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REVIEW: Altmann Micro Machines Tube-o-Lator Lacquer Accessory Review by Mike B. at Audio Asylum

Posted by Mike B. on February 7, 2001 at 15:05:02:
Mr. Altmann was kind enough to provide me with a free sample of his Tube-o-Lator Lacquer. Mr. Altmann had gained respect in the world of audio through his JISCO Jitter Scrambling Decorrelator.
So, what is this Lacquer? Well, it is designed to be applied to plastic encapsulated semi conductors like DAC's , OP amps, discrete transistors, power transistors, and voltage regulators. And, why would we want to do this? Quote "After application of the Tube-o-Lator Lacquer the components will have a tube like sonic character, best described as warm, full, natural and emotional sound."
I chose my MSB Link DAC III with upsampling to give the lacquer a try. I first warmed up the system and listened to a group of well known works. The Link was removed from the system and the lid unscrewed. Each I.C., transistor, voltage regulator, and op amps were given a coat. The lacquer comes in a small vial with a plastic screw lid. It is a charcoal color liquid of thin consistancy. Application is done with a half Q-Tip which was provided. Each component coated was complete coated on their plastic bodys.
The Link was quickly reinstalled in the system and I sat down hoping to be able to define and changes to the sound. What I heard floored me. The sound was very midbass oriented. It was much like disconnecting the tweeter from the loudspeakers. My first thought was something had gone wrong on the reinstall. All cords were checked and found to be fine. I then thought I had caused and internal problem with the DAC during the process. I left the system playing and after several hours returned and noted an improvement in the sound. After approximately twenty hours the system now sound excellent.
I guess the big question is did it make a sonic improvement? I am unable to say yes or no due to the long break in period and the panic I had when I first listened to the coated system. What I can say for sure is that it made a dramatic difference in the sound when first applied. I have no idea why a thin lacquer would yield such a change.
I also need to point out that my system is tube based and this might hamper telling if the sound became more tube-like. In an effort to better serve this product, if a member of the asylum with a solid state system would like to try the remaining Lacquer and write a follow up review, I will be glad to mail the lacquer to them.