ozzy
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3 New Products: My Review:
3 New Products: My Review: The NEW Ver-Fi: Products:
1. Line Noise Black Hole (LNBH),
2. Snub Station Zero (SSZ),
3. Infinity Fuse.
Mark asked me if I would like to try a few of his new products, and as a big time Audiophile tweaker (however my wife would describe me as a nut) I couldn’t resist.
In this review I will try to show that I have tried these units everyway possible within my system (see my profile) to remove any doubts as to how they performed.
First off, using the new Infinity Fuse with a Graphene slug into my Lumin X1 was instant success. This one unit contributed to a much wider soundstage and just a general upgrade in overall sound quality. So, this item will remain, no matter how the rest of the Veri-Fi equipment performs. BTW, it replaced a Synergistic Research Master Fuse.
Then I tried the LNBH and SSZ in my “computer/streaming room”. This room includes my Modem/Router, Etherregen, AfterDark clock, AfterDark linear power supply, and some other sundry items (printer etc.). I let the system stream music for a few days, and after that time, honestly, I could not hear any additional sonic improvement or change of any sort.
So, the next day I relocated the LNBH and SSZ into my audio system. I think I read that these items should be used in Tandem. I am using an AQ Dragon source power cord (from my AQ Niagara 7000 power conditioner) that was plugged directly into my Lumin X1 but now I plugged it into the LNBH and with a short DIY jumper power cord from that unit into the SSZ. And since the Infinity Fuse unit was a definite keeper, I also added an additional short jumper DIY AC cord to plug it into the Lumin X1. I should add that the AC input and outlets are on opposite ends of the devices which made daisy chaining them difficult.
When I played the system with familiar tunes it seemed that the soundstage was pushed way back, kinda sounded like into a tunnel and not as lively as I remembered the tunes before.
So, for “S&G” I removed the Veri-Fi previous versions of the “Snubway & Mainstream” devices from the Audio system. (My thinking was perhaps there is too much filtering of the same type). And sure enough, the liveliness returned, so make note of this: the original Snubway and Mainstream do not mesh well with these new products.
Question:
Should I plug all of this directly into the AC wall outlet instead of the AQ Niagara power conditioner 7000?
To answer that question, I then went ahead and plugged the daisy chained trio directly into the dedicated wall outlet. And at first listen, I thought, hmm not bad. But after several back-and-forth trials, I decided that having these units plugged into the AQ 7000 is better. Perhaps different power conditioners may react differently. So, experiment is the word.
After a week of listening to the trio as above, the last and final test would be to return to the beginning, that is; removing the LNBH and SSZ from the system. Note: I have already determined that the Infinity/graphene fuse was a definite instant plus, so it will always remain.
Conclusion:
Well first, I can conclude that that a week of burn/breakin was helpful, as it does for most new equipment, and it may improve further with more use. Then, I have found in the past that using a new item for a period of time, that “new” sound, becomes the standard, (you get used to it) and only after removing it can it be judged on the effectiveness, (if any) good or bad. Do I miss it?
So, after a week of playing my favorite tunes with the LNBH and SSZ devices connected, I then disconnected them and went back to my original set up, (but, again with the Infinity Fuse and the Graphene slug still installed).
At first, I thought the midrange was richer but as I continued listening, I began to realize that the music had lost that “sparkle”. By that I mean, the feeling of extreme openness with images clean and deep with a liveliness that I guess I would say, it no longer sounded “live”.
I then re-connected the LNBH and SSZ devices and ahh, that very open sound returned.
The Downside?
Several short power cord jumpers are needed and as mentioned, daisy chaining them can be difficult.
Sound Quality Wise?
So, my conclusion is that, yes, these devices are a Definite Plus and with whatever is inside them, improved the sound for this old Audiophile. Your music will be released into your room and sparkle the soundstage, enjoy the new performance!
BTW, my wife still thinks I’m nuts…
ozzy