Shakti Hallograph

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

They'll make it kris-kross. And no doubt sharpen the listener's perception of what he/she hears on any given musical run-through.

The Hallograph appears to be a "curlicuing" alternative to diffusing (e.g., QRD), scattering (e.g., GIK scatter plates), or otherwise randomizing reflections in the listening space.

Whether the selection of the specific hardwoods employed is consequential is an open question. If there's a theoretical basis for it and not a gimmick, I suspect (and this is strictly a layman's supposition) it's based on how a given wood's density, grain structure, and related parameters affect the device's reflectivity at its designed "working" frequency range.

Unless an aesthetic consideration--such as it is--governs the decision, the selection of two different hardwoods implies that the Hallograph incorporates a physical "crossover" (mids to highs?). And if that's really the case, is the selection of both the crossover point and the wood employed for each frequency band determined by test-equipment-monitored tests or the listening preferences of the designer?

I don't know if the device's technical/promo literature, if such exists, covers any of this, as I haven't read it.

Jim, it is safe to say that you are waaay overthinking this. There have been so many debates over the years over this as well as many other “audiophile tweaks”, tice clock included that it is pointless to even try to rationalize it. You either buy one and convince yourself/believe in the rainbows and unicorns that suddenly appear in your listening room or you don’t.

[Masterlu]

The Hallographs are made up of different woods. Furthermore, there is a degree scale (positive-0-negative) on the base where the tops connect. This is used for fine tuning after placement.

[PHC1]

I’m still trying to decide if oak, cherry or walnut coffee table will sound better in my room. No, not really...

[Masterlu]

Serge... if you haven’t heard them, perhaps you should remain open minded.

Frankly, I don’t find these providing positive results anymore bizarre than Stillpoints.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Serge... if you haven’t heard them, perhaps you should remain open minded.

Problem is that I have. No rainbows or unicorns sadly or I would have bought them. As always, YMMV.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Jim, it is safe to say that you are waaay overthinking this. There have been so many debates over the years over this as well as many other “audiophile tweaks”, tice clock included that it is pointless to even try to rationalize it. You either buy one and convince yourself/believe in the rainbows and unicorns that suddenly appear in your listening room or you don’t.

Actually, Serge, that was just a way of taking a mental-exercise break from the Cold War spy novel I've been knocking out since May--sort of a test to see if the brain's still functioning as a reasoning entity after living for long key-pounding stretches in an alternate, if made-up, reality.

I'm not into stones or clocks or horny horses--though I wouldn't turn up my nose at a pot of gold should it suddenly appear in my listening room--but, as you've probably already seen more than once, I'm more than a little interested in room acoustics (and, among other things, how they may affect the perception of a room becoming "energized" during musical playback).

I suspect that what people who hear a difference with the Hallograph are experiencing is the effect of an at least semi-randomized redistribution of the sonic energy bubble, a redirection of otherwise-direct reflections that constrict the sonic image and its constituent elements. That will have to remain at "suspect" because after all that I've already done treatment-wise to our living/dining room and bedroom to enhance the perceived performance of their respective audio systems, my wife won't let a Hallograph--or anything even faintly resembling another Stonehenge monolith--anywhere near our door.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

Actually, Serge, that was just a way of taking a mental-exercise break from the Cold War spy novel I've been knocking out since May--sort of a test to see if the brain's still functioning as a reasoning entity after living for long key-pounding stretches in an alternate, if made-up, reality.

I'm not into stones or clocks or horny horses--though I wouldn't turn up my nose at a pot of gold should it suddenly appear in my listening room--but, as you've probably already seen more than once, I'm more than a little interested in room acoustics (and, among other things, how they may affect the perception of a room becoming "energized" during musical playback).

I suspect that what people who hear a difference with the Hallograph are experiencing is the effect of an at least semi-randomized redistribution of the sonic energy bubble, a redirection of otherwise-direct reflections that constrict the sonic image and its constituent elements. That will have to remain at "suspect" because after all that I've already done treatment-wise to our living/dining room and bedroom to enhance the perceived performance of their respective audio systems, my wife won't let a Hallograph--or anything even faintly resembling another Stonehenge monolith--anywhere near our door.

Jim, I am a firm believer of the conventional and proven methods of absorption and diffusion to shape the sound field and help tame early reflections. It works and it can be proven with both science and measuring equipment as well as your ears, no need to engage the imagination so often required to justify the expenditure of any audiophile tweak. You won’t find a Hollograph anywhere near that measuring equipment because there won’t be anything to measure. Products that fall into the category of tweaks rely on getting as many reviewers to wax poetic about it and then disseminate the same fantasy among the enthusiast groups as possible. I’m sure you’ve read Emperor’s new clothes? It applies heavily here. Having said that, I’m out of this topic and I can’t believe I even have to state the obvious here that a few twirly sticks can not and do not shape a sound field in any significant way whatsoever but hey guys, knock yourselves out and have fun.

[Detroitrock]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Jim, I am a firm believer of the conventional and proven methods of absorption and diffusion to shape the sound field and help tame early reflections. It works and it can be proven with both science and measuring equipment as well as your ears, no need to engage the imagination so often required to justify the expenditure of any audiophile tweak. You won’t find a Hollograph anywhere near that measuring equipment because there won’t be anything to measure. Products that fall into the category of tweaks rely on getting as many reviewers to wax poetic about it and then disseminate the same fantasy among the enthusiast groups as possible. I’m sure you’ve read Emperor’s new clothes? It applies heavily here. Having said that, I’m out of this topic and I can’t believe I even have to state the obvious here that a few twirly sticks can not and do not shape a sound field in any significant way whatsoever but hey guys, knock yourselves out and have fun.

The same can be said about cables. Nothing to measure scientifically, but most audiophiles agree they make a difference.

[nicoff]

I have a green felt pen available if you want to rub it on it.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Detroitrock

The same can be said about cables. Nothing to measure scientifically, but most audiophiles agree they make a difference.

Actually they can be measured but what that information holds is not really applicable to logic and practical applications as they are very slight and do not fall into the bandwidth we would be interested in. Do they make a difference? Yes some do but that doesn’t mean that at least a few dozen companies are not riding on the coattails of those “Kings of cables”. When it comes to tweaks??? How many bought the tice clock, the black light green cd mats, used green pens to color their cd’s, footers, platforms, maple blocks, the list is exhausting. I’ve been into this hobby almost 3 decades now, I’ve been around the block with most of the tweaks out there and have listened to probably 90% of cables as well. Like I said, believe what you will and have fun within it.