[Paul_Bui]

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.

[arthurs]

If you haven't taken the time to download the test tracks from Alan's site and follow his math and instructions outlined previously in this thread........run don't walk to do so! 

I spent a few hours last night completing all of this and what a remarkable improvement it made, just fantastic.  Thanks so much Alan, what a really valuable contribution you've made, again, to the sonics of my room and system.   

[alanmaher]

Paul...It's looking good.  The Reference 8 strip and PE V Pro Custom is on the way.

Art...Glad it all worked out.  Did you have any problems dialing in the speakers to the node, it's fairly easy once you get the hang of it?

PE V and Reference 8 pictures uploaded on the web site: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/PEV.aspx
New tracks added to the DIY & Reference page: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/DIY.aspx

[arthurs]

It really wasn't too bad to do Alan, audibly that is.  Moving 300lb speakers 1/8" at a time is another story!

[marvda1]

Art, why didn't you call?  i would have given you moral support

[arthurs]

You're always there for me Marvin, thanks man...

[michaelv]

Paul

Our new Reference One filter might just be the meat you are looking for to develop the midrange frequencies.  The filter is very powerful and only 1 to 3 are recommended for the entire electrical phase.  I prefer to install the filter on non-audio circuits and choke circuits.  I like to install the choke at one end of the circuit and the Reference One at the other end.  You will experience two different tonal differences changes pending choke vs. non-a/v circuit.  I currently don't have any in stock, but I expect the case to arrive in the next couple of weeks.  The Reference does wonderful things to lower noise and enhance midrange definition.  The Ref One should not be compared with the PE series or PE IV, it is a different type of design and it works VERY well in choke environments, especially with the 193M...the two items have beautiful synergy.

Updates:  Six HBL5262's have arrived and 5 units have been installed ( 3 in computer room circuit, 1 in kitchen behind fridge/PE, 1 in family/PE II).  As almost twice as thick as the stock receptacles, they feel much more substantial and of higher quality.  Four HBL8200's are coming soon.  A Large Quantum Disrupter came in today and been placed on the breaker's door.  I will let them cook for a week and report any results, but I can't help it:  today's QD install has immediately tamed/reduced the roller coaster effects of turning off/on several circuits while installing the new Hubbell receptacles.

What's the different between HBL5262 and HBL8200?     I have a couple of IG5362 (20A version).  Is it ok if i install IG5362 to my circuit which is only 15A?

thanks.

[alanmaher]

One is industrial and the other is hospital grade, slightly different materials, metal grades, etc.

The 20 amp version is fine on a 15 amp circuit.

[alanmaher]

New PE V write up: http://alanmaherdesigns.com/PEV.aspx

[Paul_Bui]

A day before I received the PE V Pro Custom/Ref 8 packages - the day I missed their delivery - a friend brought over a new CD of his sister's recording, warning me that this could be a little boring.  After ripping the CD to the HD, we sat down for a listen.  In deed, the songs chosen mostly are slow, instrumental accompaniment is slow, and I found most tracks a little dragging.  In addition, I felt the entire recording mostly flat and bland sounding.  Uninteresting, emotionally somehow subdued.

USPS delivered the Ref 8 yesterday adn told me to go pick up the V Pro Custom box, so I did in the same morning.  Following the installation, which was easy, I couldn't help having a quick listen.  Sure enough, it sounded "out of the box" raw, the highs bright and even brittle, bass stronger w/o tautness, details all over places.

Following Alan's instruction I removed the 193M in the main audio circuit and listened again the evening.  Most of the unpleasant brightness was gone, the rawness reduced somewhat, the sound took on a stronger more robust volume you would think the volume knob had been turned up at least one notch.  Then I noticed an increase not only in detail but also front to back and left to right soundstage.  On a whim, I played again the tracks from my friend's sister's CD.  Amazingly, the boredom in her voice and most tracks of the recording was gone, replaced with a much more interesting presentation.  There's more air around, above and behind her voice, which showed more "life".  Instruments also improved in perceived pitch, rhythm and lateral imaging.  Within one day period, the change was almost a transformation to me.

All three 193M's and one Ref one filter will be removed from the house circuits during the break-in preriod to avoid unnecessary magnetic interaction.  Notes will be taken on day 1,4,7,12,...21.

[alanmaher]

The PE V Pro Custom filter is designed to offer studio applications true to life reproduction.  Combined with our PE V Plasma Power Cable the system will be transformed into a jaw dropping experience.  I have heard a lot of filters over the years, especially marketed for the studio, and I have never heard/experienced anything like the PE V Pro set up, it took me almost a year to design the pro unit, but it was worth all the aggravation to get it right.

After the filter sets up I would look at re-positioning the speakers in the room before thinking about adding the chokes and Ref One back into the equation, you might come to the conclusion the added warmth is no longer required.  Try the math in this tread for speaker adjustment, wait a month before re-positioning the speakers to allow the upper mids of the filter to refine before dialing in the node....if done properly expect a huge jump in dynamics, gain in system transparency/extension, and image placement and definition.

[jmichael]

It still amazes me how, when one cleans/manipulates the AC power, you dial-in/get a much better outcome in picture/sound.

Adding Alan's products have made me re-think the use of battery powered audio equipment. You might be removing the majority of AC grunge (while adding other possible anomalies) but you are far from tuning the overall foundation.

[Paul_Bui]

It still amazes me how, when one cleans/manipulates the AC power, you dial-in/get a much better outcome in picture/sound.

Adding Alan's products have made me re-think the use of battery powered audio equipment. You might be removing the majority of AC grunge (while adding other possible anomalies) but you are far from tuning the overall foundation.

Ditto!

[alanmaher]

OK gents...I'm signing off and will talk to everyone on the flip side in July. 

As for the folks who picked up the V, keep Jen informed of the progress and keep those reviews coming...take care.

[michaelv]

Alan,

Several HBL5262's/HBL8200's and a Large Quantum Disrupter have been ordered.  Please let me know when Ref One filter is available.

Thanks.

Paul,
  Would you mind telling where you ordered HBL-8200?

thanks.

[JenMaher]

I just wanted to touch base and see how the PE V's are doing that we sent out?  After I get back from the exercise I have Quantum QRT Symphony Pro and Standard units available for sale if anyone is interested?

QRT Standard $200 (1 available)
QRT Pro $350 (3 available)

All units are less than 1 year old.  The Pro units are in mint conditioner and the Standard is missing the stick on feet because Alan installed it inside one of his media pc's with mounting tape adhered to the bottom.  Since the introduction of the V and Plasma cords into our system we have had no use for the Quantum products.

Additional items:

Hammond 193L $30 (3 available - used)
Hammond 193M $45 (1 available - used)
Quantum Disrupter Small $60 (1 available - used)
PS Audio Power Punch Power Cords $25 (5 available - used: D-shape connector shaved to fit C-8 socket)
Lavry DA10 DAC $800 (used: less than 1 year in mint condition.  Superb with the PE V Pro IEC filter)
Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe w/ AES/EBU option and Canare digital cable $275 (used: mint condition)


Michael: Off hand I don't have a vendor for the Hubbell duplex, but as soon as I get home I will look one up for you.  Right now I'm in the middle of the woods playing soldier, but I will be home May 15 if you need additional assistance.

Note:  I have half a case of new PE's available if anyone is interested.  I also have a few PE V S/AC units available because orders were changed and upgraded the last minute.  All filters are first come first serve until he gets home.  I will start taking pre-orders toward the next batch of filters June 15.  I highly recommend placing your order early because we have to close up shop Labor Day weekend in prep of a military PCS move and it is unlikely we will be able to resume operations before the holiday season.  As of right now our schedule will be as follows:

July 3 to July 13 open for business
July 14 to Aug 2 closed for vacation
Aug 3 to Sept 5 open for business

[zmanbands]

Shakti Stones are 6.5"x5.5"x1.5" and filter EMI, Microwave, and RF interference. In the past one way they have been used is under and on top of components. More recently Alan Maher discovered they can provide major improvement in sound if taped to home power panels. I tried Alan's suggestion and over a one month period taped 2 stones to my main panel door, then 10 days later, 2 more to my subpanel door and finally I strapped 2 to the exposed cables in and out of the top of my main power panel. The improvement in sound quality has been stunning across all aspects for the entire listening band of frequencies. Ie more musical, more realistic like the music is live in your room, greater imaging and far more detail. I am so glad I put these in. Thanks Alan. They retail for $230 each. I found 2 on an Ebay store for $180 and picked up four more from a private party for $125 once I experienced the dramatic results from the first 2 that were installed. Not cheap, but I would equate them to upgrading a system component in the $5000 to $7000 range. They do take 10 to 12 days to fully settle in but big improvements are noticable in only 3 to 5 days.

[michaelv]

Is it best to use solid or stranded hookup wire between IEC lead to receptacle inside a power conditioner or power strip? I'm working on converting my PS Audio Ultimate Outlet to a simple power strip (no filter, surge...etc).

thanks

[Paul_Bui]

Alan,

Several HBL5262's/HBL8200's and a Large Quantum Disrupter have been ordered.  Please let me know when Ref One filter is available.

Thanks.

Paul,
  Would you mind telling where you ordered HBL-8200?

thanks.

Michael,

I ordered HBL8200's from www.stayonline.com  (http://www.stayonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=7098).  Sorry for the delay - I didn't check in this thread lately.

[Paul_Bui]

Jen,

My PE V Pro Custom has been settled down a bit after 10 days, but I don't feel it's "there" yet.  The initial glare in highs, recessed mids have been tamed quite a bit, and the roller-coaster effect has been less dramatic, less fatigue.  I will continue to monitor, taking notes, trying not to listen for too long at a time, and see what happens.

P.S.  Video performance has been awesome with the PE filters, especially the PE V Pro Custom.