Tweakers' Asylum

Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

Return to Tweakers' Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Sounds better when it rains!

108.234.77.201
Posted on July 23, 2020 at 08:24:55
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 I have two ideas for why the system always sounds better when it rains

1. Less Rfi

2. Humidity

any others?

I dismissed #2 because Florida is super humid any, heavily air conditioned and I am listening to headphones which I assume would limit any humidity effects.

So that leaves RFI and any other ideas I missed.

Wanting to get that better sound I have been thinking of trying to limit the rfi the system gets from outside.

Is there a tweak that will help? I am thinking that a faraday cage for every component is in order or one big one for all the gear.

Do they need to be grounded to work? Or are they just more effective when grounded?

Also is there another tweak that might be easier or more effective?

TIA

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 10:07:03
tweaker456
Audiophile

Posts: 7732
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: June 20, 2020
 Larger diameter cables maybe?







So let us stop talkin' falsely now, the hour's getting late --
Robert Allen Zimmerman

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 10:19:18
rivervalley817
 you could pitch a tent indoors!

see the link

regards,

 

Tin foil test, posted on July 23, 2020 at 10:46:06
MylesJ
Audiophile

Posts: 1259
Location: Oregon Coast
Joined: October 25, 2001
 You can experiment with foil and a ground strap. I have an Allo Volt amp that came with a SMPS that is very noisy. I wrapped a cable in foil and grounded it and kept doing that until I found the noisy cable. It turned out to be the power cable. I couldn't get rid of all the noise so I bought a used linear supply.

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 11:58:49
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey DR,

Have you checked the archives for maybe a post by Al (rip)?

Seems to me I remember reading something about rainy days and better sound...

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 12:44:02
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 I recall me asking this before and him chiming in. Will look at the archives but IIRC his conclusion was RFI. I looked it up on youtube and rain blocking some frequencies is a "thing".

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 12:44:43
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 I assume that is a joke? I found it funny btw.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 12:47:05
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Been thinking of something like that. It would be a diy version for a lot less and smaller. Think I could do a 4x4 tent that would accomplish things.

Would be tedious though. Have bought fabric to do each individual component. That is why I was asking about ground/ not ground. Tedious to ground every componet I will wrap in the cloth.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 23, 2020 at 12:50:57
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Cool man. Glad you found the culprit.

Last time I thought about the rain and rf and tin foil, I wrapped my soundcard in tin foil and it sounded glorious. Well that was until it stopped working. Lol. I forgot about heat...

Though remember this happens when it rains. Something is picking up some RFI and putting it in the system. So I need to do a whole system I think. Heck it could be the house wiring or something.

Thanks for the powercord idea. Most of my cords are made to handle RFI but some arent...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 13:07:22
rivervalley817
 I was being tongue in cheek but if you could ID the source directionality of the interference you could devise some panels or whatnot of the cloth as diffusers ... maybe, perhaps, etc.

regards,

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 17:48:39
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26352
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 The water soaking into the soil might improve your house grounding? It is common to have a rod driven into the soil and attached to house ground. Just throwing this out.


 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 18:20:30
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Interesting. Never would have thought of that.

I suppose a bucket and some water could test that pretty easily

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 19:08:58
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17297
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 When it's raining you know that you won't bother the neighbors so you play it louder.

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 23, 2020 at 21:02:00
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 I have a headphone only system now...

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 23, 2020 at 22:32:57
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Have you tried an aftermarket power cord with your Hafler switch-mode power supply, Dawnrazor?

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 24, 2020 at 05:38:56
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Hey Duster. This is the 2nd time you mentioned the switcher. Not all switchers are bad. Given its weirdo connections i am guessing its not some of the shelf psu. Anyhow yes. Without bending over to look i am betting it has the JPS labs blue cable which is their general cord. They have analog and digital cords as well which are in the system.

Why would the rain changing the sound have to do with a powercord



Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 24, 2020 at 05:56:55
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002



I simply wanted to ask if you've tried another power cord other than the stock power cord. The question has little do do with the type of power supply involved, other than a power cord with a thin foil shield might be of benefit for an SMPS. Not to mention a high-performance power cord tends to sound substantially better than a mundane stock power cord. I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but you might consider re-terminating the stock power cord with Audio Grade AC connectors if a power cord upgrade is not desirable. Sorry if my input was unwelcome, Dawnrazor.

 

Nevermind. :-) nt, posted on July 24, 2020 at 11:05:39
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17297
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 .
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 24, 2020 at 11:13:31
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Hey duster,

The internet sucks btw. SOrry you thought the input was not welcomed. not the case. I just don't understand the relation to rain. Maybe there isnt one and you were just trying to help with the power cord??

Anyhow yes I do have what I think is a great powercord on the Hafler supply.

Sadly no one seems to be acquainted with the JPS labs cables. I talked to the head of that company and chose their cords because he has a RF background.

They have digital ones and analog ones and a general purpose one (mine seems to have been discontinuted). I have the computers and dacs using the digital cords and for the Hafler went with the general cord. I have the stiff as hell AC cords in storage but could try them.

Also I have just kind of guessed with my power setup. Its really difficult to get direction on the web and well it is all probably system dependant anyhow.

Basically I have an APC regenerator plugged into the Satic. From the APC I go to a tripplite strip (no filtering). From there I have the Jps labs cables connected to some PS Audio Ultimate Outlets. 3 of the Ultimate outlets handle the 6 outputs to the computer, ethernet switch, BBe sonic maximizer, Hafler, Dac and Big Ben Clock. I try to separate them by what makes sense, like the dac and Big ben together, computer and switch, Hafler and BBE.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/ps-audio-ultimate-outlet-ac-conditioner-page-2

So everything is passive pretty much outside of the satic.

Non audio things like the work computer, TV and phone charger get plugged into a version of this:

https://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Power-Conditioner-Surge-Protector/ESP-Electronic-Specialists-Inc/Kleen-Line-ISO-17/4-outlets-each-w-dedicated-filters/27210

Some things can't use an audiophile cord but I have some adaptors from 3 to two pin for things like the switch where its possible.

It sounds great. Its just that its noticeably sweater when the rains come. Would the power cords be affected by the rain?

Also if you have any ideas that would make this better without spending a bunch of dough, that would be great. Things like the position. Like is the Satic better on the wall or on the APC regenerator would be helpful.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

That's quite a leap,..., posted on July 25, 2020 at 08:07:28
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
 from hypothesis to solution in one fell swoop. Have you done any experiments to confirm or deny your RFI idea?

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 25, 2020 at 11:01:15
Dryginger2
Audiophile

Posts: 320
Joined: October 2, 2014
 Presumably the answer is the effect of damp on the ground of your electrical supply so you better discover what electrical ground exposure to weather is introducing this desirable level of damp corruption or go out and try watering the incoming mains supply in the garden while wearing rubber boots every day!

 

RE: Tin foil test, posted on July 25, 2020 at 15:57:20
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 My question had nothing to do with the rain, I just chimed-in about something on my mind while reading the thread, Dawnrazor.

Like yourself, I'm an avid headphone listener, with extensive involvement of various power cords for use in a number of headphone rigs, so the topic is often on my mind.

Perhaps your experience of a difference in sound has something to do with negative ions generated by the rain.

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 26, 2020 at 03:45:55
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey DR,

How about trying these caps out????

See link....

Also, if you don't have unused rca inlets and outlets on your Hafler covered with caps, try that also. You can use a shorting rca connector on the input ONLY!!!...Music Direct has the caps (not shorted) for 2 clams a piece. You can make your own shorting cap by using an old rca plug.

Good luck!!!!!

 

Good Answer , posted on July 26, 2020 at 14:49:23
Barry
Audiophile

Posts: 1003
Location: PA
Joined: November 24, 1999
Contributor
  Since: January 18, 2009
 If the grounding rod has too high of an electrical resistance, you can get a longer rod, use multiple rods, or chemically treat the soil.

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 27, 2020 at 19:13:38
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Good idea I have some Cardas ones somewhere in storage. But I just bought some and some usb ones and xlr and ethernet...

Though in the past I don't recall them doing anything....

Maybe I just get a sprinkler system or something.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 28, 2020 at 00:28:26
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey DR,

Just found this from Jon Risch. I think you should check it out.

I wish I would have found this earlier....Check link.....

Hope this helps!!!

Also, IIRC, I had better performance with the shorted rca plugs on the INPUTS than with just the rca cap..Do NOT use shorted rca plugs on the outputs!!!!!

You aught to have a few homeless rca plugs sitting in your parts box to short out...

 

Personally, I think it's your mindset., posted on July 28, 2020 at 14:45:45
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Maybe the rain subconsciously puts you into a relaxed mood and the rig sounds better as a result of it?

Just like some days our stereos sound amazing and on other days it sounds like a huge turd even when you listen to the music during the same times of the day (removing the 'everyone's on the grid' theory).

Just a thought.




"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on July 28, 2020 at 15:37:36
tweaker456
Audiophile

Posts: 7732
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: June 20, 2020
 Shroons maybe?


So let us stop talkin' falsely now, the hour's getting late --
Robert Allen Zimmerman

 

RE: That's quite a leap,..., posted on August 1, 2020 at 16:56:17
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Yeah man it sounds like it!! But Its a long process and other threads in the past got me to where i reached conclusions. Here are some:

https://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=isolation&n=7931&highlight=rain+dawnrazor&search_url=%2Fcgi%2Fsearch.mpl%3Fsearchtext%3Drain%26b%3DAND%26topic%3D%26topics_only%3DN%26author%3Ddawnrazor%26date1%3D%26date2%3D%26slowmessage%3D%26sort%3Dscore%26sortOrder%3DDESC%26forum%3DALL

https://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=tweaks&n=167823&highlight=rain+dawnrazor&search_url=%2Fcgi%2Fsearch.mpl%3Fsearchtext%3Drain%26b%3DAND%26topic%3D%26topics_only%3DN%26author%3Ddawnrazor%26date1%3D%26date2%3D%26slowmessage%3D%26sort%3Dscore%26sortOrder%3DDESC%26forum%3DALL

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Personally, I think it's your mindset., posted on August 1, 2020 at 20:29:30
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Its possible. But the way things are is that the rain can sneak up on me. I have headphones on and black out shutters. So I don't know what is going on outside. At some point I notice things sound really good and then removed the headphones and can hear the rain.

Its possible though unlikely that the slight background noise helps since these are open back cans. But I don't see how it would be noticeable but could be wrong.

If it was all in my head as the shrooms guy and you seem to be implying, it would have sounded better when I got my new dac. My cans sounded terrible at first, etc. Both were better after burn in.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on August 1, 2020 at 20:31:40
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Thanks man. I didn't do any shorting but did get some caps for the rcas, ethernet, usb and aes connections. Though I forgot a few connections and am short at the moment. There wasn't much if any improvement but things do sound good now.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Personally, I think it's your mindset., posted on August 1, 2020 at 22:49:14
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Maybe it is just the rain.

I'm clueless, though, as to what might be happening or how it's improving your musical enjoyment. I don't think the low-level background noise does much, if anything, through your cans unless you listen at uber quiet levels.

I'm listening through my cans myself now, but mine are closed back (Denon D7000). I have the fan running since it's still kind of warm and I prefer headphone listening whenever I have to have the fan on.

I guess wish for rain, huh?


"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

Caps seem to help , posted on August 3, 2020 at 20:49:14
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12589
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Its not like when it rains but its getting close. Have added 12 rca caps, 2 AES, 4 ethernet, and 4 USB caps.

Have more RCA, AES and BNC caps on the way. Optimistic this will get me to the rainy sound.

Thanks everyone for the help and ideas.

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Caps seem to help , posted on August 9, 2020 at 18:12:09
floydandrews
Audiophile

Posts: 318
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Joined: December 29, 2003
 Maybe the rain gives you white noise in the background while you are listening? I think it would have to be raining for an extended period of time before it affects the ground rod.

 

RE: Sounds better when it rains!, posted on August 10, 2020 at 04:52:27
JURB
Audiophile

Posts: 2056
Location: North Ohio
Joined: May 29, 2016
 All this talk of cleaner power, which is not true because many power lines arc in a heavy rain, or less EMI, are bullshit. If your equipment can't make clean DC out of it the engineer needs to go back to school. If the equipment can't deal with possible ground currents, back to school.

When it rains, unless you are in a sealed environment you are in near 100% relative humidity. The air has more mass. The speed of sound is actually faster, not by much but it is.

That greater mass has to be pushed by your speaker cones which will tend to dampen the sound. However it will transmit the sound to your ears more effectively.

All this talk of less interference, let me ask you this. If you can't hear the noise then how the hell is it affecting the sound ?

 

Page processed in 0.039 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]