Computer Audio Asylum

• Just ordered - thanks for the notice - rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com 09:02:45 10/31/08 (3)
  In Reply to: RE: Where to start with Stabilant 22-A... posted by gjwAudio on October 30, 2008 at 22:05:16

  Grant,
  
  I have been somewhat skeptical of contact enhancers in the past.
  
  I have found they usually were more of an equalizer, they actually harmed the connection at first but maintained the same state of connection for a long time. Most of the improvement people heard with the old CRAMOLINS and such, I think, were from the fact they had done some cleaning, or, at least, just moving the connector in and out of its jack, did some marginal cleaning.
  
  Now, this stuff, as explained by you, sounds pretty interesting. The fact that we are dealing with LOW voltages, one would think, this product would be advantageous.
  
  Are you really putting this stuff on the pins of the CPU and the socket?
  I have no fear of doing this though I think those that have never touched the MB socket should be aware those pins are fragile. I learned the hard way. I thought they looked stiff so when I accidentally touched a socket with my finger and figured it would be a good idea to remove the residue from my finger I was shocked, and disappointed, to see that very little effort was needed to ruin the socket and, in addition, the MB.
  
  I would think one should use the solution to wet a paper towel or a cotton towel NOT A TERRY TOWEL, and lightly dab at the socket. Move only UP AND DOWN. NO sideways movement of any kind! What has been your experience?
  
  Is a simple wipe all that is necessary for the "pins" of memory and the PCI cards?
  
  As Clark Johnsen has said, you know when a music reproduction technology has been perfected when TWEAKS no longer do anything. I do not think this will ever happen, so THANKS for bringing this tweak to our attention. We make progress, usually, in tiny steps. In my recent experience only cics's PC TRANSPORT has brought us such a long way in a short period of time. For this we are grateful. But, we can never dismiss "smaller" tweaks and their cumulative effects.
  
  Assembling a good system for playing music is like a weight removel program for a racing car. You cannot pick and choose where you will eliminate weight, you look at everything, even an ounce taken away from a pedal, and other such parts, will add up to a surprising number.
  
  As an aside:
  The first GREAT loudspeaker I ever heard were the DAYTON-WRIGHT electrostatics. I remember being absolutely awed by Mr. Wright's idea of placing the elements in that gas bag as the most clever way to allow for an electrostatic speaker that could get loud without (excessive) arcing. Now, they did absorb power, you could never have enough, but they were a revelation. After the BELL LABS guys basically invented everything, there were few who had a unique conception of "how to do it". Mr. Michael Wright is an innovator. I must say I have no idea of what he up to in this century.
  
  Thanks, again,
  
  Rick McInnis
  
  
  
  

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  • Applying Stabilant 22-A to the mobo... - gjwAudio 22:49:08 10/31/08 (2)
    In Reply to: RE: Just ordered - thanks for the notice posted by rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com on October 31, 2008 at 09:02:45

    Hi Rick
    
    I ALWAYS use a syringe to apply Stabilant... it allows precise positioning and good flow control. Once you get the feel of the syringe, you avoid slopping it everywhere but where you want it - and you're not wasting it needlessly (soaking a paper towel is JUST WRONG !!).
    
    I have built a number of PCs over the years, and as a matter of reliability, I always treat the CPU and RAM at assembly time. For CPU, ensure the mobo is horizontal (let gravity do the work) and run a bead of fluid all around the socket holes - it will sink into the holes and contact the pins when you seat the CPU. Don't be afraid of excessive Stabilant - it won't harm the surfaces - it will evaporate. For RAM modules, I run a bead along the contacts (both sides) before inserting the stick into the mobo socket. Simple and easy to do (BTW, always beware of static charges when handling these parts - just a general warning to the DIY gang - who already know this !)
    
    Regarding the D.W. speakers... I had the pleasure of auditioning a pair in my system many years ago - quite remarkable sound and clever engineering. The owner decided he didn't want to sell them after all, so the had to leave. Too bad.
    
    Having had a few conversations with Mike Wright, I feel confident in any claims he makes about his products - this man knows what he's talking about. Should you Rick (or any un-convinced nay-sayers) feel the need to ask questions, I think a call to their office would be rewarded with the answers you seek.
    
    Hope this helps...
    Grant
    
    That's not a Toy... IT'S A TOOL !!
    
    

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    • Thanks for the advice, the cautions, and the admonitions - rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com 08:41:06 11/01/08 (1)
      In Reply to: RE: Applying Stabilant 22-A to the mobo... posted by gjwAudio on October 31, 2008 at 22:49:08

      Grant,
      
      I will do just as you instructed.
      
      Thanks again for the mention of this product.
      
      Maybe I misunderstood your meaning but I have nothing but admiration for Mr. Wright. I simply have no idea if he still is involved in audio these days.
      
      Bye,
      
      Rick McInnis
      
      

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      • No Admonitions for you Rick... - gjwAudio 11:13:21 11/01/08 (0)
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks for the advice, the cautions, and the admonitions posted by rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com on November 01, 2008 at 08:41:06

        Hi Rick
        
        I apologize if I came across as somehow wagging the finger at you - not my intent at all. I was thinking more of the nay-sayers, although D.W. doesn't need me to defend them against Slings and Arrows. 'Nuff said.
        
        Cheers,
        Grant
        
        That's not a Toy... IT'S A TOOL !!
        
        

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