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Systems:some tweek responsive,some not?

Some particular systems (all being unique) are more responsive to minor tweeks, and some are not moved at all.
I wonder if some of the debate over tweeks (like power cords) is due to trial and error testing: One Audiophile tries a little tweek, being skeptical, but descovers that the thing works, and is encouraged to explore further!... Another Audiophile tries the SAME tweek and finds nothing, and feels he's been made a fool of for wasting the money. They meet on a board such as this and call each other bad things.. When in reality they each tried it, and <> one noticed something and the other didn't, but they assumed the "tweek" was the key element, and missed that each ones system may have been so different that the tweek behaved as each sensed it.
Aside from the theoretical group who spout dogma (flames!!)and don't care about trying stuff out.
I wonder how many realize that the system that responds to a power cord is sort of on a knife edge, so to speak, and the system that is not just isn't in that particular sort of balance? (not to say a non-responsive system is "less" than one that bounces all around if you look at it funny.)
I would like to see some comments about the SYSTEM variables that seem to make it possible to begin to get the experiences found in tweeking, vs the things that suddenly nothing seems to change anything since you "X"....
FOR EXAMPLE: My system has gone from general non responsiveness to noticable since I got the Adcom 750 preamp..... and... blah blah blah. (I'm burn out thinking these big thoughts so I'll turn this over to anyone else to continue:
elizabeth
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,071 posts
 
I completely agree. Each time I've upgraded my system the importance of footers (not only type but placement location on the equipment), shelf material, power cords and interconnects has gone up with the upgrade. I try all these different products, ie "quite line" filters on the noisest outlets and I'll test it on my friends. I'll leave the room, unplug a filter and go back in. They will explain that something just happened, a film of noise of something. I do this with as many things as possible with the ones that work for me . I've had them try it on there much less revealing systems and they don't get the same benifit. Power cords are the easiest to try, and blind switch or fake switch. Again on mine it's so obviouse, but not on theres.
This is why IMO a percentage of system cost is a valid method of budgeting cords and tweeks. A $3000 cord on a $50,000 system will make a proportional effect as a $300 on a $5,000. {of course this is an generalization, not a fact} I think it would be very valuable if tweeks were talked about with the system so people could understand if the discussion is relavent to them. It may well explain the strong opposing views. Good thoughts Elizabeth.
lak's avatar
lak
3,516 posts
 
Using a good revealing system I have heard various improvements in sound depending upon what I change. The most significant change was when I installed dedicated AC power from a sub circuit panel. Of course different interconnects, speaker cables, digital cable, power cords, isolation cones, (etc) change the entire chemistry of everything, as does changing tubes on a preamp or amp. My bottom line is experiment, and be your own independent listener. Make changes based upon what sound you perfer. I think everything colors sound (some more than others). What you like is what you should strive for (in my opinion).
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
My rig is pretty darned revealing (a little too much so) which seems to make it more responsive to tweaks, as-said above. I'm actually trying to tone it down a bit now, somewhat less resolution = greater musicality, to my ears anyway.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Elizabeth; interesting thread. One of the things that intrigues, and keeps my interest in high end audio, is that it's highly unlikely that any two individual's stereo systems, IN THE ENTIRE WORLD, are the same. I have used McCormack amps for years, and some time ago I asked Steve McCormack if he could recommend a power cord for my DNA-2DX amp. He said he had been doing quite a bit of experimenting with PCs, and recommended a $200. cord by API. I tried it on my amp and it was terrible-- it created a huge, unnatural, forward, bloomy soundstage. Is that what it did on his amps? I doubt it, but don't know. His system is totally unique and so is mine, so is yours, and so is everyone elses. So, a tweak that works great in my system, may be terrible, or do nothing in yours. But sometimes tweaks do translate well, and I'm open to trying those that aren't too expensive in terms of time or money. Last summer I put in a dedicated AC and ground system for my stereo room (electricians did the work), and my system became so bright I couldn't stand it. Redkiwi (Audiogon member) later informed me that with the dedicated AC system I was probably hearing the limitations of my stock AC cords. So I auditioned 7 power cords and ended up putting Synergistic Research Master Couplers on my four main components-- problem solved. The SR/MCs are neutral and dynamic in my system. BTW, the other six PCs either had their own sonic signature(s), or did nothing. Again, the unique nature of each of our "systems" is such that the success or failure of a tweak will also be unique-- IMHO. Cheers. Craig.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
.......in keeping with the "unique" theme, each of us has unique hearing and a unique taste in music. If not, we would all have the same stereo systems and music collections:>). Craig
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