Z-Sleeves

Tuckers · « **Reply #20 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 05:40 am »

The reason radio becomes audible in a system is something called the diode effect. This is where an unstable connection, solder joint, etc. creates a diode effect, hence transferring the radio frequency to audible range. If the Z sleeve is placed before the diode, it may suck out the rfi before it can be translated by the diode. If after, it won't make a difference, as it's not going to remove audible frequencies.

Tuckers · « **Reply #21 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 07:50 am »

Well, the rolled off highs and slightly compressed sound has gone away. Now the highs are crystalline, and dynamics have never been better.

Maybe this change over time affects the regular use of the ERS paper too. I found it rolled off highs and compressed the sound in my system on analog components. But if I had left it for a couple of days, maybe that would have balanced itself out.

The best way to describe the effect I'm getting now is it's like going from a regular CD to a HDCD or XRCD. There's so much more music getting through it's scary. I can't remember when a $200 tweak made such an impact in my system.

I'm off to Vegas to play with the VRS Audio Computer, Wellbourne Labs and Cain and Cain Speakers, and Eletraprint amps. See ya all next week.

satfrat · « **Reply #22 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 08:01 am »

Hey Tuckers, have fun "playing the machines" in Vegas.

And thanks for chiming in on this thread. Don't ya just love happy endings,,,

Regards, Robin

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #23 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:13 am »

Quote from: Carlman

Does anyone know if these sleeves would prevent a nearby radio station from leaking into your IC's? If I have just my speakers and amp on, no radio... but, when I turn on my pre... I get Foxy 107 but, I have no tuner.

I've moved the wires around, twisted them, and done all sorts of stuff but, I only temporarily disable Foxy 107. They seem to come and go... sometimes really loud, and other times very soft. The same thing happens on my PC speakers. When I turn the volume knob, the volume of Foxy stay ...

Carl, Saving money right there. No need to buy a tuner.

......I don't know the answer, but what type of station is Foxy 107 ?

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #24 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 11:14 am »

Quote from: satfrat

...And thanks for chiming in on this thread. Don't ya just love happy endings,,, Regards, Robin

Since learning the meaning of "happy ending" in terms of getting a massage, I read posts like this quite differently: of COURSE, he likes happy endings!!

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #25 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 04:30 pm »

Due to the respect I have for the reviewers who have claimed Z Sleeves improve with time, I completely believe their claims. I am at a complete loss to explain why this should be so.

I've come to the conclusion that the Z sleeve is comprised of layers of Mu Metal Foil and ERS. I'm going to experiment with this concept in my continuing DIY projects.

I humbly request Z Cable to respond to my question of need of a break in period for Z Sleeves. Paul G

Carlman · « **Reply #26 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 04:38 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

Carl, Saving money right there. No need to buy a tuner. ......I don't know the answer, but what type of station is Foxy 107 ?

My wife gets a laugh out of it... she's the accountant and really thinks that way.. "Oh, you mean it's free!"

Sometimes I'd really like to hear it. They play some old R&B that I really like. However, I can't turn it up or down.... I can always 'kind of' hear it and then sometimes it's really strong and I can sing along! Right now I'm listening to a Stevie Wonder song I've never heard... I'd like to turn it up but... can't.

The unstable connection theory is interesting. Thanks for adding a compulsive loose connection search to my list of things to do.

This would potentially explain why one set of my computer speakers has Foxy in it while another pair does not. hmmmm

I should be getting a new preamp today or Monday to track it down in the main system. If the preamp solves it, I know where the problem was. However, I have a feeling it's a loose connection from the digital coax out on my DAC.

Thanks again for the possiblities.

satfrat · « **Reply #27 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 05:46 am »

Quote from: eichlerera1

Due to the respect I have for the reviewers who have claimed Z Sleeves improve with time, I completely believe their claims. I am at a complete loss to explain why this should be so.

I've come to the conclusion that the Z sleeve is comprised of layers of Mu Metal Foil and ERS. I'm going to experiment with this concept in my continuing DIY projects.

I humbly request Z Cable to respond to my question of need of a break in period for Z Sleeves. Paul G

Hi Paul,,,, I think your wrong about the use of Mu Metal here. I'd be willing to bet that it's just aluminum but you can always call Mark Hampton and talk with the guy. And I also think your off base with your assumption that it's the Z-sleeves that need breaking in. It's the other way around as I believe it's your system that needs to adjust by having the Z-sleeves in them. These are your system improvements that your hearing about. Just my thoughts here Paul,,, no facts. Regards, Robin

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #28 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 02:42 pm »

Robin,
I will call Mark and try to get some answers. At this point, I can't see how this passive device could cause any "break in" within the active component it is connected to. I will report back my findings. This whole ERS/Z Sleeve issue is quite fascinating to me as I've grown to appreciate the deleterious effects that EMI/RFI has on sound quality. The ERS paper should be "product of the year" in my book.

You may want to try the Symphony rather than the Symphony Pro.
From the description of your sound system, it doesn't appear you need any softening effects. I can assure you that the straight Symphony doesn't soften but rather sweetens the sound without ANY sacrifice of detail. Yet another temptation.
Paul G

satfrat · « **Reply #29 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 07:55 pm »

Quote from: eichlerera1

Robin,
I will call Mark and try to get some answers. At this point, I can't see how this passive device could cause any "break in" within the active component it is connected to. I will report back my findings. This whole ERS/Z Sleeve issue is quite fascinating to me as I've grown to appreciate the deleterious effects that EMI/RFI has on sound quality. The ERS paper should be "product of the year" in my book.

You may want to try the Symphony rather than the Symphony Pro.
From ...

I think the terminology "breakin" is what's confusing you. The system needs time at adjust itself from the effects of the Z-sleeves. Is that any easier to accept? As far as the Symphony Pro, I was offered an opportunity to do an audition trade with Gordy,,,, a Symphony Pro for 3 Z-sleeves. This WILL happen! Just goes to show that it pays to post here and make things happen. Everyone benefits.

Regards, Robin

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #30 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 01:59 pm »

..."Just goes to show that it pays to post here and make things happen. Everyone benefits. Regards, Robin"........ I totally agree Robin , gotta make things happen !!

Tuckers · « **Reply #31 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 07:14 am »

Well, I got back from my trip. I have cleaned my connections and plugged my cables back in (I took them with for a friend to hear). There was a half day power outtage here. So with all this my system is outta sorts.

I'm going to wait a few days before I put the Z-sleeves in again. Then we'll see if I get repeatable results. The idea that something like this would take time to break in is pretty nutty to me too.

I do have a crackpot theory though, which I will keep to myself till I have some more information.

Just don't mention morphic resonance to me, or I'll be forced to go absolutist on your ass.

satfrat · « **Reply #32 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 07:58 am »

Quote from: Tuckers

Well, I got back from my trip. I have cleaned my connections and plugged my cables back in (I took them with for a friend to hear). There was a half day power outtage here. So with all this my system is outta sorts.

I'm going to wait a few days before I put the Z-sleeves in again. Then we'll see if I get repeatable results. The idea that something like this would take time to break in is pretty nutty to me too.

I do have a crackpot theory though, which I will keep to myself till I have some more ...

Welcome back Tuckers, you break the bank out there in Vegas? OK, for the sake of repeatability, there is nuthin in these z-sleeves that needs breaking in, it's the components that need the time to adjust from the effects of the z-sleeves. This is my understanding anyways and the only way that makes any sense. While you were gone Tuckers, I made an arrangement with another AC member, Gordy, for him to audition the 3 z-sleeves that Lonewolfny42 has now in exchange for his Quantum Symphony Pro. This should be interesting all tho I'm not holding my breath on hearing anything stunning. Both Gordy and I are both running BPT conditioners and he's already told me that he heard no difference in his system after removing the Symphony Pro. Still,it'll be interesting what each of us have to say about these products. Stay tuned!

Regards, Robin

Tuckers · « **Reply #33 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 08:47 am »

I'm pretty sure it's not Mu Metal, that stuffs expensive! I doubt 4 ounces of it would end up in a $100 product. It's a shiny looking tube - from the inside it looks like a type of steel or chrome. It doesn't have the look of aluminum, which I've never seen shiny on the inside of a tube.

satfrat · « **Reply #34 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 08:52 am »

The Z-sleeve is a combination of copper, aluminum, and ERS. I'm pretty sure that the inner casing is the copper. Regards, Robin

satfrat · « **Reply #35 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 09:52 am »

Quote from: eichlerera1

As usual Robin, you have tempted me into considering the Z Sleeve.
After the "Christmas Crunch" has abated, I'll likely get a couple to try on my DVD/CD source. Good review. You are truly a man of extremes.

One question: I checked out their website and saw no mention of the use of copper within the Z Sleeve. From your previous posts, you had mentioned that aluminum was used. Did you get the copper info directly from Mark?

Paul G

Paul, I just remembered where I had seen the mention of copper, it was at www.B-P-T.com where Chris Hoff describes Z-Sleeves as a combination of copper, TIN, and ERS. Mark Hampton recommended heavy duty aluminum foil for a makeshift Z-sleeve but the real deal is with TIN. Tuckers, I hope this clears up any confusion I may have caused you.

Regards, Robin

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #36 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 02:00 pm »

Good catch Robin. It seems Mu Metal alone may have an effect. It's comprised of 77% Nickel, 15% Iron with the remaining metals being Copper & Molybdenum. Damn, I got to get more ERS.

Actually Mu Metal is not that expensive, especially when you get foil. I'm going to experiment with all the components over the next few months.
I think the Z Sleeve would be even more effective if the ends were sealed tightly around the wire. This would in effect produce a Gauss Isolation Chamber. It would be necessary to remove the ends of the shrink sleeve to access the open ends. This would also have the effect of centering the wire within the Z Sleeve which from what I read is a desirable thing. I have a couple of ideas on how this could be done.

Tuckers - As far as Morphic Resonance goes, that's just a case of being "Foiled Again". On the subject of tweaks there are plenty of crackpot theories. Join the club. If you go to the Peter Belt website, you can get a free sample of the foil. Why don't you give it a try. I did, heard no effects.
However, the process of freezing your CD's DOES work. Try it.

Have a great Christmas.
Paul G

cryotweaks · « **Reply #37 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 03:48 pm »

I had been experimenting placing sections of copper tube and ERS around my power cords.

To center the tubes along my cable, I cut a section of foam pipe insulation, wrapped the outer portion of it in ERS tape, and placed that over the power cord. I then slid the copper tube over the piece of ERS'd foam insulation. The ERS now comes in direct contact with the inside of the copper tube, and it ia centered over the cord.

Can't say I heard anything there, although my cords are already wrapped in ERS.

A side benefit did occur however. I had several of these ERS'd pieces of foam insulation left over, and I placed them over my binding posts on the speakers, amp, and wherever I had my plug & play Bybees. Good results there.

I also placed three of them on the RCA bybee and digital interconnect. I placed them right at the digital out. I think I liked that the best.

The little foam thingys are cheap, and effective.

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #38 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 04:26 pm »

Mr. Cryo,
I like the insulation/ERS over the binding post idea.
This kills two birds. Provides some vibration control (Like the Herbie's products and further EMI/RFI control right at the input/output. I really think the MU Metal/ERS combo plugged at both ends with the wire centered will perform quite nicely. I will experiment and get back to you-all. (May take a month or so).
Try plugging the ends of your DIY Sleeve to see if this has any effect.

Paul G

satfrat · « **Reply #39 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 05:45 pm »

Quote from: cryotweaks

I had been experimenting placing sections of copper tube and ERS around my power cords.

To center the tubes along my cable, I cut a section of foam pipe insulation, wrapped the outer portion of it in ERS tape, and placed that over the power cord. I then slid the copper tube over the piece of ERS'd foam insulation. The ERS now comes in direct contact with the inside of the copper tube, and it ia centered over the cord.

Can't say I heard anything there, although my cords are already wrapped in ERS. ...

Mark Hampton said that EMI affects the performance of the Bybee's and that makes sense to me considering that Jack Bybee himself recently wrapped his purifiers with ERS. I think a Z-sleeve (or a makeshift sleeve) directly over a Bybee might be benefical. Mike, to look at the Z-sleeve, it's my guess that it's a mixture of ERS/tin AROUND a copper tube instead of having the ERS first. I'm just guessing here.

Anyways, tomorrow I hope to open up my BP2.5 and make a Z-sleeve wantabe around the 2 Bybee's located on the output wires leading to the Hubbel outlets using multiple layers of ERS/aluminum tape and fnishing the whole thing off with electrical tape. I'll also be doing the same thing in wall form along the portion of the transformer shield that faces the silver wiring connecting the Hubbels as this bare wire acts like an antenna attracting the self-generated EMI inside. This will be the last time I dive into this conditioner as I feel that 19 sheets of ERS is overkill enough. (I hope)

Regards, Robin