Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX Review Part 1 & 2


Category: Accessories

The following review is for a device to tweak/mod any component that uses AC. The device is called a Pulse Gen ZX from Audio Magic. The device is designed to control self-generated EMI/RFI (noise) within a component and to also condition and stabilize current flow. The size of the device is similar to that of a deck of cards. It requires two solder connections to the incoming “hot” and “neutral” wires inside the component (either right after the IEC or captured power cord).

First, let me say that this is the easiest tweak/mod that I have ever done (requiring soldering). It’s very straight forward and the two connections will always go to the “hot” and “neutral” wires (polarity is not an issue with this device). Because of the simplicity, ease of this tweak/mod, and the possibility of cumulative gains (see below for PART 2 to verify this), I think it makes it a sensible option for many people to try, both experienced tweakers/modders and the DIY beginners. It took me less than 15min to install this device into my component.

The results that I will be sharing are based on the installation of this device into my CD/DVD player (source), as I wanted to evaluate the affects to both audio and video. I used the Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” DVD as my main source of evaluation material.

Audio: Voices, instruments and musical presentation improved. Voices became more natural and clear. Instruments sounded even better, again the naturalness and clarity was what stood out. Lastly, the air and spaciousness of the soundstage came across as more real (extending both wider and deeper). All of these things made the presentation sound more musical, natural, accurate, and closer to feeling like the real performance was occurring right there in front of me.

Video: Clarity, colors, and picture definition were noticeable improvements. Skin and flesh tones were more natural looking. Colors more true. Smoothness of images, definition, and details were all more true to life.

The ease and simplicity of this tweak/mod, along with the positive results I experienced with this device, makes the Pulse Gen ZX easy for me to recommend to others. I think it offers great value and makes for an easy way to improve the performance each individual component with the possibility of additional cumulative gains (as more are installed). My understanding is that the gains should be cumulative, with each component in the system that you install this device in.

The cost of the device is $200 (self-installation). Is it worth it? I whole-heartedly think so, because of the ease and simplicity of installation, the “DIY ease factor” for beginner tweakers/modders, and the possibility of cumulative gains.

NOTE*** I will be doing a PART 2 to this review, as I plan to install an Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX in my S.E.T. integrated tube amp. When I do, I will be able to evaluate and verify the possible benefits of cumulative gains.
vman71
Thanks for the recent comments. I now have the Speaker Clairifiers and ordered 4 of the modules to go inside my components.

Two Questions:

First:
Where is the best place to install the unit?
I would think close to the transformer , but that may not be possible.

Second:
My Oppo 95 will require quite a bit of work to get to the IEC inside which I think I am capable. While I am in there I would also like to change the fuse to either HIFI Tuning or Synergistic. From the pictures I have been able to find of that area it looks like the fuse is soldered in. Strange.
So, I will install a fuse holder, but what the heck is the fuse value?
I have tried to reach Oppo but so far no response to that question.
Ozzy, try replacing the IEC inlet to an Oyaide if you want a more simple upgrade than installing a fuse holder. The inlet has a very similar effect to sound as changing the fuse (much in line with the Synergistic Fuse). Please let us know your results. I'm interested in modding my Oppo 95 as well!
So, I went ahead and put inside my Oppo 95 a Mundorf silver/gold cable combo lead that comes with a Furtech IEC inlet that plugs into where the standard IEC plugs in at the circuit board. I bought it as a package deal from Ebay and it came direct from Japan.
I then installed the Pulse Gen. What a pain, I had to cut a slit in one of the covers to get it in on a angle. Ric clued me in on this feat.
While I was inside,I also installed a fuse holder and placed a HIFI supreme fuse with a Quantum fuse chip.
The end result?
Even the video is much improved, and the surround sound information seems to have more information and detail. All in all a worth while and fun project.
Ozzy, I bought a standard PEA to position on top of my AM mini ref and between the Coincident Lines Stage and its power supply. Very nice! I also got a pulse gen to go inside my ModWright Sony. It provided another nice improvement, but the improvement was not on the same scale as I got with the PEA module. The PEA lifted another veil and improved localization of instruments. Attacks are sharper and decays are clearer. The PEAs are for real.
Brownsfan, Not sure about the PEA. If I bought one should it go on my Dac or Preamp?