Demagnetization: Walker Talisman?

orthobiz · « **on:** 30 Mar 2009, 03:26 am »

This is one of the funniest threads I've ever read:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=48142.40

Some were going to try plate demagnetizers for 20 bucks, is there another thread on this topic?

Anybody happy using the Walker Talisman?

Anybody have the Furutech? (If you do, at 1800 bucks, I know you must be happy!)

More:

http://www.walkeraudio.com/talisman_reviews.htm

Paul

chosenhandle · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 01:04 pm »

there have been a few threads on a couple of forums about folks trying the plate demagetizer. I think that the overall conclusion was that it worked, but wasn't enough of a difference to pursue any further. If I recall, the thread over at stevehoffman was an interesting read.

Dan_ed · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 01:23 pm »

Yes, it does result in improvements. No, you don't have to spend $200 on a Talisman, which does need repeated use.

You can buy any fairly strong electromagnet for $100 or less and get better results than the Talisman. AND, these stronger magnets produce results that last so no repeats are necessary. Well, at least none for the last 9 months or so.

This process can also be applied to tubes, cables, etc. but they will always need repeated use because there is fluctuating current flowing in these. I'm set to do mine every 6 months or so when I also clean the contacts.

Believe or dis-believe. I don't give a shit. But you really should try it and decide for your self.

BobM · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 02:03 pm »

The explanation is that there are particles in the pigment that makes records black and these can be polarized. Yes, records would be naturally a light blue in color but the plastic is dyed to be black. Wonder why that was done? Wonder why it is still done; if true virgin vinyl is blue why don't the audiophile labels keep them that way?

Anyway, can you please point me to those other discussions that tried the inexpensive plate demagnitizer? I'd like to read through those.

Thanks,
Bob

Dan_ed · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 02:33 pm »

Bob,

the one I use looks very much like this hand demagnetizer but I'm not sure that this is the same one. I bought mine on line here in the US for about $80-90. The magnet runs at 230vac (but does run on 120) and has a field of 50 x 70 mm. There are probably other strong magnets, like with bulk tape erasers that may work well enough and are even cheaper.

Obviously, keep things like this far, far away from your cartridge and speaker magnets.

.

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 04:56 pm »

What if I put up a contraption on my RCM so that I can swing this 4" x 2" x 1/2" bar magnet over the record just like the cleaning wand except on the other side?

http://www.magnet4less.com/product_info.php?products_id=81

Would this do the same thing as Talisman?

I also like that I wouldn't mess with my cartridges or other magnetic audio parts in my listening room since I keep my RCM and records in a separate room.

Dan_ed · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 05:13 pm »

Don't know, woodsyi.

I suggest reading the recommended Talisman procedure. Using magnets like the one you have pictured or the Talisman vs. an electromagnet will be different.

With the wand thing I take an lp across the room (about 20' from my 'table) and lay it on the pool table. I take the wand and, starting close but not touching, begin to make a circle above the LP. On each revolution I raise the wand 6" or so until I get about 2' up. Then I just lift the want away and shut it off. The process takes about 10 seconds. I do this for every LP coming into my stash after I give it a good cleaning.

A good friend who first demonstrated this to me says that he also does this for each side of the LP. Now, I know he is very smart and highly trained but I was confused by this because we all know that a magnetic field will penetrate just about anything. Maybe there is metal in the table he uses? Anyway, I haven't messed with the double side approach.

Overall I would say that the difference is not huge, but it can be remarkable on many LPs. There is a clarity and separation that I find adds to the musical playback. But there are some LPs that the difference isn't so much.

orthobiz · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 05:33 pm »

From what I remember, the black vinyl involves graphite to color it and it results in a lower coefficient of friction.

I also remember that classicrecords is going to have a series of virgin vinyl to avoid the polarization effect. Don't know if they've done it yet...

Specific alternative products would be useful, too. Especially to be used OFF the turntable. For instance, they make specific mention to keep the magnet away from the cartridge. But my Linn has some kinda circuit board inside and who's to say it's OK to magnetize/demag the heck out of the power switch and possibley the electronics?

Paul