2. digital
  3. 132390-91149

Better Sound For Free!

Read about this pearl in Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound:
If you are using a CD player, try turning it off and unplugging it from the wall outlet. Wait for one minute, not any longer. His theory is that this allows the computer in the the CDP to reboot.
I would presume this should also benefit outboard DACs.
I tried it and could tell a difference the first time I did it. Everything sounded better, clearer.
 I do it weekly now, but not detecting any further gains in SQ.
Bottom line: my system sounds better. And it cost nothing. 

Tom
tomcarr

Showing 7 responses by geoffkait

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Speaking of #2 here's a free tweak. Place three 1 1/2" strips of 3/4" wide black electrical tape on the CD label in a radial pattern. This improves performance by stiffening the CD during play. 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
That’s what I’d like to know about it. 😀 For the record, for a while I used a very powerful adjustable white strobe light on CDs. Rather effective if I don’t say so myself. In fact, now that I think about it, I sell a relatively low power multi-color strobe light for CDs, CD Re-animator.

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
If you want to go live in a cave somewhere be my guest. Do you have any idea how much water is wasted every hour? Write your congressman, mayor, whatever.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
willemj
Unplugged electronics are among the major causes of domestic fires.

>>>>Seems rather unlikely. Have any evidence?

willemj
Leaving them on also wastes precious energy.

>>>>>The user is paying for the energy. And the user want to use it. Who are you to dictate how someone uses energy? What price good sound? Duh!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
The laser comes on only after you press PLAY. Would you believe I have a product that is activated by the laser when PLAY is pressed? Actually the CD is inserted into the player on the tray when PLAY is pressed, then the laser comes in when the CD is in place over the laser.

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
That’s because it’s more aerodynamic. It’s smoother so the laminar flow is better, less micro turbulence so less drag. Just kidding. 😀
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Never unplug anything. That’s my motto. It disrupts the electrical mechanical interface and that takes a few days to heal. For that reason I’m out. If I recall correctly some CD players sound better after hitting PAUSE, then hitting play again, so it’s unnecessary to unplug anything.
More to discover