This is one of the most unusual tweaks we have developed.
We place a tuning fork tuned to low C, about 128 Hz on the metal uprights of our racks. It really helps the sound, making things sound noticeably clearer and focused.
Apparently tuning forks will start to vibrate if their resonant frequency is present. A 128 hz fork is set about double the line AC frequency (60 Hz in the US and North America). Since many forks have tuneable hammers, I moved mine out a a bit to get a range closer to 120 Hz, double the line AC. The 120 Hz is actually the fundamental resonant frequency of the rectified AC.
The resulting sound is clearer, more dynamic and reveals finer nuances in the music. Apparently the forks actually absorb some of the 60 and 120 Hz resonance and in dissipating some of that energy into the air, pulls that energy from the components themselves.
This was discovered by accident as I was experimenting with something I had read on the net, whereby one could place a tuning fork against a speaker cabinet while playing music and when the fork started to resonate, it would indicate where damping was needed. The idea didn’t work for me, maybe because I wasn’t using a steady test tone, but in placing the forks in the ends of the rack for convenience while experimenting, I noticed that the sound had improved.
These forks are a part of every doctor’s little black bag, and they use it to test for skull fractures, apparently. Very few ever use it today and maybe if you ask your physician, he may give his to you (if he can remember where he put it !). Average cost seems to be about $5 to $6.
It works best close to components with the largest transformers: typically the power amps. But it does work everywhere…..
The power transformers which form the heart of many components, all work off the 60 Hz line voltage. Thus many metal type racks are then magnetically coupled, via induction, to the line frequency. This magnetic induction can be significantly reduced by placing small magnets on the various bars of a rack. This will resist the flow of magnetic fields and confine them to a smaller area. Again in reducing the magnetic induction, the result is superior sound; better detail and nuance.
Magnets are NOT recommended on Turntable stands, however, as the cartridge will be affected by the magnetic field of the magnet.
Victim of a Cereal Killer 