The Great AK Tweak Test

[Bigerik]

Hi Everybody
Following the great success of our cable program (thanks Russ), I decided to take the program one step further. Following the long discussions in Thinking Out Loud about various tweaks, especially those from Machina Dynamica, I contacted Geoff at Machina Dynamica to see if he would be willing submit any items for our members test program. Geoff MORE than agreed to help. He sent a good selection of his products, all listed in detail below. Geoff asked for nothing, except that only one item be tested at a time, as the changes can be somewhat cumulative and could throw off the results of the test. Sounded fair to me.

The test will be conducted like the cable tests. People will be allowed to sign up for as many tweaks as the like. The item will be sent out to them and they will have two weeks to try it. The tester will then report their feedback, good, bad or indifferent on the item they tested, and will ship it to the next person in line. Pretty easy, I think.

If you have any questions, please ask away. Geoff has been more than forthcoming with me without whatever question I have asked. I am sure he will do what he can to help with the test procedures too. All of these items are perhaps somewhat out of the ordinary and it is all new to me also. I really look forward to seeing how this all pans out. As far as I know, no one has tried something like this before. Kudos to Geoff for supporting us on this.

Of course, I ask you all to keep an open mind when testing. I am not sure of the science behind all of this, but if this test program is going to be all it can, lets approach this without dismissing it out of hand. Spin some tunes, listen, spin some more and have fun trying it.

Of course, in keeping with the spirit of AK and Thinking Out Loud, I ask that the remarks be kept to questions or constructive discussion directly relating to the items being tested.

So read below, and sign up for whatever items you are interested in testing. Lets have lots of fun with this!
Erik




1. Clever Little Clock (can be placed anywhere in the listening room. To hear system without Clock effect, clock must be taken entirely out of the building. Bringing Clock back inside the room will restore the improved sound.)
Machina Dynamica's new product is the Clever Little Clock, a unique and exceptionally powerful audio accessory based on concepts and techniques originally developed by PWB Electronics, England. Machina Dynamica produces the Clever Little Clock with the kind permission of PWB Electronics.

The Clever Little Clock is a small, battery-powered alarm clock that has been extensively modified using a number of highly-specialized techniques. The Clever Little Clock does not plug into the wall and has no direct or indirect influence on the audio signal -- not on house wiring, audio components, cables, interconnects, power cords or acoustic waves. Yet the Clock has a pronounced affect on the sound produced by all digital and analog playback systems. In addition, all video systems/formats in the house will be improved by placing one or two clocks in the listening room; the video picture will be clearer, with better contrast and color saturation -- TV, cable TV, DVD, etc.
IMPORTANT: REMOVE THE CLEVER LITTLE CLOCK FROM THE BUBBLE PACK and place the clock anywhere in the listening room. You should then notice that the sound is more open, dynamic and detailed. The sound should also be more engaging and "correct" sounding. The picture quality of all video system(s) anywhere in the house should also be improved.


2. Large Brilliant Pebbles for room corners
Brilliant Pebbles is a unique room & system tuning device for audio systems and satellite TV. Original (Large) Brilliant Pebbles is a 3-inch clear glass bottle containing various minerals/stones. A number of highly-specialized, proprietary techniques are used for preparation/assembly. Brilliant Pebbles acts as both a vibration "node damper" and EMI/RFI absorber, depending on application, via atomic mechanisms in the crystal structures.
The 3-inch Large Brilliant Pebbles is intended for speaker cabinets, tube traps, room corners, satellite TV receivers, tube amps Output Transformers, turntable armboards, and solid state amps (over the output section).

3. Mini Brilliant Pebbles for placing on top of the CD, DVD or SACD player directly above the transport area centered above the spindle.
The 1 1/2 inch "Mini" Brilliant Pebbles is intended for the top of CD, DVD and SACD players above the transport, on Helmoltz Resonators (such as Room Lenses) and proximity to tube electronics. For CD, SACD, DVD players, the Mini BP should be centered directly above the spindle of the transport.

4. Intelligent Chip GSIC-30 (treats up to 33 CDs, DVDs or SACDs).
Machina Dynamica now carries the amazing Intelligent Chip, an emerging technology device that improves CD sound quality in the blink of an eye. The Intelligent Chip is a thin, 1-inch square orange wafer that automatically upgrades any CD/DVD/SACD disc when the Chip is placed momentarily on the top surface of the player while the disc is playing. The sound of the upgraded disc more closely resembles the sound of a remastered version -- with less congestion, more information, greater dynamic range and more air! The disc upgrade is virtually instantaneous - and is permanent.
More info is available at MD's website at: http://www.machinadynamica.com/machina64.htm

5. Set of 4 Tru Tone Duplex Covers (sufficient for one listening room).
Machina Dynamica's brand new product is the Tru-Tone Duplex Cover, a special audiophile-grade cover for all duplex wall outlets. Tru-Tone Duplex Covers are intended to replace steel, plastic, wood and other types of outlet covers in the listening room, including non-audio outlets - even unused outlets.
Machina Dynamica's non-magnetic Tru-Tone Duplex Cover avoids the magnetic influence of standard steel cover plates and provides outstanding resonance control for the electrical duplex receptacle and wall structure. Tru-Tone Duplex Covers are prepared using proprietary materials-processing techniques for superior performance. A perfect, snug fit on all standard duplex receptacles, including Oyaide and Acme receptacles. Tru-Tone Duplex Covers provide sound that is less distorted and better focused, with exceptionally taut bass/upper bass performance.

Much more info at Machina Dynamica's website at:
http://www.machinadynamica.com/

[onepixel]

Sign me up for the Clever Little Clock.

[bolly]

ditto, for the clock bigE. :D

[GaryP]

Wow - this is a GREAT idea!

I'd like to try everything - the Clever Little Clock, both sets of pebbles, Intelligent Chip GSIC-30 & Set of 4 Tru Tone Duplex Covers!

Please & thank you!!!

PS: For the Intelligent Chip GSIC-30 (treats up to 33 CDs, DVDs or SACDs). perhaps we should just treat one CD or DVD or SACD each. We can mark down how many people it was sent to and then we'd get an accurate lifespan of the device.

Just a thought!

[arm013]

I thought this was a joke until I vistited the site. I still don't know what to make of it. The Clock sounds the most promising after reading a review from a link on the site. Quantum physics intrigues me. A good movie on the subject is What the bleep do you know?

Oh, please add me to the list.
Could also try that orange chip thingy too.

[luvvinvinyl]

Are you asking to be put on the list, to try the clock? Seems like an easy way to find out for yourself, in your own home, on your gear.

[ozmoid]

Sign me up for the clock and the intelligent chip.

To be fair, I'll buy a duplicate CD for the chip and only treat ONE disc. (That way there will still be "usage" left for the next tester.)

[Holst]

Add me to the list please.

I would also like to try everything - the Clever Little Clock, both sets of pebbles, Intelligent Chip GSIC-30 & Set of 4 Tru Tone Duplex Covers!

Thank you for this program!

[Army]

I would like to try the Clock and the Intelli chip, please & thank you :thmbsp:

[Tedrick]

I'm still new here, but these sound like some very interesting products and should be great fun testing them out. Sign me up for the Clock, both sets of Pebbles, and the Intelligent Chip,

[Bigerik]

I'm still new here, but these sound like some very interesting products and should be great fun testing them out. Sign me up for the Clock, both sets of Pebbles, and the Intelligent Chip,

Thanks guys for all the positive feedback. This stuff is all ready to go, and I greatly appreciate you all having open minds and being willing to try it. Who knows what we might find?
I will create some review threads for the individual products and also start making a list of what it go to whom. Gotta work the logistics out as everything is with me in Canada. Only details!
Thanks again, and I look forward to reading all of your, and many other reviews on these very interesting tweaks!
Erik

[Negotiableterms]

Science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law:
"Any technology sufficiently advanced beyond that of the viewer, is indistinguishable from magic."

I am fully prepared to believe we don't know everything, or even much, so sign me up for the Clock and the Chip, please?

And while we're at it:

Clarke's 69th Law:

"Reading computer manuals without the hardware is as frustrating as reading sex manuals without the software."

[Sansui Louie]

Ok. I'll bite. Put me on the list as well, please. This will be very interesting.

[Bigerik]

Ok. I'll bite. Put me on the list as well, please. This will be very interesting.

Thanks Louie
I look forward to your reviews. Which items are you interested in?
Thanks
Erik

[Sansui Louie]

Thanks Louie
I look forward to your reviews. Which items are you interested in?
Thanks
Erik

I'd like to try them all...since they're smallish items, why not keep them all together, that way they aren't scattered to the wind and those that want to try all, can? Just an idea.

Apologies for my 'crackers' crack, which was removed. I guess the best way to find out if an item has merit is to....uh...find out. :)

[wineslob]

I thought it was a joke! Guess the joke was on me?
No, thanks, But I'll listen with baited breath.

[geaugafletcher]

Quantum physics intrigues me. A good movie on the subject is What the bleep do you know?

Please read this link:

http://intuitor.com/moviephysics/bleep.html

I must say that I find all the claims made by these products very dubious (to say the least). It'll be interesting to hear what you guys think of these items.

[Bigerik]

I'd like to try them all...since they're smallish items, why not keep them all together, that way they aren't scattered to the wind and those that want to try all, can? Just an idea.

Apologies for my 'crackers' crack, which was removed. I guess the best way to find out if an item has merit is to....uh...find out. :)

Hi Louie
If you look back to my original post, you will see that the request was made by the manufacturer to try only one tweak at a time, as the effect can be cumulative and can throw off the test results. Seems like a fair request to me. The clock can't even be in the same building, otherwise its effects are felt.
Oh and no worries! I am just really serious that these products get a fair shake and a serious (and fun!) test. I agree. THe best way to find out is to try them!

[Bigerik]

I thought it was a joke! Guess the joke was on me?
No, thanks, But I'll listen with baited breath.

No joke at all. I will not comment on how well any of these tweaks work, as I have not had a chance to try them yet. However, I am very serious that this test program is handled in a fair and resonable manner to all involved.
Never to late to sign up, once you see what results come through.
Erik

[Bigerik]

Please read this link:

http://intuitor.com/moviephysics/bleep.html

I must say that I find all the claims made by these products very dubious (to say the least). It'll be interesting to hear what you guys think of these items.

Better yet, try them for yourself. All it will cost you is shipping to the next guy and some hours spent listening to some music. Doesn't sound too bad to me!

[Sansui Louie]

I promise to be fair, neutral and follow the instructions to a "T". I'll take photos and document well.

[Bigerik]

I promise to be fair, neutral and follow the instructions to a "T". I'll take photos and document well.

I look forward to your reviews and your comments. Should make for very interesting reading.
E

[dr*audio]

It all sounds like Voodoo to me. Don't sign me up, I'm just gonna sit back and read the reviews.
:lurk: :lurk:

[Fast_Eddie]

Could I get on the list for the large pebbels?

[Bigerik]

Could I get on the list for the large pebbels?

Will add you on!
Thanks for the interest.
E

[luvvinvinyl]

It all sounds like Voodoo to me. Don't sign me up, I'm just gonna sit back and read the reviews.
:lurk: :lurk:

Hmm. I never would have figured you for being unwilling to at least try one of these. If you give it a test, and find nothing, you get to post that, with the statement that "I tried it", backing up your review. The only reason I'm not signing up, yet, is my system is still incomplete. New cdp coming, then speaker stands, and a rack, interconnects, then fine tuning. After that, I'll be in a position to give something a listen. Then I'll have experience to support my statement.

[luvvinvinyl]

Oh, please add me to the list.
Could also try that orange chip thingy too.
Ah, your edit, to sign up, could be missed by Bigerik.

Hey, Erik, another one for the list.

[Bigerik]

Ah, your edit, to sign up, could be missed by Bigerik.

Hey, Erik, another one for the list.

Thanks for the heads up, Ernie
Going to actually create a review thread for each one and list the potential testers there, I think. Just gotta find the time! :)

[Grainger49]

I want to try the intelligent chip and large brilliant pebbles.

Stupid chips and retarded pebbles need not apply.

But seriously folks, I would like to try these. Stranger things have made a difference. (I think the Mermaid makes my Gain Clone sound better!)

[Bigerik]

I want to try the intelligent chip and large brilliant pebbles.

Stupid chips and retarded pebbles need not apply.

But seriously folks, I would like to try these. Stranger things have made a difference.

Awesome Grainger!
I love your attitude. You will be added to the list!
Erik

[Negotiableterms]

I am fully prepared to believe we don't know everything, or even much, so sign me up for the Clock and the Chip, please?

Erik, did you catch this in my earlier post?

[Bigerik]

Erik, did you catch this in my earlier post?

Yup, I sure did!
Just getting home after 16 hours at work, so I am a little behind in acknowledging everyone. I will go through the the thread post by post and make sure no one falls through the cracks.
Thanks
Erik

[chrisf]

Erik sign me up for the chip,the clock,and the large pebbles.Of all the stuff they sell,the intelligent chip was tried out at the ces in LasVegas and many people said it worked.I am not a believer as of yet but will test with an open mind.

[john_w]

Maybe folks should hold off on reporting past reviews and opinions until this review is over, so no-one can say we added any bias to it. My earlier comment was, appropriately, removed. I apologize as well for that. Suffice it to say that I truly hope that some, or all, of these devices work!

But for now, I only have time to eagerly wait on the results.

Have fun!
- jw

:lurk:

[Bigerik]

Maybe folks should hold off on reporting past reviews and opinions until this review is over, so no-one can say we added any bias to it. My earlier comment was, appropriately, removed. I apologize as well for that. Suffice it to say that I truly hope that some, or all, of these devices work!

But for now, I only have time to eagerly wait on the results.

Have fun!
- jw

:lurk:

John,
You up for trying something? I think your comments would be a great addition to the test program.

[Bigerik]

Gonna sticky this thread for a while so the info doesn't get lost. Going to add the information about each item to the individual test threads also...... whenever I get a chance! :D

[dnewma04]

I'm very serious, I want in. I'd think you'd want to send these things to someone who is a devout skeptic. I'll even pull measurements if I get a chance.

[Bigerik]

I'm very serious, I want in. I'd think you want to send these things to someone who is a devout skeptic.

Ok.
If you are serious, no problem. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them.Skepticism is certainly welcome!
Which items do you want to try?

[dnewma04]

any/all. each one of them would be fun.

[Bigerik]

any/all. each one of them would be fun.

Done!
You are signed up on all of them.
E

[Fast_Eddie]

John,
You up for trying something? I think your comments would be a great addition to the test program.

John, I'm signed up for the large pebbles. You're in the neighborhood. You want to try that?

Take care,

Ed

[john_w]

OK, you guys had to go and twist my arm. I'll get the large pebbles from Ed when he's done with them.

[Holst]

Say, as we are supposed to test these one at a time, which, as I think about it is a great idea. In fact this whole thing is a great idea. Someone is going to need to be traffic cop. I see that I am second on the list to get several/most of them. I volunteer myself to be moved where needed on the list and as seen fit to help this run smoothly.
Thank you again!

[john_w]

Was this actually going to be done in the order of sign-up? Maybe we should pick a more-or-less geographic order, just so shipping runs much more efficiently. (I think that's kind of what Holst was getting at, no?) Of course, late signers will have to go in order of sign-up.

[GaryP]

Both good ideas... yes, we're supposed to do it one tweak at a time.

BigErik, the Traffic Cop. :D

[Bigerik]

Both good ideas... yes, we're supposed to do it one tweak at a time.

BigErik, the Traffic Cop. :D

Traffic cop, reportig for duty! :D
Actually, I am not worried as much about shipping distances as I am about crossing borders. I actually did a little bit of adjusting already on that front. I am definately interested in any ideas you guys have to make it work more smoothly.
And thanks for all the kind words. I really figured if we could leave all the BS behind, this could be a LOT of fun!
E

[jmathers]

If it's not too late, sign me up for any and all the tweaks.

Jeff

[Bigerik]

If it's not too late, sign me up for any and all the tweaks.

Jeff

Never too late. We are here for the long haul!
Will get you signed up.
E

[geoffkait]

Hello All, many thanks to Bigerik for his idea for the AK Tweak Fest and to all those who are participating. I will stand by in case any questions or suggestions.

Regards, Geoff Kait, Machina Dynamica

www.machinadynamica.com

[dnewma04]

Ok, I'm game for a question. With the clock, the quoted text states that it doesn't alter the signal, which to me insinuates there is no changes that can be detected by traditional measurement equipment/techniques. This leads me to wonder how R&D is handled by your company. Are there measurements you have identified that aren't available to the rest of us? If not, what is your product development methodoly? Is it a matter of just trying hundreds of thousands of materials, shapes, placements, etc until the right combo is found?

[pqrannes]

Interesting thread.

I believe in psycho acoustics too - I've got tubes and horns! :banana:

:scratch2: Can't wait for the results of the tests, though.

Peter, Denmark

[geoffkait]

Great question. I have not tried testing the clock using acoustic measurement methods, e.g. frequency response. Since the clock operates along PWB principles - i.e., the hearing acuity of the listener is improved as opposed to the technical characteristics of the audio system - I doubt whether traditional measurement techniques would be very useful in the case of the clock. I used listening tests only for the clock development. I employ A-B tests of the usual sort, here and in other systems. I also rely quite a bit on customer feedback for the clock and my other products. Hope this is helpful. Geoff

[Andyman]

I'd like to test these items (clock and pebbles) too, as I am, as expected, skeptical.

BTW, I would encourage all who test them to use some sort of blind testing format to eliminate any placebo effect due to enhanced expectations. That is to say, have someone apply the tweaks w/o your knowledge as to their presence or absence, so your expectations don't color the results.

Just good scientific method.

[john_w]

Great question. I have not tried testing the clock using acoustic measurement methods, e.g. frequency response. Since the clock operates along PWB principles - i.e., the hearing acuity of the listener is improved as opposed to the technical characteristics of the audio system - I doubt whether traditional measurement techniques would be very useful in the case of the clock. I used listening tests only for the clock development. I employ A-B tests of the usual sort, here and in other systems. I also rely quite a bit on customer feedback for the clock and my other products. Hope this is helpful. Geoff

So it would be accurate to say that it might alter the acoustic characteristics, just not the electrical signal of the system. (Not defining the room/environment as being part of the "system".) Did you use some sort of double-blind testing?

[theodoric]

Sign me up for everything. Let it not be said that I don't have an open mind.

[geoffkait]

Good point, john_w. I meant to say that the clock will not influence any electrical property in the system components, wires, cables, or house wiring OR any physical property of the acoustic waves produced by the speakers (such as that measured by a sound level meter, for example). As I said, the clock affects the listener's hearing capability. Geoff

[Grainger49]

Let's not get into this too deeply before anyone hears, or doesn't, anything. :nono:

As open and empty as my mind is, I want to make the decision myself. :scratch2:

Hey, I have a mermaid on my amp. :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Holst]

Let's not get into this too deeply before anyone hears, or doesn't, anything. :nono:

As open and empty as my mind is, I want to make the decision myself.



Ditto! Geoff, I assume I can just PM or e-mail you any or the many questions I end up having.

[geoffkait]

Holst - yes, PM or email OK......Geoff

[Bigerik]

Thanks guys!
Will get you added to the list.
E

[Tonedeaf]

Thanks Erik for setting this up!
Would you sign me up to demo one of each?

[Bigerik]

Thanks Erik for setting this up!
Would you sign me up to demo one of each?

My pleasure.
Wanna make sure you guys don't get too bored! :D

I updated the lists so everybody should be on there. If I missed anyone, please let me know.
Thanks
E

[Grainger49]

I updated the lists so everybody should be on there. If I missed anyone, please let me know.

I am not seeing a list? Should there be a list?

[Bigerik]

I am not seeing a list? Should there be a list?

There is a list. I actually made one for each item. They are the first post in the specific threads for that item.
E

[Negotiableterms]

The toys arrived today! I'm going out of town for the next two days, so I'll do the evaluation this weekend. I'm going to try to use my TacT preamp's room response analysis (I think I can print to see if it can "hear" any difference, and compare that to my ears. Wish me luck!!

[Bigerik]

The toys arrived today! I'm going out of town for the next two days, so I'll do the evaluation this weekend. I'm going to try to use my TacT preamp's room response analysis (I think I can print to see if it can "hear" any difference, and compare that to my ears. Wish me luck!!

Just so everyone knows what is going on, I arranged with Geoff a few more toys for the test. These just arrived today at NT's. As he is in the US and I am in Canada, we can get things moving on both sides of the border.
E

[Holst]

WhooHooo!! It's the tweak border battle.

[Huck]

Can I be put on the list for the Clever Little Clock? Thanks, Huck

[Grainger49]

I want to add my name to the list for Clever Little Clock and small pebbles.

Thanks in advance.

[Magno]

I'd really like to demo the "clever little clock" and the small "brilliant pebbles." Hope I'm not to late to get in on this test.

-- Magno

[MikeCh]

removed...

[geoffkait]

Just published - The Intelligent Chip revisited. (My paper on the chip inspired this re-examination of the strange little orange wafer.) The authors of the new article are husband and wife PhDs from Netherlands who review for 6 Moons.

Photon Cannons:


http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/photoncannons/photoncannons.html

Regards,
Geoff Kait, Machina Dynamica

[stuartk]

removed

[stuartk]

Removed another.

I decided this wasn't the place to comment.

[Bigerik]

As this portion of the tweak test is over, I am locking down this thread. When we are ready to start the second phase, I will start a new one.
Thanks to everyone, especially Geoff, for their contributions.