Has there been any inexpensive item that enhanced your system's sound?


For me it was an inexpensive power cord that was laying around for years, a Pangea AC9.  I have it connected to my Yamaha A S2000.  I've tried the stock cord on the Yamaha and then some of my other cords, (Wireworld, VH Flavor 4, Acronlink/Oyaide custom cord and a MAC). I've had lots of amps and integrated amps over the years, and this is the first time the Pangea contributed to making better sound. It surprised me because I had tossed it aside and forgot about it.  Power cord performance is such a crap-shoot and dependent on so many other variables in the audio chain.  Any inexpensive item you've come across that enhanced your system's sound? 
foster_9
Well I will say, room acoustics. You'll be surprised to realize how good the improvement without changing any gears. Of course, the position of speakers plays a big part as well. :)
     The cheapest improvement to my sound is two cones of foam, mounted to the center of my two sub grill covers. They cost a negative $250, assuming I sell my Thiel, custom built Madisound, and another custom designed sub crossover I still have.
That, and time aligning the subs with the mains.
Actually Jerry, she was asking because of the age-related regulations regarding drivers licenses. It was the shock of being called elderly, and the realization that I apparently am, I guess! I still think of my self as a 39 year old, ya know?
knghifi, I will admit the outlet I replaced was a few years old and I never thought to clean the blades. Maybe I will have it reinstalled as a replacement for another outlet in my audio room after cleaning and listen for improvements.
Check the mounting bolts/screws on you woofers and sub-woofers.
Re-tighten if necessary.
Perhaps the best inexpensive item was many years ago. It ws my first power cord upgrade. My first experience was with the Nordost Shiva. My local dealer called me and said that he had something special he wanted me to hear. So I went to the store.

I ended up buying the Nordost Shiva power cord and using it on what used to be Rotel's flagship CD player, the RCD991AE. 20 bit, balanced ouputs (not fully balanced unfortunately) and adjustable dither. Even had a defeatable digital out. Immediate improvements in several areas. The music had better focus and soundstage. The bass, solid and tight. It also smoothed the top end. Great little investment. Still have the player and the power cord. 

The second cheap enhancement is the "Gutwire Notepad". Placed it over the transport of the Rotel. Also on top of preamp power supplies. I even used them on a second older system consisting of an all Audio Alchemy front end with interesting results. I've had a Notepad in my system since.

N


Before having dedicated line installed I changed my outlet to a Hubbell industrial grade receptacle. Results may very. My old one was aged and worn hardly held up an AC cord. But they were clean.

Next I had dedicated line installed. The only sonic improvement I realize was when other appliances aren't in operation sharing the line.

2" maple block with spikes under amps.

4 lb bronze bar on top of disc player with cork fasted to the underside. It can be anything weighty to keep cost down, I just happen to have some raw metal around.

Custom triple footer maple rack for sources and preamp (total cost $120)

Good results can be had by changing preout/in loops to better quality RCA connectors. Even something that won't put a big dent in your wallet should net you an improvement.

Blue Circle thingee line filters.

Mogami wire

Listen late at night and early morning.

Clear out the area between your speakers also give them enough room to play in all other direction. Some room adjustments are free but net big results in terms of sound.
meerzistar, I also use the boos butcher blocks under several of my components and have used herbies tenderfeet underneath those..
Good mention on keeping switches clean. Even before crackles rear there ugly sound and become obvious some maintenance is a good idea. I bet they hinder sq even before the crackling starts, to a certain degree. Clean and lube is a good idea too, to shorten intervals.

Has anyone realized a sonic improvement with those line pillars, hmm? I apologize the correct term for them is not on file, but they keep your lines from touching ground by suspending them a couple inches off the floor. Few search attempts lead me back here http://www.amazon.com/Holdup-Contractor-Suspenders-Patented-No-slip%C2%AE/dp/B0060KRJG2

I can see different types of flooring holding a certain amount of moisture and being a good conductor of electricity. Even dry flooring holding charges of static electricity. And depending on seasonal changes. Just a thought.

It imagine it wouldn’t be difficult to fashion some up to avoid paying large chunks of money for them.

I might have to do some experimenting. A little guidance never hurts http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/static_materials.htm#.VzX9mdQrKLp

The question up top has me curious. Because I’ve witnessed first hand what different types of interference can do, subtle or seemingly non existent before hand.

Foster yes they are great. Now if I can only find a few more deeply discounted. They have countless applications. Unless you have a good surface planer in your garage the BOOS boards are a good way to go.
agriculturist84 posts05-13-2016 5:48pm"How best do you clean an AC outlet?"

Deoxit and a pipe cleaner might work inside the receptacles. I highly recommend unhooking it first, or pulling corresponding fuse. Be sure nothing gets left behind that can cause an internal arc. Otherwise the 4th of July may come a little early. I would just replace it for some cheap insurance. Unless its one of those $100,000 units. 

I discovered another inexpensive trick. Dynamat-ing the internal sides of source covers. Avoid blocking vents. I can see some potential for improvement there.  
A lot of great feedback here. For me, the best "inexpensive" tweak that I made was buying Solid Tech Feet of Silence. They were recommended to me by a high end audio dealer who actually didn't carry them. He said they will have virtually the same performance characteristics no matter what surface I place them on. He was right- and the vibration reduction markedly improved the soundstage in my system. The better news was I was able to keep the rack I was using which I find aesthetically pleasing (high WAF) and fit my application well. So, I feel like I have the best of both worlds. 

Absolutely consider smartly placed room treatments. Even "free" ones can make a significant difference. Draping a thin tapestry over my flat screen behind my system cleaned up the musical presentation dramatically! $29! As someone wrote earlier, pay attention to first-reflection points. 

Power conditioner (the right power conditioner) and power cords also made a significant impact on my system. However, I would classify them as inexpensive tweaks. 

And don't forget why started down this path in the first place... for the love of music. Cheers!

Thanks Meerzistar.  I think replacing is the best thing as you are really suggesting I think.  I did use Deoxit on all my AC cable connectors and that was a big help.  But I have so far not tried to clean the wall socket receptacles.  And listening to what you say I won't now.  Trouble is I can't replace my receptacles in my rental apartment, so doing this may have to wait.
In the late 90’s I purchased a Naim Wiremold power strip for $60.00. 9 heavy duty outlets wired in series connected by a busbar. Solid aluminum case. No lights, no fuses, no off/on button. Basically all power, no filter and a heavy duty captive grounded power cord.

Approved by and endorsed by Naim Audio to be sold by Naim Audio distributors to be used with Naim gear. Non current limiting. Instructions were to plug the highest current draw closest to the power cord and work your way back through your system to the least. Amp, Preamp, CD, Dac....... best $60 bucks ever.

They went out of sight for a gew years but AV Options.com carries newer higher performance versions along with Cryogenic properties. Additional power Cords can be purchased as well.

If interested, Google Stereophile.com and search Naim Wiremold.

N
Ayre Irrational but Efficacious! CD. I just got it today and ran it through my system and though I don't know what the heck it does, it does it very, very well.

If you decide to get a copy, go with Elusive Disc as they have the best price and lowest shipping costs. 

All the best,
Nonoise
Having my vintage JMW tone arm and junction box rewired with Nordost Valhalla 2. The cost for labor, wire and return shipping from VPI? $150. The improvement over the original Discovery wire? Phenomenal. I laughed out loud.
Original Magic Eraser for your stylus every now and then.
Zerodust stylus cleaner.
A correctly measured for height, Herbies washer under your lps.
Machina Dynamica springs between your support structure and your favorite platform for any of your electronics.
I've also found the Maestro outlets superior to the Porter Ports.
Cleaning your electrical contacts.

Tightening your speaker driver screws.
Spending time positioning your speakers.
Schumann Resonance Generators
Isotek Full System Enhancer and Rejuvenation Disc
Bags of lead shot on top of subwoofer
Herbie's Tenderfeet and Big Fat Dots

All of the above have provided worthwhile results for not a ton of money.
I would say replacing the hyped over priced power cords and other cables replacing them with Signal Cable silver wire

,.As some know wire makes a notable difference however for others all it takes is a number of good reviews ,......Signal Cable , one of the very best deals in this hobby,.

Making sure all of one's cables are isolated and not touching walls/floors.
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My last tweak was the Synergistic Black Quantum fuse. It went in my Mystere ca21 pre amp and just made everything better. There is literally more of everything. And it's all the good stuff.
I replaced the Pangea power cord that I praised earlier in this thread connected to my Yamaha integrated and connected another budget cord that I’ve owned for years, the iron lung jellyfish (a hospital grade cord). This cord made a huge difference to the liveliness, bass, prat, and detail of my speakers. Glad I pulled out this forgotten budget power cord.
In a few months, put that Pangea back on the Yamaha, and hey presto! another cheap - actually, free! - tweak.

Funny acastos! I have tried most of the power cords I own on the Yamaha integrated. Thought the inexpensive Pangea sounded good. In the end, the sound of my speakers became veiled, lacked transparency and a sense of air in the music. I am shocked that the cheap iron lung jellyfish solved all of that. After years of owning audio systems, I learned some things that work are unexpected and there is no accounting for them. Synergy can sometimes surprise you.
Resurrecting an old thread: 

The inexpensive JW Audio Cryo Nova speaker cables I've had for years and tried again have definitely improved the sound of my Klipsch speakers. 
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Dedicated 20 amp dedicated circuit with a Porter Port. Speaker stands made by Resonant Woods. Large Oriental rug. The rug made the biggest difference followed by the speaker stands and then the outlet. I'm going to see if a new component stand made by Resonant Woods makes a difference but not until 2020. I'm picking up my 2019 purchase on Saturday and I'm done for the year. 
Cheapest was removing the cover from my phono preamp. Opened up the sound almost metaphorically. Refitting the lid closed in the sound. And never play records with a lid on your turntable especially closed. 

Removing all magazines, newspapers and books from the abode, especially telephone books, and relegating them to the trash. I’m not hot doggin’ ya. 🌭
Adding a dedicated 20 amp line just for the music. Everywhere I've lived it's one of the first things I do. 
Carpet/Rug in-front of the speakers placed to catch and absorb floor reflection.  #10 on the Wow Factor.
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I fastened spruce boards on top of metal speaker stands cut to the size of the speaker bottoms.Sounds so much better when they are supported firmly.Cost$0.00
Like Elizabeth: Retired

My Reed Sound Level/Pressure Meter. Really helped set up my speakers to best possible position and rearrange furniture to reduce standing wave reflections.

For goeff: Quit flying Immelmans as it disturbs vestibular perception.
Freezing things in the home freezer. CDs, LPs, Blu Ray, CD players, headphones, cables, power cords, what have you.
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Hockey pucks.  OK, I don't know that they actually have any impact on sound quality, but due to space limitations, I have to stack some components in my bedroom and it helps give some breathing room between them, hopefully it will help prevent an early death from heat.