Why "Cryo" anything?

I have only used four cryoed cable, and did not have the same ones in non-cryoed versions to compare to. So I have no first hand observations on the subject. I would point out first, that it is a relatively inexpensive process compared to some of the stuff that we shell out our money on in audioland, generally only adding the cost of a couple of cds to the product, irrespective of the vernturesome pricing of many audio manufacturers. Second, many that I respect, and have the ability to carry out testing with good gear, over a long perious of time, such as Albert Porter, are convinced that there is a benefit from this inexpensive process. Keep an open mind, I do.

I had two of the same power conditioners, I lent one to a friend for a while. When he had it he got it cryo treated. When I got it back I did a side by side comparison with the regular one and I thought the cryo'd one sounded noticably better. I ended up selling the non cryo'd one and keeping the other.

You should have gotten your BS in MSE. Then you could have smoked cigars and snorted crystal meth with my former roomate and MSE classmates. They did it the night before MSE tests. I just left the room and went to sleep elsewhere...

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I'm no expert in MSE, but from what I understand is that the cryo process involves first heating the metal and then cooling it down to whatever cryo temperature. From what I've read, the cryo process used in tool and die manufacture results in stronger materials and more wear resistance. In an area that I am very familiar with, aircraft manufacturers are now investigating the cryo process for brake pads, engine turbine shafts, and landing gear. Obviously, at least to me, the cryo process appears to have at least some effect on metals.

Now, why can't this have an impact on audio equipment? Now, of course, there are people who look to take advantage of the latest trend to sell useless products. Is what you are trying to say is that if you take a cable, a receptacle, a tube or a power cord and just dunk it a cryo bath WITHOUT first heating it, then the process is useless? Again, I'm not an expert but I don't dismiss the claims of others off-hand without listening for myself first.

Sorry, Newbee - apparently someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today? I read your post and didn't find anything all that inflamatory in there...

I also read quite a bit of the CryogenicsInternational stuff. I found it mildly interesting, nothing I hadn't read/heard elsewhere, and mostly marketing - this is what they sell. Not that it's wrong, just consider the source.

And you know what? I have absolutely no problem with cryogenic treatment of materials for mechanical purposes. It's fairly well documented that quenching, cryo-ing, whatever can affect certain properties of metals, etc. Those things are all objectively measurable and testable and repeatable. No problemo!

And you know what, #2? I have no problem with cryo-ing audio gear, either. Have a ball! If it's what you want to do, if you think it works for you, if it doesn't hurt anyone else, if you don't ram it down their throats (and they behave in an equally civil manner) then no problemo!

I don't cryo - yet. I have not been able to find any double blind testing that shows a difference, and until then it's just not worth my money. And no, just trying it and "do I hear a difference" doesn't really cut it, either. I know how susceptible I am to suggestion (heck, I'm married - that pretty much shows how easily I can be had!). I know I'm getting older and my ears probably aren't worth squat, so if someone can't measure an objective and repeatable improvement then I'll save my money for other goodies.

No problemo!

PS - one confession, though. Cryo-ing CDs just makes me scratch my little pea (pee?) brain. I've really gotta work to keep the pod open on this one...