Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: Diffractionbegone.com custom tweeter surrounds Touchstone Tweeter Surrounds Accessory by Japesgalore

Model:	Touchstone Tweeter Surrounds
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$49.95
Description:	Custom fitted machine made real wool fascias for the removal of early reflections
Manufacturer URL:	Diffractionbegone.com custom tweeter surrounds

Review by Japesgalore on August 19, 2008 at 09:52:36
IP Address: 77.236.0.195 Add Your Review
for the Touchstone Tweeter Surrounds

I've had these felt pads for a couple days now and am happy to say that this is a tweak with no drawbacks (in terms of its effect on the sound). I've seen it reviewed here and in other places and, as with all my cables and other tweaks, I decided to go the all-out DIY route. I bought some synthetic felt dots that are intended for putting under furniture and proceeded to apply them in different configurations around my tweeter. The difference they made was really quite dramatic - they had the power to completely destroy the sound by making the treble super distant, even though they were only a few mm high. Over all they were no good and, as I continued my research, I learned that only real wool of a substantial thickness can have any sort of positive impact on the sound.

I was a little hesitant about getting these given my experimentation but, in the grand scheme of things, the outlay of 50 something dollars plus delivery to the UK pales in significance to the cash I've dished out on other tweaks. Needless to say, the pads have NONE of the disadvantages of the synthetic dots, other than being a bit of an eyesore (though I have a plan to integrate them better into the look of the speaker). I'm no good at pointing out specific changes to the sound because, as I see it, any changes I've ever made have had a far too subtle, nuanced and broad impact on the sound to ever put all of it into words. What it always comes down to, for me, is how much more musical and engaging the sound becomes. The realization only comes after a couple days of listening - A/B tests are generally a waste of time, IMO.

Specifically though, the pads that Jim Goulding sells alleviated the harsh treble that I had for the longest time (due to my near-field listening position, smallish room and closed-in furniture) without introducing ANY drawbacks (other than making me focus on other areas of the music reproduction that could be improved). Ultimately, they improve the 'life' present in the music. In fact, the presentation as a whole has changed quite a bit - it sounds like a different system. Another concrete thing I can say that has improved is the soundstage.

Well that's enough from me. There's no reason why you shouldn't try these out, especially given the money back guarantee. The only concern that anybody could have is the look, and since a lot of people who are into hi-fi seem to be more into the prestige and the aesthetics these little wonders might not be for everybody. However, anybody who puts music first would be daft not to try these, especially if they suffer from the same acoustic issues that I did.

Product Weakness:	Erm, speakers don't look as nice any more.
Product Strengths:	Ultimately eliminated the irritating treble I've had for ever. Enhances the soundstage and overall musical presentation.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Jolida JD1501S 100wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Jolida JD100S
Speakers: Dynaudio 52SE
Cables/Interconnects: DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections): All
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Jolida JD1501S 100wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Jolida JD100S
Speakers:	Dynaudio 52SE
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner