List your favorite(cheap) test tools for audio systems

[clm811]

The emphasis here is on tools that help to improve sound, safety, etc.

Here is one of mine (very basic & cheap):

AC Polarity Indicator

Cost: Around $5 at any hardware store.

Uses:
To check that your mains outlets are wired correctly with regards to Hot, Neutral, and Ground.

Benefits: Obviously for safety. Plus, I found that my audio gear sounds best when properly connected to AC Hot, Neutral and Ground(where needed).

Please list yours .

-Chas

[poynton]

My eyes and nose are some of the best diagnostic equipment I possess and they are FREE...


Andy

[clm811]

Okay, Here's another one:

Radio Shack Mini Audio Amp/Speaker P/N#277-1008

Cost: $14.99

Uses: Test amplifier or signal tracer to check system noise floor or for microphonics - See Stereophile article:

http://www.stereophile.com/finetunes/212/

Benefits: Identify undesireable noise sources in and around your hifi system

[jtsaudio]

Your use of that amp reminded me of those AC "noise sniffers".

I had a chance to try the Audioprism Noise Sniffer(on loan from my local A/V installer). We used it to check the house wiring for noisy dimmers, appliances, etc. The most surprising find was that the popular new 'CF' compact fluorescent "bulbs" we retrofitted to save money are among the worst offenders, introducing a buzzing sound on the line that went away when we removed them. Turns out some brands of CF are worse than others.

While not cheap, if you can find such a unit on the used market it's worth trying. Once you've fixed your AC noise problems you can always sell it to recoup most of the cost.

[Cal Weldon]

Best tool I have for voicing speakers.

[Magura]

Originally posted by Cal Weldon
Best tool I have for voicing speakers.

You should try one of the newer models, some goes all the way up to 20KHz



Magura

[clm811]

Seriously, folks!

So far we have:
AC Polarity Indicators, and two kinds of "Noise Sniffer".

Also, we've established that, opposed to using test gear, some here prefer to rely on their senses for troubleshooting of hifi equipment. That's ok too, I guess.

I rely upon my ears for enjoyment of music on my system, but I'm afraid that such use is subjective (I find I can't reliably pass a blind A/B test- I've tried).

While my senses can tell me if or when something is wrong, they don't tell me specifically what or where (unless it's something as obvious as speaker position, loose or crossed wires, or an illuminated warning light) .

It's a great challenge, indeed, to try to use our senses objectively! If you can, perhaps you should apply at one of the audio magazines!

Seriously- other than the (obvious) use of our own senses, are there any other cheap diagnostic tools you've found that you could share that might be helpful to others here?

[col]

Behringer ECM8000 microphone.

Hooked up to a cheap mic preamp with phantom power, a laptop computer with a freeware realtime spectrum analyzer and bob is your uncle

col.

[star882]

Can't do without a multimeter. Good ones start at $50, but a $15 meter is better than nothing as long as you understand its accuracy limitations.

[clm811]

Behringer ECM8000 microphone.Hooked up to a cheap mic preamp with phantom power, a laptop computer...

Nice! How much did THAT set you back(: cd:... )?

Personally, I evaluate the value(benefit) of each audio-related purchase in terms of "how many CD's would that cost", i.e. how many records could I buy with that money? It'd be nice to have deep pockets, though!