Perhaps, it is that simple to optimize the sound system
Harmonix RF‐808Z Million Tuning FeetHigh end audio is so subtle that when you replace a cable or add a small accessory to thesystem, it’ll bring you more or less some changes in the sound, and the degree of thechanges is the optimization ability of these accessories. In fact, many audiophiles would not
believe in it. However, for those serious audiophiles who are interested in it, why don’t you
try to place 3 pieces of bases made of different materials underneath your CD player; forexample, wooden chess, small cup and rubber block etc. You may place them to be “2 frontand 1 rear” or “1 front 2 rear”. Then you may playback the same song to listen if there’s any
change to the sound with these bases placed underneath. I do believe that you would
hear/feel the subtle difference. When you are shocked by the difference it made in thesound, you may ask why and want to find out the reason. In fact, it is all related to thevibration/resonance.
Inside the audio equipment, especially the CD player/transport with the disc spinning inside,
the vibration will be more obvious when it starts to play, and you may use your hand totouch on the player to feel the vibration. However, this kind of internal vibration/resonanceis the biggest obstacle to accurately read the data by the laser pickup of the player. Of
course, it’ll not affect the operation of the player, but it has caused the audio signal output toyour sound system to be naturally compromised. Vibration/resonance in the player will inturn to affect the operating status of the components inside the player, and will also affectthe accuracy of the data signal pickup by the CD laser mechanism. Thus, when you place thesofter material underneath the Cd player, the vibration/resonance inside the player will be“absorbed” by the rubber blocks. In principle, it’s a bit like the suspension of a car, to allow
passengers to get a better ride experience. Then you may continue to ask if the bases
material should be the softer the better. It would then absorb all the vibration, isn’t? For thesame example, in a car, if the suspension is too soft, it will also affect the car’s movement
characteristics and its response. Too hard and too soft suspension may not be a good thing.
Therefore, it is the same theory to the hi‐end audio. For the hi‐end audio equipment,
especially the source players which are extremely sensitive to the vibration/resonance.
Different bases made of different materials placed underneath would definitely reproduce
different changes in the sound. However, it is for sure that all these different tuning feet andaccessories could definitely affect the Hi‐Fi systems of many experienced audiophiles, so as
to keep their audiophiles’ lives full of excitement and fun.
Taking this opportunity to introduce a well‐known audio tuning product featuring greattuning effect, and it is a product of Harmonix (produced by the tuning master, Kiuchi‐san)from Japan. Kiuchi‐san is the founder of Harmonix, and his philosophy is to obtain the“accuracy”, “balanced”, “resonance balance” in tuning audio so as to eliminate unwanted
resonance frequencies to achieve incredibly pure and natural, distortion‐free reproduction
for a new level of sonic realism. Kiuchi‐san adhering to his belief and never drifting with theflow, in turn, his products have received a high degree of recognition in the Hi‐Fi market. Youmay discover that there are many products which are similar to the Harmonix bases/feetavailable in the markets, with the support and isolation functions. However, the morevaluable function of the Harmonix products is its “tuning” feature. In order to achieve thetuning purpose and optimize the sound effect of distortion‐free reproduction, he personallytried a variety of materials for resonance test to find out the most appropriated material forthe best tuning effect. There are two principles for his selection of the materials; the first is
the materials themselves are usually very rare, and the second is that the materials must be
natural and cannot be artificially synthesized. The RF‐808Z Million tuning feet being reviewed
this time has been well recognized by the serious audiophiles all over the world shortly after
its launch as it is the product bred out of the technology that he and his team have worked
hard for more than 20 years.
The size of RF‐808Z Million tuning feet is 50mm (W) x 33mm (H), made of specially selectedwood/metal, and it can support the weight up to some hundreds kgs., but what kind of woodmaterial is it? To Harmonix, it is a trade secret. The appearance of the RF‐808Z Million is veryexquisite and it is truly a fine product. Every detail shows the workmanship of Japanese
craftsmen. The RF‐808Z Million tuning feet can be placed underneath the CD Players,Transports, Turntables, Preamplifiers, Power Amplifiers or loudspeakers. It will eliminate
electronic and mechanical distortion to bring out a depth of sound you didn’t even know wasthere. The width of sound range delivered increases, and the response becomes faster.
With it, more details, more musicalAfter placing the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million tuning feet underneath the Bricasti Design M12(bottom), and the source player is Playback Designs, listening to the song “What to Do” fromthe album of “Songs of A‐Tao”, the vocal is a lot more delicate and affectionate. Without
using the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million tuning feet, the vocal is rather dull and lacking inemotion. Moreover, you’ll find the vocal and the background can form a good sense of depth
and layering, instantly creating a three‐dimensional space that has never been heard before.
It seems the sound just comes from the farmland in the countryside, fully showing thepastoral style of folk songs.
Then, I play the song “I have a love experience” from the album of Tsai Chin’s “Golden Voice1”. At first, I found the sound was pretty good without using the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million
tuning feet. However, after I place the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million underneath the M12, I
immediately find that the sound is obviously better. Tsai Chin’s voice becomes slender andfocused, and everything in the music becomes clear and more linear. The outline of Tsai
Chin’s expression is clearer; closing my eyes to listen as if she were singing right in front ofme. What is more worthy to mention is that the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million tuning feet reallyhelps to show the characteristics of Tsai Chin’s true emotions.
Later I play a jazz album “Musica Nuda”, the song performed by Petra Magoni, with theHarmonix RF‐808Z Million placed underneath the Bricasti Design M12, you’ll find thepositioning of different instruments in the music is more accurate with much cleaner edges,
and the density of the sound and the graininess are strengthened, which is particularly
refreshing with a quicker snap. Then I made a small comparison by removing the Harmonix
RF‐808Z Million tuning feet, the exquisiteness of the sound of various musical instruments
has become dim and weak. In fact, the restoration of the sound system has been quite
excellent, but after adding the Harmonix RF‐808Z Million, it is even more powerful and very
musical.
At last, I listen to “The Four Seasons” album, the effect of the big dynamic symphony is quite
scary as the response is very fast and the sound resolution is very good so you can listen tovery rich music details and information. The energy and soundstage in the music havebecome extraordinarily large and powerful; but after I remove the RF‐808Z Million tuningfeet, the sound is then immediately restoring to the original playback performance. Thetuning effect and optimization function of RF‐808Z Million tuning feet really work so well tobe admired.
Conclusion
The Harmonix RF‐808Z Million tuning feet is very flexible to use. Audiophiles can choose touse three or four tuning feet to place underneath the equipment (“2 front and 1 rear” or “1front and 2 rear”), and feel different changes in sound. Through continuous adjustments ofthe placement to achieve the best sound performance of their Hi‐Fi system. Perhaps, this is
the greatest pleasure of hi‐end Hi‐Fi.