Cheap tweaks...What would YOU reccomend?

(1) Upgrade your wall outlet - Audio grade duplex by FURUTECH (gold plated) 125V/20A retails for $80 but you can get the 125V/15A version from Chris Venhaus' website for $40. While you are at it replace the retaining screws with stainless steel ones.

(2) Clean up oxidation on connectors (AC plugs, RCAs, Phone Jacks, speaker leads/spades, power leads, etc) using a solution such as Craig Gold G5 then apply Mapleshade's Silclear - per the instructions!! Amazing audio and/or video

(3) Use Powerwraps for fixed power cords.

(4) Use Nordost 3ECO Static Inhibitor on all ac cords, interconnects, and speaker wires. Also improved sonic results if you wipe down the components themselves but some parts may appear to have a sheen. Need to be refreshed at least every 3 months.

(5) For CDs try spraying with OPTRIX for improved clarity.

There are of course many other tweaks but these are cheap, very audible (golden ears not required), and component independent.

Great thread ... have fun.

Still the Best Tweak...yet out of production...and getting rarer on the used market...is the "Tice Clock"...I'd be willing to part with mine, but it would be Very expensive! Merry Christmas to all my Audio friends. Enjoy a safe and musical holiday season.

Best recommendation of all:
When you are listening to music, listen to the music, not your systems' performance. Constantly judging the sonics is a really bad trap to fall into.
I suggest you only play with judging the sonics on a specific day of the week, or month. And do not mix listening for pleasure, with listening for performance.
You can be happy and love your system and what it does a whole lot more doing this simple thing.
Happy Holidays!!!

Audio guy,

Where to get the products you mentioned?

I like to exercise b4 listening to music - puts me in a healthy strong good receptive mood - I feel good for having done it, and the good feeling carries into listening - especially after a shower.

This process both the exercise and a shower improves our circulation, which could explain the improvement in enjoyment. We all need help in circulation each day after our prime : it slows down 10% every decade after 20 something.

I feel optimistic and yung again after doin it. When we are tired or lacking sleep, our ears are sensitive and music feels different.

The sound of good tight deeply satisfying bass gives me energy, and lifts me up. I feel healthier after it.

A good sub adds something to our system.

I like the monitor audio sub, and this cheap sony sa-wm200 ($79 at www.etronics.com). It is not refined but the amp section has reverb built in - and sounds unlike any other sub I heard.

On low volumes, it adds mesmetising warmth to a bookshelf (I like small 5 incher with a sub - clearer better mid). Athena AS-B1 ($179 pair) with the sony sounds so good.

I like the three piece setup - small 2 way speaker with a sub. (2 ways sound better than 3) Because the bass is far away, the mids and the highs can really shine clearly.

Try to combine pleasures what ever they may be 4u - your favorite tea with music, surfing the net, good conversation and company, looking at art pictures, reading, etc. That is the good thing about music - Yoc u can enjoy it while doing something else.

Auric Illuminator...unbelievable, all the money on cables and power conditioning and this made as much of a difference for much less than $100 and absolute must!!!