[alanmaher]

Another great Infinity DIY Filter review: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68289.0

"I was recently fortunate enough to try out Alan's newest offering; the Infinity DIY filter.  I took Alan's advice and installed the first one inside my breaker box right near the breaker that feeds my dedicated audio circuit.  The second, I was not sure where to begin, so I installed it inside my SACD player atop its power transformer.  I figured that was a good starting point, based on all the literature I've read about other EMI/RFI blocking devices and the sensitivity of digital circuits to these forms of interference.

Alan had warned me that these things would produce mayhem with my circuits for several days, but I couldn't resist a listen about 4 hours after install just to hear how things were coming along.  By now, I should know that Alan's products always produce very strange effects upon initial installation and then, as they set up, more and more of their magical abilities are revealed.  Well, the new Infinities were no exception to this rule; my initial reaction was that I had taken several steps backwards in sound quality.  Everything sounded rather thin a bright, and the soundstage collapsed entirely down to the point that all sound seemed to be coming almost directly from my speakers.  There was no width, depth, or height.

At 48-72 hours after install, things had changed dramatically for the better, and when I say better, I mean better than anything I had ever experienced.  Suffice it to say that it was as if the gates of Heaven had opened in my family room and from them was pouring forth the music of the cherubim.  Listening to The BIS SACD of Beethoven?s 9th with Vansk' was a revelation!  The final movement with the choir and soloists was unlike I've ever heard it reproduced.  Each soloist could be placed at a precise location both side to side and front to back.  Moreover, I could actually hear the vertical positioning of the choir members, with some higher up, I suppose on risers, than others.  Starker playing The Bach suites for cello was almost a religious experience as was listening to Bono singing MLK on the Mobile Fidelity gold CD release.  Every subtle nuance and inflection is there.  Listening at night with the lights off is almost spooky; you'd swear people were in the room singing/playing just for you.

In conclusion, I don't know what exactly the Infinities are doing to produce their effect (they don't look like much; just little black boxes), but wow!  The soundstage is so big and clear you can almost walk around in it and the sound is like liquid gold!  It's unbelievably clear and detailed, without even the slightest hint of harshness or brightness.  Alan hit it out of the park with this one.  I can't wait to order more and treat everything I can find to see how far the magical spell the Infinities have cast over my system can be taken.

Thanks Alan for another great product that redefines what I thought was possible in audio reproduction." ~ Chris Porada

[alanmaher]

We are now accepting pre-order sales for the Reference II and DIY Infinity filter for the July 1 shipment.  Lock in the sale price while it is still available, due to part increases from our vendor, the Reference II will be going up in price starting July 1 to $125.00 each.  Take advantage of the offer while you can, I will never be able to offer the current $80.00 sale price for the Reference II again after the sale ends.  Sale ends June 1.

[alanmaher]

Another great Quantum IEC review:

Quantum IEC Review:

"Dear Alan,

One month ago, I purchased from you a Quantum/IEC filter, and connected this to my SACD player,having previously connected PE V/IEC's to both my amplifiers, and a PEV/AC to the wall outlet serving the system.  Previous to this I had placed various PE's in the different circuits, as well as also adding a PCR v2.

With each addition, there had been delightful increments, which had enhanced the musical experience, but despite or because of these improvements, I did not in any way expect the quality and the extent of the changes created by the Quantum.  The improvement was not just in the degree of change, it was something new,something special, and something holistic.

After inserting the Quantum/IEC into my system, I was overwhelmed by the wonderful tapestry of music,but as expected, after some four hours, it all collapsed.  But now, some four weeks later,I find that the magic has returned.  The rebirth began about two weeks ago, when one afternoon, I sat down to listen to Rachmaninoff's Etudes-Tableux.  The swell of the music was almost wall to wall, extending beyond the speaker boundaries.  There was a richness in the music, and a blossoming of both the macro- and micro-dynamics, with a 3-D effect.

As well, there is an added transparency and involvement that creates a feeling of being drawn into the music.  The presence of my large Duntech speakers, and indeed all the components do not intrude into the experience, they appear irrelevant.  In a sense, there really is no soundstage but there is a concert hall stage.

For me, the cardinal change has been a richness of music, but of course not all discs are created equal.

Many thanks for the opportunity to have this experience." ~ Abie Kessell

[alanmaher]

Another great Quantum IEC review:

Quantum IEC Review:

"Hi Alan;

I have had the Qantum IEC in my system for a few days and am still waiting for the adjustment to complete.  While that is happening some characteristics of it are clear; its a mini-Studio directed to a single component.  Many of the same improvements I heard from the Studio are present in the IEC and when they are focused on the source it makes a real difference.

Most interestingly I have been hearing a more full sounding presentation with a fuller bass foundation, clearer fuller and way more natural sounding mid-range and upper mids so that the class d amps sound totally like they should on voices and horns!  Highs still present with a bit more hit float.  This is some of what happened with the Studio (which, btw, had the biggest impact on the entire system of any filter I have bought from you over the years)." ~ Robert Pachner

[alanmaher]

Infinity DIY Review:

"OK Alan.  How do you do it??!!  A little plastic box of rocks on my curcuit breaker and I go on a roller coaster ride from the bottom to the top and everything in between.  But now it's been over a week and I am ready to declare that you are a friggin genius and I am an APM deciple.  This thing has settled in BIG TIME.  The soundstage is E X P A N S I V E and the texture of the soundscape is unreal.  I hear tiny details everywhere that I never heard before.  And so much more bass. (Tonight I was completely mesmerized by the Los Lobos cd The Town and the City). It really is just about at the point where I feel no desire for any additional improvment.

Of course in this hobby that can be perceived as disappointing, right?

If I HAD to nitpick I could use a little more focus and tightness in the low end.  It's possible I need a better subwoofer.  (Currently I have an HSU VTF-2).  Other than that really I can hardly imagine how things could possible improve in my system.  I should add that I also added a Majik Buss power filter recommended by Danny at over at GR Research (another Audio Circle site) which immediately took my system up a full level when I plugged my digital into it and the Buss into my BPT PC.  I had no idea how important getting serious about treating the power was until now.  No component upgrade could come close to the improvements I've experienced this year using your products and the Majik Buss.

Right now I have 2 PEs, 2 ref IIs and an infinity filter.  I want to enjoy it as is for awhile because it is soooo Damn good.  But you know how it is.  I'll be coming back for more.  And when I do what will you be recommending?  What ever it is I will bite.  You've completly converted me to the Maher Method.  I'm under your spell." ~  Brad Morris

[alanmaher]

PE V Pro AC / IEC Review:

"Dear Alan-

I cannot thank you enough for those little PE Vs. Let me share my thoughts on them with you, if you please.

I have been an audiophile for 35 years. I've seen so many products come and go, all of which were "system saviours" briefly, but over time revealed their shortcomings with age and extended usage. But I can honestly say that nothing in my experience, not a single product, has even come close to the effect the PE Vs have had in my system. These wall warts are simply the best bang for the buck in audio currently, period! Again, nothing even comes close. With the PE Vs, my system wasn't just taken to another level, it literally exploded through the roof and hasn't come down to earth since! Even my utterly non-audiophile wife and son were simply incredulous at the sound, asking me over and over, "What did you do? It sounds so BIG, so REAL! It's like the musicians are standing RIGHT THERE!" I couldn't agree more. In fact, "more" is the perfect word to describe the PE Vs performance: There''s more clarity, more ease and naturalness, more dynamics, more top end, more bottom end (i.e., WAY tighter, more articulated bass), more midrange palpability and presence, simply MORE of everything good, and less of everything bad (distortions) in all aspects of playback. Just incredible!

With the PE Vs in there, an already excellent system was taken to a point where it's really kinda scary, it's just so real. (Almost makes you believe in ghosts and other invisible entities.) The instrumental textures are so palpable, so filled with the living, breathing embodiment of the performers and their musical meaning and emotional communication, that it just throws out everything you thought you knew about your system and what it can do. It is so striking to hear Shirley Horne on "You Won't Forget Me", that it makes the title completely true in all regards. You WON'T forget the sound, once you hear what the PE V does to her incredible performances --performances that those brilliant engineers caught so vividly. I simply cannot believe that I can hear her JUST SITTING THERE, with all the little noises revealed that are always covered up and lost by various distortions that the PE Vs just sweeps away revealing a soundstage so real, so palpable, that you simply sit transfixed, unable to move. It truly is the case that you SEE the performers more than you hear them, the effect of the PE Vs are that huge. It's uncanny, actually. Over and over, I hear things now that make me jump and say, "Where did THAT come from? I've never heard that before!" And that was with recordings I thought I knew intimately, with years of use as auditioning tools. Those PE Vs simply let you completely rediscover your entire music collection, like you've never heard it before. It's like all your old sources are now original masters. This isn't "Product of the Year" stuff. (How many of those products are still around, still cutting edge?) No, the PE Vs are "Product of Your Lifetime" stuff, meaning that what these do is so fundamentally crucial to great sound that they will be a permanent addition to any audiophile's arsenal in the quest for not just 'killer sound', but utterly realistic reproduction of original musical events.

PE Vs are simply THE indispensable tool for each and every audiophile who craves getting as close to the original performance as possible. I simply cannot imagine being without them, they are THAT GOOD!

Keep up the GREAT work, Alan. You're bringing untold pleasure to all who try your wares, at a price that literally anyone can afford. No higher praise can I give." ~ Michael Danis

[alanmaher]

NEWS:  New Infinity products will be available July 1. 

The larger Infinity box, big brother of the DIY filter, is very cool and is highly recommend filtering large transformers. 

The Infinity Speaker Cable filter should be used to filter the speaker cable at the speaker end. 

The new Infinity Power Cable is another very cool product; the power cable is filtered by two Infinity DIY filters build into the a/c male and IEC shell.  The tonal reproduction of the cable is out of this world.


NOTE: The new PE VI and Quantum Studio will be available for the July 4th sale in limited quantity

[alanmaher]

New Quantum AC Review: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68664.0

[alanmaher]

OFFER: Buy 2 Quantum filters (any combo AC or IEC) and receive a FREE Infinity DIY filter.  Offer good June 7-12.

[marvda1]

alan i have three pe's (1 iec on each monoblock and the other in line with my preamp and transport) in my listening room now,can i get rid of the pe's to finance the quantum iec or will it still sound better with the pe's still in place?
and since i would only have one quantum where would be the best place for it?
marvin

[alanmaher]

Marvin

I would recommend the Quantum AC package.  Leave the PE in place if you are satisfied with the results.  I would actually recommend replacing the PE with one of the IEC V's or Quantum IEC units.  The Q IEC is excellent for digital and video front ends, the V Pro is great for the preamp, and the new VI will blow your mind with amp applications.  The PE, like the Reference II, should be used to filter non-a/v circuits.

The Q AC should be used at the wall with the main system power cord.  The PE should be moved to other circuits to filter refridgerator, washer machine, electrostatic air cleaner, dish washer, fish tank, etc.
 

[jtwrace]

Marvin

I would recommend the Quantum AC package.  Leave the PE in place if you are satisfied with the results.  I would actually recommend replacing the PE with one of the IEC V's or Quantum IEC units.  The Q IEC is excellent for digital and video front ends, the V Pro is great for the preamp, and the new VI will blow your mind with amp applications.  The PE, like the Reference II, should be used to filter non-a/v circuits.

The Q AC should be used at the wall with the main system power cord.  The PE should be moved to other circuits to filter refridgerator, washer machine, electrostatic air cleaner, dish washer, fish tank, etc.
 

I haven't even received my units yet and I feel like I'm going the wrong direction.  What is the VI now?  I don't see it on your site.  With the Quantum AC and three Ref II's I thought that was a place to start.  IF I like what it does, I thought then the next thing would be Quantum IEC for the mono block amps and then the USB DAC / Preamp.  Is this NOT the best next move?

[sherod]

I also get more and more confused with which of Alan's units to use where. His web site could use some clarification and organization. Maybe I'll wait until he has one unit that combines both the V and new VI together. Would be cheaper than having one unit for the preamp, one for the amp...but, I digress...

[alanmaher]

You guys....no need to be confused, all our filters/products work perfectly together and should be used together in a mixed set up.  As described above, here is my 2009 recommendation for install:
 
System Duplex: Quantum Studio

System Hub: Quantum Reference Power Conditioner

Power Cable: Quantum Reference Power Cable
 
Digital Transport, CD/DVD Player, DAC, Surround Processor, Class D Amplifiers (Especially Wyred 4 Sound), High-End HTPC, & Flat Panel Display (Plasma and LCD): Quantum AC and IEC filter

Analog Solid State and Tube Preamp: PE V Pro or Pro IEC

Analog Solid State and Tube Amplifier: PE VI

Mid-Fi Digital/Video: PE Quantum Signature
Mid-Fi Preamp & Amp: Reference II

Non Audio/Video Circuits: Mix PE and Reference II.  Motor appliances should use the Reference II and switch mode supplies like the coffee maker, air cleaner, or computer should use the PE.

Speaker Cable: Infinity Speaker Cable Filter.

Besides the Infinity upgrades you guys are looking at the full line up for 2009/2010, I have a couple small accessories coming out over the next few months and that's it.

For the die hard AM designs client, if you follow the above suggestions your system will experience a radical transformation.

[jtwrace]

OK.  I will wait and see.....

One problem though, you mentioned for me to plug the Quantum AC into the SAME outlet as my AM PLC.  The only problem is that I only have one duplex and it has both power cables plugged into it from the AM PLC.  Now what do I do with the Quantum AC?

[alanmaher]

Plug the Quantum into the AM; it will achieve the same level of filtering.

BTW, your order ships in the morning.

[jtwrace]

Plug the Quantum into the AM; it will achieve the same level of filtering.

BTW, your order ships in the morning.

I was hoping you were going to say that.   

[alanmaher]

Heads up:  We are running a special on PE V and Quantum Limited Edition filters all next week.  Watch our home page for more info.  

[Big Red Machine]

Suggestions for using the AM devices given 3 outlets on a dedicated circuit?

[alanmaher]

1.  Use the Infinity filters at the circuit panel on the a/v circuit breaker. Use 3M mounting tape to secure filter box to breaker.  Next, place the second filter box dead center over the CDP transformer.  Last, try placing the 3rd box over the dac chips of the CDP or the preamp transformer.  The preamp transformer is preferred.

2.  Reference II should plug into outlet 1.

3.  PE plugs into system outlet 2.

4.  The PE IV can be installed in outlet 3 or the PS Audio P300.  Try the wall application first.