I now have 4 Omegas in my system, that has also been extensively treated with TC. I have one on my main power panel, and one each under my CD Transport, DAC & Amp. It's hard to describe the extensive positive impact they have had. I think the best way to say it is, while listening, I frequently find myself thinking (or even exclaiming out loud); “That sounds so real!” This happens with a wide variety of instruments & vocals, across a wide variety of recordings and musical genres.
The increase in engagement with, and enjoyment of, the music has brought many a smile to my face 😁
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I’ll try to further clarify my impressions of the the Omega mats in my system: They certainly bring a substantial increase in resolution, transparency and clarity. What makes them so remarkable, though, is that this doesn't come at the expense of the life, energy and vitality of the music. Often, it seems, one of these sets of attributes is traded off for the other. If you've been in this hobby for a while, you've probably heard a system that has plenty of resolution, transparency and clarity, but is lacking in life, energy and vitality (or maybe vice versa). Having both at the same time, which, IMO, is the ultimate goal, can be quite elusive. The addition of the Omega mats has greatly enhanced my system's ability to play music with both sets of attributes. |
ronrags,
I agree with Frank that the power panel is where I would start first. This will have a positive effect on all your components, rather than targeting just one. I would then put one under whichever source component(s) you use the most. If, like me, you listen to CDs, and have a separate transport & DAC, I would put one under the transport first, and then the DAC.
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As far as similar products, I had 6 Bybee iQSEs in my system previously. Although they did provide some sonic benefit, it was minor compared to what the the Omega mats are doing.
The Omega mat is obviously more expensive than the iQSE. However, if I was forced to choose between 5 iQSEs and one Omega (same price), I would definitely take the one Omega. |
DO NOT put anything inside the panel!!! Attach the Omega to the OUTSIDE of the panel. On the inside of the door of a breaker box is okay, but NEVER open up the panel unless you are a qualified electrician and know exactly what you are doing!
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I’m all for experimenting and trying different placements, but you also need to pick a place (or places) and leave the mat there for a full two weeks, to really see what it can do. |
t_ramey,
Not really sure sure about that, I haven’t moved mine around enough. I’ve just picked places and left them there. |
That wonderful relaxed quality to the music, which Frank spoke of in his original review, is something that takes time to develop with the Omega. It is well worth the wait! 😁
I know that after two weeks of the mat staying in one place it gets really good. Who knows, it may continue to get even better after that? |
How do these mats differ from Bybee QSE's and IQSE's?
They’re much more effective.
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All four mats in my system have been in place for 14+ days, and that relaxed quality is in full bloom. It's like the icing on the cake of the other benefits they bring. I don't want to be without it, that's for sure.
My approach to placement was to simply pick the spots I thought were likely to provide the most benefit, and leave them there. The nice thing, though, is that one could experiment with placement for a week, then leave it/them in place for two weeks, and still be well within the 30 day return period.
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“The claim that they employ two different and mutually incompatible technologies requires robust investigation.”
So you plan to purchase a mat, in order to conduct this investigation, and share your results with us?
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aniwolfe,
I think mainly because air vents are usually on top of components. If you are not blocking ventilation, on top should work fine. |
ozzy,
I would try either on your main power panel, or underneath a front end component (CD Player/Transport). You should hear significant improvements within the first 24 hours, but two weeks will show you what it is really capable of. You may experience some temporary break-in anomalies in the bass and treble during the two weeks.
I hit two weeks yesterday, and that wonderful relaxed quality has really come into bloom today. The difference between yesterday and today is readily apparent, and quite remarkable.
As far as the Bybees (and other similar tweaks) it would be good to remove them, just so your results are not skewed by any negative interaction. |
sbayne,
The magnetic mats are on top of your server? I'm just wondering if the improvements you are hearing could be due to them dampening vibration, rather than the magnets?
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My understanding is that the magnet on the mat is relatively weak, so the field it produces is not strong enough, and does not extend far enough, to have much influence on anything.
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Has anyone tried the mats withs your speakers? If so, how did you place them, and what were the results? Obviously you need two. |
Put mats on top of my Audio Note AN-E speakers earlier this afternoon, with very promising initial results. Can't wait to get two weeks on them!
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If I could choose only one place to put a mat, it would be the power panel/breaker box, as this will benefit all components (as well as your TV and any other A/V devices plugged into the AC), rather than targeting just one specifically. |
I am very happy so far with the results of placing mats on top of my speakers 😃 More transparency, clarity, air, reverb & decay, realism, life, energy, palpability and engagement with the music. |
Might I suggest that sbayne start another thread about his experiments with magnetic mats?
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grannyring,
It just seems to me that this subtopic has generated enough interest to be worthy of the spotlight of it’s own thread. |
“Yea, I’ve never seen a product where you are discouraged to take a picture of it, let alone there is some taboo against cutting it open to see if its a plain old piece of magnetic backed foam rubber that the seller is claiming magic properties to or a scientific breakthrough worthy of merit“
You are purposefully distorting Tim’s response to a question, in order to stir up controversy. He said that a mat that is cut up will not be eligible for a refund under the 30 day return policy. Perfectly reasonable.
Obviously, I, or anyone else who purchases a product, am free to take pictures of it, cut it up, or do whatever else I want to with it.
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“tommylion- I wonder how E-Mats work on speakers? I didn't think that would be an appropriate application. On my 5'6", 7 driver speakers, the drivers are located up to 5' down, the speaker terminals 5' down and the crossover about mid-way down.
How strong is the E-Mats affect on a speaker that size? Would six stacked E-Mats be more effective on a speaker? Would an E-Mat be effective covering speaker terminals?”
fleschler,
I really have no idea how the mats work with speakers, but I continue to be delighted with the improvements they bring. I am really looking forward to getting two weeks on them.
My AN speakers are two ways on stands, around 4 1/2’ total height. I have the mats on top of them, long side front to back. The tweeter, woofer and crossover are all no more than 18” below the mat. As I understand it from Tim, the effect of the mat extends vertically above and below it. How far, I'm not sure? This is all new to me, sorry I can't be more help with your questions. Obviously, Tim would be the one to ask.
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2channel8,
They are available here on audiogon, listed under tweaks.
My experience has been that there is low level noise mixed in with the music signal (even when you have “clean” power), which you only notice when it is no longer there.
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“ @fleschler As one who has not tried any of Mr. Mrock’s products, the fanboys here do present as a "cult-like" group. For those who are citizens of the USA, the first amendment, as far as I know, has not been repealed! Participants here can read a post like the one from tlong1958 and assess it from their perspective.” It always makes me laugh when someone evokes the first amendment in regard to posts on forums. No one has the legal right to say whatever they want on this forum. Speech is limited by the rules laid down by the owners/administrators of the forum. As far as tlong1958’s post, I reported it because I thought it was in violation of forum rules. Apparently, the moderators agreed with me, because the post was deleted. |
I know you’re being sarcastic, but I don’t have any authority to enforce the rules. Nor do you.
You seem to think that anything and everything should be tolerated in the name of “openness”. Sorry, I don’t subscribe to that philosophy. I’m glad those in authority here don’t either. |
fleschler,
I notice the same thing with some of the early stereo jazz recordings (Cannonball Adderley’s Somethin’ Else, for example). I suspect it is in the recording(s), or possibly the mastering.
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fleschler,
I don’t have a definitive answer for you, as I haven’t tried magnetic mats with the Omega. However, since Tim has clearly stated that the magnet has nothing to do with the effect, but is simply there for convenience of placement, I doubt additional magnets would enhance it. If anything, I think they would be more likely to be detrimental.
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Wow! I've had the mats on my speakers for eight days now. The musicians/singers are as solidly “there” as I've ever heard through a system! 😃
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Frank,
They’re on the top of the speakers, long ways front to back. The tweeters, woofers and crossovers are all within 18” below them, an advantage of a simple two-way design. My Audio Note Es are based on the Snell Es, if you’re familiar with them. |
barbapapa,
I had a Bybee iQSE inside my Core Power Technologies Equi=Core 300 power unit and the sound definitely improved when I removed it.
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ozzy,
I removed the Bybee from inside the Core Tech. I don’t currently have a mat on, or under, the unit, but I think it’s a good candidate for one.
The Bybee was the last one in my system, I had sort of forgotten about it. After removing it, I realized that it was adding a “dark” coloration. I definitely prefer the sound without it.
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jay23,
Wow, your insight about a product you have zero experience with is truly amazing 🙄 |
jay23,
Although I do question your ability to reach conclusions about what effect the mat has on sound quality, given your lack of experience with it, my reply was rather snarky.
I apologize for that.
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You guys are moaning and complaining like Tim has absolute control over who posts on this thread and what they can and can’t say 🙄
And yet...your posts are still here. |
I was mainly referring to amg56’s post: “It is a shame that this sort of "product" thread accepts any opinion that is of gushing gratitude only. If an individual states a less than the expected experience, or asks the wrong question, that person is singled out (by many, no, make that nearly all), and vilified on this supposed open forum. You can say what you like, as long as it conforms with the positive and glowing comments expected. You call this "freedom of the press"? Only on your terms...” Makes it sound like Tim has hired a bunch of thugs to beat up anyone who dares to say anything he doesn’t approve of. |
hifiman5,
If this thread were really one big advertisement, do you think posts like yours would be here?
Tim is allowed to post what he wants here, within the boundaries of forum rules (I believe there are some extra ones because he is a manufacturer?), and you are allowed to post what you want in response. Again, within the boundaries of forum rules.
Seems to me like things are working the way they’re supposed to.
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“No, Tim just wants those who aren’t gushing about his product to pm him instead of posting anything he doesn’t approve of. You know, that thing he said in all caps right under his snarky answer to @jetter....”
“TO ALL THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED E MATS
IF YOU ARE NOT TOTALLY HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL ME.”
Wow, he’s asking customers to contact him so that he can provide customer service. You know, answer questions, offer tips on how to use the product most effectively etc. Maybe even refund their money.
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“The issue here is that this forum is open to all comments, be they gushingly positive, neutral or not positive. An advertiser using this forum as a sole distribution point does not want perceived negative comments out to be seen in the open. You either restrict the comments and free speech to only positive of a product or allow all sides comment. (I am not insinuating anything of the product that this thread represents, just the ability to comment sensibly on whatever the subject is)” amg56, No one is banning or deleting, negative comments about the mat from you, or anyone else. You, or anyone else, have the freedom to post what you want (within forum rules) on this thread. The flip side is that others can excercise that same freedom and respond to your post. You seem to want to have your freedom to post, but restrict the freedom of others to respond. |
lak,
I know it can be tough for impatient audiophiles like me, but if you leave the mat on your DAC for two weeks, I believe you will fully experience & understand what I, and others, have been talking about. I’m not saying it takes two weeks to hear ANY improvement (as you know), but it gets substantially better over that time (From fleschler’s comments, maybe even beyond?).
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Frank,
So you've heard additional improvement with the mat after three weeks in one place? That's good to know. If someone gets a mat to evaluate under the 30 day return policy, I would recommend picking a spot for it right away, and leaving it there undisturbed for at least two weeks. After two weeks in a well chosen place, it should be pretty clear whether it’s a keeper or not 😉
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It’s two weeks today since I put Omega Mats on top of my speakers. The richness, fullness and emotional impact of the music I’m listening to this morning is rather overwhelming. Isn’t that what this hobby is really all about? When the response to a product is overwhelmingly positive, the simplest, most obvious, explanation is that it is an exceptionally good product. In my experience, that is the case with the Omega Mat. The only way to know for sure is to try it yourself, in your own system. |
shadorne,
We are all happy for you that, as you keep telling us ad nauseam, you have found equipment that was designed and built to account for every conceivable factor that could negatively impact sound quality, and therefore cannot possibly benefit from any tweaks.
The rest of us have had trouble finding these mythical components, and surely couldn’t afford them, even if we did. Please give it a rest. |
shadorne is a broken record (or skipping CD for younger folks). Anytime there’s a thread about any kind of tweak, he will show up, trash peoples equipment, and say everyone should just get gear like his, that is so well built and designed it doesn’t need “bandaids”, and will certainly not benefit from any tweak. He never actually tells us what he has, though.
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Okay, so he has a good system, and he doesn’t think it needs any tweaks. Why does he feel the need to go around all the time trashing other people’s systems and saying that on tweak threads, then? Is he trying to convince himself of something?
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“I have an alternative theory concerning the Omega E-Mat effect. It’s possible that the E-Mat orients electrons or other fields in a more efficient configuration. It takes time to orient the configuration and it takes time for disoriention to reoccur when E-Mats are removed. Only Tim Mrock knows if this is the way it works.
Anyone have other theories? Anyone like my theory?”
My theory is that it makes a quantum connection, across space/time, with the original musical event(s) 😉
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“@tommylion
When someone has enough experience with audio, information can be gleaned from reviews. I have paid attention to all of the reviews. They all form together to make an educated opinion of what the mat does and does not do. The statement I quoted just put the nail in coffin as empirical data to my theories. You’re welcome to enjoy whatever the heck you want.”
jay23,
I have no idea what you’re saying?
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“I am not "putting down" something I know little about. Is the mat that could be appraised by a mag such as Stereophile? It seems that much of the knowledge and experience is word of mouth and perhaps a lot of audiophiles out in the world are missing out?”
amg56,
It is my understanding that Stereophile and TAS (maybe other mags as well?) have a policy that in order for them to review a product, the manufacturer must have a network of dealers. This means that companies who sell their products direct, not through dealers, can never get a review, no matter how effective and/or popular their products may be.
An example of this would be Herbie’s Audio Lab. They have been making excellent, effective vibration control products (tube dampers, footers etc.) for many years. However, because they sell direct, none of their products have ever been reviewed in Stereophile or TAS.
As you know, when dealers get involved, you have substantial markups. This means higher prices. How many wonderful, reasonably priced, audio products are not as well known as they should be, because of those two magazine’s policies? |
djones51,
You have no idea what Tim has done, is doing, or will do in the future. He is a smart guy, and I would be extremely surprised if he was foolish enough to reveal any of that on a public forum. You're basically throwing around a bunch of wild, uninformed, speculation. What is your point/purpose in doing so?
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