Herbie's Grungebuster 2 (a mini-review)

Tweakers' Asylum

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When I'm not so busy and have more time with it I'll write a full review. In the meantime, my initial impressions after two partial evenings of using the Herbie's Grungebuster 2 (G2) with a selection of my favorite recordings (symphony, instrumental, jazz and vocal).
I'll start by saying I love great customer service, almost as much as I enjoy a great deal or a great product. I ordered my G2 early afternoon and had a friendly e-mail confirmation of the order and shipping later that day. The G2's (I ordered several for friends to critique) showed up in my mail box two days later. I love fast and friendly service (thanks, Steve)!
Not having seen a Grungebuster previously, the little pliable disc didn't seem like much! Very easy to put on and off the cd; two methods to try are to put the G2 on the cd while it is still in the case, and to use your finger as a spindle as you apply the G2. These were mentioned on the Tweaks Forum and thanks to those who suggested them. Also worked fine to just apply the G2 to the disc but it takes a bit of focus to get it centered; no big deal.
The first thing I noticed, and it took a bit but not too long to sink in, was that there was 'More Information' (that was the thought that came into my mind, anyway). Actually, it was more of everything; as if some of the recording that had not been read previously was now being read by my cdp. This was the basic improvement I noticed on every recording.
I had been listening to Art Khu's cd Reconciliation for a few days so I was pretty familair with it. This is a great cd; well performed and well recorded/mastered. Being familiar with similar music in live performances, there were a few songs in the cd where I thought the music seemed a little bass shy. The bass came out with the G2; as if it is on the recording but my player just wasn't pulling it out.
Instruments and voices on recordings seemed fuller and more rounded with the G2. Single piano notes, solo flute, voices; all seemed more complete. I didn't so much notice what was added with the G2 as realize what was missing without it. Compared to using the G2, the various recordings without it seemed a bit ragged around the edges; the G2 seemed to fill in those edges.
Two other things I noticed: The G2 made already excellent recordings sound even better (incrementally) than was the effect on so-so recordings, and the G2 made better players sound better (incrementally) than was the effect on not as good players. Perhaps that makes intuitive sense to others.
Bottom line: I like the G2! It takes the slightly ragged edge off the music I listened to (which I didn't really notice until I tried the G2) and makes it more enjoyable and fulfilling.
I am especially curious as to how the G2 does what it does. Perhaps Steve or others can explain basically what is taking place and why I am hearing the improvment I am hearing.
Great product, Steve!

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Topic - Herbie's Grungebuster 2 (a mini-review) - PureAudio 08:02:41 10/08/05 (1)

Re: Herbie's Grungebuster 2 (a mini-review) - DeanSheen 17:39:27 10/10/05 (0)

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