Tuning rings still easy way to find balance. I found fractions of inch like 1/16” and sound and clarity will flip from warm to just right more than so than fuse swap. Move it over an 1/8” it will flip too lean. I fear i will need to put position scribe lines on cable outer jacket.
I will try the ring adjustmnet over the weekend. I need to turn up the volume to give it a better evaluation and weekend is the only time I can do it.
Curiosity got the best of me. I switched M-1 fuse with the stock in PST. M-1 owners, there is no worry! The M-1 is better, and it is a lot better!
Also, an interesting finding is I switched the direction of M-1 in PST and the warmness went away. The direction of the fuse is random, and not according to the outside printing, I guess.
@vmax, I blasted my audio system all afternoon, oh, how I missed it.
Although fuse, absorbent sheet, and tuning ring have distinct functions, they have a similar benefit which is to bring in extra tonal richness and music density (in my system anyway). So, as more M-1 is added, adjustment is needed in my system to tame the unbalanced energy.
When I added the second M-1, I reduced the size of the absorbent sheet in P15 and relocated the tuning ring for Dragon HC to find a great balance.
With the third M-1 added, this afternoon I needed to reduce the BHK Pre tuning ring size from 3" to 2" long and relocated it to 2.5" away from the male plug. The last adjustment has brought the system to a clear, warm, smooth, and vivid presentation that I have never experienced in my room before.
If you have the above vmax’s tweaks (and you should with M-1) and added M-1s, you owe yourself a must-do adjustment to bring out the best from your system.
Is there any possibility that the direction in which you break in an M-1 fuse becomes the correct direction? I tried turning around the M-1 in my Marantz Model 30 integrated amp. The sound lost detail and transparency, so I immediately returned it to the original orientation.
I had the opposite experience with the Purple in my P3, apparently putting it in the wrong way the first time, then turning it around and finding that the sound improved.
It is possible, I had similar experience with Sine and Multiwave settings. The one I stayed at for a while became the favorite setting.
However, my experience on fuses is to leave the fuse in for at least a day for it to settle in before making judgement. Usually, you could tell if there is SQ improvement or not.
The M-1 in P15 was left in for a few days before I switched, then after one day I had to switch it back because I did not hear better SQ. With PST, the switch made a much better SQ on the next day, so I knew I had found the right direction. Hopefully, I answered your question.
Interestingly the M-1 direction is different between generator and PST. One M is facing back, and one is facing front. So, SR does not show their fuse direction on M-1.
I guess I should order a 3rd M-1 on Monday. I have VCOM mod capacitors coming in Wednesday for my modded DS. I guess I am never done. All my tuning rings are near 2 inches.
The journey continues
Is there ever a permanent zenith in this hobby of ours
So it does, until we say enough no more…Not likely any of us would…
Best wishes
I have said to myself that I am done with upgrades too many times to remember.
Yesterday I was so happy about everything my system throws at me that I was done and done.
Today I find myself thinking about another Dragon power cord, DS II for sure (TSS down the line?), and FR30 speakers too. My new server sounded so good, but will AirLens make a difference? I just find myself new rabbit holes again.
Call Nick for the best price on your second dragon!
Time to chat with him again.
I’m back from CA AZ NV UT trip, my thoughts eventually in a dedicated thread after I resume the jet lag.
Meanwhile I’m hungry to read all posts I miss during last 18 days (it would be a rehab experience!).
Still all at M-1 king, phew! I was afraid new model in town during my absence!
As for Dragons HC (they outperform the Sources) are you thinking to use them to feed the M1200s? I experienced Dragons are transformational in regenerators first, then in ampli.
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the trip in West Coast. The Dragon source will be powering either BHK pre, or DS. I will find out which source to use it the best.
Thank you, I was really impressed from you Country, simply wonderful! And I visited Amoeba shops in SF and LA increasing the weight of my baggage! And my son bought a vintage Stratocaster, of course in LA.
As for M-1 also Dragon IMO gave me best results in one source (I know my friend you are not surprised): the stellar phono preamp, yeah!
Nice! Glad to hear you have a great trip here. The big audio rabbit hole is welcoming you back too
Do you think the AQ Dragon power cord is more effective on the generator/amp than on source components? I wonder if it is like the M-1 fuse. The first one at generator works the best, the 2nd and 3rd on other components become less beneficial.
AudioQuest states HC should not be used for sources. My experience from other AQ cables is they create better synergy when more of them are in a system. One to use for generator and one for preamp (or other source) is my plan. I do not think more than that is worth it; just like M-1 fuses.
I confirm the HC Dragon Variable Current is at its best in P20/P12 IME, second in M1200s.
I bought also Source Dragon Constant Current for all my sources and BHK Pre. Here the improvement is subtle compared to regenerator and ampli and the best result I had is for SPP (yes analog).
Don’t expect big improvements with sources even if, you are right, the overall result when all components have the Dragon plugged in is remarkable, the total wins vs the single unit. Just like the M-1.
Well better cables on sources with digital especially Cables with RF antenna drain and tuning ring can be just as impactful as the regenerator cable. Dragon or Whispers will not disappoint.
Thank you for the information! You are the best person to ask about AQ cables on our systems
I should get mine within a week or two. But AQ cables need a lot of break-in time. I will share my thoughts on it, and I am sure it will beat my other PC on the preamp now.