Using a demagnitizer on compact Discs?


Does anyone use a "bulk" demagnetizer (like one uses to demagnetize a video tape or cassette tape)on compact discs just before playing them? Does it improve the sound of the CD? Can you describe how the sound is improved? Is the improvement signficant to you? Does the improvement warrant the cost of the demagnetizer and the time and effort to demagnetize a CD everytime you play it? I do not understand how a demagnetizer can have an effect on a compact disc (which is not magnetic) but I have been told it DOES have an effect. Thanks for your indulgence.
richmonkd2e5
Please read april 2000 issue of Stereophile, RD has review of Furutech RD-1 demag. unit, recommended component in current issue. I have used radio shack bulk demag. unit for $40, but better and more convenient is Bedini Clarifier II for $150, or go all the way for Furutech unit for $300. I use Bedini II and like the results especially on your average rock/alt recording which usually need some help, Sam
better than any magnet, put the cd's you plan to play in a pre-heated oven (350 deg. F) on a greased cookie sheet for about 2 1/2 hrs. CAUTION: this will likely melt your software, but it will give you sonically more satisfying results than you're likely to attain with eletromagnetic waves. and at a tiny fraction of the cost of a bulk eraser!
Hey,sluggo-- maybe a good power cord,for that larger oven,and jump in;then go soak your head.
If a CD disc were so perfectly engineered, that there was not a single microscopic scrap of magnetic material anywhere in its formation, I suspect that the demag would not help. That being said, I know for a fact that you CAN hear the effects of the bulk eraser and/or the other products listed above. I think the best way to answer the question is to remain open minded and try it. I did, and there is an improvement in following the demag process. It should not be hard to imagine that microscopic particles of material could be imbedded in the substrate of a CD. After all, there are no claims of 6-9's purity of the materials used in the pressing process!
I've found the process worth performing but it's effect doesn't last that long. Many reviewers Robert Hartley included mention this procedure with the bulk demagnetizer. If you check Nordost site on their ECO 3 antistat they claim improvements are obtained. On the other hand we know that cables could build electrostatic electricity..... and that insulation/jacket plays a role here .. I use a cassette head demagnetizer for exploring the posibilities of this treatment.... While doing this I applied the demagnetizer to power, cords, interconnect and speaker cables and consistently I obtain improvement in presentation of the music!!!!! go figure Don't have exact reason for this but it provides a nice improvement. My only theory is of electrostatic build up on the cables. My cables are suspended using cardboard cylinders from the uncarpeted terrazzo floor and system has dedicated lines and grounding rod. Anyone with similar experiences or comments?
I've used a bulk tape demagnetizer on CD's and found that it helped noticeably, but what I've found even better, and much better at that, is the little red Zerostat gun, originally designed to remove a static charge from LP's, currently sold by Audio Advisor, I believe, and others, for almost $60. No one is sure why demagnetizers make any difference, and I've not heard of anyone else who's discovered using antistatic devices. Does anyone else have information or experience about this?
Tom_nice is correct. the zero stat works well on CD's. for an explanation see Auric Illuminator's description of static build up on spinning CD's. Sometimes the scientific explanation actually works. Go figure. Cheers!
How can you demagnetize a metal 9aluminum, gold) that cannot be magnetized because it doesn't possess magnetic properties?
I use the Bedini, I like it, I hear an improvement (and so do a whole mess of print reviewers). Aluminum isn't magnetic, but that's not quite what happens. Ask Bedini...