Hifi Accessories

Hifi enthusiasts love these little accessories. Getting them right will get the absolute best from your system.

 

 

XTZ Room Analyer

 

The XTZ Audio Analyser is a clever device that enables audio enthusiast to measure the acoustics of their listening room simply by connecting USB based hardware that will interface to most computers running Windows XP. As this review progresses it will become clear that the clever part of this product is not so much the hardware but the accompanying software. The hardware consists of a USB sound card module attached to a microphone on a flexible stalk. A heavy base is included that allows the USB sound module to operate remotely from the computer via its integrated extra long USB cable. In addition to recording sound, the USB module has an audio output that is connected to one of your amplifiers inputs. This connection allows the computer software to generate audio tones that are simultaneously transmitted and received by the USB sound module for analysis.

 

ACOUSTIC REVIVE

 

We have some intresting products to try from Acoustic Revive, we will have them on display in a highly treated listening room, they have some intresting products to say the least.

 


Principle/Structure

Highest grade silk without any side effect on sound quality
Chemical fiber is used in most of high-end room tuning materials surface on market.
By using chemical fiber, it difficult to avoid side effect, such as a peculiar sound.
Even if there are effects such as diffusion and sound absorbtion, many usesr may have had the experience of having the feeling of the sound becoming poor. This is because of the material used on the surface.

WS-1 uses only highest grade silk material from Hasegawa store, which is the largest
silk wholesale dealer in Japan.

Silk in the only fiber that has random cellular tissue, so it does not have a outbreak of peculiar sound and an incidental sound.WS-1 give you extremely smooth and warm tone by the help of the superior diffusion effect.

Light weight and compact! Install it in any kind of place
WS-1 is easily installed onto the wall, because of it is extremely light weight and compact.
Not to mention, on ceiling and small space such as back of rack mount.

On the back of WS-1, there is velcro tape. As soon as after purchase, it is easy to install on to the wall by using this velcro tape.

Flat frequency characteristic by special low repulsion urethane foam
Inside the WS-1, we adopted the special low repulsion urethane foam for extremely fat sound absorbing characteristic across a wide range of frequency.

Glass wool, carbon paper wool and polyester has an uneven sound absorbing characteristic.
Instead, WS-1 has a very even sound absorbing characteristic. This makes sound from the speaker very natural.

Acoustic Revive R-77

INFORMATION FROM ACOUSTIC REVIVE.

What is the Schumann Resonance?
The "Schumann Resonance" is a resonance frequency that exists in the Earth's "electromagnetic" cavity; i.e. it exists between terrestrial surface and ionosphere. German physicist W.O.Schumann first detected the resonant properties of this terrestrial cavity in 1954. It may be said that the Schumann Resonance is a breathing phenomenon of the Earth that is lasting from old time. The lowest-frequency ?iand highest-intensity ?jmode of the Schumann Resonance is at a frequency of approximately 7.83Hz.
Human and all animals and plants have been guarded by this frequency of 7.83Hz and lived for long time. But recently, many unnatural radio waves and electromagnetic waves disturb this frequency of 7.83Hz, it have caused wrong influence on our human bodies.
We substantiate that there are many effects when the frequency of 7.83Hz is generated artificially.


Effects

For Audio equipments
By generating the Schumann Resonance, there is an effect that it neutralizes electromagnetic waves generated from an audio equipment and external harmful radio waves. So interference of electromagnetic waves and radio waves that exist among equipments is disappeared, it becomes possible to reproduce the music clearer, the S/N ratio is improved higher and the distortion is reduced.

For Listening room
Also, by generating the Schumann Resonance, there is an effect that it neutralizes harmful standing waves. And it has the feature of improving the viscosity of the air in the listening room. Therefore, you can reproduce the excellent music, the sound is improved clearly audible, and the depth of the sound image is increased dramatically.

The Acoustic Revive RGC-24 Ground Conditioner is an amazing new award winning product from Japan... which dramatically lowers the noise floor of the component it is plugged into... even if you already have power conditioners and/or high quality grounding schemes (including dedicated earth grounds). The super low noise floor achieved is quite impressive... and provides greatly improved resolution... inner detail... clarity... and an expansive holographic soundstage... all against a jet black background.

Acoustic Revive RGC-24

Principle & Structure

Each equipments vacant digital input and analog input terminal are place where dust gets easily collected. Not only that becomes an origin of mixture for noise.

By letting these input terminal short-circuit, it prevents noise getting inside the equipment. Furthermore, letting the input terminals short-circuit, unstable element of electrical current on ground side gets removed and movement of machinery circuit becomes stable. Result is, advantage for power supply impedance and sound quality improves greatly.

In addition, board for terminal part tends to be very thin. This receives the influence of vibration. By using high specific gravity and hard material for short pin, it reinforces terminals and protects from vibration.

 

The best tweek and accessories we have is Stillpoints. What makes the Stillpoint system unique is the fact that unlike spikes, cones or ball bearings Stillpoints do not "tune" or try to "ground" vibrations in the vertical and horizontal planes, they absorb them. Decoupling is what sets them apart. As far as what they do for the sound of your system, they will open up the soundstage and reduce bass bloat when properly implemented.

The System consists of two parts: The Stillpoint and Riser.

The Stillpoint consists of an outer case (called the calyx due to its flower like petals that line the inner shell), two layERS of ceramic balls, and a stainless steel pedestal. The Riser is an aluminum base with a stainless steel stud, which accepts the Stillpoint. The System functions as a shock absorber for vibrations and resonances. The System changes vertical vibration into horizontal motion and absorbs it.

Following the path of vibration from the top of the exposed ceramic ball, as the component is placed on the Stillpoint, the vibration contacts the ball (at 12 o'clock) and proceeds down through the ball. Vibration exits that ball at the contact point of the second tier of balls at a diagonal (4 or 7 o'clock). The weight of the component expands the second tier of balls, forcing them into the petals. The petals flex and counter the vibration, thereby absorbing it.

From a platform or shelf, vibration enters the bottom outer rim of the Riser, travels to the center of the Riser, and transverses up the stud into the center of the pedestal. Finally, vibration travels across the pedestal to the outer edge into the ball/petal mechanism and is absorbed.

Stillpoints have another fantastic products called ERS . Just what is ERS and what does it do?


"...Immediately the sound was fresher, purer, and seemingly unencumbered by digital artifacts..."

- Clark Johnsen, Positive Feedback

Stillpoints ERS redirects, absorbs, and diffuses EMI/RFI frequencies. The benefits of ERS for audio/video are best heard with digital circuits due to the RFI creating aspect of the circuitry itself. Benefits of ERS can also be heard with AC power lines, signal cables, loudspeakERS , and electronics of all types. However, in some analog circuits, the presence of EMI/RFI was tuned into the frequency response of the device. ERS can effect of the amplitude of the high frequency and/or the low frequency extremes resulting in a less than desirable balance.

"...ERS has to rate right up there with the HAL-O tube dampERS and the None-Felt turntable mat, as among the highest values in high-end audio..." - Rick Becker, Enjoythemusic.com

What's it made of?

The core of ERS is made of a blend of carbon fibers of various lengths and sizes. Using a proprietary method, these fibers are coated with metals, such as nickel. These fibers absorb, reflect and diffuse RFI/EMI. ERS has on average about 66 db noise reduction in it's 10meg to 17 gig range. this is all that we can claim, due to it's defense restrictions.
The exterior is laminated with a polyester textile on both sides to make the material easier to handle and use.

This is the base of ERS

ERS may all be purchased with a pressure sensitive adhesive already applied for easy and quick installation.
The edges of ERS do have exposed conductive fibERS and should be handled and installed with care. The electrical resistance of ERS is .026 ohms per square yard.
The polyester fabric will insulate the core of ERS , to some degree, but can be easily penetrated with sharp edges. Caution should be exercised when used in close proximity to circuitry.
ERS is treated to accept many laminating resins such as epoxy and polyester resins.
Specs

Frequency Attenuation (dB)
10 Mhz 49
100 Mhz 48
200Mhz 62
400 Mhz 53
800 Mhz 54
900 Mhz 50
1 Ghz 49
2.4 Ghz (802.11B, wireless networks, cordless phones) 53
3.5 Ghz 54
5.8 Ghz (802.aaA) 57
7.5Ghz 61
10 Ghz 66
17 Ghz 65

Why is it necessary?

With the exception of high end cables, EMI/RFI shielding is rarely, if ever a consideration when designing audio components. Yet it is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to sonic background noise and "edginess" exhibited by some audio gear. ManufacturERS want to control costs, and adequate EMI/RFI control is not high on the list of priorities.
With the availability of ERS , one is now able to address this problem in their own system in a cost effective manner. Also noteworthy is the fact that since ERS does not operate under the same principles as a shield, it does not require grounding.

Useful Applications

A simple demonstration of the potential effectiveness of ERS is to lay it near any digital circuitry, for example, on top or underneath or at the sides of a cd player or dac or digital amplifier. Wrapping AC cables or placing ERS near any AC power strips will also quickly show its potential. However, its effectiveness will be maximized when placed internally near either EMI/RFI generating or EMI/RFI susceptible circuitry within the enclosure. The enclosure itself, traps on board generated EMI and RFI which ERS absorbs, deflects and diffuses. ERS does not operate under the same principles as a shield thus it does not require grounding.
The amount of ERS used is component dependent and must be experimented with. We have noticed that 100% coverage not necessary. Fine tuning may result in very little material required.

Listed below are just a few ways in which ERS paper has been used to control and absorb EMI/RFI.
• In general, lining the inside of a component's top cover is a good place to start. If you don't want to open up your piece of equipment, then just lay the sheet on top.
• CD/DVD playERS - attached to the underside of the top, and attached to the bottom. This covERS the power supply, and the digital ICs. Digital is probably the most notorious EMI/RFI polluter in a system.
• Preamp/ processors - attached in a similar manner as the CD/DVD player.
• Home theater processors - Treat similarly to the DVD/CD player.
• Electrical outlets - Cut in the same shape as the wall plate and place over the outside of the wall plate. The ERS is placed on the outside of the wall plate because it IS conductive.
• Power conditionERS - wrapped around power cords, and covering the top, bottom and sides of a power conditioner. A very effective tweak.
• Power cords - Wrapping the cord with ERS tape. We have had excellent results doing this. 1" tape works well. Multiple layERS work well too.
• Power transformERS - Keeps stray rfi and magnetic fields from interfering with the audio signal.
• CrossovERS - Covering the top bottom and sides, as well as wrapping the internal wires. This method needs to be "tuned" to each individual system. You will know when you've added too much ERS , when the highs start rolling off, or midrange detail starts disappearing. Be prepared to spend some time on this.
• Interconnects - Wrapping the interconnect with ERS tape. This too will require some fine tuning. I use a 1/4" strip wrapped around the very end of the RCA connector's outer shell. You may also try spacing the ERS away from the cable via foam pipe insulation.
• Loudspeaker cables - Fine tuning required here as well. Start at the end that connects to the loudspeaker. You may also try spacing the ERS away from the cable via foam pipe insulation.
• Video Cables - Component, composite, coaxial, and S-vhs cables all benefit. Wrapping the entire cable provides the most benefit in this case

How much do I need?

Hitting the level of diminishing returns with ERS is difficult, and system dependant. Below are some minimum guidleines for using ERS .
• Great results have been achieved by using the ERS tape to wrap power cords and interconnects. If you are odering 1" tape, generally you will need TWICE the length of whatever cord, interconnect, etc. you are trying to wrap. An alternative to wrapping is to lay the ERS length wise down the cord. This may take two, overlapping runs to completely cover the cable, but it is a time saver. ALWAYS do a "test wrap" before removing the adhesive backing!
• For lining the top cover of a component, a minimum of two sheets are generally needed.
• For an amplifier, be sure to cover the area above and below the power transformer at the minimum. It takes about 1 sheet to do so.

Eden Audio is Spain's distributer for this amazing products. They are the best there is. Nothing comes close to what Stillpoints will extract from the potential your system has.

Our other accessories include power cords, cables, racks and headphones. Please visit our other pages to see what we have to offer you.

 

AURIC ILLUMINATOR


Optical Disc
Playback Resolution Enhancement
For CD, DVD, SACD & Laserdisc
Auric Illuminator improves the audible and visible playback quality of all optical discs. Developed as an advanced optical resolution enhancement, Auric Illuminator is incredibly effective.

Auric Illuminator will help your disc player to retrieve all the available data on your discs at the right time. Auric Illuminator allows the laser pickup to track the disc more accurately. It also improves discrimination of the exact beginning and end of the reflective and non-reflective areas on the track.

You haven't really experienced the true potential of digital formats until you see and hear the results of one treatment on a CD, DVD, Laserdisc or SACD. The subjective experience is greatly enhanced by Auric Illuminator.

The application of Auric Illuminator is an easy, two-step process. The application is semi-permanent. It should not have to be treated again unless the disc is cleaned with water surfactant or isopropyl alcohol.

The first step reduces ambient light and infrared light in the disc material. The Auric Illuminator light absorbing pen is used to blacken the inside and outside edges of the CD. (The outside rim and the inside of the center hole). This improves the signal to noise ratio of the reflected signal allowing for more accurate timing of the retrieved data.

The second step involves the application of Auric Illuminator gel. This unique product improves the optics by allowing laser light to enter and leave the disc with less reflection or scattering. This allows the pickup to "see" a stronger more sharply defined signal resulting in fewer data retrieval errors.

Auric Illuminator gel also lowers the disc surface electrical charge. The surface of an untreated disc will build up a static charge while spinning against the air. The static charge builds up until the voltage becomes quite high and then discharges into the air or surrounding surfaces. The charge/discharge cycle causes the disc to microscopically tilt or wobble. A wobbling disc is much more difficult to track accurately causing audible timing errors or even lost data. Although redundant codes can replace most of the missing data, the disruption of timing accuracy causes these errors to become audible. Buffering or re-clocking the data cannot totally correct timing errors or jitter. A vibrating disc is difficult to track accurately. This causes the pickup's servomotors to work much harder at maintaining focus. When the servomotors are constantly correcting the laser's position the power supply is pulsed more frequently. This causes excessive power supply fluctuations which affect the analog audio/video power supplies, degrading the overall system performance. By not allowing excessive static charge to build up, discs spin with less wobble making them easier to track. auric illuminator allows music to be more natural sounding and pictures to be reproduced more accurately.

Summary

Improves the optical signal to noise ratio by reducing ambient light in the disc material. This minimizes ambiguous signal transition points (reflect/non-reflect junctions).

Improves optical transparency by reducing reflection and refraction.

Removes stored energy from the disc surface and prevents future static build up. This eliminates charge induced wobble making the disc easier to track.

For just 45 €uros it will treat over 200 discs!!!