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A Big DIY Bang for Your Buck?

I believe in getting the biggest bang out of my audio buck that I can. I don't know about you but my audio budget is actually limited. I find it interesting when I hear about folks spending a zillion on the best magnetic cables and then someone comes along with some new cable technology like new liquid-infused cables that equal or best the magnetic cables at a fraction of the price. Some makers of magnetic and other cables may want you to believe that a patent pending means there must be something there that ordinary Joe Audio could never make himself. My experience leads me to say -- don't believe it.

I have been using neodymium magnets for years in my cables and around my system to improve SQ -- at a fraction of the cost that makers of magnet-containing products charge. OK, mine may not be at the very top of the performance chain when compared to those expensive products, but who cares? I have managed to get stunning returns for a pittance. It would have cost thousands, or tens of thousands, to obtain similar results from various makers.

The same applies to audio makers with a patent pending (or an actual patent) who market little aluminum audio resonators the size of pimples. I make my own resonator pimples for about a buck apiece -- with stunning results. I saved over $4,000 making 70 of my own. Maybe they are not at the very top of the performance chain compared to those expensive products, but who cares? I am very happy with results that are far beyond what I expected when I started out.

I am having a lot of fun doing DIY projects at home that reap wonderful results at a small fraction of the cost charged by audio makers for their similar products. Have others had similar experiences making their own audio products at home? Can you share your DIY experiences with us?
sabai
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
In fact magnetism, generally speaking, is very bad for the sound. Having electron tubes in proximity to large transformers is not good for the sound. Having any electronic elements or wiring in proximity to large transformers is bad for the sound. Even the induced magnetic field in is bad for the sound. In fact, the whole point of SHIELDING transformers is to REDUCE magnetic fields around ANYTHING carringly the audio signal and in some cases the chassis. My thesis, which was selected to be presented at the national AIAA conference, was on the dodgy subject of bombarding highly magnetized metal with high energy ions to produce low thrust for an engine to be used for interplanetary travel.

koestner
622 posts
 
"My thesis, which was selected to be presented at the national AIAA conference, was on the dodgy subject of bombarding highly magnetized metal with high energy ions to produce low thrust for an engine to be used for interplanetary travel."

Is that how you plan to make it back home?
koestner
622 posts
 
Geoff - sorry for the joke. I sent it before I could consider. I hold no animosity toward you, and hope you can accept it as just a quick poke.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
geoffkait,

You stated,  "In fact magnetism, generally speaking, is very bad for the sound." Not in my system. There are many people who use magnetic cables and find them superior to non-magnetic cables.

Please note that my earlier posting did not refer to using magnets with cables, although I do use that application, as well.


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Sabai wrote,

"geoffkait,

You stated, "In fact magnetism, generally speaking, is very bad for the sound." Not in my system. There are many people who use magnetic cables and find them superior to non-magnetic cables.

Please note that my earlier posting did not refer to using magnets with cables, although I do use that application, as well."

The magnetic induction cables avoid the induced magnetic field produced by conventional cables and use high permeability alloy for the conductor which would absorb any magnetic field that might exist anyway. So, that’s not a very good example to use to dispute by statement. 😄

I never said you did refer to using magnets with cables. Nor did I say magnets didn’t work in your system. I was making a general statement about magnetism. The magnet’s magnetic field B is orthogonal to the signal direction in cables so probably won’t interfere, depends how you’re using them. Generally speaking I have no problem whatsoever using magnets almost anywhere, especially when they are painted the right color for the application. Color is just as important as the magnet. I used or have used magnets for more than 15 years, both ceramic and neodymium types, for everything from wood bookshelves to glass to circuit boards to steel or aluminum chassis, to walls and ceilings. See, I told you it would open up a can of worms.
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