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| Model: | Infinity DIY filter |
| Category: | Power Conditioner/Surge Protector |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $25 |
| Description: | passive EMI/RFI absorber/blocker |
| Manufacturer URL: | Alan Maher Designs |
| Model Picture: | View |
| Review by boodles on May 24, 2009 at 16:06:43 IP Address: 75.15.214.52 | Add Your Review for the Infinity DIY filter |
I was recently fortunate enough to try out Alan’s newest offering; the Infinity DIY filter. I took Alan’s advice and installed the first one inside by breaker box right near the breaker that feeds my dedicated audio circuit. The second, I was not sure where to begin, so I installed it inside my SACD player atop its power transformer. I figured that was a good starting point, based on all the literature I’ve read about other EMI/RFI blocking devices and the sensitivity of digital circuits to these forms of interference. Alan had warned me that these things would produce mayhem with my circuits for several days, but I couldn’t resist a listen about 4 hours after install just to hear how things were coming along. By now, I should know that Alan’s products always produce very strange effects upon initial installation and then, as they set up, more and more of their magical abilities are revealed. Well, the new Infinities were no exception to this rule; my initial reaction was that I had taken several steps backwards in sound quality. Everything sounded rather thin a bright, and the soundstage collapsed entirely down to the point that all sound seemed to be coming almost directly from my speakers. There was no width depth or height. At 48-72 hours after install, things had changed dramatically for the better, and when I say better, I mean better than anything I had ever experienced. Suffice it to say that it was as if the gates of Heaven had opened in my family room and from them was pouring forth the music of the cherubim. Listening to The BIS SACD of Beethoven’s 9th with Vänskä was a revelation! The final movement with the choir and soloists was unlike I’ve ever heard it reproduced. Each soloist could be placed at a precise location both side to side and front to back. Moreover, I could actually hear the vertical positioning of the choir members, with some higher up, I suppose on risers, than others. Starker playing The Bach suites for cello was almost a religious experience as was listening to Bono singing MLK on the Mobile Fidelity gold CD release. Every subtle nuance and inflection is there. Listening at night with the lights off is almost spooky; you’d swear people were in the room singing/playing just for you. In conclusion, I don’t know what exactly the Infinities are doing to produce their effect (they don’t look like much; just little black boxes), but wow! The soundstage is so big and clear you can almost walk around in it and the sound is like liquid gold! It’s unbelievably clear and detailed, without even the slightest hint of harshness or brightness. Alan hit it out of the park with this one. I can’t wait to order more and treat everything I can find to see how far the magical spell the Infinities have cast over my system can be taken.
Thanks Alan for another great product that redefines what I thought was possible in audio reproduction.
| Product Weakness: | None detected, other than having to wait a day or two for it to settle. |
| Product Strengths: | Huge sound improvement at a laughably low price. You can't lose! |
| Amplifier: | Michael Yee PA-1 |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Micheal Yee LA-1 |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Marantz SA15-s1 |
| Speakers: | Green Mountain Audio |
| Cables/Interconnects: | MAC Mystics/MAC UltraSilver+ |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | all |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 35 x 15 x 10 |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | area rugs, some absorbers on walls |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 3 weeks |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | DIY Alan Maher Power strip |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
| Your System (if other than home audition): | system as listed above |
" and from them was pouring forth the music of the cherubim."
First, try some paragraphs.
Secondly, that has to be the most hyperbolic testimonial ever written; especially for a $25 product. Are you perhaps in the religious business?
Thirdly, have you noticed the similarity to shakti stones? And what makes this product different/improved/better?
NT
Very exciting results!!!
Love your Memorial Day Sale!
(just ordered two items)
Great review, I have a few of Alans products, looks like it time to get more.
We are very pleased with the results of the Infinity filter.
Alan
Hi Geoff
Thanks for your kind words. I attached the filter to the exterior facing surface of the breaker using velcro.
CHris
The description on his web page sounds a bit like "brilliant pebbles" - but I've had good experience with Alan's PE series so what the heck. As long as there's no "teleportation" phone call that's necessary......
Can you elaborate a bit on how you place these things? Is there an adhesive that attaches the box where needed (for example, in your breaker box)?
Also, Alan if you can chime in regarding various recommended placements I'd imagine you'd avoid lots of individual emails.
Thanks for the heads up!
An expert is someone who knows no more than you but is from out of town.
-Mark Twain
Mark
The box can be attached using a zip tie for things like circuit breakers, a/c male and iec shells, and cable mid-points. Blu-Tak can be used to secure the box to component parts; small transformers, dac chips, internal wiring, etc. 3M mounting tape can be used to secure the box over unused receptacles.
Regards,
Alan Maher
Alan,
What if I already have a QD (Quantum Disrupter) attached to the circuit break box?
--Paul
The two filter designs don't like one another in close proximity... But they can be used down stream from each other.Alan
Edits: 05/25/09
Wow! Can't wait to try it myself.
Thanks for a nice write-up.
excellent review, thank you for sharing. I have one and am looking forward to using it. Specifically how did you attach it to your fuse box circuit (from inside the panel or the exterior facing area?). At Alan's suggestion I'll probably also use one on the back of a new replacement AC outlet I've got on order that feeds my system.
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