HAL-O JR. Interconnect Damping Instrument

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Performance   For most of my evaluation I used a recent acquisition: "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones (Blue Note Records 32088). Ms Jones is great on this album. The music is really good and so is the recording. Subtle or not, the HAL-O Interconnect Damping Instruments made Ms Jones shine even brighter. The first time I installed the IDIs I couldn't really make out what was going on, and it wasn't until I took them off - listened - and then put them back on that things started to become clearer. The overall effect is subtle but very much worth your effort. The entire venue becomes more natural, more vivid and palpable if you will, deeper too. Not by leaps and bounds but sufficiently so to grasp added attention. With the dampers in place Norah's voice projects with more realism and presence. Localization is better too; Her voice takes upon greater shape and added dimension, you know the saying: "being there, as if it was live", well with these in place I was a row seat closer to being there. In comparison upon removing the dampers transients became a bit slower, the soundstage somewhat shallower and dynamics to some extent more compressed. So back on they went and that's where they've been ever since. Above you can see two HAL-O Jr. IDIs working in tandem. One grasping the EVS Ultimate Attenuator output RCA and the other the interconnect output plug. This business of reducing micro-phonic and micro-dynamic vibration is really a case of the whole being larger than the sum of the parts. The problem has to be addressed throughout the system at every stage, the IDIs quite effectively do their part in damping connectors and plugs. Conclusion   I have to admit my expectation for this tweak was only average but I was pleasantly surprised, its performance proved to be actually above average. Overall the HAL-O Jr. Interconnect Damping Instruments presented a more realistic, involving and ultimately more enjoyable musical experience. Subtle yes, but these interconnect dampers are definite keepers. With their low price, 90-day trial period and lifetime warranty they are sure worth a try. You be the judge. Recommended.     If you would like to comment on this product or suggest alternatives, please click here.

Comments (add)   Bob Hi Boris:  Do you have a current source for some of these EVS passive volume controls? Rick no longer makes them I've been told. I can't find a website for EVS either. I sure would like to get my preamp out of the signal and try a pair of these EVS passive volume controls. I just recently ordered a pair of the HALO-27 dampers to go on some 6SN7 driver tubes in an old Golden Tube SE-40 amp. I figured if I could hear a difference on these 2 driver tubes, I would go ahead and order 6 other dampers to fit around my 5881 power output tubes. At any rate, I haven't hear anything bad about herbie's audio stuff at all. By the way, I really enjoy your Tweaks website. It is probably the most informative one out there. Keep up the good work.   Boris Hi Bob, You'll find the EVS site by following the corresponding link on our Links page. You're right, Rick no longer makes the Ultimate Attenuators (too bad, good stuff), the only way to get a pair is to check out the classifieds. Audiogon.com has them from time to time. They don't work for everyone though, for a number of reasons. I list some reasons in my Bent Audio Model 102s review. But when they do work, they do so very well for the money.  Regarding HALO tube dampers: I ordered some myself for my Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD player. I liked them well enough to leave them on for continuous duty. Thanks for the support!