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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
5,339 posts
 
"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.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,638 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.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"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."

Read my post again. I never said it was exact. Regardless of what you say, the cymbals are reflecting sound. Look it up in a text book if you don't believe me. Cupping your hands by your ears is also reflecting sound. Again, look it up. Just because the cymbals don't have the same sonic signature as your hands, the underlying concept is the exactly the same. That would be like listening to a pair of speakers that sound very different than the ones you have, and as a result you came to the conclusion that the other speakers are not speakers.

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."

I don't suppose you can back that statement with some examples? I'd love to know how you came up with an 80 20 split.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
7,638 posts
 
Never mind. I guess it's hard to make sense when you're always angry.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
No big deal. I sometimes get angry myself. It happens.
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