CD Tweeks or snakeoil ?

beardog03
beardog03 Posts: 5,550
edited December 2009 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
anybody ever try any of these ?
Do they work, or is it just snakeoil ?

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/cdtreatments_hub.php


whaadaya think ?!!
Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
Parasound HCA-3500
Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
Jolida JD-100 CDP
Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
SVS PC-Ultra Sub
AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
PS Audio Plus Power Cords
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

:cool:
Post edited by beardog03 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited November 2009
    Can we have a poll? :p

    HELL NO.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited November 2009
    I am going to predict how this thread will turn out. You are going to have two sides. One saying that it works great and that you will hear the difference "like speaker wire". The other side will say that it is just a waste of money. I am going to say that it is a waste.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2009
    Well, at least they're not charging an arm and a leg for them so it wouldn't break the bank to try it. However, without having tried it myself I'm highly skeptical. Its not like you can go back to a non-treated disc to compare unless you have two copies.

    On the one option regarding static, I'm not quite sure how static can impact a laser reading the disc but, I can say this, one of the requirements on a government contract I work on, requires that all deliverable CDs and DVDs be packaged in antistatic and anti EMF protective bags. I still have no idea why but somebody made that decision for some reason. My only guess is that it has something to do with the environment or computer where they are used rather than the ability to read the data on them.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited November 2009
    that would make sense...kinda

    as far as a zap gun, idunno !

    The first two items kinda make sense.....or it will just smear the laser light
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited November 2009
    anybody else ?

    anybody have a favorite tweek ?
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,142
    edited November 2009
    The Deoxit Gold I use all the time with excellent results along with regular Deoxit. The other stuff I have never used so I couldn't tell you.

    As for a tweak? Try the Sumiko setup linked below.....

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71762&highlight=sumiko+setup
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wushuliu
    wushuliu Posts: 4
    edited November 2009
    Herbie's CD Mats are very good. And very cheap. Nothing subtle about them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2009
    I like all CAIG products. The rest are a waste of money.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited November 2009
    Tube dampers are a cheap tweak that clean things up a bit. Today I added a second red ring on each of my tubes in my Modwright preamp.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2009
    Did you mean just the contact cleaners or everything on the tweaks page Robert? If that's the case, yea, Herbie's is great stuff but you already know that right?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited November 2009
    beardog03 wrote: »
    anybody ever try any of these ?
    Do they work, or is it just snakeoil ?

    http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/cdtreatments_hub.php


    whaadaya think ?!!

    I've used em all, still have CDs with black markers on them that were treated with both the Mapleshade CD treatments and then ionoclasted before playing. I believe I heard a difference, more then I ever heard changing wires, but I never could tell if it was just placebo or not. I stopped using all CD tweaks.

    On the plus side though the cd treatments do a great job on scratches, I had some cds with issues and these did the job. Micro-Smooth for the heavier scratches, optrix for lighter or fingerprints/dirt.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,200
    edited November 2009
    Snake oil Bro. There are things in the audio world that bored Audiophiles sit around and try to create to keep it interesting. My boss is an old Audiophile and has seen so many things like this. Hell we have some of them around the store. He has tried most of the crap out there.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • louhamilton
    louhamilton Posts: 209
    edited December 2009
    I use both the Optrix and Mikro Smooth. I have successfully brought two discs back to life with the products. I also borrow a bunch of CD's from the library and they do a great job cleaning them and fixing some of the noted "scratches" on the discs.

    I'm a believer and do not feel it is snakeoil. I tried it specifically to try to bring back to life my hard to find Rolling Stones: Forty Licks CD. It worked!!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited December 2009
    louhamilton wrote: »
    I use both the Optrix and Mikro Smooth. I have successfully brought two discs back to life with the products. I also borrow a bunch of CD's from the library and they do a great job cleaning them and fixing some of the noted "scratches" on the discs.

    I'm a believer and do not feel it is snakeoil. I tried it specifically to try to bring back to life my hard to find Rolling Stones: Forty Licks CD. It worked!!!!

    Trying to bring CDs back to life or fix scratches and trying to make a NIB CD sound better are two totally different things. Using their products to fix CD is a great use of money. Trying to make a good CD better...
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2009
    I love Mapleshade products but I have tried the ones you have listed except for DeOxit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited December 2009
    +1 for Deoxit
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited December 2009
    Yep Deoxit is the ****. use it everyday at work.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited December 2009
    beardog03 wrote: »
    anybody ever try any of these ?
    Do they work, or is it just snakeoil ?


    Everything I have bought from Mapleshade (cables, speaker platforms, brass vibration footers, and CD cleaners) has worked as advertised. In regard to the above, I have the Mikro-Smooth, Optrix, and SilClear. I cannot swear that using it made my CDs sound better, but I can swear that the video from DVDs was clearer, and sharper. Now, I treat all new CDs and DVDs before I even play them the first time.

    With that said, I am a little upset at their response so far to an issue I have with one of their cables. I sent them emails yesterday and today regarding getting a broken calbe fixed, and I have yet to get a response. Tomorrow I will call if I have not heard anything from them.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2009
    I been using Meguiar's Scratch-X with great success on my scratched up CD's.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2009
    I have used Mapleshades brass footers and high hats--they definitely work on a CD player.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cogito
    Cogito Posts: 122
    edited December 2009
    beardog03 wrote: »
    anybody ever try any of these ?
    Do they work, or is it just snakeoil ?

    http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/cdtreatments_hub.php


    whaadaya think ?!!

    It's NOT "snake oil". It's THEFT!

    Now where did I put my green Sharpie???
    Hearing is believing.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2009
    Cogito wrote: »
    It's NOT "snake oil". It's THEFT!

    Now where did I put my green Sharpie???

    I'm sure you are speaking from experience,:rolleyes:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter