Akiko Tuning Stick AC -- It IS Magic


None are more skeptical than I when it comes to tweaks. Most come and go; few survive for the long term. So it was with not a grain but a shaker of salt that I decided to try the $170 Akiko Tuning Stick AC (not the new Triple AC, which is $395), which one plugs into an open outlet on a power conditioner or into the wall outlet. I decided to try it based upon rave reviews in 6 Moons both for the version I tried, and more recently the Triple AC -- which I most assuredly WILL buy.

I plugged it into my Audience AR6 power conditioner and my skepticism dissolved as fast as the salt from the shaker would in water! This thing is magic, I tell you. It is transformative. My system is no slouch (PS Audio DSD DAC/VTL 7.5iii pre/Krell FPB 300cx amp/VSE 5HSE speakers, top cables and PC's) but this kicked it up about 20%-25% in sound quality. More depth, more realism, more liquidity, more naturalness, more life. I removed the device and reinstalled it several times just to check, and each time the sound became flat and one-dimensional.

I have only had the Akiko for about a week, but every time I turn on my stereo, and whether listening to music through the DAC or my Sansui TU-9900 tuner, my head snaps back and I say to myself: Zounds! Does that sound good!

So forgive me for gushing, but I have been at this audio mania for over 40 years and am not easily impressed., But this is an extremely impressive product. There is no guarantee the Triple AC, more than 2x the AC price, will be any better let alone twice as good as the AC, but I aim to find out. Of course, I cannot tell you what it will do in your system. Jaguar Audio sells these (nice, responsive folks) and I think they have a 14 day return policy. I doubt you will return it.

Neal
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@Ozzy, it helps if you have a good Dealer. My Dealer said I can return the Akiko sticks if they don't improve the sound after auditioning them in my system.
Yes thx Melbguy1. I think I will try the triple after I here the differences from the single on this thread. The connector and gauge looks definitely better quality.

Listening to music had more depth, solid midbass and low end bass notes. Silent background for sure. My jaw dropped. But the extension and crispness was toned down.
I did not think the extension or crispness was attenuated or toned done; rather, I thought any stridency or sharpness was eliminated. Sort of like sand paper on rough edges.

Neal
I could explain my conclusions as if it had a filter over it tightening the midrange/bass but the highs were almost not there. Drumm symbols were half there like they were muffled. No "tsssss" or shimmer to them. I'm not sure of any break in period but I could have 20-30 hours on it.
Very interesting, I look forward to reading more from those that have used, or are using it!