The Steinmusic Harmonizer H2a and H2b together with the
Steinmusic Magic Stones form a mighty system to optimize the room acoustics.
The basic principle is similar to a catalyser. The air molecules inside of the
listening room are ‚jogged’ trough the loudspeaker and thus transmit the sound
information. In order to elongate the air molecules from their rest position it
is necessary to spend energy first. It is much easier to move them if once
moving. This phenomenon is similar to static and dynamic friction. To force a
heavy piece of rock to move is not an easy task. But if it is once moving it
can be much easier shifted further. The Steinmusic Harmonizer is working very
similar, but rather at a level of ethereal states. The air is not moved in
reality, but instead will be charged with information, which is causing the
same effect. Now it can be elongated from its rest position without much effort
and thus is able to transport sound events to the listeners ear in a completely
different quality. This explanation is more or less a working hypothesis,
reflecting the trial to illustrate the principle of work of the Harmonizer. It
does not claim to be complete, but from our point of view it is first of all
the sound wise result what counts. And this is really worth the effort.
Stereotimes
Review – April 2011.
“My room was transformed into something completely
different: a higher plane of reality was achieved. It was as if the walls moved
back and the room got larger. I heard spatial cues along with macro/micro
dynamics that placed me much closer to the original recording’s venue, rather
than my listening space. The effect that these Harmonizers created allowed me
to have a clearer picture into the recording engineer’s style and technique.
The better the recording the more pronounced the layering and depth were. To
date, my system sounded extremely satisfying for my tastes prior to the
introduction of the Harmonizers. Personally, I would have never believed this
level of improvement was possible to experience here in my own living space.”
“In the world of the high-end, every once in a while, a
product comes along that is so inherently good in what it does that it
literally, “changes the game” in some meaningful way. The Steinmusic Harmonizer
System is such a product.”
First
use and installation The Steinmusic H2a and H2b Harmonizer are fed with current
via an external wall type power supply, or may use four AA batteries. The
included power supply is designed for an optimal use within your personal
equipment. It has been optimized for minimum electromagnetic interference. In
contradiction to other devices, which usually benefit from a appropriate power
supply, the Steinmusic Harmonizer does not need any special mains supply
filter, power cable or plug board for its optimal function. It does not require
to be connected to the same mains supply like the musical equipment, but in
case it does not disturb it either. Inside of the device is a compartment for
four AA batteries. For that reason the Harmonizer may be used without a mains
connection as well. The battery compartment is located inside of the
enclosure and is fixed from inside at the bottom plate. It can be reached after
loosening four screws and removing the bottom plate.
Attention!
Please take care for not ripping off the connecting wires of the battery
compartment.
We
recommend switching off the light emitting diode in case of using a battery in
order to prolong the lifetime of the battery. If batteries have been inserted
and you
additionally
connect the provided wall power supply the device will work from that and the
battery will be out of use. A blue light emitting diode at the face plate
indicates the actual state of the device. The switch labelled ON/OFF at its
extreme positions switches the LED used as an indicator, but the device will still
be in use. In the centre position the Harmonizer is switched off completely. At
the back plate a turn knob is located, providing a control over the intensity
to accommodate to different environmental situations. A control position
between 9 and 10 o clock has proven to be a good starting level.
Room
Size
H2a and
H2b work perfect in rooms between 15 and 50 m². The basic setup for small rooms
is 1x H2a, 1xH2b plus 10 magic stones. For rooms between 28 and 60m² 2xH2a and
2xH2b plus 10 magic stones are fine. If you use the system in a bigger room of
let us say 100m² you may add further sets consisting of 1x H2a and 1xH2b plus
10 magic stones. You may also start with a smaller quantity and so far good
results and upgrade the system step by step to the optimal state.
Placement
You
should place it according to the sketch below. The H2a and H2b should be placed
at two
adjacent
sides of the room, in the regions marked with a big circle. We recommend the
use of two pieces H2a and two pieces H2b. If you use one “a” and one “b” only,
first place them at the wall behind the speakers or at the sides of the room in
the region of the circle shown in the drawing.
Please
note that H2a’s are working omnidirectional and do not need to be turned into a
certain direction. H2b’s however work unidirectional and their front should
face towards the room between Speakers and listener. In any case a placement at
a lifted position of around 150cm high for instance at a bookshelf is well
proven.
In reality
it might be difficult to fit the recommendations of the sketch, but other
placements are possible as well will work effectively. No room is like the
other and with a little testing you will manage to find a position optimal for
you.
Magic
Stones
Magic
Stones are triangular elements with a diameter of around 30mm. They are the
ideal addition to the Steinmusic Harmonizer and considerably intensify its
effectiveness. In the sketch below you will find them marked with circles. One
Magic Stone each at a central position on top of your loudspeakers, roughly 3
cm recessed from the front edge. At loudspeakers without even surfaces like for
instance the B&W 800 series a Magic Stone is fixed with a little piece of
plasticine or Pritt Multifix right at the tweeter. Similarly one deals with
coaxial speakers like Altec Duplex chassis. Here one Magic Stone is fixed at
the mid/high horn. One Magic Stone each should be placed behind the equipment
as well as behind the listening position at a height of 180 cm. For that
purpose Pritt Multifix are useful, but a placement on top of a wardrobe or
behind a picture is easily possible. Now, please lay down a Magic Stone at each
room corner. If furniture does cover the Magic Stones this does not pose a
problem. The last Magic Stone finally is fixed at the ceiling close to the
center of the room. Pritt Multifx would help, but even a fixing at a lamp is
possible, too. Further Magic Stones may be placed on top of your audio devices
and at the upper corners of your room.
Magic Stars are the same as Magic Stones, but sometimes fit better into
the environment.
Magic Diamonds however are further improved devices. These should be
used onto the speakers and at the ceiling instead of Magic Stones.
