Argent RoomLens

eichlerera1 · « **on:** 1 Jan 2004, 08:08 pm »

Fellow Tweakers,
Began this on another thread and decided to give it it's own dedicated space. After reading the 6Moons review of this product and noting the high cost ($960.00 for three), I embarked on a long, laborious web search to find a DIY project which simulates the Roomlens. The following is a GREAT site for this and other projects. http://www.geocities.com/jonrisch/index.htm

If anyone has any experience with the Argent RoomLens, please be sure to comment. I have not personally heard this puppy in action. I'm not sure the DIY project is as effective as this product purports to be, but it is worth a shot to build a set. I know I will give it a go and report back the results.

Robin & Tuckers: Still another tweak to consider....................
Does it ever end? (Only in the grave my son)
Paul G

PhilNYC · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Jan 2004, 08:59 pm »

I recently had the opportunity to hear a system with the Argent Room Lenses. The system (which belonged to a reviewer for a somewhat well-known audio website) had some pretty expensive stuff, including the Kharma Ceramique 3.1 speakers, Weiss-Medea DAC, and Mastersound monoblocks. It employed 3 Room Lenses. It was by far the best system I have ever heard in a home setting for spacial cues, imaging and microdetail. How much of it was due to the Room Lenses? Unfortunately, I didn't hear this system without the Room Lenses to compare, but I've heard all of the other components in other situations, and I have not heard anything close. The system's owner says that they made a tremendous impact...and I've spent enough time with him in various listening situations where I trust his ears and judgement.

Good luck with your project...I'm very curious to hear your results...

Tuckers · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Jan 2004, 09:03 pm »

I have heard positive differences with the Room Lens. I haven't tried them myself. One of the keys to the Room Lens is the base, which is the 'Rosinate Dark Matter'. It is a black material that is kind of like plastic and putty mixed together. Essentially, it damps vibrations like crazy. I think the tubes vibrate with sound waves and the Dark Matter stops the vibrations quickly, thus sucking out the sound where they are placed very effectively.

You could make something like these, but you'd have to simulate the Dark Matter somehow. Maybe roofing tar, or some other type of solid/viscous material.

Have you ever heard/seen the Shakti Hallographs? They are in the same ballpark. They resonate at some frequencies, breaking up standing waves where they are placed. A dealer demonstrated them to me. You can easily hear the difference with them placed.

Most people will think you are a nut job if you think these work, but it's a very clear difference. It only taks a simple demo to prove even the most hardened sceptic that they make a difference. However, I think you could make a similar positive difference with ordinary materials, like potted plants or furniture placed strategically too.

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Jan 2004, 09:13 pm »

Tuckers,
Thanks for the additional tidbit of info about the dampening base. That design idea was not included in the DIY writeup. I will incorporate that aspect into my project. Will have to dwell on it a while though. I have a couple of ideas.
Paul G

zybar · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Jan 2004, 09:20 pm »

Why not just try and get a used pair?

I just sold mine for $575 and I had more buyers than I knew what to do with.

The RoomLens absolutely helped with the Soundstage. It improved focus and clarity, along with the depth. It didn't really help in the bass department which leads to why I sold them...

Well, I need to tame some nasty bass nodes in my room and there is only sooo much money in the budget

So out with the RoomLens and in my bass treatments.

If funds allowed, I would have absolutely kept them. I know some believe things like this are snake oil, but they really did work.

GW

Tuckers · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Jan 2004, 09:31 pm »

thinking about it a bit more, the 'Dark Matter' is similar to the stuff that you use to 'pot' circuits. When you pot a circuit, you put the components in a metal case and pour the potting material in, it's kind of like tar or some kind of wax. I don't know where you get this stuff, or what it's called.

anybody know?

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Jan 2004, 04:12 pm »

Got all the materials and tools I need to do my DIY version of the RoomLens. Total cost <$75.00.

Will report back when completed and tested.
Paul G

Lak · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 12:35 pm »

Quote from: eichlerera1

Got all the materials and tools I need to do my DIY version of the RoomLens. Total cost <$75.00.

Will report back when completed and tested.

Paul G

Paul,
What are you using for the base?
Thanks,
Lak

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 01:33 pm »

Using two pieces of MDF board glued together with RTV.
The top board has 2 1/2" holes cut in to accept the tubes, the bottom has 2 1/4" holes in it to allow air thru the tubes but is small enough so it will prevent the tubes from going thru.while providing the base onto which the ends of the tubes will rest. I will then put metal cones into the bottom piece.
Paul G

mca · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jun 2004, 10:19 pm »

I was doing a search on the Argent Roomlens and came across this post. Just curious if this project was ever completed and if so, what were the results?

The Roomlens looks like it could be a real savior for people like me that can't put up any room treatments in my livingroom. That is, if they do work