How is everyone making out with the tuning techniques?
Check out the new DIY & Reference Guide information page on the web site. I'm in the process of adding lossless download tracks for EQ set up, speaker set up booklet and reference tracks, raw instrument tracks, sound effects, and more....
http://alanmaherdesigns.com/DIY.aspx
More to come...stay tuned.
Thanks Alan for continually providing us with tuning tips. Here's my in-progress report:
For the time being I'm focusing my time, efforts and budget on tuning the AC line. So far, a Quantum Noise Disrupter is on the outside and near center of the breaker door. Most duplexes in the house have been upgraded to FIM (pre-PE era) and Hubbell HBL5262 or HBL8200 receptacles (QSG treatment will follow soon). A PE II plugs into a duplex in garage that I consider the beginning outlet of the house. Another PE II (order pending) will be plugged into the duplex in the attic (where furnace is located) which I consider the ending of entire house circuit.
In kitchen, 5 different PE's are arranged in one circuit (around kitchen counter) as follows: PE > PE > PI IV > PE > PE . In another individual circuit (also in the kitchen), there are 5 duplex outlets with the fridge plugs into the middle outlet. Here's where I plug the Reference One filter. So it looks like this: OL1 > OL2 > Ref One > OL4 > OL5.
In the family and living rooms, there are two individual circuits with 5 and 7 outlets respectively. I leave the 5 outlet circuit empty for now and arrange various PE's as follows in the 7 outlet circuit (where HT setup is located): PE II > PE > PE > PE III > PE > PE > PE II.
Four duplexes in the bathroom (3) circuits are being left empty for now. One PE and one 193M plug in two duplexes in the computer room circuit, which has 7 outlets. The main audio circuit (8 outlets) is being left empty for now (except one 193M into alarm clock/cordless phone outlet) pending a Reference 8 power strip and PE V Pro Custom. Right now the amp's and pre-amp's power cords are plugged directly into wall duplex.
So what does it all sound like? Even there was a 2 hour power outage early this morning that essentially erased all break-in time the above setup has passed, it still sounds damn good. Grain, AC grunges are significantly reduced. Both warmth and details are presented abundantly. Although it sounds full and punchy even at lower volume, it invites me to turn up the volume without having to cover my ears or run out of the room. Vocals are throaty, breathy, warm, full of emotions, no harsh or stridency when hitting the high/strong notes; plucked guitars sounding sweet and pleasantly detailed. The whole musical canvas becomes highly 3-D yet intimate and relaxed due to harmonics balanced and clean AC circuits, I imagine. Dynamics (when the recording allows) seems effortless. Differences between albums are getting much more discernable. I had to ask myself, "Why do I need to add any more PE when it's sounding so good?" Many times for the last few days (and right at this moment) I found myself dancing along with the music, sometimes conducting the band/orchestra with my hands, shoulders, legs and feet. Is that what they call "toe-tapping effect"?
No other forms of filter or power conditioning is plugged in except for those mentioned above. As you have noticed, not even a single PE plugs in a duplex in the audio circuit, but taking care of the non-audio circuits has already given me the fabulous sonic benefits. I find it so cool, and trusting Alan I can't wait to experience the PE V.
P.S. After trial and errors, the following arrangements are giving better sound, given the PE's I have on hands.
Kitchen counter (5 outlets): PE II > PE > PE IV > PE > PE II.
Living room (7 outlets): PE > empty OL > PE > PE III > PE> empty OL > PE
Baths (4 outlets): PE > empty OL > empty OL > PE
Everything else stays the same. None of the filters is being used in the main audio circuit.
