Intelligent Chip GSIC-30 test info and reviews

[Bigerik]

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

Signed up for this one are:
1) Gary P
2) Arm013
3) Ozmoid
4) Holst
5) Army
6) Tedrick
7) Negotiableterms
8) Sansui Louie
9) Grainger 49
10) ChrisF
11) Dnewma04
12) Theodoric
13) Tonedeaf

Again, anyone missed here?

[Grainger49]

We better keep a CD/DVD/SACD count on this one. Looks like the limit is 33, and as written, "Up to 33CD/DVD/SACDs," it could be less.

[geoffkait]

Notes on Intelligent Chip: The Intelligent Chip is capable of upgrading 30 to 33 or 34 discs (CD,SACD, DVD), provided care has been taken to prevent loss of "power" of the chip. To maintain longevity of the Intelligent Chip, the orange wafer should always be stored in its plastic case when not in use. The plastic case contains thin sheets of clear polycarbonate that help shield the active material inside the orange wafer from infrared light (produced by laser of the player, sunlight, even room lighting). Also, the chip in its case should be kept a safe distance from the CD player when not in use.

To upgrade a disc, remove the orange wafer from the plastic case and place the orange wafer on top of the CD player above the transport section. Insert disc to be upgraded into player and push "PLAY" - allow disc to play for about 2 seconds. The disc will then be fully upgraded. The orange Chip can be left on top of the player if you wish to continue upgrading additional discs; otherwise, remove orange wafer and return it to the protective plastic case.

[Huck]

Hi: I am on the list for the Clever Little Clock and I was wondering if I should
be using the clock together with the chip to benefit? Thanks, Huck

[luvvinvinyl]

Huck, just so you know, for the purposes of this tweak test and review, Bigerik has requested that reviewers only use one item at a time, so that any changes that you hear can be directly and definitely attributed to the item in question. I'll let Geoff answer the question wrt your own system, after any testing.

[Huck]

Sorry! I do recall reading that, Thanks,Huck

[luvvinvinyl]

No problem. I'm sure that Geoff will still answer your question, when he returns.

[geoffkait]

Huck - Bigerik is correct, the items sent out are (1) mutually exclusive (i.e., operate independently from each other) and (2) for test purposes should be evaluated one at a time.

WRT your general question, the answer is yes, the clock and a chip-upgraded disc should provide sound quality beyond either one alone -- the reason I say "should" is that results for any item under eval can vary quite a bit from system to system for any number of reasons. I.e., they are not "silver bullets."

~ Geoff at Machina Dynamica

[GaryP]

Notes on Intelligent Chip: The Intelligent Chip is capable of upgrading 30 to 33 or 34 discs (CD,SACD, DVD), provided care has been taken to prevent loss of "power" of the chip. To maintain longevity of the Intelligent Chip, the orange wafer should always be stored in its plastic case when not in use. The plastic case contains thin sheets of clear polycarbonate that help shield the active material inside the orange wafer from infrared light (produced by laser of the player, sunlight, even room lighting). Also, the chip in its case should be kept a safe distance from the CD player when not in use.

To upgrade a disc, remove the orange wafer from the plastic case and place the orange wafer on top of the CD player above the transport section. Insert disc to be upgraded into player and push "PLAY" - allow disc to play for about 2 seconds. The disc will then be fully upgraded. The orange Chip can be left on top of the player if you wish to continue upgrading additional discs; otherwise, remove orange wafer and return it to the protective plastic case.

Thank you! I was worried about "over upgrading" or somehow wearing it out before I sent it to the next tester.

I have been considering what CD to select and I think it should be a CD that I have two of. Something that I really like, is well recorded and especially well mastered. Hmmmm, I have a few to choose from....

Geoff, does this make sense to you? Any other suggestions?

[geoffkait]

Gary, you make a good point, since once you've upgraded the CD you cannot go back and listen to it as it sounded before treatment. You could select a CD you're very familiar with, one that you've listened to a lot before using the IC. Then, the effect of the chip should be easier to hear. As you suggested, another good approach is to have two identical discs - say two that were burned from an original CD. Then you would be free to A/B until you "keyed in on" the IC's effect. (This is how we demo'd the IC at CES last year.) Also, you can make the test blind, if desired, using the 2 identical CD scenario.

~ Geoff

[Grainger49]

. . . or somehow wearing it out before I sent it to the next tester. . . .

Wouldn't that make it a strong suggestion for testers to make note of the numbers of disks that were upgraded? With a maximum of 34 disks, the number could be exceeded before the end of the list is reached.

Not to mention, those who are not careful about replacing the chip after use will reduce the maximum number of disks that could be upgraded.

[geoffkait]

To Group - There is now a more effective and more reliable method for using the IC. While the IC on top of the player method is OK and usually produces good results, I feel this new method is superior and more reliable.


Machina Dynamica's Special Method for Using the Intelligent Chip Inside the Player

1. Pop open the orange wafer with a razor blade or thin knife blade.

2. Remove the thin green sheet 1"x1" with 3 small metallic dots in the center. The GSIC-30 contains 3 silver dots located in the center of the green sheet. (The GSIC-10 contains only 1 dot)

3. The green sheet w/ dots will be placed on the inside "lip" of the CD tray, directly below the CD to be treated; thus, the green sheet with dots will be INSIDE the player when the CD to be treated is playing.

4. Open the CD player drawer and place the 1x1 green sheet on the recessed inner lip of the CD tray, shiny side of the dots up. To prevent the green sheet from falling into the inside of the player when you play a CD, use clear Scotch tape to hold the green sheet to the inner lip of the CD tray. NOTE: The green sheet cannot be allowed to interfere with the operation of the transport spindle, and can be trimmed a bit on all sides to around 3/4 x 3/4 to avoid the possibility of contact with the spindle mechanism.

5. Place the CD to be treated on the CD tray as usual, covering the green sheet.

6. Play the CD for one or two seconds. The CD is now treated. You can keep the green sheet in place on the CD tray and continue to treat additional CDs, or remove the green sheet and return it to the Protective Plastic Case.


Regards, Geoff at Machina Dynamica

[GaryP]

That method seens scary to me.... the old method still works, right?

[GaryP]

Wouldn't that make it a strong suggestion for testers to make note of the numbers of disks that were upgraded? With a maximum of 34 disks, the number could be exceeded before the end of the list is reached.

Not to mention, those who are not careful about replacing the chip after use will reduce the maximum number of disks that could be upgraded.

Yes - I will include a tracking sheet with the I Chip. Everyone should initial and date it* so we can see when it "expires".

:)

Gary

* Dating the IC is just for curiosity purposes.... :thmbsp:

[geoffkait]

The original method is still effective in most systems. Just not to the degree of the new method.

[GaryP]

The original method is still effective in most systems. Just not to the degree of the new method.

What do you mean by effective?

Is it either it will work or it will not work?

Or is it a situaton where the upgrade may only have a 50% effect instead of a 100% effect?

Colour me confused... ;)

[geoffkait]

For the original chip-on-the-player method of using the chip, I suspect some players might be a problem for the chip. In those systems for which the original method isn't audible, or is rather "subtle," the new chip-inside-the-player method should be audible and not subtle. The reason for this is that placing the IC *inside* the player results in a more intense treatment of the CD.

It's also worth noting that if the system is not "up to snuff," to use an expression, the effect of the chip might not be audible - even with the new method. (The IC is not a magic bullet.) On the other hand, a Super-System is not required for the chip to be heard IMO.

There is the added complexity that the chip is more effective on some CDs than others. IMO the chip is most effective on very well recorded CDs.

Hope this helps - Geoff

[GaryP]

This makes sense to me. That's why I am going to select a well recorded and mastered CD. Probably a DCC gold disc that I have a duplicate of....

And I won't play it on my boom-box! :D :D :D

It does help - thanks!

[Grainger49]

I like Geoff's suggestion to make two copies of a commercial disk and evaluate the treated against the untreated.

That really makes sense.

[jmathers]

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

Signed up for this one are:
1) Gary P
2) Arm013
3) Ozmoid
4) Holst
5) Army
6) Tedrick
7) Negotiableterms
8) Sansui Louie
9) Grainger 49
10) ChrisF
11) Dnewma04
12) Theodoric
13) Tonedeaf

Again, anyone missed here?

Yep, jmathers.

Jeff

[reyneman]

A question....

Why not make two identical CDs from various QUALITY CDs, treat one of the disks, place a random number on them, and ship the disks to various willing participants without telling them which is the treated one?

No worry with using up the intelligent chip, and a blind test to boot?

Just wondering.

[GaryP]

Interesting idea!

I treated one of my DCC gold discs (I have an identical one untreated) and there ain't no way I am sending those around North America!

Besides, I want to keep my treated disc.

Review coming soon....

[GaryP]

Ever hear of the Belden Clarifier? No? Well, I probably spelled it wrong, but it's supposed to demagnatize CD's. A friend (who is heavily into vinyl, BTW) sez it works.

The IC GSIC30 sort of reminds me of this but - of course - is completely different.

I have several duplicate gold discs that have amazing mastering on them. Guitars and vocals have that scary "real, you're in the studio" sound to me! Sounds like a good test disc, no? Yes!

I chose DCC's Hotel California by the Eagles. I treated one disc by taking the chip apart as Geoff suggested. Worked wonderfully and I sent the chip onwards already. I included a numbered sheet up to 33 (IIRC) so we can track how many times it was used.

The treatment takes seconds (well, minutes) so one can compare the difference at their leisure because the treatment lasts forever! So, I guess this could be sent around to everyone fairly quickly.

Yea, it took me a bit to realize that I did not have to hang on to the chip while doing the testing. Duh! No comments from the peanut gallery, please. ;)

So what the heck happened!?! The bass is lower, music is clearer (if that's possible) and it's like I upgraded an interconnect or something! What the heck!!!

I compared my treated Hotel California with the untreated Hotel California a few times over a period of a few weeks. Same results.

I even managed to convince the W. to switch CD's for me for an evening. She thought I was crazy but she did it. We did it five times and had the same results. I guessed which was the treated disc every time.

Uhhh.... can someone send that IC back to me? I uhhhhh.... forgot to do something. Thirty more times. Really.

;)

Just kidding!

Actually I'd like to try it on a modern - mastered, horribly compressed CD but I think it would be a waste. IMHO, not much can help one of those CDs. :no:

When I finally get all my wires in order (I have new-to-me speakers and I have to find decent copper - only interconnects), I'm probably going to check this IC chip out on a lot more CD's!!!

[corsagt]

Ever hear of the Belden Clarifier? No?

Have heard of it, as I purchased one about six months ago from Bedini...stole it from them, $70 for the ~$250 model (look in their "used" section...).

It works. Absolutely no doubt about it. It only lasts about one to two plays through the disk, but it absolutely does work. Doesn't take a "listener" to hear the difference.

I've been realllllllly doubting the IC, CLC, etc. Maybe I need to shove my pride (and that engineering degree I'm working on) aside and try this stuff.

[chrisf]

People that I talked to that went to the ces in Vegas said they would not have believed it if they had not tried it themselves.Most of them bought one or were planning on it.I was told that they had been in Japan,the chip,for quite some time and it was a Japanese technology first.Don't know if that part is true,maybe Geof can coment.

[geoffkait]

The Intelligent Chip is actually from China. The technolgy incorporated in the Intelligent Chip has been around for some time, but almost exclusively as an emerging technolgy in the medical industry. The significance of that (quantum dot) technology to audio applications was discovered accidentally by someone in China who happened to be working in the medical industry at the time. FYI there are now Red Chip and Blue Chip (from the same company, JSMR), using the same technology, that are placed on power cords. The Red Chip and Blue Chip have the advantage of not "wearing out" like the Intelligent Chip.

Geoff

[GaryP]

The Red Chip and Blue Chip have the advantage of not "wearing out" like the Intelligent Chip.

This wears out.... ???

[geoffkait]

The Intelligent Chip "wears out" after the prescribed number of uses. The GSIC-10 IC treats 10-12 CD/SACD/DVD discs before it loses its power. The GSIC-30 IC treats 30-33 discs. There is some overhead built into the IC to allow for loses that might be incured a number of ways. The Intelligent Chip appears to be sensitive to infrared light of the CD player laser, whereas the Red Chip and Blue chip are sensitive to different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

As I've postulated in my paper, "The Definitive Explanation of How the Intelligent Chip Works," the Intelligent Chip appears to lose its capability to upgrade discs due to what is known as "photobleaching," a chemical reaction in the active material inside the IC that shifts the wavelength of chip-emitted photons to non-effective portion of the spectrum. The IC must be stored in its protective plastic case when not in use to prevent sunlight or interior lighting, both of which contain light in the infrared spectrum, or stray laser light in the room, from reducing the longevity of the device.

My paper explaining how the Intelligent Chip works can be found at:

www.machinadynamica.com/machina64.htm

Regards, Geoff at Machina Dynamica

[GaryP]

I understand - thanks.

When I sent the chip onwards, it was also wrapped in aluminium foil (because I received it that way).

Glad to see that the treated CD's do not "wear out"! :)

[Grainger49]

Ripoff. So is the clock

Foul! I guess you haven't read the top of the thread. No one is to comment on the results until you test it. And I am guessing this isn't a review.

You may want to delete this from the thread, and mine as well.

[kenyonbm]

I don't see anything in bigerics original post at the top of the thread about who is allowed to post.

I have seen, handled, and listened to the chip, and have read the "paper."

I stand by my ripoff assesment.

[Grainger49]

You are right. So, then, please elaborate. Glaring generalizations are poor reviews.

The ban on discussing a device until you review it was not in this thread, but in the one that announced the tweak test:

"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."

[kenyonbm]

"Glaring generalizations are poor reviews."

My statement is not a generalization, but is quite specific.

My original post was pulled twice before it stuck,

How dare you try to shut me up. Who are you to suggest I pull my post?

Who are you to lecture me about keeping an "open mind"?

After wrongly crying foul, you offer an apology that is more of an insult.

[Grainger49]

I see, I thought a review should have stuff like, "I tried it, knew it was in the system but it didn't make any difference I heard." If you consider that a review, so be it.

Didn't you wonder why your posts were pulled?

I understood that this was a thread for the AKers who were sent the chip for, well "The Great AK Tweak Test," and didn't see your name on the list of testers. I would be happy to have this part of the thread purged.

The open mind quote isn't mine, it is bigeric's. It is here (that is why it is in quotes):

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78128

Maybe you could read that thread too? I think it should have been linked at the top of this thread to preclude such confusion.

[kenyonbm]

Don't talk down to me.

You repeat the quote and it is directed at me by you. If you don't then why bring it up?

If this is a private party, why is it up here on a AK discussion page?

Why don't you talk about the chip instead of attacking me.

I stand by my statement : the chip is a rip-off and so is the clock.

Please stop badgering me.

[Bigerik]

Due to the nature of the materials up for test and how potentially inflamtory the discussions can be, we put some rules into place governing posting to these threads and this forum. Specifically:

"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."

We invite you to sign up to test any of the tweaks available and post your results. However, in a spirit of fairness, please limit your posts according to guidelines above.
Thanks
Erik

[Bigerik]

I think it should have been linked at the top of this thread to preclude such confusion.

Thanks for the tip. It was all pretty clear when the test started, but it is a great idea to keep it out in the open and clear to everyone. I will get a sticky up on it tonight.
Thanks
Erik

[Grainger49]

Yup!

[Bigerik]

And here ya go!

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=84859

Thanks
E

[Grainger49]

So where are the chips now? Am I going to get to try one before it is used up?

[Holst]

So where are the chips now? Am I going to get to try one before it is used up?

PM me your address, due to pre Christmas financial considerations, I've had to wiat until tomorrow (payday) to ship stuff. I got a CLC and chips at the same time, Tedrick already tested the chip (he get's the clock) I can send you the chips.

[Grainger49]

Ok, I received the Chips today. There are two, both GSCI 10s, that are circulating.

I found that taping the dot (it is a square) to the inside of my CDP drawer was not possible. I can not use a CD stabilizer on this player because there is no clearance.

So, the system is a Philips DVD963-SA (CD/SACD player), Bottlehead Foreplay linestage preamp (the only mods are Auricaps & PDMPS), Creek remote volume control 100k volume pot (HEY I'm lazy!), to Bottlehead Paramour "monoblocks" (mods: 76 driver, Auricaps and current source feeding the 76 driver {3.5WPC}) which are connected to my Triangle Zerius speakers via bi-wired Ace Hardware 16 gauge zip cord (what a cheap mother!).

I played 3 disks, first the Couldn't Stand The Weather - Tin Pan Alley Blues, then Allison Krauss SACD of New Favorite - New Favorite, the finally Cowboy Junkies Trinity Session - I'm So Lonely I Could Cry.

Each was VERY familiar to me. I played each song a few times, treated the disk from the top of the player, then listened again.

I didn't get any difference. I had hoped I would. But I didn't. I guess I will continue to tweak the system so all my CDs and SACDs sound better.

I really wanted this to work. But it just didn't happen for me.

As soon as I get a response to the PMs I will get the chips off to the next tester.

[chrisf]

Grainger,I bet the chip is used up.I used it on three cd's.I first made copies of the disks and treated one,then compared it to the other.I heard a difference,enough that I spent $40.00 for the 30 disk treatment.I have no other tweeks in my system the consists of a McIntosh MC275IV tube amp,C200 preamp,3 X BAT tube preamp,McIntosh MCD751 transport,MDA700 D/A converter,MR74 tuner,MC2500 SS amp,Klipsch Khorns with ALKtrachorns/Beyma Tweeters also Polk SDA-SRS 2 speakers.I don't use any fancy interconnects,power cords,and use 10awg ofc cable as imho the expensive stuff is not worth the money.I did think the chip was worth it.I posted a review on the thinking outloud site.I heard better bass plus more detail across the board.Was the list included as to how many times the chip had been used?


Chris

[geoffkait]

Intelligent Chip testers: The GSIC-10 Intelligent Chip should be able to treat as many as 12 CDs/DVDs/SACDs. My own experience as well as that of a great many owners of the chip has shown that sometimes the effects just don't show up -- the reasons why not one can only speculate.

I recommend using "very well recorded discs" (and a disc that one is familiar with as Grainger did) when first trying the chip to improve chances of success. IMO it helps in these matters to obtain level of the CD tray prior to testing (so that the CD will spin more smoothly). The sound is less congested and has better focus when the CD is spinning absolutely level/flat; it should be easier to hear the effects of the Intelligent Chip (and other items under test) when the CD tray is level. NOTE: as it turns out, the top surface of a particular CD player may or may not be the same level as the CD tray, so there is no guarantee using a level on the top surface of the player will insure that the CD spins correctly (smooth and level).


Thanks, Geoff
Machina Dynamica

[Grainger49]

When the chips came to me there was a list of uses included. Which chip that list went with, I have no idea.

There were 8 uses listed, by 4 users, but the chips had been to 8 reviewers before I got them. So I guessed that the first chip, which I used twice, might have been dead. I made my third attempt on the second chip with the same results.

BTW, I did have two copies of New Favorite. Both sounded the same when I was through.

As Geoff said, sometimes it doesn't work, no one knows why.

Who wants them next? It looks like the list isn't being followed.

[GaryP]

Both chips are togeather?

The one I had was a 30 use chip and I was the first name on the list (Gary P).

[Grainger49]

Like I said I have 2 GSCI 10s.

Who wants them. If Bigeric suggests, they can go different directions.

Still no takers on reviewing the Intelligent Chips I have.

Who wants them?

The last two members have been PMd. If there are no responses I'll send them back to BigErik.

[geoffkait]

If I recall correctly, I initially sent one GSIC-30 (along with Mr. Clock, pebbles, duplex covers) to Bigeric to be distributed to the folks up North (Canada); later on I sent two GSIC-10s along with a second Mr. Clock to a moderator in Western US intended to be distributed to testers in the US.

~ Geoff

[Holst]

If I recall correctly, I initially sent one GSIC-30 (along with Mr. Clock, pebbles, duplex covers) to Bigeric to be distributed to the folks up North (Canada); later on I sent two GSIC-10s along with a second Mr. Clock to a moderator in Western US intended to be distributed to testers in the US.

~ Geoff


I recieved the two chips and clock together from Army, Grainger got the two chips, Tedrick got the clock.

As Grainger pointed out there is a list of uses, but it doesn't tell which chip or chips were used. I'm sorry, I continued that. I used one chip, once, and noted that on the combined list.

[geoffkait]

To prevent confusion, I suggest whoever has the chip(s) currently mark a "dot" for each use on the appropriate chip. If unsure of the total number of treatments per chip to date, make a best guess. For each add'l treatment, the tester should mark a "dot" on the chip. When the no. of dots is 10 for the GSIC-10 (30 dots for the GSIC-30) we can assume the chip is "dead."

The chip should never be left on top of the player, as the chip will be activated every time a CD is played. The chip should be stored in its protective white plastic case, and the plastic case kept in aluminum foil when not in use. The reason for these precautions is that the Intelligent Chip is sensitive to light, even ordinary sunlight and house lighting, and can easily be used up unnecessarily if care is not taken.

Regards, Geoff

[GaryP]

If I recall correctly, I initially sent one GSIC-30 (along with Mr. Clock, pebbles, duplex covers) to Bigeric to be distributed to the folks up North (Canada); later on I sent two GSIC-10s along with a second Mr. Clock to a moderator in Western US intended to be distributed to testers in the US.

~ Geoff

Ok, I had the GS30, created a list and sent it off. The first name on the list is mine (Gary P). I used it once.

Hopefully THAT list is alive & well.....

[chrisf]

I got the clock and the chip from arm013.I used it three times and marked the list accordingly.If I rember right it was the 30 size chip.



chris

[Grainger49]

Since I received no responses since 12/20 I will send the chips (2 GSIC-10 chips) back to Geoff.

Again, thanks to Geoff and Machina Dynamica for their kind loan of the equipment to the AK community.

The Thread Killer strikes again!