There is definitely a "right way" to do this, and in many systems the improvement is huge when all plugs in the system are correctly oriented. Many years ago I used a small pen-like device measuring the electric field from the components. The smaller indication from the "pen" was the correct way to orient the plug. However, the pen was quite insensitive, so with many components it was difficult to tell which orientation was the correct one.
Then I came across this method in Stereophile where one simply uses a voltmeter set to AC and measure between the chassis and ground when all connections to other devices are removed. In case you do not have a ground close at hand, then pinch the other probe tightly with your fingers. Even if the actual voltages will not be the same, you will still be able to see which plug orientation renders the lowest voltage reading, and that is your correct position. Here is the original article: http://www.stereophile.com/finetunes/195/index.html In my system the plug orientation is really essential. The difference when I get just one plug wrong is easily audible. But when I have done this trick in some of my friends' systems the results have been varying. In some cases the difference is great, in other systems barely audible. For some reasons many of my components (especially the Krell pre- and power-amps) show very big voltage differences when turning the plugs, but some of my friends' cheaper system components barely show any voltage difference at all when turning the plug. But just to try to turn around the plugs and try to listen which is best must be very time consuming since the number of combinations will be quite many in case you have a number of components in your system. (Personally I have 10.) Remember just one plug the wrong way can ruin the sound, and then it may not be possible to realize how any of the other plugs should be oriented. The voltmeter method makes it easy to get everything correct without having to listen until all components are correctly connected. And hopefully you will be pleased with the improved sound quality. -- Erik L ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Erik L's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=37356 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=78959 _______________________________________________ Touch mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/touch
