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Novum Resonator Alternative

Hi Members,
In the last few years since it has appeared on the marketplace, I have been really curious about this device. Some of you may not know it by name, but it is the bronze circular device that looks a lot like a cymbal used for drums, but with a deeper profile, and an integrated brass stand.
For the average audiophile, the price is prohibitive at around $2,200.00. Based on professional reviews, and comments by actual users, I felt convinced that for whatever reasons, this device worked. For myself, it was out of the question to even consider purchasing one as it is far beyond my budget.
I want to say right here before going on that I am certain the whoever designed this device put time and thought into the size, material and profile in order to produce the desired effect/improvement.
Still, after a couple of years, it occurred to me one day that there was no harm in trying one of several types and sizes of actual drum cymbals that I have to see if they had an effect that was positive. Based on past tweaking experience, I really didn't have any doubt that there would be a sonic difference, it was more a question of good, bad or indifferent.
I am not posting this really as a review, and I have the feeling that there are likely to be hundreds of others who have already tried this. I am really just suggesting that if you are, like me, curious about the effect, you could experiment with borrowed cymbals or ones that you own, and see for yourself what you think.
In my case, I used a wooden fold-out stand that you would use to display a decorative plate, and after experimentation with a medium weight 16" crash cymbal, as well as a heavier hi-hat cymbal, I settled on the crash.
I will say that I started using it three days ago, and for me, that is not enough time for thorough analysis, but I am pleased with the effect thus far, and am leaving it where it is.
My point here is really to see if others have tried it, and if not, to encourage you to do so and reach your own conclusions. Again, in my view, it's a poor man's substitute, and if I could afford the real thing I would, but with that said, I am surprised and happy with the result in my system thus far.
128x128roxy54
theaudiotweak
1,793 posts
 
Roxy

Looking at your thread 18 hours later it seems as if I barged in. Sorry about that intrusion.

What you have started here is very interesting and your methods and observations should be shared. I for one am not a user of damping materials and I am always looking for acoustic energy reuse redirection and conservation methods in my listening area.

I would like to know if there was a change in sound and what affect there was when you reversed the the top for the bottom of the cymbal as the focal point would have been changed? Also would you consider hanging other cymbals from the ceiling in the corners as these would make for a considerable change in both diffusion and direction of the sound field. It maybe that more is not better overall but the fact that the sound field can be bent and adjusted is a valid use for such devices and their placements versus the more usual overkill. The learning process and observation may prove of value.

I have found that the placement angle of devices in the corners is also very apparent. A variation of a few degrees changes the whole perception and placement of instruments within the recording. Tom
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
I do believe in Acoustic Resonators & plan to get my listening room treated with resonators from Franck Tchang. Really remarkable products! Better still, I'll have the opportunity of having the master himself personally treat my room...no hit and miss. But of course, all that costs money.

In some ways, using DIY solutions or cheaper generic resonators & experimenting with setup is a more rewarding path as you get a better understanding of why certain materials work and others don't, and learn what works where.
bgoeller
30 posts
 
Roxy

I too tried this exact experiment a couple months ago with a very thick 15" crash. Not sure if the effect was resonance or wave focus or both, but after about five tracks I pulled out the cymbal and replaced it with a large throw pillow and the throw pillow has stayed. And it probably will stay until I am motivated to properly solve the apparent bass node problem centered between my speakers.

Just for giggles I moved the cymbal to the back of the room. Standing next to it I could hear it ringing. So it went back into storage.

For the reasons stated up thread this simple experiment does not rule out positive effects from the Novum.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
There's a foundry not far from my home that makes brass plates for trophies and such and I always wanted to try one of their products since they're thicker than cymbals and have the desired shape. Looking at this thread reminded me.

There is definitely something going on here with the reflective qualities of these devices. A couple of audio shows ago I was at a demo and one of Tchang's little bowls had fallen over in front of a speaker. There were many placed around the room. Shortly after the music started someone went over and righted the bowl and the sound reacted like someone threw a bowl of cold water on it.

I couldn't believe the difference.

All the best,
Nonoise
theaudiotweak
1,793 posts
 
Roxy

You could try bolting together a pair of Hi Hat cymbals and hear what happens with this higher mass combo. The pair maybe more similar in weight to the Novum resonator. If they rattle when joined you could place some felt dots between the 2 when screwed together or better yet couple them with a few .2AP.7D's in between. Tom
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