Alan Maher's Power Enhancer

alanmaher · « **Reply #740 on:** 1 Jul 2008, 08:51 am »

Off topic...any HTPC server guys in the audience? I'm looking at the idea of designing a line of computer cables for network, usb, sata / esata, and power. Does this sound like something you guys would be interested in? I already designed the network cable and notice a small improvement in web surfing / download speed and a major audiophile / videophile improvement in sight and sound compared to the typical Cat5e / Cat6 cabling. I teamed up with Shakti Innovations for this project. I expect the pricing to be around:

3 feet - $60
7 feet - $66
14 feet - $75
25 feet - $88

Do these prices seem unreasonable considering usb cables are starting to be priced around $500? I pledge I will never sell a $500 usb cable, but the mark up on the network cable is almost nothing. The cable spec is 24 AWG 1.5Ghz. The improvement over the standard cable is remarkable, I wouldn't go through the trouble to start up the debate if I wasn't super impressed. If the concept and pricing seem acceptable I will go ahead and invest the time and money into a usb design. Look forward to your feedback.

BTW...the PE Mini will be available shortly. The Mini is half the size of the standard PE and works great with digital alarm clocks, coffee makers, lamps, etc. The price will be $40 per filter.

1 - $40
4 Pack - $160
8 Pack - $320

The mini will be ready for mid-August.

One more thing since I brought up the pc cable idea, in the next couple of weeks I plan to build a audiophile cd/dvd-rom usb transport if anyone is interested in me documenting the project. I have done this before and it worked great, but I wanted to try a new drive and case option....tough to do because most new burners are hunks of junk, but I'm hard at work putting together a affordable Newegg / Parts Express / AM designs part selection. For the moment I settled on the Pioneer 115D drive with a aluminum Bytec case. The power supply is built into the case allowing standard audiophile power cords to be used. I will also be using a Hammond 193L in the basic design. Still need to select the shielding, this is always trial and error, and a good quality foot. Weight matched Vibrapods have always improved read and write capabilities in my previous projects, and Vibrapods gel nice with the Hammond tweak....we'll see. The main cord will be a toss up between the Reference and Studio Reference Jr., all depends on the sound of the Pioneer after it has been tweaked.

HTPC tip: Install a pair of Shakti On Lines on the main 20 pin / 24 pin power cable. Place 1 On Line at each end of the exposed cable, so that means butt 1 On Line up against the psu case and a second On Line at the end of the wire bundle before the bundle widens to enter the molex connector. Allow the pc 3 days to readjust and watch out...it will become rock stable, lightning fast, and improved audio and video playback. Another great tip is to glue a couple sheets on ERS to the case under the motherboard. The ERS will help choke the ground lines in the board and improved system performance. Another thing to try wrapping the fan molex clip is a dual layer of ERS and apply electrical tape or heatshrink for insulation. Take all the fan power connectors off the motherboard and power direct from the psu. You will be able to hear the noise drop out of sight from each wrapped molex connector, the fan will also shows signs of improvement by lower mechanical noise and increased rotation speed. This trick has worked in every pc that I have built over the years...good stuff.

alanmaher · « **Reply #741 on:** 1 Jul 2008, 08:51 pm »

It has been a very productive day, 70% of the pre-orders are already filled and will be completed on Wednesday minus the RPC orders. The RPC cases arrived in Germany Express Mail last Friday but still haven't found their way to my doorstep. Hopefully they will arrive in the next day or two so I can get the orders out by the weekend.

With that said, keep an eye glued to our web site the 4th of July, we are running a mega Independence Day Bonanza starting at 12:01 E.S.T. Each hour on the hour we will highlight one product at a discounted price never before offered by AM designs, so don't miss out because we will never offer these super low, dirt cheap, bargain basement, rock bottom prices again....and I'm sure we'll throw some twists and turns, loop the loops, and brand new surprises....I mean World Premiere brand new products in to the mix....Stay tuned.

jmichael · « **Reply #742 on:** 1 Jul 2008, 10:09 pm »

I will keep an eye out for the sale - Thanks!

Any tweak recommendations for Notebook computers?

alanmaher · « **Reply #743 on:** 1 Jul 2008, 10:10 pm »

Sure....what do you use it for?

jmichael · « **Reply #744 on:** 1 Jul 2008, 10:45 pm »

I use a laptop exclusively over a desktop for business & pleasure. I surf the Web, play an occasional game and listen to music. It's hooked up via ethernet DSL with the fastest download speed available at this time which is 7Mbps (actual = 5690 Kbps).

alanmaher · « **Reply #745 on:** 2 Jul 2008, 12:03 am »

Classic Tunes is launched: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/DIY.aspx

alanmaher · « **Reply #746 on:** 2 Jul 2008, 12:06 am »

Jeff

Start with adding a layer of ERS under the motherboard. ERS also works great on top of the slim drive. Do you have a standard power cord or one of those wall wart plugs? Any 12ga heavily shielded power cord usually provides more stability for pc's...and don't forget to add a pair of On Lines to the cord...for whatever reason pc's love Shakti On Lines. The new network cable would also be a plus for the DSL speed, but the cable is not ready until next month.

alanmaher · « **Reply #747 on:** 2 Jul 2008, 01:04 pm »

ALL RPC PRE-ORDERS SHIP MONDAY JULY 7.

ALL OTHER PRE-ORDERS SHIP TODAY.

alanmaher · « **Reply #748 on:** 2 Jul 2008, 02:06 pm »

Last bit of news for the day....we will be offering a 2 prong C8 PE V IEC filter in the next few weeks. I am also working on a line of new power cords for C8 applications....Stay tuned.

zmanbands · « **Reply #749 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 10:15 am »

Jen has asked me to demo your blue molded footers vs. isoblocks under my 60 lb SACD/Cd player. She will include them with the RPC/ Ref one shipment. Is there a break-in for these footers. If not I will try them first and then put in the RPC/Ref one. If there is a break-in I'll wait a month after RPC installation so I can distinguish the blue footer impact alone. In a few pages back we went over all my components and their weights [all of which have maple blocks with isoblocks under them] Note: I will not be placing the footers under the component where I have large brass cones but under the maple blocks below them.

alanmaher · « **Reply #750 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 12:36 pm »

You will experience two break in with the feet. The first is temperature, as the heat from the component heats the foot material the damping properties will become better...it usually takes about 24 hours. The second has to do with the component power supply. The new foot will re-tune the circuit and it will need to readjust, this process is usually completed around 60 hours.

alanmaher · « **Reply #751 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 12:45 pm »

I started the audiophile ROM project last night and we are already having great success with the build quality. I was not able to mount the Hammond on top like I originally planned so it was nixed from the project. Internal tweaks was fairly simple...QSG applied to the on/off switch tabs and ROM 4 pin socket. ERS applied to the top of the drive. The Reference power cable was the perfect match to the Kimber usb cable. Now I'm playing around with feet...Vibrapods do a nice job but they are too dark for my taste, but right now I want to give them the benefit of the doubt until the QSG goes through the initial 4 day process. I also tested Soundcare adhesive spikes (4)...these don't sound too bad...a little light in sound compared to the Vibrapod, better speed and attack....a little light in the mid textures, but tweakable....I could easily live with this sound quality with a little tweaking here and there. I tried the PE V Pro IEC with the drive and was blown away...........absolutely amazing what can be achieved by retuning the power supply of the rom drive.

alanmaher · « **Reply #752 on:** 3 Jul 2008, 01:22 pm »

Studio Reference IC: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/SRIC.aspx

alanmaher · « **Reply #753 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 04:05 am »

24 hour Independence Day Bonanza has begun....check out: http://www.alanmaherdesigns.com

Due to vendors part increases the past couple of months we will not be able to maintain the current prices much longer, very sorry, but I only charge $35 labor per product, so starting August 1, 2008 all current stock pricing will go up 10%. Take advantage of the savings while stock is still available.

Fredly · « **Reply #754 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 03:05 pm »

Alan, I’m a lurker on AudioCircle and rarely input, however your comments regarding HTPC tweaks certainly peaked my interest as I use my PC for both Sound (via a modded Logitech Squeezebox 3) and for Video (HDMI connected Projector).

I’ve also bought two of your PE’s (fantastic product!), and as per your recommendation purchased some QSG, which I have been meticulously applying throughout the System, to impressive results. So thank you very much.

Having said that I’m also on a very limited budget, and as such am very weary of the gains I’ll receive by some of your suggestions.

For instance, the Squeezebox communicates to the PC via wifi, so, in my case, would I really be gaining any audible benefits if I were to execute some of your ERS/Shakti tweaks within my PC?

Currently my HTPC is built using an Antec Sonata III Quiet case, so overall noise is remarkably good. The PC runs through a power conditioner, connected via DIY PC cords with QSG applied throughout.

Given this, again I’m curios if the tweaks you suggest would really improve my current Video Quality, which frankly looks pretty darn good.

In closing, I’m always looking for good inexpensive tweaks, so any words of wisdom you can enlighten me with would greatly be appreciated.

Thanx much in advance, Fredly.

alanmaher · « **Reply #755 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 03:24 pm »

Fredly

In your set up I'm not sure the ERS option is the right way to go for obvious reasons, but the Shakti On Lines should be fine. You would be much better off with one of my IEC filters for the HTPC. The standard PE V IEC would provide a great upgrade in both audio and video for the HTPC.

zmanbands · « **Reply #756 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 05:25 pm »

Some of you should jump on the ref. power cord at $150. They are fantastic in my system.

alanmaher · « **Reply #757 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 06:22 pm »

The Reference Power Cables and IEC filters are the maximum bang for the buck products in today's event. The Reference Cable does a lot of nice things to enhance the sound quality of the component. The V IEC and Pro IEC work small miracles to transform low, mid-fi, and high-end components/power cords into something spectacular. I connected a Pro IEC to the Pioneer 115D DVD-ROM Drive the other night via the external case and I was stunned by the improvement in sound and video quality of the $90 combo. I won't brag and say the sound quality is close to a $10,000 transport, but in all honesty it's sounds as good as any $4k to $5k transport I have heard over the years....Great stuff!!!

vett93 · « **Reply #758 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 08:38 pm »

What are the differences between PE and Reference One?

alanmaher · « **Reply #759 on:** 4 Jul 2008, 09:04 pm »

vett93

The PE is a parallel capacitor filter and the Ref One is a magnetic filter that utilizes the earth ground for additional filtering. The two designs work extremely well together.