Thanks Shawn re: PRAT. And Jking... don't know if I would have figured it out or not; I can be pretty dense-- but that is an important one to know. Megasam; on Tsquared's recommendation, I got a bottle of Optrix and treated two CDs that I was very familiar with. It seemed to me that the only really noticeable difference was improved smoothness, but of course you don't always want improved smoothness as dynamics are decreased as you noted. I suppose too that it is somewhat system dependent, ie if your system is a little edgy, you may want to treat just about everything. I decided that I would only use Optrix selectively. Craig
Auric Illuminator, Optrix, others
Recently bought duplicate CDs to try some CD enhancers which have been getting some outragious reviews of significant improvement in sound by improving data read off CD surface. After carefull comparison I must say I prefer untreated CD. The sound is slightly altered with treatments, usually sounding "smoother" however this was accomplished by obscuring fine musical detail, especially treble detail. I want more detail and nuance, not less. I do not have $20,000 plus systems most reviewers have, but my $7,000 system based on Musical Fidelity X-Ray is fully capable of detailed presention. Also magazines perpetuate the notion that there are many CD tweaks (CD mats, blackout pens, surface sprays etc) that you must have to improve sound.....has anyone else done careful comparison with duplicate CDs to study effects of various treatments?