[Chromisdesigns]

Would someone like to explain the basic physics behind this kind of tweak?

Because while I am fairly well versed both in physics and the mineralology and properties of gemstones, I haven't a freakin' clue...

I copied this bit of "explanation" from a self-titled "high end audio" accessories site.  I submit this is essentially word salad:

"Most of power supply box uses series type noise filter. But series type filter transfers noise elements to heat by magnet which not only absorbs noise, it also absorbs important electrical energy. Also the magnetic body produces magnetic distortion by the noise absorption which adds a distorted feel and thinness to the sound. This is because an electromagnetic wave absorbent material itself is a strong magnetic body. Also parallel type noise filter or choke coil can not avoid loss in transmission energy. It eliminates noise but it takes away feeling of restraint and energy feel from the sound.

Green carborundum has no side effects because it non-magnetic body. It only absorbs electromagnetic wave noise which is produced from receptacles and internal wiring. Green carborundum is the only electromagnetic wave absorbent material which improves sound quality and S/N ratio. The Tourmaline powder releases negative ion and keep the amount static electricity very low. The natural quartz powder releases far infrared rays which has an surface activation effect. This leads to very realistic and sound filled with a feeling of throbbing pulse."

Oh yes, the device in question is a power strip that sells for $2,650, filled with ground carborundum, quartz, and tourmaline. 

Equally puzzling, clipped from the description of another device sold by the same site:

"The **device** uses Tourmaline to generate negative ions that are 10,000/1 smaller than negative ions produced electronically".

Now, really!   

[wushuliu]

Although this thread is unfortunately in the lab there's really not much point in requesting scientific basis as regardless of what may be posited the value of the dialogue will only go south fast. There areplenty of threads on audio asylum with theories and refutations if a search is done. All I will say the cost of doing it yourself is peanuts. Ymmv peace out etc.

[Chromisdesigns]

Although this thread is unfortunately in the lab there's really not much point in requesting scientific basis as regardless of what may be posited the value of the dialogue will only go south fast. There areplenty of threads on audio asylum with theories and refutations if a search is done. All I will say the cost of doing it yourself is peanuts. Ymmv peace out etc.

I'd definitely agree with the last sentence of your statement!

[Elizabeth]

The need for some folks to 'create' a scientific'ey sounding excuse to do crazy things should not hinder one from actually doing said crazy things. IMO. The nonsense spouted is laughable, but is for those who absolutely must have some explanation.
I fins a lot of the malarky to be too much, and am skeptical, though that may not seem to be the case when i write of using some of this stuff.
The main point I would make is, as long as it is cheap, and is not dangerous, well, have some fun with it.
When it  starts costing a lot of money, forget it. IMO.
I just ordered a small ion generator off amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Purely-Products-PEILHW-Ionic-Lifestyle/dp/B001JEPSJY/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
Which was recommended over at AA as a nice very small but good negative ion generator. The one listed prior in this set  of posts was cheap, but the openwork and high voltage gives me pause on buying that one.
I need to get my pigtails to work for more that a day. they seem to 'wear out' unless allowed to rest up. So i think they are running out of loose electrons to give up. Just a guess.
Anyway. have fun.

[Chromisdesigns]

The need for some folks to 'create' a scientific'ey sounding excuse to do crazy things should not hinder one from actually doing said crazy things. IMO. The nonsense spouted is laughable, but is for those who absolutely must have some explanation.
I fins a lot of the malarky to be too much, and am skeptical, though that may not seem to be the case when i write of using some of this stuff.
The main point I would make is, as long as it is cheap, and is not dangerous, well, have some fun with it.
When it  starts costing a lot of money, forget it. IMO.
I just ordered a small ion generator off amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Purely-Products-PEILHW-Ionic-Lifestyle/dp/B001JEPSJY/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
Which was recommended over at AA as a nice very small but good negative ion generator. The one listed prior in this set  of posts was cheap, but the openwork and high voltage gives me pause on buying that one.
I need to get my pigtails to work for more that a day. they seem to 'wear out' unless allowed to rest up. So i think they are running out of loose electrons to give up. Just a guess.
Anyway. have fun.

I have a big sack of tumbled quartz I got as part of a rock-shop closeout a number of years ago.  Maybe I'll set some baggies of it on my shop speakers and computer and see if the sound improves...perhaps it will help my slow internet connection, too?

I have a funny story about those neg-ion generators.  Years ago, before they banned smoking everywhere, I had an employee that smoked a fair bit..ok, a lot...but she kept her office door closed and it didn't really bother anyone else.  She also had one of those negative ion generators.  A few months after she got it, she moved on to greener pastures...but in those few months, the ions must have precipitated every single smoke particle out on the walls, furniture, carpet, etc.  We literally had to strip the office back to the metal studs and redo all the finishes.  She worked for me for several years, and this all happened in the last few months.  It was amazing.  So if you live in a dusty area, or your system is near the kitchen, etc.  watch out for this side-effect!

It would be nasty to get a groady film all over everything in your system.

[wushuliu]

The one listed prior in this set  of posts was cheap, but the openwork and high voltage gives me pause on buying that one.

True, as with any DIY fiddling w/ AC absolute care should be taken around high voltage risks!

[Russell Dawkins]

shades of SonicRocks!
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22961.0

[wushuliu]

shades of SonicRocks!
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22961.0

"removes harmful skeptical particles" 

Thanks. That was pretty funny...

[wushuliu]

Using how?

From what I remember the predominant views were piezoelectric properties of these particular crystals being beneficial for EMI, but I don't recall how the negative ion part fits in.

[Rclark]

It's just you people are so eminently credible it makes me want to apply these things as a sort of finishing touch.

[wushuliu]

It's just you people are so eminently credible it makes me want to apply these things as a sort of finishing touch.

Maybe not so much finishing touch as an experimental diversion.