Telos Macro Q

Introduction

The Macro Q is a new device from Telos Audio Design to treat noise on your computer, NAS or streamer. Plug it in to any USB port and you are good to go. A special mention needs to be devoted to how well made this device is - the finish is absolutely gorgeous !

Looking very much like a small scale replica of it's larger relatives, the Macro Q is actually compact and light enough to be hanging from the USB port of your device of choice without any additional support.

However, a special cable (note the large gauge of the cable) is also provided to allow the Macro Q to be placed in tight situations. Operation is straightforward - plug it into any spare USB port and you are good to go. If all is well, you will be greeted by a light show from the unit. This is not a pass-through device (like the Audioquest Jitterbug), so you do need to have a spare port. 

Deployment is limited only by your imagination. Some users have taken to using the Macro Q on their network routers, AV setups or even in their cars to improve their stereo systems. Other claims of improved torque and BHP are unverified !

Sound Quality

The best description of the Macro Q’s effect is that it is a contrast and focus enhancement tool (to borrow a photography analogy). You get an immediate improvement in clarity across the audio band, with greater impact on the bass, and more extended highs. You can further tune the sound by experimenting with placement and support. Plugged into my Melco NAS, I found the additional clarity and high frequency energy to tip my system balance into brightness. The pig tail added some extra body and smoothness that suited my taste more. I also found that leaving the Macro Q dangling (whether from the pig tail or from the USB port) to impact the sound negatively, added a subtle smear to the sound. Adding a squishy footer to support the body of the Macro Q, or placing it on a wooden block improved things noticeably. With some ingenuity, I’m sure you could fashion some support out of children’s building blocks or the like.

Conclusion

This flexibility in tuning should help the Macro Q fit in a wide variety of systems. The efficacy of the Macro Q surprised me, given that the Melco is an audiophile grade NAS with great attention paid to minimising noise on both it’s network and USB ports. The Macro Q is well worth trying for anyone that is using computer audio as a source. 

I may also try the Macro Q on my Synology NAS, and my SoTM SMS-200 Ultra streamer - do check back for updates. 

The Macro Q is available at Audio Basic, local distributor for Telos Audio products.

Macro Q - S$ 360

Audio Basic
1 Coleman Street
#02-12, The Adelphi
Singapore 179803
Tel : 6338 3245

Telos Quantum Noise Resonator

I happened to drop by Audio Basic Singapore (local dealer for Telos) recently. Another customer walked in and Steven Cheah, manager and principal of Audio Basic asked him to listen to a demonstration of the Telos Quantum Noise Resonator ("QNR").

The QNR is a compact device about the size of a paperback novel. It is quite heavy, being made out of machined aircraft grade aluminum. The chassis has no visible screws, and a top cover acrylic window allows the user to see the circuit board, and a LED display that blinks meaningfully when the QNR is in operation.

The QNR is an AC mains conditioner and works by means of production of eight different frequencies, which are namely, 120 Hz, 60 Hz, 30 Hz, 15 Hz, 7.5 Hz, 3.75 Hz, 1.875 Hz and 0.9375 Hz. Telos claims that the QNR is able to correct distortions in the AC waveform, and converts noise above 1 kHz into light.

As the QNR is connected in parallel with your equipment, there is no current limitation unlike series type of line conditioners.

The QNR is equipped with an IEC socket on its rear panel, which allows experimentation with different power cords.

I happened to stay long enough to listen to a demonstation to two different customers. In both cases, hooking up the QNR resulted in an increase in spaciousness of the sound, and improvement in three dimensionality of the soundstage. Separation and focus was better too. I also felt that with the QNR,
the leading edge of musical instruments was bolder and more energetic, with an improvement in decay too.

The effect is quite obvious, and I may be borrowing a unit for home evaluation. Stay tuned.

Telos Quantum Cap

Like the original Telos RCA Cap ?

Telos has launched their new Quantum Cap. Sold in packs of four pieces, each RCA cap is made out of copper and gold plated. The cap is subject to cryogenic treatment and treatment from Telos's proprietary QBT run-in treatment. The red pad inside the RCA cap contains undisclosed materials.

Compared to the original RCA cap (see review here), the Quantum Cap is longer and heavier.

I am still trying these caps around the house. They do clearly make a difference on equipment they are used with. During some initial experiments, I tried covering the output jacks of the Calyx Coffee DAC / headamp, and they clearly resulted in changes to the sound - a smoother presentation, albeit with some restraint and reduction in dynamics. Not really to my liking over there.

Trying them next on my Conrad Johnson preamp, I placed one pair on a spare input. The effect seems to take a while to stabilise, and I had a listen after leaving them in position for a day. The most noticeable effect on my system was a change in soundstage presentation, with the vocalist moving forward, and the midrange becoming more prominent. Pacing was much faster, to the extent that I felt the system was unnatural sounding - the musicians don't need to rush - I am not in a hurry !

Adding another pair on a output jack on the Conrad Johnson (and waiting another day) provided more balance to the overall presentation. Apart from a quieter noise floor, transients were left with a more energetic and dynamic feel. As opposed to an airy light and focussed high frequency presentation, the Quantum Cap imparts a slight increase in density and body. The effect reminded me very much like a milder version of the Telos Branda power cord.

I was also pleased that I got back a more balanced pace (no more rushing for the train), and my soundstage depth (it still moves the vocalist forward, but to a lesser extent now). Overall, it is a good effect with a more wholesome and organic feel.

Moving on to my office head-fi setup, I placed one pair on the output jacks of my Schitt Lyr. There is a lightening effect on the midrange, with an increase in length of decay. However, Piano notes had less resonance and body. Putting an additional pair of caps on my source, (placed on the coaxial digital output and remote control jack of a Marantz CD6003), resulted in a smoother midrange, and an increase in bass weight.

Intellectually, it seems odd that a pair of caps (or two in this case) could alter the sound of a system to the extent heard. Leaving any scientific explanations aside (I won't even try), you really should try them. They are low cost (the pack of four costs slightly more than 2 CDs) and quite potent. However, the effect is not entirely consistent or predictable from setup to setup. Liberal experimentation will be necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Aftermarket Audio Fuses - a mini round-up (revised 8 Nov 2015)

(Revised - 8 November 2015)

Introduction

Do you believe in aftermarket audio fuses ? This is a controversial topic - engineers and other naysayers are quick to point out the ludicrosity of the whole matter. Give it a try. If it makes no difference, you've saved yourself some money. I recently purchased the Telos and Synergistic Research Quantum Fuse and thought it would be nice to run some comparisons between these fuses and some other fuses on the market.

I took a dive into my stack of parts and found a Create Audio Luxury Nano fuse I used some years back. I texted my audiobuddy TC and he passed me a Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme and Super Cryo fuse too.

I tried the fuses on my Conrad Johnson Classic 60 SE power amp, but ended up trying the fuses on a variety of equipment.

Left to Right - Schurter SMD-SPT, Synergistic Research Red, Telos Audio Quantum X2, PADIS

New - Synergistic Research Red Fuse (US$ 89.95)

The Red Fuse has a similar tonal balance to the SR20 fuse, but has noticeably more resolution and extension, especially at the top end of the frequency spectrum. It still remains a warm and calm fuse, and should be the antidote for harsh and bright systems.

New - Telos Quantum X2 Fuse (Pricing to be determined)

The Quantum X2 fuse is a sonically more mature version of the QBT-18. There is better low end impact, with a subtle bloom, while both midrange and high frequencies have a sweeter and more refined tone. I am quite impressed with the improvements made over the QBT-18.

Synergistic Research SR20 Quantum Fuse (US$ 59.95)

Synergistic Research SR20 Quantum Fuses are German made ceramic bodied fuses that have been zapped by SR's Tesla Coil, i.e. 2 million volts of electricity. Although these fuses have no direction markings, the manufacturer is of the view that they are directional and have to be tried both ways.

The Quantum Fuse is smooth and warm. It has good bass weight and a slightly laidback midrange. The top end could be viewed as a bit too nice for some with a bit of restraint in cymbals and air. Despite its balance, it is quite detailed. For those seeking a slightly warmer balance, it would be a toss-up between the Red Fuse, Quantum Fuse and the Super-Cryo Fuse.

Telos QBT-18 (S$ 40 or about US$ 30)

The Telos fuse is a new entrant to the fuse market. The QBT-18 is a German made industrial grade fuse that has been cryogenically treated for 36 hours and then run in using Telos's in-house designed QBT burn-in machine for 18 hours.

The QBT-18 impresses with its openness the minute you hit the play button. It is highly detailed, with very precise imaging and staging. It has a leaner low end and midrange compared to the SR Quantum Fuse. The bass notes from Patricia Barber's track, "Like JT" have less weight and impact. There is also a tendency for certain sibilant tracks to come through clearly - in comparison, sibilance is flattered by both the SR Quantum Fuse and Super Cryo Fuse. This could be just the thing for darker and slower sounding systems. I personally found it a bit too bright for my main setup, although it was a perfect match for the warm and smooth sounding Job 225 power amplifier.

From top to bottom : Telos QBT-18, Super Cryo Fuse, Synergistic Research Quantum Fuse, Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme Fuse, Create Audio Luxury Nano Fuse, Stock glass bodied fuse

Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme (US$ 59.95)

Hi-Fi Tuning was one of the earlier manufacturers of hi-fi grade fuses. The Supreme is their top of the range offering. The internal wire material is made out of a silver / gold mix (99 % silver and 1% gold) and soldered using a silver / gold based solder from Mundorf of Germany.

The Supreme is cryogenically treated and subjected to a proprietary quantum treatment. There is no direction marking, but the diagram on the body makes it easy to differentiate the orientation of the fuse.

This fuse has an outstanding reputation but just didn't do it for me. It is pleasingly warm and smooth. However, I felt it obscured detail and lacked the control of the top fuses here in terms of transient control, imaging and staging. This is an expensive fuse, and my expectations were correspondingly high.

Super Cryo Fuse (S$ 40 or about US$ 30)

I don't know much about this fuse except that it is from Cryo Audio Technology Japan.

However, I do know that this fuse sounds very good in my system. It is sweet, while managing to avoid sounding syrupy or veiled. Pleasingly warm, the Super Cryo Fuse is detailed and well controlled. It lacks a bit of top end extension. Ride cymbals have a good warm strike (more so than usual), but with less obvious decay. In comparison, the SR Quantum Fuse has an overall less prominent cymbal presentation - it's all there, just softer. The Super Cryo Fuse also has less bass weight and slam but just manages to edge out the SR Quantum on the detail front. This is an excellent fuse for the money.

New - PADIS Fuse (EUR 22)

PADIS (Progressive Audio Distribution) is a German manufacturer that sells rhodium plated fuses for high end audio. It is rumoured that PADIS also produces fuses for another well-known audio company. PADIS fuses can be ordered online directly on ebay directly from the manufacturer.

These fuses punch well above their asking price. I found them to be well-balanced, and very detailed at the same time. Both ends of the frequency spectrum are very well-controlled with the high frequencies being subtly more prominent. They also have a very precise rendering of the soundstage, and placement of instruments.

Outstanding value !

Create Audio Luxury Nano Fuse (US$ 10)

This is an easily available fuse that can be ordered off e-bay from a number of China based sellers. The internal material promises nano material (whatever that means), a ceramic body and gold and rhodium plated ends. The fuse is marked for directionality.

This is an unusual fuse. Bass is warm and rounded, while the midrange is smooth and pleasant. However, the top end is quite sharp and a bit metallic and grainy. It is not a bad fuse, taking into account its very low price. Definitely worth a shot if you are skeptical about fuses, but just want to satisfy your curiosity without too much financial risk. However, this is definitely not state of the art as far as fuses go.

New - Schurter Gold Plated Ceramic Body Fuse (below US$ 2.00)

Schurter actually lists their SMD-SPT fuse line as an audio product ! Thankfully, it comes with a non-audiophile price tag. Depending on how hard you look, you should be able to find it for less than US$ 2.00

In my humble opinion, the SMD-SPT handily outperforms the Bussman Ceramic Fuse for negligible price difference.

There is good amount of detail, and nothing seems unduly emphasized. Soundstaging is a bit distant.

If your system is perfectly dialed in, this could be the icing on the cake. This fuse is an absolute no-brainer !

Stock Fuse (Negligible Cost)

This is a generic glass bodied fuse. Nothing more to say here. Vague and slightly messy. Any of the candidates here can be safely seen as an upgrade. If you refuse to upgrade the fuse, at least experiment with orientation of the fuse.

Bussman Ceramic Fuse (Negligible Cost)

Shoestring budget ? Consider the Bussman ceramic bodied fuse, which should be available from either your local hardware store, or electronic supply house. Compared to a generic glass bodied fuse, the Bussman adds a slight lift in both transparency and control. The soundstage is also moved backwards for an increased sense of depth. This fuse is easier to obtain than the Schurter, but going the extra mile to hunt down the Schurter is definitely worth the effort.

Conclusion

Fuse rolling provides a surprising amount of latitude in tuning a system. It is also worth noting that all of the fuses on test (including the generic stock fuse) are directional, and sound different both ways.

Telos Power Cord Round Up

A round up of 3 power cords from Telos - the Gold Signature Mk II, Branda Signature, and Platinum Signature.

Please excuse the photos. The cords are demo sets and show some signs of wear and tear. As they are on loan, the plastic wrap stayed in place for most of the photo shoot. Nevertheless, the finish on these cables are so beautiful that it actually motivated me to take out my light tent for a few close up shots.

The Branda Signature is almost as heavy and thick as the Platinum Signature.

The IEC and AC male plugs are similarly finished.

The Gold Signature Mark II

Platinum Signature

The mandatory group shot - L-R : Platinum Signature, Branda Signature, Gold Signature Mark II

Telos Gold Signature Mark II

The second generation Telos Gold power cord is the lightest and most flexible power cord in the Telos family. Like its siblings, it is finished very nicely with heavy plated copper rings attached around the cable. It is reasonably easy to manage (unlike some Anaconda like cables I've had to handle) and has an average turning radius.

Pacing wise, the Gold takes it's time. This is not a cord that has lightning fast transients and speed. Neither does it sound slow - instead it has a natural portrayal of both the initial strike and resultant decay. This is a characteristic that was common to all three Telos cords on test here.

The Gold is on the sweet and smooth side of things. Referring to my listening notes, I had written down, "Sweet and weighty midrange". Midrange is fuller than usual with a lush and fluid presentation. On the bottom end, the Gold has tight and extended bass but without the bloom that the midrange enjoys. Bass is relatively dry. High frequencies are all there but are less prominent compared to the rest of the frequencies. Soundstaging is wide, but a bit flat in depth.

Translated into music playback, violins have more body but less bite from the strings. Percussion work tends to favour drums and tom toms compared to cymbals. Flutes in particular are noticeably less airy. Female vocalists have weight and richness, but some of the texture and nuances that could be heard through my usual power cord was lost.

Compared to the best on test, there is a loss of microdetail. Assessed individually, the Telos Gold is pleasant and has more sins of omission than addition.

Telos Branda   

Both the Gold and Platinum have one single problem - the Branda. The middle-child of the Telos family is to my ear, the most pleasing and value for money !

The Gold was pleasant, but spending 50 % more on the Branda showed me that this was not the typical case of diminishing returns. The Branda improves on the Gold in all parameters.

The Branda has a more lively sound with very deep and wide soundstaging. Bass is wetter than the Gold with extension and bloom. The human voice remains full, but with texture and detail that is obscured by the Gold. High frequencies are more prominent and have excellent extension and projection. Interestingly, cymbals sound warmer on the Branda, with a more golden metallic sheen. Microdetails and dynamics are both excellent. 

The Branda is certainly not a dull and shy cable. Despite the high levels of energy, the Branda keeps everything under control. 

Telos Platinum

The Platinum was quite underwhelming after coming from the Branda. I had to switch back to the Branda after listening to the Platinum just to make sure that my observations of both cables were not misplaced.

Compared to the Branda, the Platinum had an overall lighter tone. It has an equally weighty but more rounded bass. However, its midrange and treble have less tonal density. High frequencies in particular are presented in a gentle and soft manner, compared to the more incisive character of the Branda. This translates to a nicer and more polite presentation of energetic percussion work. The cooler midrange also has a tendency to emphasize sibilance on the usual problem tracks.

While the Platinum has a very refined and intellectual presentation, it lacks the snap and verve of the Branda. Preference would very well be taste dependent but I suspect that the majority of audiophiles would prefer the Branda.

Conclusion

I enjoyed my time with the Telos power cords, and will especially miss the Branda when I return them  to my dealer. As a matter of value, I feel that Telos is able to compete favourably with the big brand names out there. In fact, the Branda and Platinum compared quite favourably with my usual powercords, the Acrolink  PC-6100 and Acrolink Mexcel PC-7100. The Acrolink cables had a more laid-back balance. The PC-7100 remained the most detailed power cord on test, with the finest level of microdetail, air and attack. However, the Branda and Platinum easily outperformed the PC-6100 in terms of sound staging, and bass bloom.  

The Gold needs cautious evaluation and needs more careful matching. Prospective purchasers should definitely compare the Gold to the Branda before taking the plunge.


Telos has done very well for itself -  in an sector flooded with me-too products, their power cords are unique and offer good value for money, especially the Branda. I can't wait to try the Branda interconnects when they appear on the market.

Clash of the Titans - Acoustic Revive RR-777 vs. Telos Quantum Acoustics Diffuser / Alpha Wave Generator

Introduction


Schumann Frequency vs Alpha Waves ?

Many readers would have heard of the product that started it all, the Acoustic Revive RR-77. Acoustic Revive has recently replaced the RR-77 with the RR-777. Appearing physically similar to its predecessor, the RR-777 promises an improved circuit which boasts a generator that is four times more powerful. Both generate a Schumann Frequency pulse, at 7.83 Hz.

Supplied with a switching mode power supply, and a very long DC cable, Acoustic Revive advises that the RR-777 be kept away from other components and be placed at a height of at least 1.5 m. The main unit is made out of plastic, and sports a rocker switch behind, to turn the unit on and off. A single blue LED on the front of the device indicates operation. The LED is bright enough to upset audiophiles used to bat-cave like conditions, but it is not bright enough to be used as a night light !

The light weight of the device makes it perch a bit precariously in high places, and perhaps a bit of blu-tak should be used to secure it down safely.

A single blue LED adorns the front of the Acoustic Revive 777

Rear view - DC jack and a rocker switch for power

The Telos Quantum Acoustics Diffuser on the other hand operates at a higher frequency, at 9.41 Hz (based on unconfirmed information) and is fashioned more like a picture frame. I happened to see its internal circuit board at the local Telos dealer, and much of its area is dominated by its antenna. The Telos has drilled holes  to support wall mounting, and includes a screw-on wooden leg to allow it to stand like a table top picture frame.

Finished nicely in wood trim, just like a photo frame

The battery bay at the rear takes in 4 AA batteries. The wooden rod seen at the bottom of the picture screws into a small threaded hole to allow the Telos to balance upright.

The PCB of the Alpha Wave

The supplied switch mode power supply looks similar to the Acoustic Revive supplied model, but operates at 9V DC, instead of the 12V DC used by Acoustic Revive.

The green LED light that indicates operation is near invisible in daylight, and does not call much attention to itself, even in pitch darkness. Uniquely, the Telos allows battery operation via 4 AA batteries that fit into a battery compartment on the rear of the unit. A second red LED light indicates a weak battery. The Telos does not have any charging circuit built in, so the rechargeable battery crowd will need a separate charger.

One criticism against the Telos would be the position of its DC socket. Its location makes the use of a right angled DC plug mandatory. Users with aspirations of using upgraded power supplies may need to do a little bit more leg work to find a suitable plug. On the feature count, the Telos edges ahead of the RR-777 given its battery option.

Officially, no placement tips are given, although the local dealer advises that the Telos is not particularly sensitive to placement. Nevertheless, for comparison purposes, both were placed behind my left speaker, perched at a height of approximately 1.5 m.

A group shot shows the relative size of the two unit on test.

Sound Quality

Both units were tested after a few weeks of usage, and were initially used with their stock power supplies.

The RR-777 is characterised by a focused and detailed presentation. Midrange images are presented in a pin-point fashion, with detailed texture and decay. Both voices and instruments have relatively small image sizes. This quality is applied evenly to high frequencies, giving systems a slight lift and extension there, with enhanced air and edge definition.

Flute solos have noticeably more air, while finger work and sliding on acoustic guitar strings are more distinct and precise.

Soundstaging is slightly distant, with a movement of the soundstage at least a few rows backwards, helping to  create the illusion of depth.

Bass is relatively unaffected by the RR-777, although it would appear that there is a very slight reduction in impact and speed.

Tonally, the RR-777 shifts systems towards a brighter and more brilliant presentation. I noticed on the downside that sibilance is worse on the usual problematic tracks.

Like its predecessor, the RR-777 can be tuned via its power supply. The stock switching unit is bright and crisp. Using a 2A linear power supply changed the RR-777 drastically, making its balance closer to that of the Telos. Besides a heft and roundness to bass notes, the linear power supply resulted in a richer and bigger voice, with a slight forward shift in the soundstage. Unfortunately, there was a slight loss of high frequency extension. Hooking up a  3A switched mode power supply which happened to be lying around, the RR-777 took on a middle ground between the stock switcher and the linear power supply.

Readers would need to consider whether the power supplies were directly affecting the performance of the unit, affecting the power line via radiated noise, or a combination of both. To minimise variables, the stock switching power supply was left plugged in at all times, while the alternative power supplies were being used.

Next, we take a look at the Telos. Like the RR-777, the Telos enhances acoustic space, and results in a more detailed and textured presentation of voices and instrument. The Telos presents the human voice with a richer and smoother tone. Image sizes are larger, and similar to the RR-777, the soundstage is more distant compared to stock.

High frequencies are extended, although this is done in a natural and subtle way.

Dynamically, the Telos has more authority, with an increase in mid-bass bloom and low bass extension. Timing wise, it gives music more PRAT.

Evaluations of the Telos with different power sources would be more difficult, given that 9V power supplies are not as common. However, I recently procured a 9V Kingrex PSU Mk II to explore power supply improvements. Like the RR-777, the Telos proved sensitive to the power supply. The Kingrex added additional weight and slam over the stock power unit. However, I found that the effect was a little bit overpowering and preferred the faster and snappier sound of the stock power supply.

Comparisons

Either of the units above used in isolation offer a significant improvement in sound quality. As a matter of tweaks, the change is as significant as changing your source or amplifier. This would apply even in high-end, and highly tweaked setups. The rationale for the efficacy is difficult to comprehend. Should a small device that sits outside the signal chain  make such a difference ?

Unlike most tweaks and modifications, these units presumably work on the listener rather than the system hardware. A quick internet search on the Schumann Resonance and Alpha Waves will yield many pages of interesting reading.

Since these units work on the listener, the effect on each person varies. I demonstrated both units to five other audiophiles. The first person had significantly different observations (e.g. I would perceive increased bass, or a richer sound while he would hear the opposite thing). He also had physical sensitivity to both units, with an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in his head whenever either units were used. Two other persons did not feel any discomfort and their observations on the differences were quite consistent with mine. Personally, I did feel a slight tingling sensation in my fingers with either unit in operation, but the feeling was not uncomfortable. Two of the other listeners did not feel that the differences were discernible or significant.

Both units increased the feeling of spaciousness and improved the depth and width of the soundstage. They were also consistent in increasing resolution, extension and decay.

The main difference between the two units are in their overall tonal balance and presentation. The Telos is warmer and more laidback. It has more mid-bass bloom, not unlike a good tube amp. The RR-777 is brighter and more analytical, especially with its stock power supply.

In my system and given my musical taste, I preferred the Telos. I can well imagine that some may prefer the tone and presentation of the RR-777.

I tried both the Telos and RR-777 simultaneously. Interestingly, both units are able to co-existing peacefully, with the result being a combination of strengths of both. However, over the long term, I felt that the midrange coherence was lost - an expected result since this was an area of divergence between the two units.

Conclusions

System matching is everything, and your choice of either one would depend on the result that you are trying to achieve. I was suitably impressed with both units and can highly recommend both. However, given its dependency on the listener, you should try before you buy.

Telos Audio Design RCA Caps

Telos Audio Design (http://www.telos-audio.com.tw/) was almost unknown in Singapore until recent distribution by local distributor, Audio Basic. Telos has beautiful and well made RCA caps. The interesting thing is the manufacturer's claim of sonic benefits from using these RCA caps to cover unused inputs and outputs. Bear in mind that their caps are of non-shorting design, i.e. there is no shunt of positive to ground.

Telos caps are made of copper and then plated in either gold or platinum. Fit and finish is excellent and is as good as jewelry grade. Insulation is teflon.

Photos from official website

I have had a set of both the gold and platinum caps for some time now but did not quite get around to writing a post on them. Part of the reason is my difficulty in rationalizing why these caps work so well. The manufacturer claims that they protect equipment from stray EMI and RFI. I think the reason is far more complex than suggested.

Both caps have a not so subtle effect. Putting on just a single pair of caps on an unused input lifted the haze that made the system sound homogeneous and blurred. Vocals in particular focussed tightly and instruments became more distinct and in sharper contrast to the background.

The platinum caps were the most dramatic of the two. Vocals actually became slightly more distant but with increased focus and texture. Micro-detail was excellent and the extension of high frequencies, especially hi-hats was particularly impressive. I noticed that the platinum caps tended to accentuate the sense of acoustic space in the recording.

The gold caps in comparison presented vocals in a more forward manner, but with a touch of warmth and smoothness. High frequencies also were more extended but to a lesser degree compared to the platinum caps. Bass notes gained both substance and extension, something which the platinum caps did not really do. Micro-detail was not as good as the platinum caps though.

How many to use ? And should you combine the platinum and gold together ? This is one situation in which you really need to experiment. Here are some observations I notice during my experimentation with these caps,

- The input being covered matters. If you have say three unused inputs, using just a pair of caps on each of those inputs will yield different results.

- Don't just try inputs but also outputs. You can even try covering the coaxial output of your CD player / DAC.

- You can combine them to get the strengths of both caps. But I preferred using the same type of cap throughout as I felt that the system sounded more coherent that way.

- More is not better. My best results were obtained using just a single pair in any one component. In fact using too many causes the sound to collapse and sound shut-in, sounding even worse than stock !

- Although the platinum caps are potent, they can make vocals too sharp and sibilant, especially if you use more than one pair per component.

At their low cost, Telos caps are a must have. I bought a box of the platinum and gold caps, and probably have enough caps to tune 3 or 4  systems.