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RE: OK so if all theories are welcome, here are mine.

Posted by geoffkait on April 8, 2011 at 15:54:16:
I actually agree with most of your theory. I also suspect the unique atomic structures of non-quartz crystals are what gives them their distinctive sonic characteristics.
However, while it's true many crystals are piezo or pyro electric, I don't think those properties are the operating mechanisms for most audio applications. I suspect the operating mechanism has to do with the crystal's unique lattice structure you describe - and I suspect it's that symmetrical lattice structure that dictates how the Atoms themselves behave in the presence of mechanical/acoustic vibration or RFI/EMI. But this atomic behavior is different from the piezo effect a "macro effect," the physical crystal itself is deformed. These Atomic mechanism(s) can also explain why the sonic performance of crystals varies according to type, whereas the piezo theory, in my opinion, has quite a bit of difficulty accounting for the variation in sonic results.