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The Night Air

Most of us have noticed that our system sounds better during certain days, and most often always sounds better at night. I always wondered whether this was an illusion created by eliminating the "visual distortion" easier in the dark, or whether the negatively charged atmosphere really had an effect on sound. After all, AM radio frequencies travel farther at night due to atmospheric changes.

This also brings questions as to barometric pressure, humidity, and elevation and their effect on components and sound quality. I have even wondered if reviews should contain at least sea level/elevation figures and whether you could draw any parallels from this information.

Could a room air ionizer have a positive effect on sound?
Do I need to move to Denver to get my equipment to sound its best?

Got to go....men in white suits are coming to take me away HAHA HEHE HOHO
128x128tgun5
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,564 posts
 
I've used an air ionizer for many years now and can't really say whether it's had a positive effect or not. I know it helps keep the air cleaner as I have to clean it once a week (it's truly amazing just how much icky stuff it grabs reminding me just how bad the air quality is in LA).

As for moisture in the air, this has been discussed for many a year now and there seems to be some validity to slightly denser, moister air sounding a bit better than drier air. Too much moisture and the drivers can be adversely affected. No real happy medium that I'm aware of.

I'm just not ready to subject myself to some trials for the moment but would like to hear what others have experienced.

All the best,
Nonoise
donjr
1,335 posts
 
The Stein Harmonizer is amazing by the way. I wish I could justify the steep price. Not sure what they're doing but they're doing.
minorl
1,014 posts
 
Peak generation and load is during the day. Therefore, most base loaded generators are operated during the day and not the evening. Therefore, more distortions, noise, voltage and frequency variations during the day. So yes, it is better at night in countries that have stable electrical systems.

enjoy
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
AM stations have to reduce power at night per FCC regulations

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/why-am-radio-stations-must-reduce-power-change-operations-or-cease-broadcasting-night

I've noticed, listening to AM station, that at about 6PM signal rapidly dropped (more noise). Perhaps there is a quiet period of few hours after 6PM when stations already reduced power but propagation is still not as good as it is at night.
redhouse
10 posts
 
I have tried a few different approaches to ionizing treatment. All produced an effect, some good, some not so good.

Picked up several tourmaline crystals at a flea market (each about the size of a hens egg) for ~$6.00. These generate negative ions when heated. Placed these over the power tubes on my amp and heard a small change - cleaner treble, but also colder and a bit harsh.

Tried a consumer type room ionizer, heard open relaxed, detailed treble - very complimentary. Later tried pointing the ionizer directly at my components (on highest setting) and got more detail, but that cold hard treble was back.

IMO - it works. Just need to find the right balnce, setting, room position, etc.
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