Accessories Reviews
4 December 2024
The subjects of this review are the brand-new Carbon Fiber and Panzerholz Decoupling Discs for use primarily with the Exoteryc Audio Racks and Aire Floor Platform. However, when pairing them with optionally available Artesania 100-mm Stainless Steel discs, they can be used with any other spiked rack, platform, or speaker stand.
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14 October 2024
With the AUVAs, British manufacturer Stack Audio developed an alternative to spikes and compliant couplers. Enclosed within the AUVA’s machined aluminum cases are cells containing a mixture of particles which, when excitied by vibrations, dissipate the energy virtually instantaneously, removing remove masking vibrations.
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22 March 2024
In this review, I will compare the Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro Ethernet Switch with the new Bonn NX Ethernet Switch, first on its own and then augmented by the Genesis GX Word Clock.
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15 February 2024
Network Acoustics tempus
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tempus is the most recent addition to the Network Acoustics portfolio, a precision ultra-low noise Ethernet Switch with dedicated hybrid power supply.
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31 January 2024
Ansuz PowerSwitch X-TC3 and D3
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The Ansuz X-TC3 and D3 PowerSwitches are hugely effective products with almost magical properties. But don't dismiss the Ansuz ethernet cables, especially the D2 with its active Tesla Coils, when powered by one of these PowerSwitches.
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6 September 2023
AG Lifter Apollo Modular Rack
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The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. Apollo is the top-of-the line product with a modular nature which allows users to start with a single module and build out the system precisely as needed.
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29 August 2023
For the past five years, HRS has worked on the EXR system to get the performance and modularity on the desired level while also offering a 30% cost reduction over the model it replaced. As a result, the EXR Stand System is the brand's most cost-effective system to date.
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1 August 2023
Ansuz Darkz Resonance Control
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As I wrote review after review of Audio Group Denmark products, Darkz Resonance Control footers were always involved in one way or another. As I quickly found, Darkz have a profound impact, leading to my using several sets in my two systems as well as in many other reviews since then. But so far, the info was scattered across various articles. To make the info more easily attainable, I decided to create a separate article.
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25 July 2023
The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. The Crescendo Power Amp Stand is a relatively affordable standalone product that offers a very large chunk of what a full AG Lifter rack solution can do for an audio system.
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5 April 2023
Developed around the company's latest proprietary noise filtering technology, the muon Ethernet Filter is a passive system designed to filter out problematic electrical and radio frequency noise that would otherwise be delivered via the ethernet cable along with the data into the sensitive audio equipment.
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25 September 2022
Artesania KSH2 Krion shelf
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The Artesania HSH2 Krion Shelf comes highly recommended, even if your components do not strictly require it, and even if you don't own an Artesania rack!
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16 September 2022
Recently, the Artesania Aire floor platform received a couple of aesthetic updates. This article highlights the specifics.
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5 May 2022
Here is an in-depth review of the Ansuz Mainz8 D2 and Mainz8 D-TC Power Distributors, enhanced with an assortment of Ansuz Mainz D2 power cables and Darkz T2 and T2 Supreme Resonance Control Footers.
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13 February 2022
Ansuz Sparkz and Sortz
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Whether or not one is into tweaks or enhancers such as Ansuz Sortz and Sparkz, my tests have shown that there is simply no debate whether or not they work. Even the addition of a single Sparkz or Sortz in an otherwise standard setup already makes a large difference.
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25 July 2021
R.T.F.S. Stripe
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The Stripe is made from the same material as the Carreau but the added benefit of the Stripe segments is that they provide precise control over the exact balance between reflection and absorption while also enabling precise tuning of the bass behavior.
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15 March 2021
In this review, I will try the Ceiling Vanes in three different positions in two areas while applying the Carreau panel in a third area. If there's one thing that has become clear during my time with various R.T.F.S. products, it's that they have proven to be extremely effective. More effective than other foam or wool solutions that I have tried.
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20 November 2020
R.T.F.S. Sirrah – Part 2
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Not only will they work wonders in untreated rooms, but the SiRRAHs also provide substantial improvements in soundstaging, clarity and focus even in already well-balanced rooms.
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4 August 2020
R.T.F.S. SiRRAH – Part 1
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The smartly designed SiRRAH units have a twofold function, combining the advantages of a diffuser with those of a bass/midrange absorber. The panels are easy to fix to the wall and the improvements are substantial.
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10 June 2020
With solid, silver-plated connections up to 50 mm2 and 0 AWG Massive OFC internal conductors, large contact areas with pneumatic high contact pressure for the lowest possible impedance and a complete absence of undesired inductive parts, the Doepke DFS-2 offers uncompromised quality. At 600 euros, does it justify its cost? Read on to find out!
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3 May 2020
For a change, here is a power conditioner that does actually deliver on the promise of not reducing the expressiveness or dynamics. Put simply, the PC-4 EVO+ acts to remove restraints without any penalties.
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14 April 2020
This review made it very clear that good power connections do matter. A LOT! In this part, I focus on explaining the products in detail and provide some background information pertaining to some of my personal experiences. The listening experiences can be found in part 2.
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16 March 2020
CH Precision X1 Power Supply
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The X1 is an ultra-low-noise, high-current, DC-regulated external power supply capable of powering up to two CH Precision units.
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11 January 2020
For some people, the sound is all that matters but for me, aesthetics are also very important. Fortunately, the Artesania Modular racks and floor platform are utter eye-candy. But don't underestimate them due to their pretty looks - they also offer a very serious upgrade over any standard rack.
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11 August 2019
As a result of on-going efforts to further improve Jose Luis Lafarga's designs, Artesania introduced a superb upgrade for the Exoteryc rack: the Carbon Fiber Linear Arm upgrade. Made of 100% Carbon Fiber they replace the metal arms into which the component feet are attached as well as the component feet themselves. The result is nothing short of stunning.
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7 August 2019
As with the Absolute Rack, the Modular rack is made from a combination of Krion and Tankwood but in this case these materials are applied only in the levels themselves. The rack can be assembled exactly as required from 1, 2, 3, or however many layers and it can always be extended or reduced very easily, hence the term "Modular".
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2 March 2019
xFyro xS2 wireless earbuds
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Wireless earbuds with smart charger case that deliver superb sound quality
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14 June 2018
AcousticMatters
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Speaker- and listening seat positioning are the most important matters, but you can't achieve perfection without careful treatment of the room. This is where a specialized company such as AcousticMatters comes in.
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28 January 2018
Considering their high-grade finish, their very positive influence on the sound and also taking their pricing into consideration, they are virtually a must for owners of Artesania racks.
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28 January 2018
These Isolation Bases don't only work with Artesania racks but are universally applicable. I use them not only for racks but also for speakers. The Bases now come with 3 disc materials to tune precisely as preferred.
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27 January 2018
These Standalone Isolation Discs are not specific for Artesania Audio Racks: they can be placed under any component and be used on any surface.
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2 November 2017
Mad Scientist BlackPod Nanotech
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Excellent Universally Applicable Footers
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13 July 2017
Part 2 of the GiK review
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15 May 2017
With each of the four IEC connectors having its own distinctive character, there is bound to be a suitable model for every application.
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25 February 2017
Phono cartridges can make or break a turntable, but the headshell also has a not inconsiderable influence on the sound.
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28 January 2017
Hofa Diffusors
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These unassuming panels are way more effective than you would think!
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19 October 2016
Artesania Aire Floor Platform
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These sophisticated platforms do not merely add the last nth of quality, they actually transform the sound, in a musically meaningful manner.
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28 May 2016
Updated versions for the famous Alpha 3 cable and FI25 and FI35 connectors
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23 September 2015
Solid Tech Radius racks can be set up on regular spikes, or a host of other footers and as you might have guessed, the discs on which the spikes rest also make a big difference.
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22 February 2015
Mad Scientist Audio BlackPods
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Affordable yet highly effective footers.
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2 January 2015
In my main system I have always managed to avoid room treatment but for the Media Room it is a different story.
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24 August 2014
Artesania Platforms and Dampers
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First installment of an extensive review of some mightily impressive add-ons for the superlative Exoteryc racks.
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5 July 2014
Due to my ever-expanding CD player collection I was running out of space in my Artesania rack. The solution: to add more racks.
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23 May 2014
A remarkably effective tweak
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24 April 2014
Artesania Exoteryc Audiorack
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The most stunning audio rack I have ever seen, and my new reference
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8 December 2013
SolidSteel S5-2 Audio Rack
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Affordable, stylish and sturdy rack without audiophile pretentions
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23 September 2013
Unassuming tweaks that really work
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5 May 2013
Stainless Steel Stunners
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19 September 2012
Ceraball lookalikes that perform remarkably well
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12 June 2012
Gemstones and gold: not only are they a girl's best friend: starting now they're also a man's best friend!
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18 March 2012
Furutech FI25G, FI25R, FI15G, FI15R and IeGO 8085 Gold
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17 March 2012
Virtually indistinguishable on most photos you see on the net but quite different in real life, and surprisingly, also quite different in sound!
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26 December 2011
Finding out to what extent connectors are responsible for a power cable's sound
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12 December 2011
I always like to discover patterns in sound behaviour, with cables as well as with accessories such as connectors.
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5 March 2011
There turns out to be quite a marked audible difference between these outlets.
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19 October 2010
These jumpers do a lot for the sound
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4 June 2010
Reference: a benchmark against which other manufacturers can judge the quality of their extensionblocks.
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28 April 2010
Changing the standard Yarbo connectors to IeGO 24k Gold cryo connectors
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23 December 2009
Surely these silly little discs must be the craziest tweak ever. So I could not resist trying them for myself
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21 December 2009
TU-210ZX Tuning Feet, RF900 Spike Bases and RF909X Spike Bases
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16 November 2009
Schuko connectors compared part 2: Three Schuko connectors compared: IeGO 24k Gold, Hifi Tuning Gold II, Bals 73
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6 October 2009
Ceraball Spider - Ceraball Universal - Cerapuc
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18 July 2009
Changing the standard Yarbo connectors to IeGO 24k Gold cryo connectors
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17 February 2009
Two very different filters, tested under identical circumstances
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5 February 2009
Two of the brand's most famous racks compared
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16 December 2008
Two visually similar racks that, especially when using their respective optional footers, cater to different parts of the audiophile spectrum.
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