Over the good part of this past year I’ve been beta testing a new tweak, the name of which is "Total Contact." Its a hi-bred graphene contact enhancer that is different from all other contact enhancers that have come and gone for one reason or another. I’m not new to these contact enhancers, having had quite a bit of experience with a product developed by the late Brian Kyle and his "Quick Silver" contact enhancer. The "Total Contact" is different ... a LOT different.
"Total Contact" is graphene based and is not a vibration control. It eliminates micro-arching between two contacts. Micro-arching, much like Micro-vibration smears the sound in our stereo systems. Its the type of distortion that we don’t know is there .... until we eliminate it. There is no break-in as we know it. The sound is improved right off the bat, but what you hear is only a smidgen of what’s to come.
I tested three generations of "TC," each of which was an improvement over the previous incarnation. The final mix was cryogenitically treated and made for a more effective, much smoother application. It comes in a large hypodermic needle type plunger containing 1.5 ml of product and includes a instructional DVD and an application brush.
The application should be applied with a very thin coat to all of your electrical connections .... from your cartridge pins to your power cords. I did my entire system, including the ends of my fuses.
Upon initial application, you will notice an improvement in clarity, correctness of tonal balance and a more overall organic sound. But ... that is just scratching the surface of what this magic paste does. As it cures, the improvements become more apparent. Much more!
There are two real break-through events that happen almost to the day with "Total Contact," one at four weeks and another at eight weeks . At four weeks, you’ll get a real jump in clarity and overall improvement. That’s only a taste though of what’s to come at eight weeks. At eight weeks your system’s focus will make a jump in SQ that is so real - its surreal.
After 40 years in the hobby, and a total tweak nut, I have never heard anything that does what this graphene paste does. The see-through clarity at eight weeks becomes simply amazing. The "paste" eventually cures into a kind of polymer plastic and it seems that the sound improves with each listening session. So, its important that you leave your contacts alone for the duration. If you’re the type of person that continually switches wires in and out, you’ll have to re paste until enough time has elapsed to get "the cure."
The only problem I had was with the first batch and that had to do with shorting out a tube pin in the line stage. Use the "TC" very sparingly on tube pins, if at all. I only had problems with the line stage tube pins. The Amp, CD Player and Phono Stage has had no tube pin problems at all.
Tim Mrock, one of our fellow A’goners, is the developer of the product. Its taken Tim 15 years and several patents to get it right. Tim has "pasted" every electrical contact he can find in his audio system, all of the switches in his circuit breaker box, every contact in his car ... and has used it in commercial applications such as hospital circuit breakers, surgical lights ... and other places where efficiency and long life of electrical components are deemed important.
This product is highly recommended to anyone who truly wants to get the most out of his/her audio systems. There’s enough product in each tube to do at least two audio systems as it just takes a very thin coat on each application to be effective. The last tube was enough to do my system twice and then a friend’s system this past weekend.
Frank
PS: There were a couple of other A’goner beta testers of this product as well. Hopefully, they will chime in here with their experiences for comparison. I "pasted" both of Steve Fleschler’s systems a few days ago, perhaps he will comment on his results too. We forgot to paste Steve’s power cords though, so there’s a lot more to be had from Steve’s two fantastic systems.
According to the quantum mechanics, regardless of whether the particle energy is higher than the barrier, there is a certain probability through the barrier, while the particles also have a certain probability pass barrier. However, the electrons in graphene are tunneled through the barrier at a probability of 100%. During this phenomenon, the electrons of graphene exhibit the properties of massless particles and are not bounced or reflected because of the presence of the barrier"
"
1.3.2. Ballistic transport
The electrons in graphene hardly encounter scattering during transport. Because the electrons in graphene can move like particles of zero mass, the electrons propagate at a rate faster than any known conductor at room temperature. The electrons in graphene do not scattering, due to lattice defects or extraneous electrons when moving in orbit; therefore, the average free path of electrons in graphene can reach 1 μm, and the average free path of electrons in the general material is in the nanometer range [32,33]. Fig. 5 shows the ballistic transport of graphene."
"
1.3. Electronic property of graphene
There are three σ bonds in each lattice of graphene. The p orbitals of all carbon atoms are perpendicular to the hybridization plane of sp2 and form a delocalized π bond in a shoulder-by-side fashion, which runs through the whole graphene [11–14]. π electrons are free to move in the plane; therefore, graphene has a good conductivity, thus, at room temperature, it exhibits semi-integer quantum Hall effect, bipolar electric field effect, superconductivity,"
And might I say, if anyone can’t concede that there might be a possible link between the above properties in Graphene (anti-corrosive, high conductivity interface) and how it might conceivably improve performance of connections in HIFI then they are being disingenuous to the extreme. As forthe comment about just joining in (and I guess in a sideways manner asking me to butt out). I joined Audiogon about 3 months ago (I think). I had to chime in to this discussion to due to the nature of the comments being made.
^^ "During this phenomenon, the electrons of graphene exhibit the properties of massless particles and are not bounced or reflected because of the presence of the barrier"
^^
Because the electrons in graphene can move like particles of zero mass, the electrons propagate at a rate faster than any known conductor at room temperature. The electrons in graphene do not scattering ..."
^^
electrons are free to move in the plane; therefore, graphene has a good conductivity, thus, at room temperature, it exhibits semi-integer quantum Hall effect, bipolar electric field effect, superconductivity,"
^^ Is this why micro arcing is reduced or eliminated?
And then this:
" As an anti-corrosion agent - Graphene is hydrophobic and can offer very high levels of anti-corrosive protection"
^^ So, no need to clean Constant Contact off and reapply periodically.
And finally:
"
Conductivity of correct mixtures of Graphene paste increases over time and offers a high gauge factor:"
^^ This could explain the 4 week and 8 week breakthroughs. Maybe Tim would chime in here.
" The researchers say that coating the copper with one-layer graphene sheets increased heat conducting properties up to 24%. They say that this method could be used to built better hybrid copper – graphene interconnects for electronic chips. The researchers explain that the improvement is the result of changes in copper’s nano- and microstructure, not from graphene’s action as an additional heat conducting channel."
So, when WE apply it to our connections, are we in effect eliminating the copper in the connections and replacing it with graphene?
Gents, I am not familiar with the Total Contact product as you know and the comments I made above are in response to those who have scoffed at Graphene as a viable technology and asked me to back up my comments about the research being done into Graphene. I have no idea about the composition of the Total Contact product so I can’t offer any opinion either way about how it might function. I am also not well versed on micro-arc(h)ing in relation to low-voltage applications though I believe it can exist at some measurable level - I have no idea whether it’s elimination would be "audible" in a HIFI chain. I simply wanted to interject with some facts. i note that when people of a certain disposition make scoffing remarks in these sorts of discussions, when one presents them with facts they either scurry off to another thread or introduce some new argument to deflect what they are being presented with. Let's wait and see.
[" The researchers say that coating the copper with one-layer graphene sheets increased heat conducting properties up to 24%. They say that this method could be used to built better hybrid copper – graphene interconnects for electronic chips. The researchers explain that the improvement is the result of changes in copper’s nano- and microstructure, not from graphene’s action as an additional heat conducting channel."
So, when WE apply it to our connections, are we in effect eliminating the copper in the connections and replacing it with graphene?"]
My take on it is that if properly formulated and applied then the Graphene will form a highly stable, hydrophobic, highly conductive interface between the copper (or whatever the conductive interfaces are).
The basic assumption that makes this tweak viable is that there is not adequate electricity/signal reaching the equipment due to a loss from micro arching. Stated another way, that the designers of our equipment did not ensure that the full amount of power/signal was being delivered to our gear to ensure proper operation, that our power cords, fuses, rca and xlrs, and speaker cables and their connectors are so complicated and under designed to perform their intended function 100%?
It is common knowledge that the RCA is not an especially well designed connector, but it is the standard that designers are stuck with, if they want to be compatible with other equipment.
jetter The basic assumption that makes this tweak viable is that there is not adequate electricity/signal reaching the equipment due to a loss from micro arching. Stated another way, that the designers of our equipment did not ensure that the full amount of power/signal was being delivered to our gear to ensure proper operation, that our power cords, fuses, rca and xlrs, and speaker cables and their connectors are so complicated and under designed to perform their intended function 100%?
>>>>>>Huh? What? That’s NOT the basic assumption at all! That is actually a perfect example of a Strawman argument - ranting about a false assumption, or a made up assumption. Nobody ever said micro arcing results in a loss of power. Nor does it. What micro arcing does result in is noise and distortion. That’s why all electrical connections in the house - including non audio connections - should be cleaned, at a minimum, to reduce noise and distortion. So, technically, it’s the Signal to Noise plus Distortion ratio that is affected. The power delivered to the gear is adequate even when the SNR Is relatively low. But micro arcing is not the whole story as higher conductivity of the connection is important as well, no? which is why Silver, Gold and Graphene are used in the first place.
There’s no substitute for high SNR. - old audiophile saw
tommylion It is common knowledge that the RCA is not an especially well designed connector, but it is the standard that designers are stuck with, if they want to be compatible with other equipment.
>>>>While that might be true, there are many other electrical contacts that are not RCA. To whit, fuses, audio power cord plug into wall outlet, EIC connector, refrigerator and other appliance power cords, light bulbs, ribbon cable connectors - I dare anybody!😀 - circuit breakers, headphone connections, tube pins, batteries, TV connection to power cord. Did I miss any?
pop quiz: Has anyone tried painting solder connections in electronics with the Graphene stuff, you know, just for grins? 😛
With the winter storm coming thru I will take this time to treat my dac including pins and solder connections. Will get back and post to this thread. Tom
@theaudiotweak I look forward to hearing the results of that. It will be interesting to find out if you hear a difference right away or if it takes the aforementioned eight weeks to realize TC's total impact?
>>>>>>Huh? What? That’s NOT the basic assumption at all! That is actually a perfect example of a Strawman argument - ranting about a false assumption, or a made up assumption. Nobody ever said micro arcing results in a loss of power. Nor does it. What micro arcing does result in is noise and distortion.
Oh right, when the power or signal passes from one connection to another it makes little sparks and sparky noises that you can hear (either at the connection or through speakers). I can see how cleaning a dirty connection could improve things, but it takes a true tweaker to buy and swallow sparky medicine.
@geoffkait Nobody ever said micro arcing results in a loss of power. Nor does it.
Actually it does. easily measured with a lithium battery, a ESC, and a brush less in runner or out runner motor. However that pertains to a different hobby.
Actually,when Frank hit the 4th week he called me right up very excited. At that point there was no way it could improve anymore he felt. I assured him that as good as the 4th week was, it was a taste of what was coming.
8th week to the day, phone rang and Frank was a very happy camper. The 8th week must be experienced, no amount of words can convey what takes place.
<"Total Contact." Its a hi-bred graphene contact enhancer that is different from all other contact enhancers
The "Total Contact" is different ... a LOT different.
"Total Contact" is graphene based and is not a vibration control. It eliminates micro-arching between two contacts. Micro-arching, much like Micro-vibration smears the sound in our stereo systems. Its the type of distortion that we don’t know is there .... until we eliminate it.
I tested three generations of "TC," each of which was an improvement over the previous incarnation.
The final mix was cryogenitically treated and made for a more effective, much smoother application.
There are two real break-through events that happen almost to the day with "Total Contact," one at four weeks and another at eight weeks.
At four weeks, you’ll get a real jump in clarity and overall improvement. That’s only a taste though of what’s to come at eight weeks.
At eight weeks your system’s focus will make a jump in SQ that is so real - its surreal.
Tim Mrock, one of our fellow A’goners, is the developer of the product. Its taken Tim 15 years and several patents to get it right.>
All good stuff so far but then comes..
<A 1.5mil tube with applicator brush and DVD will retail for $299.99. Buy it ... like the SR Blue fuses, its a real winner.>
For a product which has no science behind it whatsoever? And even less consumer protection? What are we dealing with apart from a bunch of empty slogans that could have been taken out of any marketing handbook.
The quotidian fluctuations in power delivered at the wall far outweigh and swamp any power fluctuations resulting from micro-arcing in audio system electrical connections. if indeed there any, which I actually think there probably aren’t. Besides audio electronics are designed to account for fluctuations in power. So, cut me some slack, Jack!
The claims for this pseudo-product have reached such a high level of lunacy that, though it keeps me chuckling, I’ve just run out of interest. And I just don't need the extra 20 emails a day.
Most here will not be unhappy to see me go...also, unlike a few here, I just have other interests in life beyond Audiogon.
I actually don’t feel the same way. I welcome dissenters, whether they’re sincere or not. After all sometimes you can’t tell the trolls from the shills without a scorecard. Or the real skeptics from the pseudo skeptics. And sometimes, there’s a very thin line between science and pseudo science, between physics and metaphysics.
[
Does it cure warts? ] No, you're on your own with that one.
[Does it unblock drains?] No, use Draino.
[What about Erudite Disfunction?] That's a potentially embarrassing ailment and you should consult a medical specialist rather than seeking help of an audio forum.
[Surely this magic substance does so much more? How many weeks to cure cancer?] No, it can't - but I don't remember that claim being made on this thread.
[The claims for this pseudo-product have reached such a high level of lunacy that, though it keeps me chuckling, I’ve just run out of interest. And I just don’t need the extra 20 emails a day.
Most here will not be unhappy to see me go...also, unlike a few here, I just have other interests in life beyond Audiogon.
Adios compadres!! ]
What "new level of lunacy"? The one where I presented evidence of the science behind Graphene? Scurry off now!
Randy-11 [
but he said micro-arching, not micro-arcing
maybe he likes keystones]
So your response in the face of the the linked articles and ongoing discussion is to pick holes in a spelling mistake? Can you actually contribute anything of any value to this thread?
”On the 8th week to the day, phone rang and Frank was a very happy camper. The 8th week must be experienced, no amount of words can convey what takes place.”
No amount of words? Not even the compete works of William Shakespeare? 😛
”On the 8th week to the day, phone rang and Frank was a very happy camper. The 8th week must be experienced, no amount of words can convey what takes place.”
And on the 9th week he saw it was good and rested well satisfied with his work.
Hey deep, the fact that you are putting your vastly superior intellectual abilities to use discussing the merits of "sparky tonic" kind of indicates that maybe you are taking this all a little too seriously. There are plenty of us who use our writing and reasoning skills in real jobs and don’t have the need to research and write long winded dossiers about tweaks in our time off. But, I will look forward to reading your well thought out, grammatically correct review of this product after you purchase it and wait the required two months for it to activate and start working.
Also, deep, the fact is that all 16 of your posts since joining A'gon are defending this product from us naysayers. Do you have a financial or other interest in it, or just really jazzed by graphene?
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