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hiI have two questions:
1) Have you found that Shine Ola makes CD's sound smoother and less dynamic?
2) Do you clean both sides?
Thanks,
Follow Ups:
Smoother and less dynamic? No, not at all.I've found that it improves dynamics so much that I actually have to turn down my 48 stepped attenuators a couple of steps to maintain what sounds like the same sound pressure level. The micro dynamics and detail are much improved ... I've found, or rather have heard NEW details in recordings that were missed before.
Video is greatly improved with tighter focus, better contrast, sharper and better refined lines and better skin tone.
I only clean the played side and I'm very careful to not leave finger smudges on the label side. If I do, then I clean the label side. I've found that their 3 to 4 sprays per CD is a little much, usually one spray works fine, maybe two at the most. I've been able to clean around 250, maybe up to 300 SACD's, CD's and DVD's using the one spray technique. Try it.
That usually means less dynamics not more. This is unfortunately a common misconception.
I'd maybe agree if you're thinking like heavy AM radio
compression. Raising the level of the whole song with
compression means that the user would probably lower
his playback level. 2:1 compression to limit the
dynamic range to even 50 db will take care of it.
Happens all the time.That isn't what's happening with the Shine Ola, there
are some cd waxes and treatments that seem to soften
(and "un-digitize") the sound ... these may do this by
compression. Then, you'd be turning the volume
control down?If the cleaner disc lets you capture more of the
low-level bits that were masked before cleaning, you
won't have to try as hard to hear all the details.
Also, 0dBFS may seem to stick out from the
blacker/quieter noise floor. This may only noticeable
on a system that plays wide-range dynamic swings.If the laser can more easily read the disc, it's only
logical that it might retrieve more info than when the
mold-release or whatever made it more fuzzy and less
in focus.Fidelis Records and Diversity Records don't burn any
cd, be it the final product or a master, without
cleaning each disc with Shinola before burning. They
say that the final product is more open and
transparent. Anyone who's heard their SACDs and CDs
would probably think that they're not cleaning the
discs to get some compression.You may want to check out the Shinola, there are lots
of people that use it because it works, and is aafe to
use on cds.(Your mileage may vary?)
Jack
From my experience with it, it actually creates more focus, definition, and presence in the music playback.
There is a pro review in Positive Feedback I think that I saw which has similar comments and I know David Robinson is a fan of it.I was skeptical at first, but now use it on every CD/SACD and DVD I play.
It does make a noticeable postive difference to my ears.I do not clean both sides-just the side that is read by the laser.
Of course if there is some real gunk of the label side I clean that also.I think this is a very fine and safe product.
Do a search here on Digital or in HI-REZ forum, or on Audiogon on Shine Ola and you will get a lot of information.
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