Stillpoints ERS EMI/RF blocking/diffusing sheets and tapes

Kenobi · « **on:** 21 May 2003, 05:17 pm »

Hello all,

Anybody tried this stuff on their gears, cables, etc... ? Check it out here: http://www.cryotweaks.com/ers.shtml

Any comments or thoughts by experienced users would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kenobi

Danny Richie · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 May 2003, 05:54 pm »

I may know more about it pretty soon.

A sample of it has been sent to us and it has arrived.

I doesn't look like much, but we'll see how it test.

Stay tuned.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 May 2003, 06:53 pm »

I am also getting a sample.

I will try it out with the DI/O, and some cables.

Jack Bybee was impressed enough with it that he is using it on all the new Bybee purifiers being made.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 May 2003, 11:18 pm »

Dan Wright told me they work very well...

audioengr · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 May 2003, 11:36 pm »

I use Stillpoints ERS in my digital mods for the Sony DVP-S7700 transport. Works well to make the trailing harmonics cleaner. You can just put a sheet of this on top of your CDP and you will notice a difference.

I would avoid using it inside any analog gear, like a preamp. It causes HF roll-off because is absorbs so much of the fields, even at relatively low frequencies.

satfrat · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 May 2003, 05:14 am »

Hi all, I picked up a couple of the adhesive-backed sheets last week and am VERY impressed with this stuff. I haven`t really done much experimenting tho. I`ve tried a sheet on my BPT conditioner but didn`t realize too much. I then stuck it under my Yamaha a/v receiver and the dynamics shot thru the roof! But the BIGGEST improvements for me were realized when I slid a sheet under my Motorola 4DTV satellite receiver. This receiver does both analog & digital signals and BOTH benefited. My digital music channels really took off. The highs got real clear, bright if you will. The same effects were evident on the video end also. You could hear and see the difference when removing the sheet. I haven`t had the heart to remove or cut up the sheets to experiment, I like them where they are TOO MUCH.

Sounds like another order is in the making,,, Regards, Robin

nathanm · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 May 2003, 02:30 pm »

If this stuff can help the abysmal ESD susceptibility of the ART DI/O then I'd be impressed.

audiojerry · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 May 2003, 02:43 pm »

good topic Kenobi, (is that like oby wan kenobi?)

this is taken from the Stillpoints website:

Quote

Crossovers - Covering the top bottom and sides, as well as wrapping the internal wires. This has gotten mixed results, with some cables being greatly improved while others appear to have the "life" sucked out of them.
Interconnects - Wrapping the interconnect with ERS tape. This has gotten mixed results, with some cables being greatly improved while others appear to have the "life" sucked out of them.

and audioengr wrote:

Quote

I would avoid using it inside any analog gear, like a preamp. It causes HF roll-off because is absorbs so much of the fields, even at relatively low frequencies.

I could see where its use may cause a problem with interconnects because it may change the dielectric characteristics, unless your cable is already wrapped in a non-porous type of material, but audioengr, how could this cause HF roll-off in a preamp unless it was rolling off emf/rfi artifacts added to the analog signal, which is not a legitimate part of the music signal anyways? Same question with a crossover.

Kenobi · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 May 2003, 03:43 pm »

Guys,

Thanks much for your responses. It appears there's enough evidence to suggest that this could be a genuine tweak for us since a few of us AC philes as well as others (i.e. Jack Bybee, Modwright, etc...) have already noticed worthwhile differences from its use.

I currently have a sheet of the non-adhesive ERS to try. If it works, then I'll move on to their tape version as well since its applicability is more flexible and will open up more options to explore this shielding tweak.

Wayne: I'll try it on the Mensa Plus DI/O and report back ASAP.

Audioengr: I've had similar experience using other EMI/RF shielding material (non-Stillpoints ERS) on my Sony DVP-S7000 transport--impressive enough to be a permanent fixture. Hoping this ERS stuff will be even better.

Satfrat: Interesting to know that this stuff works on video as well as audio.

Audiojerry: Yes, I was inspired by Obi Wan Kenobi for his wisdom so I conveniently called myself that hoping to have a dose of his sagehood instilled in me because conventional means had proven to be fruitless.

Thanks again guys!

cryotweaks · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 May 2003, 04:24 pm »

I have found ERS most useful on treating AC, and placing it on top of or underneath digital gear. I have had mixed results treating interconnects with ERS. I haven't done any speaker cables yet.

I have had excellent success treating power cords, and power conditioners.

The only downsides are, ERS ius conductive, and you have to be careful working near any exposed conductors, and the tape is not the easiest stuff to work with.

I recommend doing a "trial" run of wrapping a cable before taking off the wax paper and exposing the adhesive backing of the tape.

Allan at Stillpoints recommended treating AC as close to the source as possible. He recommended treating the wire coming into the house from the transformer, and the circuit breaker box. I did this to the 220v wire running to my house. I had easy access to it since it pops up through a pvc tube next to the power pole. I treated about 4 feet of it and may do more. I also treated my breaker box. I really, really liked what it did.

If you attempt this, BE CAREFUL!!! Better yet, have an electrician do it for you.

byteme · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 May 2003, 04:58 pm »

OK, so it sounds like this stuff may really work. If it used on a Sat. box was good how about a DVD player? Would you open the box up and stick it inside or just on the top?

Audioengnr - How much do you use on the S7700 mod? Where do you put it?

Satfrat - did you just use it under the receiver? Would it work similarly you think on an amp?

In general, what about inside a DAC?

cryotweaks · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 May 2003, 05:29 pm »

I lined the inside of the top of my DVD player, as well as the bottom on the outside of the player. I also made a small "cover" out of ERS for the transformer inside the player. Be Careful to not allow the conductive ERS to short out your tranny!

It was a nice tweak. Takes away any "edginess" your player may have. There are other tweaks I recommend as well for CD and DVD players. I could go on, but that would be a conflict of interest, and diverting to another topic.

I also cut a piece slightly larger than the transformer in my 5 ch amp, and placed it over it, but on top of the amp, not inside.

byteme · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 May 2003, 05:41 pm »

Alright, with the interest this topic has drummed up here I smell group buy!! Any chance?

randytsuch · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 May 2003, 07:09 pm »

Quote from: cryotweaks

It was a nice tweak. Takes away any "edginess" your player may have. There are other tweaks I recommend as well for CD and DVD players. I could go on, but that would be a conflict of interest, and diverting to another topic.

I also cut a piece slightly lar ...

Couple of questions, what's the conflict of interest and where in LA are you? I'm on the Westside.

Randy

audioengr · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 May 2003, 07:14 pm »

Audiojerry wrote:

Quote

I could see where its use may cause a problem with interconnects because it may change the dielectric characteristics, unless your cable is already wrapped in a non-porous type of material, but audioengr, how could this cause HF roll-off in a preamp unless it was rolling off emf/rfi artifacts added to the analog signal, which is not a legitimate part of the music signal anyways? Same question with a crossover.

The fields around the conductors in analog circuits can be constrained and distorted by using absorbing materials nearby. A similar affect as putting a ferrite bead around the conductor.

audioengr · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 May 2003, 07:16 pm »

byteme wrote:

Quote

Audioengnr - How much do you use on the S7700 mod? Where do you put it?

I use about a half-sheet on the top of the inside of the box, carefully avoiding coverage of the analog circuits.

JoshK · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 May 2003, 07:48 pm »

Hey Steve,

No sure if this is the appropriate place to ask but here goes anyway. Suppose one was interested in your digital mods and was relatively handy (being able to solder/etc). Could one send you the boards for modding without sending you the entire player?

Reason I ask is because I do not trust the carriers with my beloved XA777ES. I have long been interested in Dan W's mods and would have pulled the trigger a long time ago but there is no way in h311 I am sending my player from NYC to Portland and back. This cannot be good for the transport! Thus since there seems to be no highly praised modders in the North East I have been looking and researching to try to do the parts upgrades myself.

Could one send you just the board(s)?

satfrat · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 May 2003, 05:23 am »

Quote from: byteme

OK, so it sounds like this stuff may really work.

Satfrat - did you just use it under the receiver? Would it work similarly you think on an amp?

You`ll have to pardon me Byteme, I`m still in a Bybee daydream as I`ve only had my Bybee speaker filters for a week or so. I know nothing of this ERS. I`m still digging for more info like the good stuff this thread is generating before I start cutting up this $30/sheet paper. I just have a sheet lying on the shelf directly under the receiver. I`ve thought of cutting strips and lining the outer edges of my receiver so`s not to cover any vents. I`ve heard that a little is allot in utilizing this ERS. But I don`t see myself tearing into my components tho. DAMN, no balls, no glory,,,

Regards, Robin

audioengr · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 May 2003, 07:00 pm »

JoshK - Either way you want to do it is okay by me. I suppose that I could just modify the boards only, however I would not be able to try the CDP. This would be primarily power mods. I could also improve the analog outputs by replacing the op-amps if necessary.

If you want me to mod the SP/DIF digital output section to improve jitter, I really need to power-up the unit to look at the reflections and jitter on the digital output with a long cable attached, so I need the whole box for this.

If you still have the original boxes, shipping the unit via UPS 2-day air should be perfectly safe. I have never had a until damaged that I have modded yet.

I am currently working on a Perpetual Tech P-3A and P-1 for a customer. I do 11 cuts, 12 component deletes and 18 component adds to the P-3A. I basically rewire it. Also developing a new high-performance cable for P-3A to P-1A.

Sa-dono · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 May 2003, 08:58 pm »

Quote from: audioengr

Also developing a new high-performance cable for P-3A to P-1A.

A new I2S cable? If so, what's it being made out of, and what approximate price? Thanks!