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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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,542 posts
 
There's a foundry not far from my home that makes brass plates for trophies and such and I always wanted to try one of their products since they're thicker than cymbals and have the desired shape. Looking at this thread reminded me.

There is definitely something going on here with the reflective qualities of these devices. A couple of audio shows ago I was at a demo and one of Tchang's little bowls had fallen over in front of a speaker. There were many placed around the room. Shortly after the music started someone went over and righted the bowl and the sound reacted like someone threw a bowl of cold water on it.

I couldn't believe the difference.

All the best,
Nonoise
theaudiotweak
2,769 posts
 
Roxy

You could try bolting together a pair of Hi Hat cymbals and hear what happens with this higher mass combo. The pair maybe more similar in weight to the Novum resonator. If they rattle when joined you could place some felt dots between the 2 when screwed together or better yet couple them with a few .2AP.7D's in between. Tom
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,647 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
7,647 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
7,647 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...
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