Acoustic Revive RR-77 - My Experience

Philistine · « **on:** 2 Jan 2009, 02:48 pm »

I read the 6moons review of the Acoustic Revive RR-77 ultra-low frequency pulse generator last year, and discovered a few respected AC'ers had used it with great results (Satfat, Ted_b, Zybar). So I bought one from Music Direct at the end of last summer to give it a demo in my system - Modwright Transporter > Musical Fidelity KW500 > Salk HT3's.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/acousticrevive/rr77.html

I read all the feedback about it being position sensitive, so tried it at different heights and locations in my basement room and thought I heard a subtle improvement but wasn't sure. I really wanted it to work and tried to convince myself it did, and left it switched on for a couple of weeks, during the time it was switched on I was confident that it was making a positive contribution by opening up the soundstage. Prior to the end of the demo period I had my eldest son do an A/B blind test for me with me having to determine which sounded best - the results of this were that I got it completely wrong, the RR-77 made zero improvements. The AR-77 went back to Music Direct, they handled the return very professionally so kudos to them for making this a smooth transaction.

I've since read, and been told, that the AR-77 either works for you or it doesn't and no one is sure why. My recommendation to anyone who is interested is to encourage you to give it a try, but make sure you can return it if it doesn't work out for you.

As an aside I did buy some of the PS Audio Noise Harvesters when they first came out, they flashed like crazy but didn't make any difference to the performance of my system. Taking the same Harvesters to another property, and different system, there was a significant and unexpected improvement in the soundstage. My take from this is that these tweaks are all dependent on the location, individual and system, the only solution is to be open minded and try them out - if they don't work for you it doesn't mean they are ineffective everywhere. At the same time it taught me that you can precondition yourself positively and negatively to hear a change - consequently my attitude towards these tweaks has changed and I now demand that any difference has to be more than a subtle change to be considered worthwhile.

Trust this helps - but go try the AR-77's, they may work for you.

ted_b · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 03:07 pm »

Glad you were able to return it without hassle.

I think it's an individual thing. Almost chemical or genetic, maybe an inner ear thing. Dunno. But for me, and several folks whom I've turned on to it, or who knew my system and unbeknownst walked into my room and asked what I did to improve it, the RR-77 made a HUGE difference. And I'm not a tweak freak (magic pebbles, etc.).

cryotweaks · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 03:25 pm »

I am guessing that it comes down to one's sensitivity to the Schumann resonance signal. The RR-77 has a very small output. The lessemf.com whole house Schumann resonance generators costs less, and puts out a stronger signal. I am a dealer for Acoustic Revive as well, so I have absolutely no gain in saying this.

zybar · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 03:29 pm »

Quote from: cryotweaks on 2 Jan 2009, 03:25 pm

I am guessing that it comes down to one's sensitivity to the Schumann resonance signal. The RR-77 has a very small output. Te lessemf.com whole house Schumann resonance generators cost less, and put out a stronger signal. I am a dealer for Acoustic Revive as well, so I have absolutely no gain in saying this.

Mike,

Have you tried the lessemf.com device?

Thanks for bringing it up (even though it is a competing product) - shows why you are a great person to work with!

George

ted_b · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 03:54 pm »

I use the Kingrex larger power supply on it, and it improved the effect. The lessemf sounds interesting; it's tunable, OMG...another variable ("I like Radiohead at 8.3hz, but the new Cassandra Wilson sounds better at 7.9hz").

Mike, yes, the sensitivity to Schumann pulse signals is somewhat documented as being either an inner ear (a few scientists swear by this) or other genetic sensitivity...but it's clearly a phenomenon that doesn't affect everybody, at least to the same degree. I first tried a much weaker (and cheaper) homeopathic-sourced Schumann generator and it did nothing. The mfg said they thought the room was too big; it was meant more for an 8 x 12 room. I kept it and put it under my middle son's bed...and, as God is my witness, he sleeps better. He was unaware of it's presence. When the RR-77 showed up i was skeptical, based on my first experience, and left it in the box for a week. But it had an immediate and profound impact. I have a clinical psychologist buddy (goes by teajay on Audiogon) with a great hi-end system, who laughed it off....until he got one. His descriptions of its effect were all over the top.

Philistine · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 04:13 pm »

Thanks for the feedback Mike.
I'm still open to this idea and haven't given up - I'll get in touch with you on the lessemf.com. If it works for me then it'll generate a data point on someone who's tried the AR-77.

arthurs · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 05:00 pm »

Nice write up, I really enjoy it when a particular product or tweak is given a sincere effort by an individual, and if it doesn't work for them they forego the need to put down the product or anyone who does use it or like it. Your take was very open minded and positive for others to read and learn from.

I have one BTW, it worked for me, somewhere along the line between subtle and jaw-dropping is where I would fall...maybe Ted can steer me towards the power supply he's using....

ted_b · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 05:17 pm »

Quote from: arthurs on 2 Jan 2009, 05:00 pm

Nice write up, I really enjoy it when a particular product or tweak is given a sincere effort by an individual, and if it doesn't work for them they forego the need to put down the product or anyone who does use it or like it. Your take was very open minded and positive for others to read and learn from.

I have one BTW, it worked for me, somewhere along the line between subtle and jaw-dropping is where I would fall...maybe Ted can steer me towards the power supply he's using....

http://www.audio-magus.com/KingRex_PSU_p/krpsu.htm

They have a specific RR-77 dc cable too, in the pull down menu. Bryan (extreme cables) also makes a dc cable for it that many have liked.

arthurs · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 05:50 pm »

Thanks Ted, 30 day money back, what the heck I'll give it a try!

yo2tup · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 06:34 pm »

i tried it and i heard a bit of improvement in soundstaging and inner detail...but it gave me a headache when ever it was on. I returned it after two weeks.

satfrat · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 08:17 pm »

Even tho I'll admit the effects can be subtle or nil for some, that's not the case for me. I love what my RR-77 does in my system by enhancing the inner depth of the room. I feel it acts more like room treatment than it does a system tweak. I use mine with the Kingrex power supply with a Shakti electromagnetic stabilizer on top and the RR-77 on top of the Shakti. I also use a Bolder Nitro DC cable and I'm telling you that with my ears, the desirable improvement are not subtle. But then again I've taken this to a RAVE where it was 50-50 with the guys so it must depend on the individual. The other product in question has the ability to fluctuate the frequency to better match that signature of the person which I've read is critical for any health benefits that might be percieved. From what I hear with my RR-77, I feel this unit was built specifically for audio benefits and not that of health in which case I'd have no interest in trying the health oriented version. Better yet tho, I don't need to as I'm one of the lucky ones to be benefiting from the RR-77. AS is the case with most audio products today, the 30 day money back guarantee applies and if you can't tell if it's working after a 1/2 hour of A/B'ing the unit, it's not going to work for you. For me the improvement was realized within the 1st minute and disappeared very quickly after being shut off. The KingRex power supply only multiplied this effect for me so the results became not so subtle anymore. Mine's on 24/7 now and i always use the dvd tweak by placing a DVD on top of the RR-77 before throwing it into my HTPC. I find I have less issues with skips and hiccups that come from rented DVD's when I do this,,, in fact the lack of prior issues is proof pudding for me not to stop using this DVD tweak. If it works for you,,, DO IT!

Cheers,
Robin

sts9fan · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 08:39 pm »

50/50 is a statisticlly satisfying result??? I think everyone knows what 50/50 means.

satfrat · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Jan 2009, 08:46 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 2 Jan 2009, 08:39 pm

50/50 is a statisticlly satisfying result??? I think everyone knows what 50/50 means.

Maybe so, maybe not, so for those who might not know what you mean, why not explain yourself.

Cheers,
Robin

Don_S · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 06:36 pm »

I noticed this thread has kind of faded. Does that mean using Schumann resonance devices was a passing fad? Have others tried them (any model) but not posted? I am curious about the long term satisfaction by those who bought.

I am considering the industrial strength (whole house model) here:
http://lessemf.com/schumann.html

With "my" current economy, I experiment less.

ted_b · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 06:40 pm »

I have the RR-77/Kingrex combo and continue to enjoy it's flowing graces every time I'm in that room.

Philistine · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 07:11 pm »

I concluded, from my experiment, and input from Mike and others, that the Acoustic Revive deviced worked for some but not all. This may or may not be improved by using a stronger emitter such as the device sold on lessemf. I had every intention to demo the lessemf device but it slipped down to the bottom of my priority list, the prodding has raised it up the list again but it's still not in the top position.

zybar · « **Reply #16 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 08:58 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 3 Mar 2009, 06:40 pm

I have the RR-77 and continue to enjoy it's flowing graces every time I'm in that room.

Same here.

satfrat · « **Reply #17 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 09:46 pm »

My RR-77, Shakti Stone, KingRex power supply combo stack is and will be forever staying on top of my HTPC music center that resides at the 6th shelf of my Sanus rack which overlooks the main Lorelei's. As profound as the RR-77 effects are apparent on my sound stage to my ears, it amazes me that everyone isn't hearing what I am but hey, that's their loss and my gain. aa Not much else to say other than if it wasn't working for me personally I would have either sent it back for refund or sold it outright a long time ago. One thing is certain tho, it's rare to see usd RR-77's on the for sale market (so much for the fad comment) but when one pops up, it's quickly snatched up. Just because the talk has died down doesn't mean the RR-77 has stopped doing it's thing.

Cheers,
Robin

arthurs · « **Reply #18 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 09:55 pm »

Still diggin what mine does for me!

Don_S · « **Reply #19 on:** 3 Mar 2009, 10:19 pm »

Thanks guys.

What is your experience with any of the Schumann resonance generators with respect to placement? It bothers me that even though the units are supposed to be able to do a large area (whole house in one case), placement is reported to be crucial. I don't need more variables in my system.