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
Zd542,
That would be a little hard to fit in my room, but they are pretty cool. I wonder what that would sound like.
"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."

The effect is like cupping your hands on your ears when you're having trouble hearing something. Its like what a telescope does. A telescope gathers light and allows you to see things you normally can't with the naked eye. The cymbals are not. But instead of gathering light, they gather sound. You can do something similar if move your listening chair right up against the back wall.
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.
"09-15-15: Roxy54
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 (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

You assume a lot for someone who can't explain what's going on. The cymbals are acting as reflective room tuning devices. Take that, and your description of the differences in sound you hear, and its the same effect you get when you cup your hands to your ears. Of course using a cymbal and cupping your hands won't sound identical. The scale is completely different. When you cup your hands, the effect will be much larger because your hands are right by your ears, where the cymbal is far away. Its the same effect, but just less. I didn't go into such detail because I thought you would see that. Its pretty obvious.

Also, I've been playing the drums since 2nd grade.Try the Piaste signature series if you want the best sound.