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Novum Resonator Alternative

Hi Members,
In the last few years since it has appeared on the marketplace, I have been really curious about this device. Some of you may not know it by name, but it is the bronze circular device that looks a lot like a cymbal used for drums, but with a deeper profile, and an integrated brass stand.
For the average audiophile, the price is prohibitive at around $2,200.00. Based on professional reviews, and comments by actual users, I felt convinced that for whatever reasons, this device worked. For myself, it was out of the question to even consider purchasing one as it is far beyond my budget.
I want to say right here before going on that I am certain the whoever designed this device put time and thought into the size, material and profile in order to produce the desired effect/improvement.
Still, after a couple of years, it occurred to me one day that there was no harm in trying one of several types and sizes of actual drum cymbals that I have to see if they had an effect that was positive. Based on past tweaking experience, I really didn't have any doubt that there would be a sonic difference, it was more a question of good, bad or indifferent.
I am not posting this really as a review, and I have the feeling that there are likely to be hundreds of others who have already tried this. I am really just suggesting that if you are, like me, curious about the effect, you could experiment with borrowed cymbals or ones that you own, and see for yourself what you think.
In my case, I used a wooden fold-out stand that you would use to display a decorative plate, and after experimentation with a medium weight 16" crash cymbal, as well as a heavier hi-hat cymbal, I settled on the crash.
I will say that I started using it three days ago, and for me, that is not enough time for thorough analysis, but I am pleased with the effect thus far, and am leaving it where it is.
My point here is really to see if others have tried it, and if not, to encourage you to do so and reach your own conclusions. Again, in my view, it's a poor man's substitute, and if I could afford the real thing I would, but with that said, I am surprised and happy with the result in my system thus far.
128x128roxy54

Showing 8 responses by roxy54

roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Thanks to all for the interesting and informative responses.
Tom,
You certainly weren't barging in on the thread. I am honored to hear your comments , having used your products for years now.
I was especially intrigued by the idea of experimenting with others throughout the room, since I had given consideration to that. The idea of suspending them from the ceiling was also interesting, since I look at the original Novum design and wonder how the attached legs affect the resonance, or damp it, as grabbing a cymbal with your hand after striking it does.
The usual questions of how much is too much and optimal placement apply here, and
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Thanks to all for the interesting and informative responses.
Tom,
You certainly weren't barging in on the thread. I am honored to hear your comments , having used your products for years now.
I was especially intrigued by the idea of experimenting with others throughout the room, since I had given consideration to that. The idea of suspending them from the ceiling was also interesting, since I look at the original Novum design and wonder how the attached legs affect the resonance, or damp it, as grabbing a cymbal with your hand after striking it does.
The usual questions of how much is too much and optimal placement apply here, and I was wondering about using one on the inside edge of each of my speakers near the midrange horn.
I also need to do much more experimentation on the distance of a centrally placed cymbal on a stand from the back wall, and at the present time, the stand can only sit on top of my CD transport which is probably higher than optimal, but again, I'm in no way qualified to say that.
What I can say is that there is definitely an audible difference to my ears, and that difference seems positive so far, so I am going to try some more experimentation. The idea of putting the two hi-hat cymbals together is a good one, and I'll try it. I'm also curious about trying them on side wall first reflection points, or back corners as you were suggesting Tom.
It's an interesting subject for sure, and I'm still interested in the experiences of others.
Thanks, John
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Sorry for the partial post that went up first; I don't know what happened. I looked up at the screen, and it said your comment has been posted. That has never happened before, but the window was still opened to continue writing, so I finished it. Strange...
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Brief update:
I spent 5 days off and on experimenting with single and multiple drum cymbals in in between the speakers, at first reflection points on the sides, and behind me. I even put one at the exact height of the center horn on my speakers in between them, on a cymbal stand with the bottom of the cymbal facing my listening position.
My conclusion was that the very first thing I tried was the best. That is a 16" medium crash cymbal sitting on a wooden plate display holder on top of my CD transport, which is far higher than you would think would be its most effective position. It is 59" from the floor to the center of the cymbal, while the distance from the floor to the center of the horn on my speakers is 35".
In this position, there is a very noticeable effect, but it's hard to describe. I would first describe it as more presence, but it goes beyond that. There is no sense of ringing or overhang, quite the opposite. Things seem smooth, but more focused. I still can't really put my finger on the description of the effect, but it is very positive for me, and I am leaving the cymbal in place. I will say that the effect is plain enough to make it audible from another adjacent room.
I want to state again that I don't think that this is a drop-in replacement for the Novum Resonator, although I have never heard one, I'm sure it's probably much better. Still, it was nice to find out that something that costs a small fraction of the Novum is also effective in improving the sound of my system.
I think if you have a friend who can loan you a cymbal, you should try it. I want to mention that I also experimented with single and doubled hi-hat cymbals, which were smaller but heavier, and the effect was not as pronounced or as pleasing. I did not try a large ride cymbal.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Zd542,
That would be a little hard to fit in my room, but they are pretty cool. I wonder what that would sound like.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
That is not the case at all Zd. If you have not tried it yourself, your theory is just that, a theory.
I don't claim to know how it works, but the effect is not like cupped hands or moving toward the back wall, as I've done both.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Zd,
I think it is a shame that you respond to so many posts the way that you do. There are times when your responses are clear, helpful and well informed.
Unfortunately, as in this case, they are sometimes a blend of 80% unsupported opinion, and 20% rancor.
It is fairly clear that neither of us have much in the way of facts, and I have admitted that, but as someone who is using the cymbal, I have told you that it is not the same as cupped hands; and it is not just a matter of degree as you say.
And no, it isn't pretty obvious. They do certainly fall ino the category of room tuning devices as you say, but that is still not remotely close to cupping your hands in back of your ears, which is really amplifying the sound at it's destination, which is quite different.
The point of my posts on this subject was simply to encourage other members to give it a try, and see what they think about the result; not to argue the cause of the effect.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,651 posts
 
Never mind. I guess it's hard to make sense when you're always angry.
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