I just started using a product called Auric Illuminator on my CD's. I'm really impressed. This is the cheapest "upgrade" ever. Reminds me of when I auditioned a used XPS for my CDX. (Didn't buy it due to lack of funds, one of the few times I exercised buyer's resistance) Smooths out the rough edges and clarifies the soundstage.

Has anyone else tried this stuff? Is it real or am I hallucinating?

quote:

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Has anyone else tried this stuff? Is it real or am I hallucinating?

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valdeoro,

No. You are not hallucinating.

Auric Illuminator works.

However, I found that it's less effective on better-recorded CDs such as XRCDs.

The effect is easily heard on more commercially recorded (read: badly recorded and mastered ) CDs.

What is it?

Cheers

Harry

yes it works!
how did you find the bass?

Simone

Q; Is this anything like "Reveel"?

Snake oil?

Paul

It's a two phased process. The first is a kind of polish and second is nothing more than a black marker used to darken the inner and outer edges. I'll have to experiment to see if just blackening the edges alone makes any audible difference. Now that would be a cheap tweak!

I use an antistatic polish spray called "99" together with the black pen for the cd inner and outer edges. It is important to treat the label side of the cd with the spray to utilise it's antistatic effect.

The effects are not subtle!

Cheers Robert

Green pens (the opposite of laser red) were all the rage a few years ago.

Naim CDPs have anti-glare coating on the inside and so the pen tweeks are reputed to make less of a difference.

Also, how does the sold product compare to just cleaning the disk?

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

Any new tests?

Regards,

Adrian

Ok. Some test results:

CD: Cat Power/Moon Pix (this is a HDCD)
Listening order:
1) No treatment
2) Black marker, inner and outer rims: significant improvement
3) Polish on coded surface: subtle improvement
4) Polish on label surface: Dramatic improvement!

CD: Liz Phair: Exile in Guyville
Listening Order:
1) No treatment
2) Polish on coded surface: audible improvement
3) Polish on label surface: moderate improvement
4) Black marker on inner and outer surface: audible, but not dramatic improvement.

What does it all mean??

After valdeoro's post I decided to give this a shot, even though I am fairly cynical about these things, but like everybody am always on the look out for a bargain!

Back in the vinyl days I tried a few things that never helped lp sound. I've also tried "reveel" from Russ Andrews - that did nothing either.

But I have to say I was impressed with the Auric Illuminator. It improves clarity and depth. It didn't work on all the cd's I've tried so far. For some older recordings (1975-80 stuff) I didn't hear any improvement, although I started to get bored applying the stuff after about 8 cds - I'll have to train my 8 yr old to do it!

Definitely a cheap upgrade in my experience, thanks valdeoro for the tip!!

Karl

Do dealers stock this stuff? Where do you get it from?

b

Brucie,

I bought it over the internet from the USA at HCM Audio for USD 35.00 + p&p.

Karl

I use Auric Illuminator and do hear some nice improvements at times. It typically helps soften mid & upper range harshness while improving tonal balance on poorer CDs. The maker, Audience (www.audience-av.com), changed the formula this past summer and claim it's even better. I haven't heard a difference yet, but if you buy some at a dealer, it’s the old formula if bluish in color and somewhat viscous. The new is clear. By the way, Audience are wonder folk who make phenomenal products. I use and swear by their AU24 interconnect for my CDS3.

Tom