in the sound. More 3-dimensional imaging, more â€œbodyâ€ to the bass. Until now I didnâ€™t want the speakers too far into the room, for fear the kids would knock them over. However, they sound MUCH better where they are now. I can understand why many inmates consider speaker placement to be the best of all â€œtweaksâ€. Cost was free, of course!
CD player vibration damping: I placed my CD changer between freezer bags filled with play sand purchased at Home Depot. On the bottom I used four quart-size bags, filled with 3 cups of sand each (total weight approx. 9 pounds). I removed the small feet on the CD changer and laid the unit directly onto the bags of sand. On the top I stacked two gallon-size bags, filled with 10 cups of sand each (total weight approx. 15 pounds). Again, the transformation in the sound was amazing. Vocals are more â€œnaturalâ€ and there is more air around each instrument. Cost was about $5. (I should note that my equipment is located in a wood entertainment center, which is basically sturdy but not well isolated against vibration.)
I was a bit nervous about the attempt at vibration damping using the sand... my wife thought I was crazy. But she is a good sport and humored me. I was pleased that the improvement in sound was obvious to both of us. (She listened to â€œAn Evening with John Denverâ€ CD as a reference.) I now have the confidence to try more tweaks. I really appreciate this forum and all the advice it contains. Many of you have helped me and donâ€™t even know it... keep up the good work! Todd Ankeny.
My system:
NAD 7240PE receiver
NAD 513 CD changer (Monster Cable M550i interconnect)
NHT Super One Xu speakers on 24 inch Lovan stands (AQ Type 4 speaker cable)
Atlantic Technology 162PBM subwoofer (XLO Twinax interconnects)
Monster Cable PowerCenter HT700

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The Cable Cooker

Topic - Two amazing tweaks... total cost $5 - Todd A 10:50:51 05/29/00 (2)

Re: Two amazing tweaks... total cost $5 - T Kant 10:23:08 06/03/00 (0)

Sandbagging - Sean 22:13:23 05/29/00 (0)

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