acoustic system resonators

Dear Audiooracle,I am confused by your contention that my 'logic is specious,at best'.If you will carefully re-read my posts,I in no way attacked the validity of the device/object in question.My 2 posts on the subject spoke to, firstly,the questionable fact that one would retain a 'system' that needed a inanimate device to instill in that system some redeeming qualities.Secondly,my subject was your use of the absolute epitome of cliche hyperbole,line after line.It was,pardon me,quite amusing.As to your talents and expertise as a seasoned,professional audio designer,well,I offer respect due you for that. Manuia,(cheers, in the language of my favorite people on the planet,Tahitians).

Placement is key for best results with most resonator devices, at least the one that are intended to reduce standing waves in the room, such as room lens, tube traps, even mpingo discs. Arbitrary placement can lead to, well, non-optimum results. While the ear can often achieve pretty good results, much better results are achieved using test tone and sound pressure level meter, so the precise location of standing waves (high sound pressure zone) can be ID'd. The resonators should be placed where the exceptionally high sound pressures are observed.

For example, a tube trap might actually hurt the sound when placed directly in room corner (as is often suggested); but when placed according to test tone/SPL meter a couple feet from the corner, the sound is much better.

~ Cheers

If the accurate reproduction of the music contained on discs is the goal, then the resonators should not be used in a system. I have no doubt that they can effect a system's sound, and for some people they might like the sonic change, but the arbitrary addition of metallic overtones is not a step forward in high fidelity sound reproduction.

In effect, the resonators are plate reverbs, but without any adjustability. If you really like this sort of processing effect, then why not get a Lexicon PCM91? It has dozens of different types of reverbs and spatial programs and massive adjustability. Virtually all audiophile would consider the Lexicon not suitable for high end systems, but that same judgement should also apply to the resonators.

Not even close onhwy61,

electronic processing masks details instead of uncovering them.

The Resonators were tested an they actually absorb certain emi and rfi frequencies. They do add overtones which are audible but the effects of the resonators is much more complex. Resonators do so many things, tighten the bass, increase the width and depth of the soundstage and makes the system sound faster and more clear.

Audiooracle, please provide some evidence that the resonators are absorbing RFI frequencies. If true, it should be easily quantified.

Your description of their effect on sound quality sounds very similar to what an electronic reverb processor can do.