A Freebie Tweak (well amost)

[doodoos]

A little left field from down under: http://madscientist-audio.com/magic-tubes/
No I haven't in case you wondered.

[walpurgis]

One word springs to mind. Starts with a B and ends in S! ;)

[agk]

Might have to get the "free" set for a giggle.

[zanash]

One word springs to mind. Starts with a B and ends in S! ;)

nice to know that you've tried them ....we can all take your word that they don't work .....not


I'd be more inclined to try them first before making any judgment

[Gordon Steadman]

One word springs to mind. Starts with a B and ends in S! ;)

Yeah Geoff,

The blurb implies that you have to wait a bit, probably about half an hour before you can say it's B******s:)

Course...it could be that your ears are just not hi-res enough....like 100% of the rest of the population. Or it could only work in the southern hemisphere.

[mikmas]

"They contain a mysterious mixture of black and white powder. (The powder is sealed in the glass as it degrades on contact with air.)"

That'll be faerie dust mixed with granulated rocking horse dung then ..... a fatal combination if ever there was one :lol:

[walpurgis]

nice to know that you've tried them ....we can all take your word that they don't work .....not


I'd be more inclined to try them first before making any judgment

Add some Shakti Stones too. You may like them.

[NRG]

nice to know that you've tried them ....we can all take your word that they don't work .....not


I'd be more inclined to try them first before making any judgment

Really?! :doh:

[awkwardbydesign]

" You don't need to be playing music during the settling time, but it also doesn't hurt if you do."
So your ears don't have to become acclimatised, and -

"Put the Magic Tubes on the system
Leave the tubes there for a couple of days (or more).
Listen to some music critically
Remove the tubes
Listen again and then pronounce expletives.
Visit this website to order some more Magic Tubes"

Just don't use the system for 24 hours and test the effect with and without. What's not to like? For the cost of the postage!
I may well give it a try; I don't expect much in my system, but at least I could comment from a position of having actually tried them!
There is far too much "I don't need to try it because I already know it won't work". Not a very scientific attitude. Too much sheeplike commentary.

[Gordon Steadman]

" You don't need to be playing music during the settling time, but it also doesn't hurt if you do."
So your ears don't have to become acclimatised, and -

"Put the Magic Tubes on the system
Leave the tubes there for a couple of days (or more).
Listen to some music critically
Remove the tubes
Listen again and then pronounce expletives.
Visit this website to order some more Magic Tubes"

Just don't use the system for 24 hours and test the effect with and without. What's not to like? For the cost of the postage!
I may well give it a try; I don't expect much in my system, but at least I could comment from a position of having actually tried them!
There is far too much "I don't need to try it because I already know it won't work". Not a very scientific attitude. Too much sheeplike commentary.

A fairly common answer to accusations of bollocks I know. Perhaps those of us who have been listening to hi-fi for over 50 years and are still waiting for the miracle breakthrough tend to be just a little sceptical.

Give us a scientific reason why the 'magic' might work - I know, I know, it's a secret:rolleyes: - and maybe, just maybe, we might think it worth giving it a go. That doesn't make us sheep, that makes us experienced and critical of those who try and extract our pennies for crap.

[awkwardbydesign]

A fairly common answer to accusations of bollocks I know. Perhaps those of us who have been listening to hi-fi for over 50 years and are still waiting for the miracle breakthrough tend to be just a little sceptical.

Give us a scientific reason why the 'magic' might work - I know, I know, it's a secret:rolleyes: - and maybe, just maybe, we might think it worth giving it a go. That doesn't make us sheep, that makes us experienced and critical of those who try and extract our pennies for crap.
And perhaps those of us who have been listening to hi-fi for 45 years don't all make assumptions without evidence. Not "scientific reasons", actually trying things! If you think the number of years you have been doing something makes you better, good luck.

[awkwardbydesign]

Well, I've just ordered a pair! For $5. So no-one is making a profit from my gullibility, except the Post Office. I will report back in 10-15 days (estimated).
To be honest I don't expect much, but at least I will be able to criticise them from a position of experience, not theory. :ner:

[doodoos]

To be fair I feel the guy believes in what he is selling. A couple of weeks ago I emailed him querying the postage costs of the Blackdiscs given it was more than the product so he sent me a couple of samples foc which arrived within a week. As some have hinted - no harm in trying them.

[awkwardbydesign]

I love the how it works (maybe) page, especially this -
"The Doctor Explanation : BlackDiscus use a simplified form of the technology employed by the time lords which we call "Relative Dimension in Space" RDIS, which means that they are considerably bigger inside than out. Not only bigger, but heavier as well, as they are filled with lead. This means that they make excellent mass-dampers, even though they only weigh a few grams. Also note that the lead has been pushed back in time/to another dimension, so this means that BlackDiscus are fully RoHS compliant."

[Firebottle]

Also note that the lead has been pushed back in time/to another dimension, so this means that BlackDiscus are fully RoHS compliant."

Now without wanting to swear that is the biggest load of f*****g s**t I have ever heard :mental:

[Gordon Steadman]

Now without wanting to swear that is the biggest load of f*****g s**t I have ever heard :mental:

Now now...if you haven't tried it:eyebrows:

[awkwardbydesign]

Now without wanting to swear that is the biggest load of f*****g s**t I have ever heard :mental:

Have you read the page? It's MEANT to be! :doh:

[Firebottle]

OK you got me on that one :doh:

[walpurgis]

You'd probably get a more notable change by putting a pile of underpants on top of each speaker!

[karma67]

You'd probably get a more notable change by putting a pile of underpants on top of each speaker!
what type? boxers? briefs? y-fronts?

[walpurgis]

what type? boxers? briefs? y-fronts?

That would have to be determined by experimentation. :)

[doodoos]

I have finished my experimentation of the BlackDiscus samples sent to me, using one on top of the cdp and another, as illustrated in their website, on the headphone plug.
My conclusions are: umm, err, hmm. Hope that helps.

[struth]

I have finished my experimentation of the BlackDiscus samples sent to me, using one on top of the cdp and another, as illustrated in their website, on the headphone plug.
My conclusions are: umm, err, hmm. Hope that helps.

did you try sniffing it though....:lol:

[Gordon Steadman]

I have finished my experimentation of the BlackDiscus samples sent to me, using one on top of the cdp and another, as illustrated in their website, on the headphone plug.
My conclusions are: umm, err, hmm. Hope that helps.

There was clearly something wrong with your experi-mental method.

[zanash]

As mine arrived this morning ....I'll update you with any /all /none etc effects they have when I get a moment or three to try them. Hopefully it will be little more insightful ! ...oh mine appeared to be blue rather than black ?

[zanash]

so having gathered together the stuff needed ...this includes a small metal box and some blutac .. my quad pa1 warmed up and the grado rs1e plugged in ...the sony hapz1es spooled up.

first I spent 20 minutes listening to a variety of music [with the said disc's sealed in the metal box ..as per the there instructions] I then listened to the same tracks with the lid removed but with the disc in the box [my idea]. There was no audible effect that I could hear.

so using a blob of blutac I attach a disc to the top of my headphone plug .......and listened to the same tracks again. Hmmmmm....something small but detectable increase in clarity ...seems like the musical note are more descrete , a hint of a more dynamic presentation. Now this is not huge, so did I imagine it ...? ok disc back in metal box with lid on ...rinse and repeat . Presentation reverts back ...so it seems its the disc thats having the effect . Rinse and repeat with disc back in place. yes hearing the same thing .

placed the second disc on top of the transformer housing with first disc still in place ..played same tracks ....the effect has increased but I would not say its doubled just a little more obvious.

This is interesting ...... I'll need to do some experimentation to find the best positions for the disc ....

would I suggest others to try it ....how much does an email cost ?....if like me its nothing then yes its a no brainer if you have to pay then you've got the wrong IT contract.

ok initial thought as to what they may be doing ......there sitting in the magnetic flux so could be having some sort of parasitic effect...like ferrite beads ?? I certainly don't know ........

[zanash]

oh dear .....has no one else taken up the free offer ? whats the problem are you afraid that they will challenge your ideas or is you just want to poke fun at things that you don't feel comfortable with ?

further listening indicates they make a small but interesting lift to the devices that they are placed on and around ....much as claimed. Would I purchase the full size units .....? thats much harder question . I think I would have wanted more of a gain , to make it an unqualified yes.

[walpurgis]

I've been experimenting with empty beer cans. I really think I'm onto something here. A couple on top of the power amp and two more on top of each speaker and if I listen long enough, I can hear a smoothing effect and a more relaxed presentation. Or is that just the beer working? :D

[struth]

Try adding a little liquid to the cans(sure youll be able to find some;)) it will tune the circuit

[Macca]

The problem with all these fringe products is that the gains they claim to add are always vanishingly small 'but worthwhile.' And the problem with that is that when you try them it is all um and ah - Am I hearing an improvement? Hmm I thinks yes...maybe... - like putting the green marker on CDs or marble slabs under cd players and so on. There's a level where we dip below our ability to distinguish genuine improvement from placebo and it in that grey area that these things 'work'.

[mikmas]

oh dear .....has no one else taken up the free offer ? whats the problem are you afraid that they will challenge your ideas or is you just want to poke fun at things that you don't feel comfortable with ?

I think the purveyors of these amazing wonder pills do a great job of taking the piss without any help :lol:

from their website:

"But here are a few possible explanations for now:

The Doctor Explanation : BlackDiscus use a simplified form of the technology employed by the time lords which we call "Relative Dimension in Space" RDIS, which means that they are considerably bigger inside than out. Not only bigger, but heavier as well, as they are filled with lead. This means that they make excellent mass-dampers, even though they only weigh a few grams. Also note that the lead has been pushed back in time/to another dimension, so this means that BlackDiscus are fully RoHS compliant.

The Inevitable Quantum Explanation : Your brain is like, a quantum computer. And BlackDiscus is like extra RAM (quRAM) for these quantum computers. Using non-linear optics, the BlackDiscus produce a stream of entangled photons that vibrate in time to the music. Because of this, your brain perceives the sound as much improved.

The StarFleet Explanation : The positronic audio coupling excites the trans-warp particle matrix so that a phased system stream combines to give a rapid superficial harmonic, which gives the effect of good musical vibes.

The Electromagnetic Damping Explanation : CanOpeners capture unwanted resonances in the electromagnetic fields that pervade us all in modern life, and turn them to heat. This reduces the noise floor and brings out subtle details.

The Alien Technology Explanation : While I was walking my dog one night, I came across a UFO that had broken down. I helped the aliens "change their space tire" and before they left, they asked what they could do...I said that if they knew any cool ways to make my sound better..and the result is BlackDiscus

The Nanotechnology Explanation : They work because they contain a huge number of autonomous "nanites". These disperse and change the characteristics of the air between the speakers and your ear. When not in use they return to the BlackDiscus .

The Dark Matter Explanation : The "black stuff" on BlackDiscus contains Dark Matter, the elusive substance that astronomers and cosmologists have been searching for. Well we located a stash in an old farmhouse near Ruitakia in New Zealand, and the magical properties of Dark matter mean that the soundstage is widened and details are more prominent.

The Black Magic Explanation : Due to contractual obligations, I cannot reveal the full details. Suffice to say that I found a gentleman who was willing to purchase what he termed "my soul" in return for various goodies, one of which is this astonishing technology. So take advantage of my foolishness - you can improve your stereo for a much smaller price than your soul."

[struth]

:rfl::whippin:

[doodoos]

I'm still using the BlackDiscus freebies - there is a marginal change but less than say, placing sorbet sheets under equipment, re-arranging the positioning of your ears relative to the speakers etc

[awkwardbydesign]

Well, I've just Blu-Tacked my Magic Tubes to my ICs. They arrived ages ago but I forgot all about them! :doh: They've already improved the dust round the back of the amp, but I'm going to follow his advice and leave them there for several days, then remove them. Maybe they are like a good subwoofer; you don't notice then until they've gone. We shall see. Or not.
Oh, and they are smaller than I expected.

[zanash]

I'm still using the BlackDiscus freebies - there is a marginal change but less than say, placing sorbet sheets under equipment, re-arranging the positioning of your ears relative to the speakers etc

I'll second that .......

Its amazing that people are either so arrogant and or ignorant as to suggest its baloony or even the manufacturers a fraud ...without having the grace to actually try something first . I have to say this doesn't reflect well on said posters and puts into question anything they post in the future, if you did not already flag them up as unreliable , biased, arrogant and ignorant . just my opinion of course !

[walpurgis]

It's amazing that people are so afflicted by wishful thinking and possibly lack of a basic understanding of physics, that any kind of unlikely weirdo gizmo with preposterous hype surrounding it is given consideration, let alone any kind of credence. It's like the Witch Doctor pointing the bone and people believing he's making them better.

[mikmas]

It's amazing that people are so afflicted by wishful thinking and possibly lack of a basic understanding of physics, that any kind of unlikely weirdo gizmo with preposterous hype surrounding it is given consideration, let alone any kind of credence. It's like the Witch Doctor pointing the bone and people believing he's making them better.

Particularly when the purveyors of said 'weirdo gizmo' actually point out that really, it's just a bone ... with zero potential to improve anything :lol:

[awkwardbydesign]

Update. I have tried them (Mad Scientist had to email me and ask, as I had forgotten all about them!). I put them on the pre to power ICs and left them for weeks. I tested them by removing them and listening for any changes. The sound seemed to be marginally softer and warmer without them, which is actually better in my current system, which is seriously unfinished! I will do it again, then give them to a friend who has a much more analytical system; even I can hear cable differences wih his system!
So at the moment all I can say is that there seems to be a minor effect, but I can't be certain. I certainly won't be buying any, though.
But for £5 they were worth trying.

[zanash]

precisely my point ..........for the cost of an email its a no brainer as they say ...take note those of you who can't be bothered but pontificate from a point of ignorance

[awkwardbydesign]

The trouble with Science (capital S) is that it has as many believers as any other system. Theory is irrelevant without tests. If possible I will test, and if I disagree with Science, tough. :ner:

[Macca]

I refer you to what I said earlier in the thread re this sort of thing:

There's a level where we dip below our ability to distinguish genuine improvement from placebo and it in that grey area that these things 'work'.

My marker for an effective tweak is 'could I spot the difference in a blind test?' And if the answer is no then it is almost certainly not effective. If the answer is 'I think so' then you are onto something.

The problem is that there is no reason - either in known science or offered by the purveyor - why these discs should make any difference whatsoever to sound quality. This is an exercise in human psychology and psycho-acoustics, not an audio product.

[awkwardbydesign]

I refer you to what I said earlier in the thread re this sort of thing:

There's a level where we dip below our ability to distinguish genuine improvement from placebo and it in that grey area that these things 'work'.

My marker for an effective tweak is 'could I spot the difference in a blind test?' And if the answer is no then it is almost certainly not effective. If the answer is 'I think so' then you are onto something.

The problem is that there is no reason - either in known science or offered by the purveyor - why these discs should make any difference whatsoever to sound quality. This is an exercise in human psychology and psycho-acoustics, not an audio product.
I don't know what this means. Either you have or haven't taken a blind test. "Could I" is just another theory!

[Macca]

Yes, I know, but it is still a good mental exercise for putting things in perspective.

[awkwardbydesign]

Mental exercise? Are you mental? :lol:
We just bought a sofa (£2000!) and two hours in the shop trying to decide, then having to do it again because the salesman suddenly discovered they didn't do it in leather, is enough mental exercise for a lifetime!