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A Big DIY Bang for Your Buck?

I believe in getting the biggest bang out of my audio buck that I can. I don't know about you but my audio budget is actually limited. I find it interesting when I hear about folks spending a zillion on the best magnetic cables and then someone comes along with some new cable technology like new liquid-infused cables that equal or best the magnetic cables at a fraction of the price. Some makers of magnetic and other cables may want you to believe that a patent pending means there must be something there that ordinary Joe Audio could never make himself. My experience leads me to say -- don't believe it.

I have been using neodymium magnets for years in my cables and around my system to improve SQ -- at a fraction of the cost that makers of magnet-containing products charge. OK, mine may not be at the very top of the performance chain when compared to those expensive products, but who cares? I have managed to get stunning returns for a pittance. It would have cost thousands, or tens of thousands, to obtain similar results from various makers.

The same applies to audio makers with a patent pending (or an actual patent) who market little aluminum audio resonators the size of pimples. I make my own resonator pimples for about a buck apiece -- with stunning results. I saved over $4,000 making 70 of my own. Maybe they are not at the very top of the performance chain compared to those expensive products, but who cares? I am very happy with results that are far beyond what I expected when I started out.

I am having a lot of fun doing DIY projects at home that reap wonderful results at a small fraction of the cost charged by audio makers for their similar products. Have others had similar experiences making their own audio products at home? Can you share your DIY experiences with us?
sabai
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
geoffkait,

Franck Tchang adjusted a single bowl in the outside courtyard -- not an adjoining room -- and the effects on the music were not subtle, inside the room.

I believe this is a lot more complicated than discovering SPL peaks. And I believe Franck Tchang knew this. Which is why his diagram is so accurate -- at least for starters. You may have forgotten that you stated yesterday in this thread that we should trust Franck Tchang.

Ultimately, I trust my own ears. I have developed a unique sets of devices for walls and components. They are unlike any other resonators -- and they offer stunning results. 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
The courtyard example doesn’t contradict what I said. He also placed a bowl in the refrigerator as I recall. I never said this whole thing was not complicated. In fact what I just posted suggests quite the opposite. I never said Tchang’s diagram wouldn’t "work." I said it was a good guide, like my diagram, but you can do better. I realize you don’t wish to entertain such an idea.


sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
geoffkait,

On the contrary. I have already entertained such an idea -- and I have done better.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
What do you mean? You're such a tease.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
geoffkait,

My discovery is so good I may commercialize it. So, it will remain proprietary until then.
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