The true experimental tweak thread

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Wow! Even if I expected a change for the better with my galvanicly isolated Voltcraft FPS-1134 connected to my router I am actually blown away by the extent of it. I got my 14awg 4mm banana to DC2,1/5,5mm DC cable today.

 

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I have spent a couple of hours now re-exploring my favourite albums. All of them sounds better than before on all parameters. More bass, improved details, wider, airier, more 3D, more natural...well more of everything. It is in the same scale as the Peaktech2240 isolation transformer...if not even better!

If I had a Darko knock-out reward to give away I would give it instantly to the Voltcraft for kicking my router alive. But I do not have a fancy award to give away...but I highly recommend anyone to give it a try. My best spent 70 bucks ever! [emoji3]

 

The word "real" sounds very appropriate to describe what I am hearing. VERY REAL!!! Daft Punk's "Beyond" have never ever felt this real in my setup before. I am really very thrilled about this improvement! [emoji847]

 

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Hi Cornan. Appreciate you sharing your ongoing enthusiasm for experimentation and especially your experience of the Voltcraft psu. I was on the lookout for a linear psu for my router too so I've ordered the 1132 Voltcraft (11-14v 2-4amp version) based on your impressions. For £43 it's worth a try for sure.

 

Also to share my tinkering too, I got a Topaz 1kva Isolation transformer a while back. I've plugged my Antipodes DXe music server, Aqua La Voce Dac and Eastern Electric Amp into this. Then I added an Uptone LPS1 which I've been playing around with to supply USB 5v into my Dac aided by some diy silver cables. These changes plus a growing knowledge of proper grounding to solve any loops have made really huge improvements to date.

 

Last weekend also after many weeks trying to get an I2S input in my Dac to work through a Luckit Wavio board (USB to I2S), I realised I'd over looked that my Dac also has a galvanically isolated BNC Spdif input and that the Wavio board has Isolated Spdif output too.

 

I set up a temp connection to Spdif (the 2 wires are much easier that sorting out the 8 pins/wires and grounding on the I2S/RJ45). With the Wavio board powered by the LPS1 the result has been another huge improvement. A truly sweet, natural and deep sound. In fact it's so damn good now I've lost the interest to tinker and tweak (for now..). Any lingering desires to purchase a Microrendu or SMS200 have completely evaporated!

 

 

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Thanks for sharing Tapatrick!

I hope you will enjoy the Voltcraft as much as I do. Please post your honest impressions here when you have evaluated it! [emoji4]

 

The Voltcraft and the Peaktech 2240 is two of my best hifi related investments up to date. I have also been interested in the mR or SMS200 but cannot really find the urge to buy. It sounds too good now. I have no hurry anyway.

I cannot stop myself from tweaks though...but this is good part of the fun for me in this hobby. When I cannot tweak anymore I will probably jump to another train. Elaton streamer maybe? [emoji3]

 

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Yes Cornan, will let you know how the Voltcraft fits in my system. I'm sure it's going to be a good choice based on your experience.

 

For the past 2 years I've been seeking an elusive goal - to get as far from the "bleeding ears" sound when I started with digital audio when I was playing music from my MacBook Pro laptop. At first it was spending lots of cash on expensive gear which got me 95% of the way but there was always a lingering hiss or edge to voice and treble. This became more and more subtle as I made improvements but still remained.

 

Over the past few months with understanding of ground leaks and ac isolation etc (and like you adding an Isolation transformer due to John Swensons and others great advice), this edge had gone completely.

 

With my recent tweak of the isolated Wavio board powered by LPS1 I'm in audio heaven. Voices are shocking (bar the occasional bad recording) and often when I'm listening I jump at the realism - mistaking parts of the audio as if they are coming from outside or from somewhere in my apartment. The music pleasure is wonderful and that's why I'm losing interest in further expenditure. Except possibly for a customised diy rack which I have a plan for ...[emoji41]

 

This is all thanks to people like you (also @John Swenson, @Superdad, and others too many to mention) By sharing new discoveries on the great forums and threads here it's a great time for audio.

 

 

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Ps And of course Roon 1.3 is out..[emoji41]

 

 

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Thanks tapatrick, It will be very interesting to know if you hear the same improvements in your setup. The facts that my whole TV setup (plus security alarm, uphill FMC battery charger and Apple TV) is connected to the same ac mains outlet as my router is likely a reason for the great SQ improvements I hear in my own setup.

 

That's interesting you have your router, Tv etc connected to its own ac outlet. I will experiment whether to connect my Voltcraft by its own ac or within my 5 gang which is supplied by the Topaz Isolation transformer and powers my other audio components.

 

The CA community is really awesome! There is a lot of great knowledge to collect here for anyone that are curious enough to find it. I am still learning!

 

[emoji41][emoji106] Totally agree!

 

I might look into that WaveIO board as well! Just a pity that I currently do not have any IS2 connections!

 

I recommend it and Lucian R is really great to deal and helps with any queries or experiments. Remember it also has an isolated spdif output and the board has good clocks, both of these features plus LPS1 power explain the major SQ jump.

 

 

 

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Funny you should mention that as my old (but really hard to beat) Hovland/Swenson NOS PCM1704 DAC (discrete output stage, multiple choke-filtered supplies, etc.) has a LuckIt WaveIO, and last week I noticed there is room in the chassis for an LPS-1. So I am hoping this weekend to wire one in to power the WaveIO.

Glad you did it first and liked the results. Thanks for reminding me!

 

--Alex C.

 

P.S. And yes, Lucian is a terrific guy. Too bad he takes forever to develop new products. I think WaveIO is still his only available product.

 

Interesting Alex, my Aqua La Voce 2 is a PCM1704 NOS as well, a sweet sounding and much loved item in my system.

 

 

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Thanks tapatrick, It will be very interesting to know if you hear the same improvements in your setup. The facts that my whole TV setup (plus security alarm, uphill FMC battery charger and Apple TV) is connected to the same ac mains outlet as my router is likely a reason for the great SQ improvements I hear in my own setup.

 

The CA community is really awesome! There is a lot of great knowledge to collect here for anyone that are curious enough to find it. I am still learning!

 

I might look into that WaveIO board as well! Just a pity that I currently do not have any IS2 connections!

Hi Cornan, as I posted on the Aries mini v MR v SMS200 thread: I purchased the Voltcraft LPS to power my router on your glowing praise for the products (I got the FSP 1132; the 11-14v 2.5A version). This has to be one of the best deals that I've added to my system for cost to benefit, only £43 + shipping. Thank you!

 

I had trouble initially as the barrel connector on my router is not a standard one. So I've set up a temp connection using the older wire and connector, as I want to add a DIY silver wire for the power cable. Suffice to say the Voltcraft is a significant addition. More detail and depth to the overall sound, more sparkle and richness but no added brightness or harshness in any way. Like you I've got it connected separately from my audio system but might try it connected after the Topaz Isolator to see how this works. Thanks for the heads up - a real find, especially as other 'audiophile' LPS options can run into the £100's. It's not just that it is inexpensive it really adds to the system.

 

I also later added a cable isolator: CGLI-2 Cable HDTV ground loop isolator (which I first bought for my Sat TV cable but it didnt work, as it cut the signal off) so I though to try it on my cable internet input to my router and it worked! This cleaned up the sound too on Tidal, not major but noticeable in my system.

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SAT DC blocker is much more difficult to get a firm grip on. There so many different DC blockers around with different bandwidth, return loss and blocking ranges. I know my Axing SZU 14-00 DC blocker did a pretty good clean up in my SAT signal, but that was all before the battery powered FMCs, Voltcraft and my new QED Reference STV SAT cable. I actually used both a Supra ground isolator and Axing DC blocker in each end before the FMCs, and when I got the FMCs the Supra ground blocker only made things worse. Anyway, as soon as I am home alone (due to internet interruptions) I will try without the Axing again and see if it still makes the same improvement. I would´nt be surpriced if it have changed ones again after the Voltcraft & QED Reference!

 

Yes, I also find the SAT cable isolators are confusing. Curious as always to see if that will make any different to your system. We never know where we will end up or what we will find out on this ever windying road of tweaking and tinkering...

 

How would you rate the effect of the ATL DC blocker before your Peaktech on overall SQ? I don't have much hum as such from my Topaz except right up close, so wouldnt need the ATL just to reduce hum.

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Great, thanks Cornan. I noticed the price of those Sat DC blockers varies considerably with ridiculous shipping costs in some cases. I ordered one from Germany quite cheap to see how it will work.

 

And yes would love to hear how your testing of the ATL goes. I agree about all the plugs and sockets, not ideal. Many thanks.

 

 

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Yeah! Some of those guys are earning a fortune on freight charges!

 

I promise to report back on the ATL re-evaluation asap! I really like Alex @ATL Hifi and hope his DC Blocker will win that battle, but I'll promise to tell the truth...and nothing but the truth about what I'll hear! [emoji4]

 

Great Cornan! [emoji106] I'm now going to shift my attention to physical isolation and build a DIY rack. I've got a plan based on the great input from the Isolation thread. [emoji846]

 

 

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Ok I will confess, I used my son`s swimming foam tube )) like one of these https://www.google.ca/search?q=swimming+foam+tube&biw=1920&bih=940&tbm=isch&source=lnt&tbs=isz:l&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjd6aibhonSAhWI3YMKHdlTDxoQpwUIFA&dpr=1#imgdii=YOrUtxImIZWG7M:&imgrc=UtXcrC64nXA8sM:

Don`t tell anyone, he didn`t miss it till now!

 

Love it. Thanks Moussaobeid!

 

 

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Who would have thought of that. Tweakers rule...[emoji41]

 

 

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I just got reminded how important the galvanic isolation is for network devices. In my low budget setup I installed a TP-Link DAP-1620 wireless AC adapter to get a better reception. I did'nt galvanicly isolate it. Just plugged into another wall outlet 1,5m from my system.

I got my new IsoAcoustic stand for the speakers today and did never listen to music after the installation of the DAP-1620.

Everything sounded aweful, so I played around with the stands since they where my first suspect, new and all. Did'nt help.

Then I realized that the wireless repeater was not tested with music. I simply removed it to hear the effect. Wow! Huge difference! Much much better.

I know one thing. From now on no network device will ever get in my appartment ever again without a proper galvanic isolation from the ac main. Period!

 

Major point Cornan. Thanks for the reminder. [emoji106]

 

 

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Bad Luck Cornan. Here's one for you as you have shared so many great tweaks on this thread which I have tried out and benefitted from.

 

Replaced my speaker stands with these slate and concrete paving slabs from Homebase, plus IKEA bread boards and spikes from Ebay. I came across the Mapleshade speaker stands and thought it was time to change mine. My old stands were metal and not really solid enough, they were a bit too high and wasn't sure they were stable enough. I've tilted my Omegas backwards using the spikes longer at the front to point to the ear level. I had some old speaker spike feet/cones which I also put between the slabs for good contact and isolation. 

 

Maybe not the prettiest yet but a great prototype. Works wonders and much better position in the room as the speakers are lower. The sound is significantly improved with a deeper, fuller bass, overall it's tighter and more punchy with a cleaner and more precise soundstage. Very pleased with this and highly recommended. Lots of room for experimentation with different materials.

 

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2 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

Great tweak! Thanks for sharing Tapatrick! ?

Nothing beats a solid foudation when you want to isolate from vibrations. Those speakers looks interesting. What brand are they? Monitor Audio?

 

Talking about passive speakers. Here is one of my favourite tweaks that I used on my Infinity Kappa speakers with great results.

 

The Harmonix Speaker Enacoms http://www.analogueseduction.net/system-tune-up-and-upgrades/enacom-AudioNoiseEliminators.html

 

 

Don't ask me how they work, but they worked wonder for my speakers back then. If I was using passive speakers I would buy them again without hesitation.

 

BTW. I love Mapleshades product range. Great products overall! ?

Interesting Cornan, not heard of the Enacoms... will have to check them out. Do you think they would still have a similar effect now, as many systems like mine have adopted ideas from the great threads here on CA on isolation transformers and how to eliminate ground loops and leakage currents etc?

 

My speakers are full range Omega Super Alnicos - love them...

 

I also just made a pair of RCA cables with the Aural Thrills teflon/silver RCA plugs (I think they were mentioned earlier in the thread)  http://www.auralthrillsaudio.com/Teflon RCA.htm. I wound 2 twisted pairs of 24 awg cotton sheathed silver wires around a cotton rope spaced 1" apart for isolation. This is unshielded and eliminated the last ground loop in my system. It's all sounding superb... Don't have anywhere to go from here...:) except to possibly replace the internal wires in the speakers as someone suggested this for an uptick. 

 

I'll be keeping an eye on your tweaks as your are not only leading the way but share your journey so generously. Thank you!

 

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2 hours ago, Cornan said:

Wow Tapatrick! I have never seen those RCA cables before! ? Very interesting RCA teflon plugs and cable idea. I have saved this for later and will be sure to try them on my RCA Canare 4S6 starquad tonearm cables as soon as my vinyl dreams gets realised! Awesome, thanks for sharing! ?

 

Omega makes really nice speakers. Never heard your one, but I can imagine that they sound great! ?

Omega looks quite similar to Tannoy. The Definition DC8 is no 1 on my wish list https://www.whathifi.com/tannoy/definition-dc8/review.

The cable idea comes from Chris Venhaus's great site: https://www.venhaus1.com/diysilverinterconnects.html

The Omegas have no crossover, thats where their magic is especially with voices and midrange. Yes I love the sound of Tannoys too, if I had the means I'd get a pair of these monsters.. https://www.whathifi.com/news/tannoys-new-gold-reference-grf-speaker-to-be-built-in-scotland

???

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1 hour ago, mozes said:

Great info @Cornan never knew that Tannoy is serious about grounding if their speakers. I am now a big fan of grounding. It just requires some patience as you always preach

Audiosensibility in Toronto also manufactures grounding tweaks for speakers but I never took it seriously. I just called him to try them. http://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/grounding-devices-2/

@mozes & @Cornan I've been following your enthusiastic posts about grounding with much interest but not sure I really get the principle of grounding boxes & other grounding tweaks. I have followed the advice of John Swenson and have all my gear powered by a Topaz Isolation Transformer & simple power bar. Do you think grounding tweaks would have any benefit under these conditions...? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

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2 hours ago, Cornan said:

I have also ordered a Aucharm tourmaline box and a couple of mini grounding boxes which are on the way. I will post my impressions of these as soon as I have got them and tried them out.

The thing with grounding boxes that you'll need to gamble a bit. But & try. It is very difficult to know exactly where it will make the best results in your perticular setup. You'll just have to experiment in different spot until you find it. I am almost 100% sure you'll find a spot for it even how isolated your setup is.

Thanks Cornan. I will check these devices out.

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3 hours ago, mozes said:

Amazing stuff @cornan You always have alternatives of solutions to anything

You are the wizard of CA

Yes indeed. Brilliant info @Cornan. You should compile the 'Cornan Encyclopedia of Audio Tweaks'. Would be a big seller ... 

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@cornan

Hi Cornan, Do you know where to get USB B male with screw connectors? I think they were mentioned earlier in the thread. I found the USB A male with screw connectors on Aliexpress but can't source any B's.

 

Thanks Patrick

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4 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

Ofcourse Patrick, here is the screw terminal USB A male & female plugs I ordered:

 

http://s.aliexpress.com/nq2aUBjm

 

http://s.aliexpress.com/ZFfQz6rQ

 

 

Thanks Cornan. Yes I ordered some of the 'A's. Have you come across any USB 'B' plugs with screw connectors?  

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2 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

You're welcome Patrick! ? 

I have searched for screw terminal USB B male plugs for a very long time without finding any. Unfortunately your left with these ones until USB B male ones comes around https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Type-Female-Adapter-USB_A_F-USB_B_M/dp/B000AA2SMS

 

There is however screw terminal USB B female sockets around.

thank you sir! Yes looks like there are no USB 'B'male screw plugs around (yet). I notice we seem to have the same passion for googling... `;0....  I will probably cut an old usb cable and solder/wire to a USB B male plug. I fancy trying out a DIY USB cable with separated wires twisted around a cotton rope core.

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On 4 June 2017 at 4:42 PM, Cornan said:

 

The Tannoy ground connector is wired directly to a screw on the back of the driver of each speaker. They are suppose to be connected to equipment chassi to lower the noise level that is amplified by the speakers.

 

I have seen the Audio Sensiblility grounders before and have been close to try them out, but never did. 

@Mozes @cornan. Thanks for the pointer. Buried in the Audio sensibility website is a link http://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/grounding-devices-2/  This is to a long DiyAudio.com thread on the origins of the Audio Sensibility product, basically instruction for using loops of wire on negative terminals. I used short loops of 150mm long Litz wire with 3 pieces of shrink wrap. Sounds mad but I tried 2 loops on each of my speaker minus terminals. Extraordinary effect and I am going to experiment further with this.

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4 hours ago, Cornan said:

Great work Patrick! ? I have read it before and did try it as well using Supra speaker cables in a loop. It did improve sq for me as well. However, that was before I bought the Speaker Enacoms.

Be sure to post some pictures with your experiments! ?

Here you go @cornan  lots of room for experimenting with different wires and numbers. This is with 2 loops of Litz wire. I used High Frequency Transformer wire 3A current 160 strands 0.07mm with 3x 10mm lengths of heat shrink.

 

Here are Bud Purine's original instructions, I tried version B:
A: "....two 300mm lengths of #8 stranded wire, with as fine a strand of copper as you can get and a decent poly-something sheath.

 

B: Or a 150mm length of true Litz wire with three 9mm pieces of polyethylene shrink wrap tube, shrunk tightly by 50% or so, distributed on the length of wire. The Litz must be made from insulated magnet wire and should have at least 10 times the surface area of an equivalent piece of solid copper wire."

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On 4 June 2017 at 0:02 AM, tapatrick said:

....I also just made a pair of RCA cables with the Aural Thrills teflon/silver RCA plugs (I think they were mentioned earlier in the thread)  http://www.auralthrillsaudio.com/Teflon RCA.htm. I wound 2 twisted pairs of 24 awg cotton sheathed silver wires around a cotton rope spaced 1" apart for isolation. This is unshielded and eliminated the last ground loop in my system. It's all sounding superb... Don't have anywhere to go from here...:) except to possibly replace the internal wires in the speakers as someone suggested this for an uptick. 

 

I'll be keeping an eye on your tweaks as your are not only leading the way but share your journey so generously. Thank you!

 

Hi @cornan, after a week I replaced my DIY RCA cables (with the Aural Thrills Teflon plugs). I went back to my original cables, VDH the First Ultimate MkII. Even though I enjoyed them at first the originals are much smoother, more musical and enjoyable. Ah well it was fun to try and I may give them another go with a longer burn it...

 

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1 minute ago, Cornan said:

 

Thanks Patrick! Looks great! I will surely continue to experiment with different versions on my DC terminal. I wonder how this thing will work with ethernet and USB plugs? ??

Ha, only one way to find out..