Sound care
Forever young
How do you keep the sound of your system young?
Dear music lover, it happens again and again that the sound quality of our hi-fi systems fluctuates without us knowing the technical reason for this. Or we buy a device or an accessory and at some point we have the feeling that it no longer sounds like we experienced at the beginning. Are we just making up our minds? In HiFi, we have known the effect for decades that the sound improves when a 75 ohm terminating plug is used. However, if you take this tool, which used to work well, out of the system after a few years, you will be surprised to find that the sound is even better without it!
How can that be?
In a workshop held two days ago, static charges on a plastic surface of a loudspeaker hailed a demonstration because I had always looked for the fault in the system and in the setup.
It wasn't until the next morning that I noticed the problem. I saw an unusually large amount of dust on the speaker, even though it was wiped off during assembly. After wiping the loudspeaker with a damp cloth the next morning, the usual imaging performance was suddenly back and I got goosebumps after the other. Again - I just wiped the speaker with a damp cloth (pure water).
I would like to take this key experience as an opportunity to talk about maintaining the hi-fi system, including the hi-fi accessories and the room. In my experience, not only the components of the system, the accessories, but also parts of the listening room will change in such a way that the sound potential that is fundamentally possible is far from being reached. My Vortex HiFi products are also impaired in their function in the long term by the environment. You can read below how to keep the sound young forever.
The Vortex HiFi dealers will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Demagnetizer
About 20 years ago, demagnetizers appeared that could demagnetize CDs, but also plugs, etc.
Here you can see the Furutech DeMag Alpha (approx. 3.600 €), one of the best demagnetizers I know and my tool and my reference for sound comparisons.
Listening tests in specialist magazines regularly showed a considerable improvement in sound if records, CDs, but also cables and plugs were "demagnetized" on these devices. One point of criticism, however, is that, as a rule, CDs, cables and plugs in the HiFi that are "demagnetized" with these devices do not contain any ferromagnetic components at all - that is, magnetic fields cannot be eliminated because there are none at all.
With our 3D (isotropic) measuring device (see left) we can determine changes in the static magnetic field up to a resolution of 1pT (1 Pico Tesla). We were able to show that most of the objects that show clear changes in sound through a demagnetizer were not (ferro) magnetic, or could not be demagnetized in this way. In Tests However, magnetic components were detected in records. The magnetic fields could be changed by approx. 10% (45pT). The truth is, however, that nothing changes in the signal and CDs or plugs in the hi-fi generally do not show any magnetism.
Our research on the formation of structures in materials (see information) shows that volatile, sound-damaging structures can be found in all Materials form, regardless of whether they are magnetizable, non-magnetic, non-conductive or conductive. These structures (volatile structures created by the environment) are through Erasable magnetic fields! So it works with "demagnetizing" notabout extinguishing magnetism in materials, but about that CLEAR of sound-damaging structures in all Materials exposed to fields.
But back to the demagnetizers in the HiFi. The general interest in “demagnetizing” is very small today, at least in relation to the effectiveness of these devices. In my opinion, the "degaussing devices" are the most underrated accessories of all. The "demagnetization" / erasure is THE Measure against the "aging" of our hi-fi components, but above all accessories such as termination plugs, end caps, plugs, cables, etc.
The “demagnetizers” are always used when we don't have an analog demagnetization signal due to the accessories to be "demagnetized" / deleted. Demagnetizers, which can demagnetize the size of a CD and are thus sufficient for all cases, cost from around 500 euros. Some dealers also lend such devices. You should treat the corresponding accessories with the demagnetizer 1-2 times a year or as required. If you want to treat entire cables, you need quite expensive equipment (2000 - 4000 euros) that can also process LPs, or you can use one of the new Iraser from Vortex HiFi, which is even more flexible in use.
Degaussing CD
One demagnetization CD with which I have had very good experiences is the DENSEN DeMagic. This CD has brought some setups to a significantly higher level for me. The CD not only processes the connected accessories such as cables, but also processes the devices.
The CD generates an analog signal that flows through devices, signal and loudspeaker cables and deletes structures that are harmful to the sound. So everyone in the analog signal path components are "demagnetized" (sound-damaging material structures deleted). When using streamers, the CD can of course also be ripped and played as a file. A degaussing CD like DENSEN costs around 17 euros.
Iraser from Vortex HiFi
Iraser is an made-up word I like information and Eto shave (Extinguishing device). The Iraser emerged from our knowledge that “demagnetizers” (see above) are not about “demagnetization” in the literal sense, but rather about erasing sound-damaging material structures. According to our research results, this can also be done with specially informed, strong permanent magnets (N52 neodymium). Simple, uninformed magnets unfortunately have the disadvantage that the magnetic field deletes structures that are harmful to the sound that have formed in the material, but replaces them with other structures that are harmful to the sound - the magnet.
The Iraser from Vortex HiFi is therefore a wooden stick that can hold up to 2 specially informed Super magnets was provided. Depending on the model, one N52 super magnet is diametrically and the other magnet is magnetized lengthways. By rotating the rod, you can build up an alternating magnetic field and sufficiently demagnetize a ferromagnetic object. In our experience, a complete demagnetization of the sound is not necessary. In the case of non-ferromagnetic objects (e.g. cables), structures that are damaging to the sound can be deleted by simply moving them over them. Plugs are painted with the black end into which the second magnet is embedded. This magnet is thicker / stronger and thus removes structures even better, for example from the plugs. By informing the magnetic field, the object to be "deleted" is simultaneously informed in a way that promotes sound (see information on the Vortex HiFi website).
The Iraser is available in different quality levels. The advantages over a classic demagnetizer are, that the cables to be deleted do not have to be disconnected from the devices and that all objects, including immobile and large objects such as glass tables, can be processed. Another not insignificant advantage is the price of only 100 - 400 euros, depending on the version.
The damp cloth
One of the most important "tuning agents" is the damp cloth! No detergents should be in the water. It shouldn't be wet either - just slightly damp. Let yourself be with him static charges and disruptive surface structures remove. It is suitable for all surfaces made of plastic, glass (windows / mirrors!) And for cables. The effect is often terrifying (I mean that very seriously - see introduction above) and costs practically nothing.
A slightly better result can be achieved with swirled water
he. In order to destroy unwanted information in tap water, water can be swirled (water revitalization). Furthermore, standing water (the still water in the house pipe when no water is drawn off) is to be avoided. Let the water run until it gets cooler. I use the water vortex from misterwater to swirl the water, as I use a water treatment system from misterwater. Any other water vortex can also be used, such as the WellnessWirbler water vortex, which is simply screwed onto the tap.
Flowing water
For all materials that can be held under running water, running water is the first choice. The water molecule is an electric dipole. The flowing water is as electrical as a noise, which frees the material from all sound-damaging structures. In particular, energetic material such as informed glass or healing stones (precious stones) should not be demagnetized, but rather kept under running water for 10-15 seconds. Then dry the objects with a cotton cloth. This is like a makeover for the stones. Here, too, swirled water (see water swirler above) shows a slightly better result.
Now where is what to do? - Treatment of the individual objects
Device plugs: RCA Cinch, BNC, XLR RJ45, USB, etc.
Demagnetize:No analog signal flows through device plugs, so use a demagnetizer or an Iraser here.
Eliminate static charges: If the plugs are made of plastic or have a surface made of an electrostatically chargeable material, clean this plug regularly with a damp cloth (pure water without additives).
Power plugs
Demagnetize:Treat the plugs with a demagnetizer or an Iraser. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: If the plugs are made of plastic or have a surface made of an electrostatically chargeable material, clean this plug regularly with a damp cloth (pure water without additives). It is safest to take the power plugs out of the socket for treatment.
CAUTION! Don't get the cloth too wet, put it on no way Water comes into the socket. This can lead to electric shock and fire!
Signal cable
Analog signal cables
Demagnetize:Degauss the cables with a degaussing CD or with a degausser or an Iraser. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: To remove static electricity from the cable, take a damp cloth and walk along the cable. You should repeat this several times a year.
Digital signal cables
Demagnetize:Use a demagnetizer or an iraser. The primary goal here is the connector. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: To remove static electricity from the cable, take a damp cloth and walk along the cable. You should repeat this several times a year.
Speaker Cables
Demagnetize:Degauss the cables with a degaussing CD or with a degausser or an Iraser. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: To remove static electricity from the cable, take a damp cloth and walk along the cable. You should repeat this several times a year.
A special feature is the interaction between synthetic fiber carpets and speaker cables. Due to the fact that the distance is practically zero here, the field strengths with which the static fields of the carpet and the alternating fields of the cable interact are extremely high. I strongly recommend using cable lifts here.
Grounding cable, ground optimizer
Demagnetize:Use a demagnetizer or an iraser. The primary goal here is the connector. You should perform demagnetization once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: To remove static electricity from the cable and plugs, take a damp cloth and walk along the cable. You should repeat this several times a year.
power cable
Demagnetize:Power cables must be processed by a demagnetizer or an iraser. The primary goal here is the connector. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: To do this, use a damp cloth and walk along the cable. You should repeat this several times a year.
A special feature is the interaction of synthetic fiber carpets and supply lines to the socket strips. Due to the fact that the distance is practically zero here, the field strengths with which the static fields of the carpet and the alternating fields of the cable interact are extremely high. I strongly recommend using cable lifts here. The power strip itself shouldn't be directly on the floor either.
Power filter
Demagnetize:You can suppress interference from current filters by demagnetizing them with a demagnetizer or an Iraser. You should perform “demagnetization” once a year or as needed.
Eliminate static charges: If the power filter has a plastic housing or if the housing is plastic-coated, wipe the housing with a slightly damp cloth.
CAUTION! Do not under any circumstances get the rag too wet. It is advisable to remove the filters from the network while wiping them. Under no circumstances should water run into the filters - there is a risk of fire!
Plastic surfaces / glass surfaces
Demagnetize:A fact that always comes as a surprise in workshops is that glass surfaces also have to be "demagnetized" / erased. This applies in particular to glass tables and racks on which DECT telephones and cell phones were located. The sound in a room deteriorates within seconds if a cell phone is placed on a glass table. Even if the cell phone is taken away, the sound is still very limited. Therefore, the table has to come with a irasians to be deleted.
Eliminate static charges: Plastic surfaces, lacquered surfaces or glass surfaces become statically charged. If field sources such as devices, lamps or monitors are near a paint / plastic or glass surface, static charges build up quickly and strongly here. In addition, the static fields and the alternating fields of the devices then interact with one another. You should therefore regularly wipe these surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. If you clean surfaces with special cleaners for glass or plastics, it is essential that you wipe these surfaces with a damp water cloth. In order to reduce the interaction between the static “surface fields” and the device fields, I recommend reducing the field strength with high device feet.
Displays / monitors
Eliminate static charges: Displays (device displays), iPads and monitors are extremely critical. Static charges build up here, which you can wipe off with a damp cloth. But not too wet, so that no water can penetrate the electronics.
Energetic materials
If you use precious stones or energetic material to improve the music reproduction, you can neutralize the negative charging of the stones with structures that are damaging to sound by rinsing the stones for 15 seconds under running water (tap). This applies in particular to Vortex HiFi and Phonosophie products.
Caution! Natural “healing stones” are to be treated individually depending on the stone. Therefore, please read the relevant specialist literature.
If you use a Vortex HiFi stone on the body, the stone should be held regularly under running water, as it contains negative information from the body about the biofield, aura, quantum field, mental field, energy field, etc. of humans (see Kirlian photography or corona discharge photography of a hand , below).
During one disease I recommend holding the stone under running water every day, as described above.
The procedure for other stones can be found in the specialist literature.
Use a Vortex HiFi interference suppression agents made from semi-precious stones such as round blanks or pyramids, it is sufficient to wash the circular blanks or pyramids at longer, regular intervals or as required. A gap of one year is usually sufficient here. The distances are larger here than with untreated gemstones, since the active field applied to us our interference suppression agent actively dissolves negative information on a large scale. Due to this special property, i.e. the dissolution of sound-damaging structures, our active field is used, for example, with our 120 mm round blank to suppress interference on CDs.
Despite this exclusive Vortex HiFi technology, unwanted structures arise in the long term even in the semi-precious stones we use, which can then be easily removed with running water (see above).
The usual and time-consuming charging of precious stones can be omitted with Vortex HiFi semi-precious stones, as energy is continuously supplied to the stone via our exclusive active field and so no other energy is required for charging. Our semiprecious stones can also be used on the window when the sun is shining, without the high UV component destroying or weakening the effect of the semiprecious stone.
Our interference suppression agents are therefore very service-friendly. I hope I was able to give you a few suggestions that will help you in your favorite hobby.
Our dealers will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Yours Norbert Maurer