Sorry, that was abrupt. I had started a reply but realized that I was doing nothing other than feeding the trolls, so I just erased and gave the answer that I did. For the record, I am probably the last person anyone would want judging the sound from an amplifier by hearing - I have a severe case of "shooter's ear" and would in no way be able to determine the actual, much less the imaginary, sound quality of a recording. What I am very good at is precision metrology - measuring to a high degree of accuracy the actual, real world physics of electronics - which seems to all too often be of only slight interest to "audiophiles." In theory, a large iron mass on a operating transformer should effect it's magnetic field however, as measured, not one that would effect it's fundamental operation in practice. That is for a well designed transformer in good physical condition. On a badly designed or defective one I could well imagine that it could make a measurable, and possible audible, difference - I have heard several transformers sing, rattle and otherwise make strange noises when they begin to delaminate or are otherwise damaged or overloaded. In short, if placing one as has been described causes an actual change, then the issue lies in defective or badly designed equipment - regardless of how much it may have cost.
Hal
So can you guys shed some light on what can improve sq when placed on top of a properly functioning transformer?
Of course, you can put <random object of your choice> on top and it may well sound better to you. Confirmation Bias (AKA: what you are hoping for) does work that way 😊
I’ve determined through rigorous tests that only effective method is to put empty bottle of some liquid ‘sound enhancer’, made dry before listening test.
What’s funny is that bottle doesn’t have to be put on transformer. It is enough that it is in the same room.
My measurements:
- Guiness Extra stout yields +0.5 in sound quality
- Saint Peter’s Cream stout yields +1 in sound quality
- Samuel Smith’s Organic chocolate stout yields +2 in sound quality
tombo56: Agreed! I, personally, find placing a bottle of mead from a local meadery gives it that pleasing subtle echo, reminiscent of a blown Viking's horn. The effect increases, and gets more pleasing yet, if the bottle is empty and the 3rd or 4th in a series 
Hal
Hal
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Well 🙄 Pfft..I just happen to have a well respected amp of renown with large honeycomb ferrite blocks glued to the tops of the transformers!
🙄
🙄
Me too.
Sometimes it gets rough when extreme believers get nervous and start attacking heads-on-their-shoulders Forum Members, there is a reason Politics and Religion are not allowed here, sadly some posts share the same level of personal prejudice and disregard of physical proof.
Oh well.
Sometimes it gets rough when extreme believers get nervous and start attacking heads-on-their-shoulders Forum Members, there is a reason Politics and Religion are not allowed here, sadly some posts share the same level of personal prejudice and disregard of physical proof.
Oh well.
I've made similar findings with various elixirs from local microbreweries as well. Though I have also found the sound quality will degrade after the consumption of 3-4 500 ml doses of elixir in one sitting, so there appears to be a local optimum around 1-2 doses. Excessive use of the elixir has been associated with the exposure of the Earth's rotational force. It's usually best to terminate the listening session then and go to bed.
Tom
A personal AES membership is not brutally expensive. Less than a good needle or a few bottles of liquid enhancer. I paid dues for a couple years just to troll/save the archives (8GB worth). You get a LOT of reading for a hundred+ bucks.
AES Membership Dues:
One Year: $125 (USD)
Student Rate: $50 (USD)
A one year membership includes access to the Online Journal and the AES E-Library.