any + experience with CD disc modification ?


anyone have evidence or blind testing positive experience with disc modifying tweaks like black markers and machines that true the disc to reduce vibration?
thanks
idguy
try the millenium carbon disc, I found it worthwhile and a step up from Herbies black hole, cost a lot more though
An inexpensive alternative to Stoplight CD markers is to purchase a water-based acrylic marking pen at an art supply store in your choice of colors for about $4.00. Same thing, lots cheaper.
I have done extensive testing with many different tweeks through the years and have come to the conclusion that some work extremely well, some marginally so and some with trade-offs that are not worth the effort. Top shelf tweeks include the following:

* AudioDesk Lathe Treatment with Marker Edge
* Bedini Ultra Clarifier preferably the 4 Beam
* Densen DeMagic and/or Ayre CD (for overall system)
* Mapleshade Destat Unit
* Mapleshade Optrix (used selectively)

Beyond these there are many other system tweeks that get into bases, cones, power conditioning, etc.

I personally believe that patiently tweeking a system is indespensable to getting all the performance possible from your investment.

One tweek that I would avoid like the plague is Mapleshade Silclear. This is a product which initially provides an improvement, but then gums-up (regardless of how thin the coating) and becomes a problem downstream.
I have used the CD stoplight pens for years. This is the green pen that treats the edge of the cd to prevent light reflections within the player......

I usually buy them 2 for $35 from Music Direct and one pen will treat over 200 cds or dvds, so it ends up costing less than 10 cents per disc.

I have noticed a slight audible improvement on the same system using one treated cd and one untreated cd of the same material. Not earth shattering but an improvement.

happy listening
FWIW - I've blind tested the following tweaks with several friends and my spouse: Herbies Black Dots, freezing disks, Walker Ultra Vivid, Olde English spray polish. All listeners have noticed a difference between treated and untreated disks of the same recordings; differences we all consider positive. i.e. the listeners invariably liked the tweaked disks as do I. Incidently, I prefer the Olde English to the Walker for treating the disks. And, it's a lot cheaper - about $4 at Ace Hardware - vs $75. for the Walker Ultra Vivid.
I've also tried the green edge treatment and none of us could hear a difference.