High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Effect


I'm looking for some advice please.
Has anyone used/is using a High Fidelity Cables MC-0.5 Power Conditioner?
What are your observations?
I'm looking at possibly getting one.

Have a number of extras already:
- Akiko Triple AC Power Enhancer
- Akiko Audio Fuse Box Tuning Chip
- iFi AC iPurifier
- Russ Andrews 'The Silencer'
- Mad Scientist Nitro power cables
- Signal Ground Solutions Grounding Box
- Bybee iQSE

I'm not looking for comments from those who have not heard this in a system.


jerrybj
@keithtexas
How are your sources being powered? As stated, sources are the primary position for the MC.

I’ve found the top-end and mids will change many times during breakin. Each new module added to my system sounded overly detailed and I could hear changes for the better while listening.
And you should get some 3D imaging at some point.


@lowrider57 Power to sources are unfiltered, direct from the wall. I do use DIY powercords using cryo’ed Acrolink 7N 4030II cables and Oyaide P-004 terminations for both transport and dac.  MIT interconnects and speaker cables.
@keithtexas
I really believe the 0.5 will have more impact on the source receptacle. Use an adapter if you don’t have room, that’s what I’m doing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H47R36P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8z3sDbHQTM3SS

I have one on amp side, 2 on source.


Thanks lowrider. Considering getting a second unit after a little more break-in.
B-stock pricing is pretty sweet :D
I just spent the last hour with the adaptor back in place sharing two MC-0.5s with my integrated's outlet. All it took was about halfway into the second track and the odd effects I heard before were tamed down. By the third track, it was wonderfully balanced and I was getting what @lowrider57 was describing as that 3-D effect.

If I need to wait another 200 hours for it to get better, than it will be icing on the cake as it's great right now. Vocals and acoustic guitars are eerily present in the room. Mixing and recorded effects are behind them as there are now distinct planes of music before me.

I like it so much now that I may get just one more to add to the other one that feeds my SACD and ancillary equipment. I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

On an aside, after getting the first set of MC-0.5s, I also got a XLR to RCA adaptor so I could attach my Gutwire Grounding wire to the unused XLR input so I could ground my Kinki EX-M1 integrated at the circuit board. That was another step up, specifically in overall clarity. Kind of like popping your ears, though not as drastic, but still noticeable.

All the best,
Nonoise
@nonoise 
Great to hear you gave the 0.5 another chance and that it's starting to perform.

Do you use more than one 
Gutwire and have you ever tried one of the grounding blocks on the market?

@lowrider57 ,
I use one Gutiwre on my SACD player and noticed a bit of improvement. Since all of my RCA inputs were used on my integrated, I had to wait for the XLR adaptor to use it and with the MC-0.5s in place, the improvement was more than without it on the SACD side of things. 

All things not being equal and me being too lazy to try it out all ways, I'm going to believe that with the MC-0.5 in place, using the Gutwire would be more noticeable an improvement than without the MC-0.5 in place.

Also, I haven't tried any grounding blocks and simply don't have the room for any more clutter around back on my media rack. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise
Quick update - everything sounding VERY nice.  Little instrumental clues are much more clear, soundstage well delineated. Seems to enhance the space, sweetness, and silence between notes and instruments that I appreciated first with my MIT cables. Bass firmed up from initial installation, and still nice and deep.  Overall a definite winner.  I did not move the unit to the 'source' side/outlet, but will likely add another MC unit within the next couple of weeks. (Original unit is between 200 and 400 hours so far). Thumbs up !!
Put my money where my mouth is and purchased second unit today.. Will put this one on the 'digital' outlet.
I've joined the MC  club today also.It's only been plugged in for a couple of hours but already having a positive effect.Mostly by a more realistic ambiance  as others have stated.A bit of a glaze on the upper bass which everyone claims will clear up.A nice natural sound overall.Some things are leaping out of the mix in a very cool way- an aggressive pluck of a guitar string or a drum stick.Very nice!
Just bought the MC.05 Helix signature, plugged in about 4hrs now. What should I focus on hearing to see if working ? Thxs
aseaman007
The Helix signature will take a while longer than the base MC 05 to break in. The base will not sound right for a while. But once broken in a cross the board will be better. The detail will be much better, with more space between the notes. Back round  will be more noticeable and clear.
Good luck  But you will need to be patient for a while (best to leave them in place and not move them around while breaking in)
Thxs 68Pete, I read that on one post so I won't move it now. 24hrs has past now. 
Listened this morning haven't noticed anything yet. 
Tommyu it's a new Rick creation I believe from what i can remember from his convo. 
Looking forward to the change, like I told Rick I will be totally surprised since my systen sound pretty good if i especially playing 196hrz 24bit rate music. Wow, it's like a drug once you hear it.

But reading one fellows review I don't want to catch what he caught off these little drugs, 10 in his system plus a pro mc.05.... 
Let you know in the future. 🎶🎸🎷🎹🥁🎺🎻
Morning,
            I installed it in the outlet that feeds my system, I am going to get one more for my surge protector strip where all my plugs are plugged into. 
Rick's advise before I bought it. Hopefully this will give me the biggest change to the sound. 

Some posters here claim an immediate change, some say after 4days, 200hrs, 400hrs biggest change. We shall see or hear. Lol
I can think of one question, the time these posters are talking about breakin time. Are they speaking of time you play your system or time in the outlet ? 

Or do they mean the beat to the music you listen too ? Crazy mental gymnastics in this hobby. ;)
Another pt I heard you say, leave it in one place. If you change it to another powerline that makes sense, but if on the same line as your system then I would think that would not matter.
According to Rick the mc 05 leaves a lasting residual on the line after you unplug it, for a time he stated 24hrs. Food for thought.
Hello aseaman007
Break in time is the time it is used in the system with system playing. I do not move mine around, i leave them where they are  plugged in at. So the lasting residual i have no clue. I have powered my system down (unplugged from power) when i am out of town. It seams to return to full strength (good sound) with in a hour or so after being off for a couple of days. All of my system power runs through High Fidelity products.
Wow, so much for the 30 day return policy. 2hrs a day lets say.... Dangg.  That's alot of days. Lol
Well looks like a long melody to be had for breakin. 
I put mine in my power strip.
Having read lots of comments decided that was the best place for it to go.
Thxs Jerrybj, 
              I put it where Rick said it should go so I'm hoping its right, but why in the strip. Isn't the outlet feeding the surge protector strip as mine is and most people. 
I will get one more once I hear it works, with all these positive reviews I have no doubt it will work.
But I'm a big skeptic when it comes to all these types of tweaks. Fingers crossed that I get alittle difference sooner then later, I want to swim in the musical narvana like the rest of you guys....lol 

Just like some peace of mind knowing in the outlet is the best place with only one unit. 
Thxs everyone. 
Wow, so much for the 30 day return policy. 2hrs a day lets say.... Dangg. That’s alot of days. Lol
The MC-0.5 is constantly breaking in since AC is continuously flowing from your service panel into the MC.
And it’s best to leave the power conditioner or strip turned on so the magnetic field will continue through those circuits.

The system doesn’t need to powered up. AC is converted to DC by a regulator after it has entered a component.


@Lowrider57 that was my thinking, I’m not a Electrian but current is constant unless there’s a breaker in its path so it should get through into the reciever especially on standby. Which mine is set and the surge protector is live also.

I read one of your earlier posts stating your amp issue, is it fixed now. What’s changed in sound in your system since mc05 add ?
I’ve read people have 10 mc05 units in there systems, if there’s a good improvement might get one more max. It's been almost 4days I'm not sure yet, plus i have the mc05 helix signature which one guy says it takes even longer to breakin. So I'm looking forward to the improvement even more. Thxs
@68pete  That's what the residual effect is, wires will stay magnatized for a while after pulled out. How long I don't know, but you proved it when you unplugged your system for days away. When you plugged it back in it didn't take long because it had some magnatism left over in your wires. 

Ok, back to some Jethro Tull n Styx... 

@aseaman007, My information came from a conversation with Rick Schultz. The magnetic field is constant as long as there is power feeding the MC-0.5. And it travels through all connected conductors, even back to the service panel via the neutral (return) wire.

If you’re asking me why my first try with the modules didn’t work out, I now know that I didn’t give them enough breakin time. They had a harsh top-end and I was moving them to different positions.

Now, with three modules at the receptacles, I experience a lower noise floor, a layered 3D image, and a smooth top-end. Plugged into the duplexes gives me the most dramatic effect. Next, is in a power strip, and the least was in my power conditioner. Rick confirmed my findings with his research.

I’ve seen the pics of 10 MC-0.5’s being used. That was when they were first introduced, but I have to believe there is a point if diminishing returns.


Hmm, 4th day in the outlet, not sounding to good today. Weird, sounded better last 3 days.
Wonder why it does that goes from good to not so good.
But from other posts it sounds like this is normal. Any ideas why it would do that good to not so good.
aseaman, this is normal. I'm going to take a guess and say that it's due to fluctuations in the line voltage to the home and from the service panel. There are variations in voltage level, noise level, distortions in the sine wave of the AC. The magnetic field is constantly trying to align the electrons in this current and until the components in the module are fully run-in there will be inconsistencies. 

Just my take on the subject.
And 4 days is only 96 hours.  


Well that sounds as good as I could ever imagine, good explaination to me. 
True depending on draw from everything and surrounding houses i guess also has something to do with it. 
Like you and 68Pete stated patience is a virtue, something i fight with all the time. Thxs
@Giantsalami,
Well it sounds better than day 4, but I can't put my finger on what has changed exactly. But its been in now 12 days, like I told Rick my system sounded good right now. Just wish i could figure what really changed, sounds cleaner, bass is good, tight. So it's a positive but maybe my hearing isn't as good as others on this forum. Lol

I'm happy with the MC.05 Helix, signature, so another 200+ more hrs to perfection. I can't wait but hoping I can hear the difference in the sound.  Thxs
You should be hearing a wider, deeper soundstage if your speakers are set up correctly. And the image should become more focused as break-in progresses.

Yes, it's getting better now, some depth, some 3D, bass is alittle tighter even quicker. To these old ears, alittle Steely Dan, V.Morrison, guitar sounds great. 
But like I've stated it sounded good before the MC.05 Helix signature, but looking for more ear candy. I hear fully broken in at 500hrs from sales mrg. so just waiting. Q, did you hear a increase in volume little, seems my system has increase alittle from normal listening setting. Today i moved the volume up 2dbs more. Sweet
@nonoise 
              I noticed the samething in my system, i thought i was going Wuhan virus crazy. But i noticed the volume knob, same setting but louder
but it sounded so good i kicked it up a couple dbs to much got a call from office. Lol
Just enjoying some Fleetwood mac, Boston.. lol
Enjoy.
@aseaman007,
    It seems that once those digital nasties are gone, you hear more easily into the music. Turning it up only makes it more enjoyable.

All the best,
Nonoise
@nonoise to me when I turn the volume up I can hear separation of instruments in the music. Does anyone hear that too ?
It seems certain instruments have a more profound sound signature, smoother, fuller.
Or is this my mine and hearing playing tricks on me ? 
Keep on rockng peeps
aseaman007
Your hearing is not playing tricks on you. The sound just gets better across the board. With the back of the sound stage being clear tight and focused. The background vocals are much more noticeable.
@aseaman007,
68pete is right. With a clearer, cleaner perspective, you're hearing more of what was recorded. So it is more accurate, and that is what contributes to the realism.

All the best,
Nonoise
Awesome, I'm liking what I'm hearing so smooth, even with old recording not remastered. Played some old Tommy james n Shondels, The Grassroots, The Guess Who (These Eyes) .Not as crisp as the new remastered stuff but awesome compared to my system back in HS listening to the same music. Funny how I've changed over time with my music tastes. Listened to Bob Dylan.. Keep Rocking folks
Deffinitely have the 3D working now, smooth sounding voice, instruments. Sweet ear candy. Lol. 
Now I'm wondering what a second one would sound like, I find it very hard to think it could get any better then what I have playing. 
Enjoy
I've been running mine for almost a week. It started out all over the map, as people have said. Last nights session was fantastic. More detail, clarity and emotion out of it. I was sitting there thinking, Wow, I am very happy with this! I don't want to speak too early, but, this is one of best improvements to my system. I was really trying to analyse the sound and down play it, but I am VERY impressed with this. More ramblings to come...
@giantsalami, Yes it seems it takes alittle time to notice a change. You will really like your system at 400hrs like I did. I’m amazed it changed my system for the better, when I said to Rick I would be totally amazed if it changed any sound in my system. My system sounded great before MC.05 entered into my system, running horns and all.
Today marks 21days in my system.
I might get one more, will decide before end of April. Happy Listening.
@giantsalami  How's your system sounding now ? Like I stated it seems it took my system about 400hrs for me to really hear the 3D, tight bass, smooth sound in general. 
Happy Listening
@ MC.05 board, curious on the # of units in your system to where your the happiest with the sound ? Ex : 1, 2, or many ? 
Happy listening folks
aseaman007, I was so impressed the other night, I have been swapping out my other 2 monitors to hear the effect on them. So far, the Odyssey Kismets win. More listening and swapping to come. I am very intrigued by this tweek and the products they sell. We will see what more time brings.
Hi All,

Glad I found this thread. 

I bought a MC-0.5 some months ago around the same time that I bought a Isotek Evo 3 Sirius Power Bar.

I kinda started using both around the same time so it's hard to say which one had more effect.

Have a question regarding placement though.

I have 2  wall sockets and all 4 outlets among those walls sockets are taken up (one being the isotek). 

I have the MC-0.5 plugged directly into the Isotek, along with my Integrated Amp, DAC, TT, Blu-ray Player (using as a cd transport for now) and phono pre-amp (it has 6 outlets).

Is it suggestible to plug the MC-0.5 in the same wall socket as the Isotek instead of directly in the Isotek? I suppose I could make that happen if it would have a better effect.

Thanks
@Jay73, That's what I would do plug into the socket v Isotek as my convo with Rick. He's the expert on this product, but get others take on postion. Read all the posts. 
I am happy with my MC - .05 Helix Signature, can only imagine what a Pro 1 would sound like. Wow
Happy Listening
I have mine,the MC-0.5 Sig.., plugged into the same outlet that feeds my RGPC 600, which feeds my PS Audio Dectet. I will do some experimentation after break in.