Juan N. (Pembroke Pines, FL)

Dear friends at Dakiom:

Thanks to you I had the opportunity to try your products MA 103 and R103 in my audio system composed of
2 monophonic Carver Silver 9 T amplifiers,
a Minimax preamp,
a Kenwood DP-1 CD player and
two Legacy Signature III speakers, placed in a 6 Mt. long and 4 Mt with a good acoustic work. 

I was quite skeptic with regard to what your Feedback stabilizers could do in a system like mine. But curiosity was stronger so I decided to get a pair of Ma103 for the speakers, one R103 for the preamp and a R103 for the CD player. 

My friends let me tell you that my surprise was big!

High frequencies are now notoriously more defined and low frequencies are much easier to control. Instruments have achieved more detailed efficiency and voices greater character.

Thank to the development of this product now music fans have the way to improve their audio systems with little investment. 
 

Thomas L. (Tucson, AZ)

I purchased your special of one each R103 and A103 which requires a 100 word review. Here is that review. Thanks.

I connected the line-level R103 to my main system, which includes
a Cary SLP30 Preamp,
a Hafler Transnova 9300 amp,
a Pioneer cd/sacd player used as a transport,
a Monarchy DIP and
an MSB III Link DAC.
Speakers are Vandersteen 2's.

I put the R103 at the output of the MSB DAC. I was amazed at the improvement in sound quality with this device. What the ads say and what Bound For Sound says about it are true. Everything tightened up--images were more solid by far. The bass, which was already pretty good I thought, became much clearer and distinct--pitches on the acoustic double-bass on various John Coltrane CD's were much easier to discern. A Columbia CD of a Bernstein performance of Beethoven's 6th from the 60's which had always sounded strident and diffuse to me, suddenly became focused and sweeter (not as sweet as live violins, but I don't know anything that does that). Distinct instruments panned from left to right between the speakers. I sat there thinking, all this for $100?

I connected the speaker level A103 to my living room system, which includes JBL monitors, a Nad integrated amp and an old Sony cd changer. Even on this fairly low resolution system, the A103 had similar effects to the R103. Things got smoother, more distinct, less harsh. I would not have purchased the dakiom devices if I had not read about them in Bound for Sound. The ad claims seem too good to be true. I do wonder if there is a slight decrease in upper frequency "air" but other than that (and I'm not even sure of it), it was all improvement. I don't know how they do it, but they do. One of the big things it means to me is that there is much less effort and money needed to purchase interconnects because the Dakiom R103 just takes over and I think makes the interconnect choice meaningless (I did not really test this, but it's my intuition).

So, there you have it. A great product, a great price, fast easy service and a money back guarantee that I certainly have no need for. Thanks 
 

James E. (Hermitage, PA)

I am not an audiophile by any standards but I like listening to good sounding music. For a while I hardly played any music because it just did not sound right. My system consists of

a McIntosh amplifier,
a Musical Fidelity DAC,
a Bryston pre- amplifier,
a Berhinger tube enhancer, and
an old Yamaha CD player.

Then came Dakiom. When I first hooked the stabilizers I was not sure I like the sound, the bass was certainly tighter and somewhat pronounced. After a couple of days I disconnected the Dakiom and immediately I could tell what improvements the Dakiom had made to my system. No need to say they went back on immediately. I particularly like listening to Jazz and Instrumentals now as the instruments and the voice seem to have such separation and clarity that I am now discovering some old Cd's that I had only played once in the past. My kids have commented about my newfound interest in playing my music loud. I plan to use more of the Dakiom products in the new home theater I am building. I am very impressed and have no reservation in recommending this product. I hope the people at Dakiom keep us updated as to any new products that they develop.
 

Vincent C. (France)

These are the system I hooked Dakiom to:

CEC TL5100 - CD Transport
Benchmark Media DAC1
Creek P43R passive preamplifier
Bryston 3B-ST power amplifier
ENGY S2 loud speaker (French made)
Cables - Silver Audio inter-connects, PS Audio power cord (Lab 1)
Acc - Vibrapod cones, Audio prism Quietlines, Xindak X1000 power conditioner.

Hello, I must first apology for the delay, I was introduced to Dakiom by a audiophile friend as I was new at this. He helped me fixed the system up with and without dakiom for me to hear the different and with different music. Even with my average system, there was a distinct change in clarity of the music and how should I describe it, simply better sounding. Thanks for offering it at such a bargain price and I’m sure many people who bought your product will agree with me.
 

Wen-Zhen N. (Boston, MA)

I am a violinist so my hearing is very picky. I use:

QUAD 988 speakers,
Threshold T-400 power amplifier,
and Threshold T-2 preamplifier.
Sony 777 SCD-ES for cd transport.
MSB Platinum Plus for da converter.
Every connection cable that i use is Van Den Hul MC gold,
all XLR, so I used the Dakiom A103, X103.

I didn't even think that they would be better than my stuff when i used them. I put the 2 A103+ on the Threshold T-400 and i put 1 X 103 with Threshold T-2, 1 X103 with MBS platinum plus. After installing them, i listened and couldn't believe my ears.

When i listened to Henryk Szeryng , Brahms Sonata Op. 78 3rd movement, i was amazed. The E string was like a live performance, it felt like i was playing it and from the same movement, from D major to E flat major, those few measures, I was able to hear the broadcast worker talking (i had never heard it before). The CD is Aur 203-2 ADD AURA from Italy.

After three days, I listened to Dmitri Shostakovoich, Symphony No. 5 in D minor op 47 in 4th movement, the trumpet sounded like i was in a concert hall. Also, the big drums sounded so deep, and the whole orchestra with everyone's position made an image very clear. Then i decide to buy more X 103 and R 103 for my reel tape records the Otari MK-5050 and the phono preamplifier (the Pentagon made in Germany).
 

Nealson S. (Honolulu, HI)

Equipment used:

Denon 2200 dvd player
Adcom GFP565 preamp
Parasound HCA750 amp
Carver holographic generator
Polk modified subwofer
Celestion SL600si speakers

After installing two R103s and two A103s for the two main channels and the subwofer, I wasn't initially impressed. I didn't notice any dramatic difference. But after some tweaking with the volume and phase adjustments and speaker placement, I noticed some pleasant changes. (I had done all of these things many times before I had installed the feedback stabilizers, so I know the changes were due to the R103s and the A103s.) The treble seemed more under control without losing detail, resulting in less fatigue. The bass from the subwoofer seemed tighter. The soundstage (I enjoy a wide soundstage, hence the Carver in my system) expanded even more. But the best thing I noticed was the improvement in the midrange. Voices seemed more alive. When Joni Mitchell's voice in "Green" first kicked in, it had a greater presence than before. Sting's voice in "Until" had more--for lack of a better word--substance. All in all, the R103 and the A103 did improve my system and has increased my listening pleasure. For less than $200, this has been a good upgrade. I had been thinking of upgrading my power amp to a McCormack or a Classe, but that's on hold for now. 
 

Edmond N. (Alexandria, VA)

Dear Dakiom:
I have been a long time in getting back to you. Sorry for the delay, but evaluating your Feedback Stabilizers has been a bit difficult for me. I purchased two of your MA103 units for use with my Dared VP-20 monoblocks, and one R103 unit which I have used variously on both my Carver TX-11a tuner and on my CD player. The Dared VP-20s provide wpc each through 6L6GC output tubes that easily push my two Anthony Gallo A'Diva speakers through the twenty-five feet of solid core copper speaker wire that I am using with them. I also have a Transcendent Grounded Grid tube preamplifier, but since the VP-20s have their own volume controls, I sometimes run this system without using the preamp at all. In addition to the above system, I also have a Carver M500 250 wpc solid state amplifier, and a Kailin EL84 based tube integrated amplifier on which I eventually tested these stabilizers as well.

So as to be able to distinguish the contributions of the R103 from that of the MA103s, I tested the R103 alone first. After listening to my system without the Dakioms for a while to establish a comparison baseline, I added the R103 to my CD player's outputs and then connected the outputs of the R103 directly to my VP-20 6L6GC tube monoblocks. This was a simple matter that took only a few minutes. Once my system was powered up again, I noticed immediately that choruses and instruments were more detailed. I heard better separation of voices in massed chorals and greater detail in the timbre of flutes and violins. In some of the very best recordings, I could even distinguish the contribution of the wood that a particular cello or violin was built from as compared to the timbre of other cellos and violins I had heard. The sense of space produced by my speakers was also somewhat expanded. However, I also detected a slight graininess to the sound that I hadn't noticed previously. I thought this could be due to the fact that my CD player is far from first rate, but when I put the R103 on my tuner I heard the same effect. It seemed as though some of the liquidity was lost from the sound of my tube amps. They sounded more detailed, but also more transistor like.

This presented me with a paradox: the detail and sense of space were improved, but the music was somehow less satisfying. Next, I removed the R103 from the system and listed to my system bare again. Sure enough, some of the detail went away, but vocals were once again liquid and smooth and that transistor amp edge was gone. I repeated this experiment, switching back and forth, several times, always with the same result.

Then, I put the MA103s on my monoblocks and tested the system without the R103. The result was similar to the effect of the R103 alone, but not as pronounced. I assumed that adding the M103s to my monoblocks would compound the effects of the R103 a good deal if I used them all at once, but this turned out not to be case. When I utilized the MA103s in tandem with the R103, I noticed only a small additional effect. Next, I ran through the same procedure with the addition of adding the transcendent GG preamp into the system. The Transcendent is a very good preamp in many ways, but
it does tend to collapse the acoustic space projected by my system some.

Once again, I tried all combinations of R103 and MA103 the system. In each case, the addition of the Transcendent took care of most of the dryness added by the Dakioms and the Dakioms recovered a bit of the acoustic air, but the music was still most satisfying with no Dakiom's, by just a little. This was frustrating since I really liked the extra detail and space added by the Dakiom Stabilizers, and what I wanted most was the best of both worlds: the Dakioms' detail and the VP-20's liquidity.

I then tried the Dakioms on both my Carver M500 amplifier with the Transcendent preamp, and on my Kailin EL84 tube integrated amp. The stabilizers improved the resolution of both amplifiers with no deleterious effects whatever. The improvement is especially noticeable with the Kailin amp which went from being what I considered a rather poor sounding amplifier to a rather good sounding amp just by the addition of the Dakioms. In summary, my experience has shown me that the effects of these stabilizers are system dependent. It seems that they will enhance the resolution of any system, but that in some systems there might be a penalty in the area of smoothness. The key to smoothing things out again seems to be using a tube preamp, or in the case of an integrated amplifier, a tube input stage. Another thing I should mention is that the Dakioms seem to sound better now that I have been using them for a long while in my system. I know that they are not supposed to have a breaking in period, and that, therefore, this may be an indication that I have simply adjusted to the sound of them rather than an indication that they have broken in. Whatever the reason, my system does seem to sound better with them now that more time has passed. At present, I am using both the R103 and the MA103s in my main system. At this point in time, it seems to me that the Transcendent tube preamplifier adds back enough of the smoothness lost to the Dakioms that the combination of the Dakioms with the Transcendent provides a more satisfying overall presentation than I get by leaving out these stabilizers altogether. Once again, I am sorry for the long delay in getting back to you with this review (and I should probably apologize for my long windedness, as well), but, as you can see, sorting all of this out was a bit complicated for me.

Equipment List: Primary System:
Transcendent Grounded Grid Preamplifier (uses 3 12AU7 tubes)
Dared VP-20 monoblock amplifiers. (each amp uses 1 12AX7 in the input stage, 1 12AU7 in the driver stage, and 2 6L6CG tubes in the output stage)
Carver TX-11a tuner
Anthony Gallo A'Diva speakers
Samsung DVD-P721M CD player
25 ft solid core copper speaker wire
Straightwire Symphony II Interconnect
Straightwire Encore II Interconnect
Additional Equipment I tested the Dakioms with:
Kailin integrated tube amplifier (uses 1 12AX7 in the input stage, 1 12AU7 tube in each channel's driver stage (2 total), and 2 EL84 tubes in each channel's output stage (4 total)
Carver M500 solid state 250 watt per channel power amplifier
Same tuner, CD player, speakers, interconnects, and speaker wires as in primary system
 

Sunil P. (Herndon, VA)

Hi, Well, I took advantage of your deal and here is my review of the stabilizers.

I purchased two mono amp stabilizers, an XLR one for preamp to amp and a standard RCA for CD to preamp. First my equipment:

Krell KSA100S amp
KSP-7b Pre-amp
CD-1 CD player
Musical Fidelity X10 V3 Tube Buffer
Vienna Acoustics Strauss

Now, here is the kicker -- I have these Monster Cable speaker lines I bought ($30) in 1988 that I just never got around to replacing on this system. I was in the process of doing so when I came across your "boxes" and claims. So, I figured, why not give them a try first before changing speaker lines.

I thought my system was pretty stunning as it was but these little boxes made some really listenable improvements to the sound with only one potential downside. I immediately heard great new texture in vocals and instruments from low to high. The soundstage seemed to deepen and widen a bit while bass notes took on an additional depth that was not there before.

So, while I was taking all this in and really enjoying it, I then looked at the info you sent with it and noticed that your claims exactly married up with my perceptions. I am happy to note that my impressions were my own, or blind, and not prejudiced by your literature.

My one reservation at the time was that I thought the newfound clarity and texture imparted a bit of additional glare to the high end. I did not get around to concluding this point but it did enter my mind.

That said, I next added a Musical Fidelity tube buffer to the system that irradicated any sense of glare and in combination with your stabilizers has made my setup that much more musical than it already was. At the end of the day, I think your stabilizers are fantastic additions and well worth the money even without the tube buffer. Of course, I am now wondering what more I can get out of this system with a speaker cable change!! 
 

Juan C. (Pembroke Pines, FL)

In an effort to improve the sound of my current system, I'm always looking to see what is new out there that can help me with accomplishing that, while browsing thru the Audiogon web site I came across the Dakiom Stabilizer. I started reading about it and read all the reviews listed on their web page, after a couple of days I decided that I would try the product. I went ahead and ordered the A103 and the R103.

My current system consist of:
Nad receiver,
Nak cassette,
Yamaha dvd,
for speakers JBL L19 and L56,

I have made all my interconnects with solid silver wire and the speaker cables also,

I have installed some foam acoustic panels and bass traps also, in my opinion it sounded pretty decent.

I listen to music everyday and Saturday was no exception, I received my A103 and R103 kit, immediately I power off my system and made the nesseray connections according to instructions. Power it back up and immediately I noticed the difference. I did not hear musician's shifting in their seats as some have claim but perhaps it is my system. However the difference is evident, bass is true the highs are clear and not ear ringers over all the sound is more round or complete as I would say, the enjoyment of music is prolonged and there is no fatigue. I have been only been listening to the speakers with the A103 connected, the other I can not hear till I order my next A103 and of course the R103 for the cassette.

Thank you for a wonderful product, I highly recommend it.
 

Selim U. (Grand Blanc, MI)

In order to embark on this review of the Dakiom R-103 and A-103 I will try to explain my High End journey with regards to tweaking a mediocre system. The main components of my current family room audio system consist of three basic items: a McCormack SST-1 transport, a Denon 1602 AVR and Energy bookshelf speakers. The latter two items are average run-of-the mill. Now put in a serious transport and I
could let the tweaking begin. Not yet! I have a few more basics to cover. More cheapo stuff in this system are the Analysis Plus oval theater speaker cables and a television cabinet made of compacted woodchips of sorts. 

Were I to add some old digital link, power up and fire away, you know what I'd get? You probably do. So being the ever motivated tweaker that I am I started adding stuff. Now I have collected a number of things over the past in order to let my currently idled Golden Tube SE-40, EAD 7000 III and Apogee Centaurs sing. "Ah! The beautiful sound from class a amps driving dipole speakers." Everything I put into that system is now residing in the el-cheapo one and there are some newer items too.

I have lived with VAC, Nordost Valhallas, Martin Logan Prodigy, Bat VK d-5 and Shunyatas. Nothing is untweakable. "He He He" I'll hopefully get those guys fiddled with soon enough. "On your mark, get ready..."
Here are the goodies that morph Bruce Banner into the Incredible Hulk. 
Tweakery Treats:
- Tg Audio power cord attached to the transport, "muscular".
- Marigo powercord mated to a GW Labs DSP, "24/96 big buddy, over!".
- Chang LightSpeed 9600 for almost everthing, "chh chh chh changes".
- VansEvers Cleanline Jr. for the SST-1, "Is that there thang turbocharged?"
- Audioprism ACFX on the subwoofer, "woof woof!"
- Enacom Speaker add on's: "The sun's comming up like a big bald head"
- Enacom AC wall plugs: "Silence is golden"
- Audioprism quietlines: "I think I hear dead people"
- Quantum Symphony and electroclears: "We have control of this transmision..."
- Highwire cable wrap: "their magically delicious"
- Original Cable jackets: " No more mister nice guy, no more mister emi/rfi."
- Shakti onlines: " warp speed Scotty! "
- Shun Mook Mpingo disks: " Let me bring you songs from the wood" Note-If you dig deep enough you just might end up in China.
- Audioprism Waveguide: "Are happy to see me or is that just a waveguide on your Chang"
- Nordost Pulsar points: "tip toe through the tul...cabinet"
- BDR MK3 and MK4: "GO Speed Racer GO"
- Symposium RollerBlocks: "Rockin and Rollin... -We are not men, we are Devo" 
- Townsend Seiesmic sink: "Get up! everybody's gonna move their feet. Get down..."
- Audioquest ferrite clamps: "You really got a hold on me!"
- Audit Tactic and Audit: "play me my song, here it comes again"
- Stereovox HDVX: "to be or not to be" - $100? "Yeah baby, Yeah!"
- Mapleshade Silclear: "Grease lightning"
- Caig progold: "a little dab'l do ya"
- Bedini Ultra Clarifier: "You spin me right round baby right round...like a record baby...right round"
- Walker Vivid: "I could see for miles and miles and miles"

Whew! Now after carefully and scientifically... Yeah right. Anyway you get the picture. Tweakery, it's my obsession! As is, this system cooks. We got bass. We got highs. "So why then did I try out the Dakiom R-103 (subwoofer) and A-103 (reciever)?" Tweakery, man tweakery.

Let me get this out to you right now. I was impressed then not impressed by the Dakiom products. Sure, I enlarged my soundstage. I got even more palpability. Good Stuff. But I missed the sheen of... well maybe I didn't. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't." Audiophiles listening to cd get high from their highs. Whether it's pleasant or not, tis the truth.

After a burn in period, removing and reinstalling the Dakiom dudes gets me to this litteral conclusion. "Yup, I likes it". The R-103 and A-103 may not clean the lens of your spectacles. They might not have
even been scrutinized as much as they were, were it not for them being so darn musical in my system. "Tweakery, It's my obsession." 

Punch line. There isn't one. This stuff, the Dakiom dudes, makes me want to be "Singing in the rain...I'll be sing in the rain." Congrats on a fine product indeed.
 

Vivian G. (Edmonton, Canada)

I noticed the Dakiom add in Audiogon and decided to order two R103 interconnect stabilizers and one A103+ amplifier stabilizer. This seemed like a good deal especially if you take advantage of the special offer and if it doesn't work out you can again take advantage of the 30 day return policy. The products arrived promptly and.

I decided to hook up the R103 feedback stabilizer first into an EVS ultimate volume attenuator to a TDS passive audiophile enhancer. Upon listening to the R103 I immediately noticed a loss of clarity and the sound seemed veiled. The initial attack of the music seemed slowed down and less lively. There was less ambience and air with an overall sluggishness to the music. I did'nt care for the sound. Then I hooked up the other R103 from the TDS to a modified ART D/IO dac and experienced the same effect. Okay, so it seemed like this wasn't going to work out.

Well then I decided to hook up the A103+ to a heavily modified NYAL Mosode 300 tube power amp feeding modified Acoustat1+1 electrostatic speakers. I have owned this system for a considerable amount of time and rather than change products I upgrade to the finest capacitors, wiring, resistors and diodes. This gives great value for the money and I am very satisfied with the overall sound. Well I sat down to listen to the A103 stabilizer and was immediately impressed with the positive response. All of the things that the R103's did wrong were totally reversed with the A103+ There was more clarity, more detail, more information and it was just nicer to listen to.

The A103+ added more life and better harmonics. The music was more involving and smoother sounding too! I was quite pleasantly surprised. Obviously I kept the A103+ and Dakiom took back the R103's with no problem.

This is an interesting product and I would recommend it.

Listening done in a dedicated sound room with RPG panels, hubble ac outlets, Elco audio silver interconnects, Xindak gold power cables and speaker cables
 

John E. (Fort Collins, CO)

There isn't that much I can add to what so many people have already said about the upgrades from Dakiom. To begin with it's just that: they are like upgrade, not just tweaks. You will notice what they do to your system, you won't have to hope or imagine. It is so obvious that you may even choose not to like the change...though you will. Its like cheating the system and getting more than you deserve. So if you're always looking for a little bit more out of your system and keep buying those tweaks and making the DIY add ones and spending more time and money than its worth; its now time to get some real results with very little effort and not a whole lot of money. Just do it and you will be amazed. You will be able to keep your present electronics and save money for better speakers, and even in that you can cheat the system and get some Green Mountain Audio Europas, like I did and get way more for your money. I know its hard to trust an add promising so much, but trust these guys...they really work. 

my system:
- B&K avr202
- Denon dvd2800
- Green Mountain Audio Europas
- Signal cables
 

Dan O. (Seoul, Korea)

My system consists of the following:

Conrad Johnson PV-12 Preamplifier (modified)
Cary SLA-70 Amplifier
Avance Alpha 220i Monitor Speakers
Pioneer DV-S737 DVD/CD Player (modified)
Wadia DigiMaster X32 D/A Converter

I've been trying to improve my system for about a year. I had my preamp and CD player modified, and I think the modifications greatly improved my system providing what I feel is a more natural sound quality. I was curious to see what the feedback stabilizers would do. My first impression after installing the R103/A103 "Special Package" (2 sets) was that my system had a slightly softer sound quality. The detail was still there and the base seemed to be the same, but the "stinging" feeling I tend to notice from many pop music recordings was a lot less noticeable. Other than that, there didn't seem to be a significant improvement. I just thought it still sounded natural and nice. After a few weeks, I removed the feedback stabilizers and almost immediately noticed that I preferred the way my system sounded when I had them installed. Without the stabilizers, the "stinging" sensation definitely does become irritating. Upon further listening to various types of music, I noticed that the stabilizers had provided an improvement in soundstage imaging with better separation between instruments and vocals. For example, in Jewel's "Life Uncommon" or Suzanne Vega's "Luka" on her Sessions at West 54th recording, I could see the guitar being played and its strings being plucked more clearly. There also was a noticeable separation between the background drums and the singers voice at center stage. I've tried removing the feedback stabilizers a few more times, and I still get the same impression. I'm convinced that soundstage imaging is definitely better with these stabilizers installed. I am continuing to keep them on my system. Thank you DakiOm for a great product. I am a very satisfied customer.
 

Jason B. (Toledo, Ohio)

I am both a musician and an audiophile, but I do not own a "high-end" stereo system.

I have a Technics SL-PD888 CD player which I have been playing through a TechnicsSADX930 AV receiver for a few years now. I recently upgraded my system by adding Axiom MT80 towers and boy what a difference they have made! In order to better the sound even further I have upgraded my interconnects using Monster interlink 400 cables and they too have made a noticeable difference in the sound.

Now, I happened along to find Dakiom while researching on Audiogon.com. I purchased the R103 and A103 stabalizers using their special offer.

At first I thought that they caused the very lowest frequency bass to roll-off a bit too soon, and was preparing to return them. NOW HEAR THIS: the customer reviews are correct. You must listen to these devices for awhile in order to understand what they are doing. The low frequency bass which I thought I was losing was not low frequency at all. It was harmonic distortion! The base I am hearing now with these stabalizers is actually much cleaner, with a more noticable "grind" to the bass instead of the previous WOW. The high end is much cleaner and when I auditioned them for my wife the first time, she objectively stated that the sound was "better" and cleaner with the stabalizers than without. 

Congratulations Dakion for a truly great product. Anything coming through my system sounds more articulate now. I wouldn't return these at all! 
 

After deciding to try the Dakiom Feedback Stabalizers with the thirty day in home trial, I recieved them and installed the A-103 on my Accuphase P-300 Power Amplifier. The Accuphase has input sensativity adjustment, eliminating the need for a preamp. I then installed the r-103 to the audio outputs of my Toshiba t.v. Normally I do not care for the sound of digital, I find the digital music channels from the sattelite to sound thin and quite frankly, not on par with analog sound. I found after installing the stabalizers, the digital channels were much more enjoyable to listen to. I could listen to the music for hours where before I would become irratated and want to turn it off. I am happy with the Dakiom Feedback Stabalizers and would recomend them! They do sound better after a several hour break in period. Equipment, Toshiba stereo t.v., Phillips 40esp cd player, accuphase p-300 Amplifier, Altec model 15 speakers. Radio Shack wire and interrconnects.
 

Dakiom is not the first name that comes to mind when considering high end audio but I was pleasantly surprised by the obvious differences in sound using both of their feedback stabilizers. Dakiom offers two basic devices that are very much in the "tweek" category that they sell separately or as part of a package. One of these connects directly to the positive terminals of your amplifiers output and to one of the grounds. The other stabilizer connects to any amplifier input such as CD player, tuner, etc. by using the RCA jacks. Again, installation is very simple. Build quality appears to be very nice with high quality RCA connections. The feedback stabilizers can be used separately or mated to every input that you can use simply by purchasing additional stabilizers. Overall the initial sound presentation was to soften the highs in an effect that was not subtle. Using two of the stabilizers on tuner and on the amplifier resulted in further softening of the sound. However, the effect went much further. The sound became very tube like with a very nice midrange bloom with imaging and sense of space that was very surprising because my integrated amplifier is a Jeff Rowland Concentra II that features sound already very refined. Female voices are particularly improved with essentially no annoying sibilance. I also tried to use the amplifier stabilizer with a single ended 300B but did not hear much of any improvement though the manual does mention that some tube amplifiers may not be compatible. I suspect that most transistor amplifiers will benefit more that most tube amps and suspect that in most systems the improvement with be obvious. Overall highly recommended especially the amplifier stabilizer. They have the potential to markedly improve your system at a modest investment.

Equipment: Jeff Rowland Concentra II
Rega Planet CD player
Montana SP Signature loudspeakers
Tara Space and Time speaker Biwire
Interconnects variety of AudioQuest and others
 

i'll start off by saying i was quite impressed with the service and quick shipping on the items. this is a very accommodating company. i read the reviews some of the users had to say and figured why not give it a try? my system consists of:

- NAD 320BEE integrated amp.
- REGA PLANET 2000 cd
- DIAPASON PRELUDE speakers w/matching stands
- SONY SAWM20 sub woofer (small, inexpensive, and goes down to 25hz easily)
- VIRTUAL DYNAMICS NITE II power cord, interconnects and speaker cable.
- the rest of the system is not relevant to this review. 

i initially hooked up the A103 to the speakers to see if i could hear a difference. at first, it was not very noticeable. further listening definitely demonstrated a more smooth sound. i then hooked up the R103 to my cd player. i immediately noticed a more detailed and fuller sound with the combo. i listened to a few cds and decided to use the DENSEN DEMAGIC cd, which i tend to use whenever i make a change to my system. it really makes a huge difference in the overall sound. i also use the BEDINI ULTRA CLARIFIER on many cds prior to playing them. again, a worthwhile tweak. after the demagic cd ran it's course, i resumed listening. the difference in the system vs without the DAKIOM stabilizers was very noticeable. i was very impressed at how they sweetened the sound and improved the overall imaging. in general, the biggest differences i heard were: tighter, not louder or more boomy, but tighter and clearer bass. it really seemed the diapasons were reproducing below their rated 40hz, even with the sub turned off. better separation of the instruments, and at the same time, better blending of the instruments to make up the song as a whole. imaging was more focused overall, and stereo separation was noticeably better on many recordings. some of the music that was poorly mastered (too much tape hiss) was audibly quieter, even at moderate listening levels. because of the better imaging and separation, i could often hear details that were buried in the mix and instruments that were initially hidden in the background. vocals that usually were at the forefront were more laid back and really allowed the instruments to shine. no shrill highs. the rega took care of a lot of that, or so i thought. an a/b comparison convinced me to leave the dakioms in. 

some of the recordings used:
- AL STEWART--YEAR OF THE CAT (HISSY AND NOT A WELL DONE MASTERING PROCESS--this showed tremendous improvement)
- LIZZ WRIGHT--SALT (heavy on vocals, became much more laid back and allowed the recording to shine)
- ALAN PARSONS PROJECT--I ROBOT (brilliant album, bass improvement was really noticeable, as was imaging)
- FIRETOWN--THE GOOD LIFE (great recording, really brought out the acoustic instruments)
- FREDDY JONES BAND--WAITING FOR THE NIGHT (another great band, toned down the shrillness of the recording)
- RIVAL SUNS (possibly the greatest band ever)--FEEL (felt like i was in the studio with them)
- SUZANNE VEGA--RETROSPECTIVE (incredibly clean recording, really made the vocals and acoustic guitar sound even better)
- JOHNNY CLEGG AND SAVUKA--CRUEL CRAZY BEAUTIFUL WORLD (made a great recording sound smoother and enhanced imaging)
- BUZZCOCKS (latest album) (cleaned up the sound. instruments could be heard individually instead of a messy grunge sound)
- DAVID ARKENSTONE--VALLEY IN THE CLOUDS--nice soothing new age. lots of background detail comes out in this one.

the only issue i have with these pieces is the bare wire on the ends of the A103. it is difficult to keep taking them out and putting them back, as the wires start to fray. perhaps a bit of solder to keep them in place wouldn't hurt. i do highly recommend this product. for the price, you can't go wrong, and to achieve this kind of sound without the dakioms, my guess is it would cost in the thousands. 
 

I've been into audio for many years and have been upgrading and tweaking my systems since 1970. I've heard many tweaks that didn't do much and I've heard many that helped, but none were as big an improvement as the DakiOms. 

My system since 1999 has consisted of:
- Sony DVP 9000ES modified to Level III by ModWright
- BAT VK-30 tube preamp
- RCA MI 12188 mono tube amps heavily modified by JC Morrison
- Mirage OM-8 omnipolar speakers

I've been very happy with the sound and was only doing small mods to the system now and then when I read about the DakiOms and decided to order some. While waiting for the DakiOms I sent my amps in for some work replacing the input jack, binding posts and tube sockets. While the amps were out I replaced them with a $199 20-watt NAD receiver I use for my computer system. My wife and I agreed that it sounded fine for movies but rather metallic and 2D for music. My reference CD for checking my system is Tori Amos Little Earthquakes, which sounded much worse now. After a few days of withdrawals from no music the DakiOms arrived and that night I put them on the DVD and receiver. I put on Tori and could hear a difference right away and it wasn't subtle. My wife was in the kitchen but I thought I had to hear some more to make sure I wasn't imagining how good this sounded before I called her in. After 3 songs I was amazed at how good that little NAD sounded, the metallic sound of the voice was gone but an even bigger change was the sense of depth, much more 3D. I never tell my wife what I hear when I change something, I ask what she hears. When she heard the DakiOms she was truly shocked. She said the sound was the way it was before with the high dollar equipment and then asked me why I spent so much money on a preamp. Now the image wasn't quite as large and the voice not as liquid as with the tubes but it was close and remember we're talking about a $199 receiver. Needless to say I ordered another set of DakiOms so I could put 1 on the output of the DVD and the preamp and on both of my mono amps. During all this someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse for my preamp so I still haven't heard the DakiOms on my good system but when I get my new preamp I'm sure I'll write you again. Thanks for a fine product at an excellent price.
 

I have a fairly high-end system composed of:

- Integra Research RDC - 7 (7.1 channel processor/preamp)
- Integra Research RDV - 1 (DVD - Audio and CD player) 
- Integra Research RDA - 7 (7 channel amplifier)
- B&W CDM 9NT (main stereo/front speakers)
- B&W CDM CNT (center speaker)
- B&W CDM Signature 7NT (surround speakers)
- Meadowlark Audio Owl (rear surround speakers)
- Infinity Intermezzo 1.2s (sub-woofer)

Tweaking is a happy marriage of desire and opportunity. From adequately privileged circumstances, tweakers set out to go from really good sound to "Oh my God, that's incredible!" sound. I am happy to say that in this ephemeral and slightly hermit like discipline, the little boxes from DakiOm bring great satisfaction - a must have in the tweaker's arsenal.

I ordered 2 pair of DakiOm Feedback Stabilizers: 2 R103s (for players and pre-amps) and 2 A103s (for amplifiers). 

It was not possible to test the R103 from pre-amp to amp because all the leads are balanced cables (which is a nice tweak in itself). So it was on to the player output to the pre-amp/processor. I was somewhat disappointed to read that the R103 worked best with direct analogue hook-ups to limited function pre-amps. My Integra Research set-up is far removed from the minimalist perfection sought by some circuit designers. I pressed forward anyway.

The RDV-1 player outputs to the processor in three ways: analogue through the RS232 multi-channel port, digital coaxial and 2 channel analogue. The R103 was hooked up to the 2-channel output. I could easily switch among (i) analogue untreated, (ii) digital and (iii) analogue with the DakiOm from the same source in the middle of play for direct comparisons.

My reference CD for image management is "Shirley Horn, You Won't Forget Me" - really top notch performance and stereo mix. The R103 produced no dramatic difference in sound stage, imaging or sound quality with this recording. It sounded great any way it was played. Upon closer listening, however, I noticed a slightly more musical, less edgy feel through the DakiOm R103.

I tested this "smoothness" effect with the hottest recoding in my collection; "Water Music of the Impressionists" on Delos played by Carol Rosenberger on a giant grand piano. Great playing, but it sounds like the microphones were turned up to 11 while sitting on the piano strings during the recording. Played at reasonable volume, your eardrums feel like they are being hit by the piano's hammers - not exactly what one expects from water or impressionists. Take heart, the DakiOm R103 tamed this beast and transformed the listening experience. Finally, after 20 years I could listen to this recording and enjoy its musicality and artistry. This was enough to convince me to keep the R103.

The true drama begins with the test of the A103 units, which get hooked up to the amplifier speaker outputs. The Integra research RDA-7 is a behemoth 7-channel amplifier putting out enough wattage to liquefy your brain. I installed a single A103 to the output posts for the main front speakers and settled down to begin my extended listening audition that DakiOm recommends.

No rest for the weary tweaker. Before my back hit the sofa cushion, the improvement in Shirley's soundstage was clearly apparent. The little mystery box obviously helps stereo output, but what about multi-channel? It was time to jump ahead 2 decades in recording technology. Chicago recently put together a great recording in DVD-A format with both a 5.1 mix and a super high-resolution stereo mix (192 kHz/24 bit). 

Again, no careful listening was required. The "being there" quotient was off the charts with the stereo mix. Could it make a difference with the surround mix? It did - even though only 2 channels had the benefit of the A103. Separation was clearer, sound stage was wider and it just sounded more like music. 

You can guess the next move - put an A103 on the surround channels! I ran into my first technological challenge trying to hook up the 2nd A103. The leads on the A103 did not span the distance between the posts for the surround outputs. A little wire (I added equal lengths to each lead), wire nuts and a few twists later, I was ready to go. Now four channels were under the influence of DakiOm. 

WOW! The promise of multi-channel realized! Suddenly, immersed in 3D sound, great separation (when called for) and a big sound stage. Chicago jumped out of the speakers. The ultimate DVD-A, Linkin Park's "Reanimation" is always kick ass but with the DakiOm A103 is totally outrageous!

Thanks for the great product.
 

As the longtime audiophile, I've become suspicious of tweaks. All too often, they promise far more than they deliver. It is a pleasure, therefore, to find one that actually does work. Believe me, the DakiOm on system works!

After installing the DakiOm on amplifier and DAC (I don't use a preamplifier as my DAC is volume controlled) I was delighted with the result. There was more air between the instruments, deeper and well-defined bass without damage to the midrange. In fact, once one got over the immense amount of previously unheard detail, one could forget about the DakiOm and simply enjoy the music. For instance, I could hear the opening and closing valves on the clarinet in Mozart's clarinet quartet. I could hear the second violin and viola in string quartets. Small ensembles and large orchestras came to vibrant life.

Unlike many people, I don't have special demonstration records to test new equipment. Almost anything will make an excellent record sound good. It takes real quality to make poor or mediocre records sound good. Many of these records have systemic intermodulation distortion, particularly on high strings. This takes the form of the whistle or buzz particularly on high strings. While the DakiOm cannot remove this distortion entirely, nothing can, by reducing it and improving everything else it makes even bad records listenable. The effect on good records is truly outstanding.

The test of the new device is usually with no one wants to immediately remove it from the system. Far from feeling this way, I would not now give up the DakiOm for anything.

Does the DakiOm have drawbacks? Yes, there are two: the wires on the amplifier unit are too short for my amplifier and probably for many other modern amplifiers. I fixed this by joining each positive wire to a short length of Radio Shack speaker wire before I could hook them up. Also, the DakiOm doesn't have provision for balanced cables which could be a disadvantage in a few cases. Other than that, I can find no fault with them. As a minimalist audiophile that's paying quite a compliment.

I hope the audio press will review the DakiOm for it certainly deserves to become well-known.

Theta Jade transport
Wadia 15 DAC upgraded by the factory to Wadia 28 level
Marsh 450 amplifier
Paradigm Monitor 100 version II speakers.
MAS gray interconnects
(Now) 20 feet of Radio Shack 16 gauge speaker cable*

*I followed your advice on 20 feet of speaker cable and found it works
better that the 6 foot (and far more expensive) lengths of Audioquest GR 8.

Follow-up:

...used a 14 gauge 20 foot regular Monster cable with even better results than with 16 gauge zipper cord.
 

Dan M. (Milwaukee, WI)

I have lived with your special offer package for three weeks now, and I must say that the changes your products have brought to my system have been welcome and significant. To begin with I'm currently running a Mark Levinson 383 Integrated amplifier, a Sony 9000ES DVD/CD player, Tyler Acoustic Linbrook Monitors, and Nordost Red Dawn interconnects and speaker cable. The changes can only be best describe as more analogue-like. The highs have lost a good deal of their digital harshness, but none of the detail or sparkle. The mid-range has become more liquid, better integrated into the high-end. Vocalist are now fully upfront with better instrument placement front to back. But it is in the bottom end where your product really shines. The bass has lost some speed, some tightness (my system was ultra-fast, tight) and been replaced with NATURAL bass. The kind of bass you hear in a tympani, deep, relaxed without being flabby. In other words not the bass from an audiophile system, but the bass from real world instruments! Your product has allowed the music to come through and got the equipment out of the way, and hence the believability of my listening sessions has increased significantly. Thank you Dakiom.
 

I saw your ad on Audiogon during my search for some new power cords and it pique my curiosity. I'd visited the website and thought to myself "what in the world are things"? Figuring that it would be cheaper to purchase a couple of these little boxes than what I was about to spend on 2 power cords, I decided to give them a try. Not really knowing what to expect, I connected them to the system and put the cd player in a repeat mode. I was out for 2 days attending a seminar. After the second day, I came home and decided to go downstairs see if there was any difference to my system. Believe me when I tell you that I thought there was a live band playing in my listening room. Whatever they do, they do it very well. Everything just sound better My system has always gave me pleasure. The sound, to me, is my own and these mysterious little black boxes just took it to a new level. My (2 channel) system consists of Rogue Mangnum 99 preamp, Norh CD-1 cd player, Odyssey Stratos amp, and a pair of Cello Stradivari Legend loudspeakers. Great product, Thanks.
 

Clif B. (Wayzata, MN)

I received the Diakom Feedback Stabilizers for both the amps and the source components.

I had been a little skeptical at first but after awhile I noticed that the Vandersteen subs 2WQ's were really no longer needed with my Magnepan 3.6's. The bottom end filled out nicely without any sacrifice to the tremendous mid and highs that the Magnepans are known for. The soundstage was wide and excellent and could not have asked for more. Especially given the price. I plan on trying these on some lower cost/performance components were I think a bigger difference will be evident.

My associated equipment:
Preamp: Audio Research Ls2MKII Reference Modification by Great Northern Sound
Amps: Odyssey Extreme Monoblocks
AhTjoeb: CD player
Speakers: Magnepan 3.6's
Accessories: Zeros from Paul Speltz (a must have for low impedance speakers)
 

Charles P. (Montreal, Canada)

Well I took my time before writing this review, I had a big problem : my amp caught fire (Sugden) the day before I receive the Dakioms. I was almost forced to put my old Yamaha receiver back there... God I was disapointed... If you still use this kind of stuff, please at least seek the used market it makes such a difference. 

But I was kinda lucky because with the interconnect and speakers Dakiom stabilizers the sound has more focus, greater extension on both highs and lows. But the best thing theses devices do is to lower listener fatigue. I can now listen to this Yamaha receiver without the disire to destroy something before changing it. Highly recommended and very inexpensive (I've tweak everything else I could execpt for cable elevators, this is great stuff).
 

Ryan T. (Provo, UT)

Review of the Dakiom HA103 Feedback Stabilizer

I used the Dakiom unit with my Panasonic Digital Receiver (SAXR25) not knowing if there was any feedback in a digital amp. I figure if it works great, and if not, well at least I gave it a shot. Since Dakiom extended me a great deal on the HA103, I ordered it right away and it arrived soon after. Hook up was very easy and only took about 5minutes tops. The unit doesn't weigh much so it doesn't put any strain on the connectors in my receiver. It is also a sturdy little bugger and I never imagine it could be damaged which is always good; longevity of the device that is. I listen to a fairly wide variety of music and I am somewhat of a musician myself (I play the saxophone and piano but neither to the extent someone would mistake me for a musicianJ). Classical, Rock, Jazz, Acoustic guitar and some pop make it through my system as do a number of movies on a weekly basis. Mahler, Dvorak, Bill Evans, Pink Floyd, Norah Jones (c'mon…who doesn't like her music?!) TOOL, NIN, and well you get the idea; I do listen to all kinds. I wasn't sure if the HA103 needed to "break-in" or not so I let it play for a night and I did my listening the next day. Since my amp is digital and I don't think it uses much feedback if any, the sonic differences were slight but there. I felt as if it took away a touch of the digital glare and harsh that I was hearing on my amp. It also gave the impression that any background noise was removed a bit but these changes weren't "mind blowing". They were there and good. So the Dakiom proved itself a worthy device for digital amps but my tale doesn't end here. My friend has a Marantz receiver, which we know uses feedback for sure. So I thought what the heck, I will take it to his and pop it in his system. Since it is so easy to hook up and it doesn't weigh much it was easy for my friend to say yes. In his system the Dakiom HA103 proved to be much more valuable. Background noise was all but eliminated, the midrange became much clearer (yes, think of that often used analogy of someone using Windex on a dirty window…it wasn't terribly messy before but now everything is vivid and sharp). The HA103 I think is more attuned for analog circuitry than for digital switching amps and so it has stayed at my friends house (he isn't really an audiophile but even he couldn't refute the stark changes in his system…changes for the better). My Verdict: The HA103 is very much a winner when paired up with an analog receiver but is only a moderately successful when paired with digital amps like mine. Therefore I highly recommend the Dakiom line of products when used with mainstream analog amplifiers and if you need that last bit of smoothing out for your digital, then by all means go for it. It's a small price to pay for such sweet returns on your music.
 

I used the feedback stabilizers in two uncomplicated systems.

System One:
Nakamichi RE-10 receiver, JVC XL-Z1050 CD player, Dynaco A-25
loudspeakers, Apature Accu-Flow 14 gauge simple copper speaker wire,
Radio Shack gold plated interconnects.

System Two:
AR X-06 receiver, NEC CD-730 CD player, IMF ALS-30 loudspeakers, Apature Accu-Flow 14 gauge simple copper speaker wire, Radio Shack gold plated interconnects. 

Both systems were very enhanced by your stereo package in that the soundstage became more three dimensional. Instruments, and singers sounded more realistically full bodied, and detailed. Their placement in the soundfield was more distinct. The quality of long term listenability was definitely improved. This enjoyable musicality is a characteristic that one instantly misses when your stabilizers are removed, just as your advertisement suggested. In my more upscale systems, these same qualities have been enhanced using much more expensive Bybee, Walker Audio, and SCE products. The fact that your bargain products do so much in less pretentious systems means that those with less to spend can still greatly upgrade the listening experience. I have been pleasantly surprised how much more quality has been unveiled when using your Dakiom Stereo package. In this world of expensive power cords, and interconnects, your feedback stabilizers truly deserve a "best buy" rating.
 

Michael T. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

I decided to give Dakiom a try since there's a 30 day money back guarantee.

My system consist of
Wadia 23 CD player,
Krell KAV-300i integrated amp,
JM Labs Electra 906 speakers,
Music & Sound Gray Solid Silver Interconnects, and
Transparent Music Wave Biwires.

I have been listening to my system for 2 years so very familiar with the sound and was content with it. The package arrived fairly fast and I immediately connected the A103 to banana plugs.

The first minute wasn't impressive as I was rushing for work so I just let my system run for 8 hours when I wasn't home. Well, I didn't know why people said the Krell KAV-300i sounded a bit on the bright side until the R103/A103 combo kicked in. I don't know what magic is embedded in these magical boxes but I noticed the Dakiom took the edge of the brightness. The audio sounds smoother and more appealing to my sensitive eardrums. This device is what I was seeking for the past 6 months. I highly recommend the Dakiom R103/A103 to any Krell KAV users. Maybe the A103+ for KAV-500i since 500i is more power. 
 

I purchased the special introductory set of two Dakioms (one model R103, one model A103) after seeing your advertisement on Audiogon. Although I am not usually one to make a blind purchase without further research, I quickly learned that due to being such a new product, the only feedback I could find online was on your website. Since the Dakioms were only a little over $60 (with shipping included), and you offered a thirty day money-back guarantee, I decided to make the purchase and take my chances.

When I first received the units, I was impressed by their weight. They look like battery holders, and I expected the weight to be roughly the same as an empty battery holder. They are by no means heavy, but they seem well built. Since I have a fairly high-resolution two channel audio system, the first test was when I plugged the CD Dakiom (R103) into my Cambridge Audio D500SE CD player. Audiophiles are always taught that "less is best", and this especially applies to any kind of adapter that is placed between the interconnects and CD Player.

When I plugged in the R103, I fully expected the sound to be somewhat degraded since the unit was not "broken in". To my surprise, the unit did not degrade the sound. The first listening test (only about 15 minutes) did not yield any appreciable difference between having the Dakioms connected and not having them connected. I figured that it was due to either not having a long enough listening period or not having the Dakioms broken in. I decided to break them in for 12 hours the second day using Stereophile's "Special Burn-In Noise".

My second listening test came last night and lasted for about an hour and a half. I decided to follow the instructions on the website and listen to the same cuts of music with the Dakioms for about an hour, and then I tried listening without the Dakioms for another hour.

This listening session confirmed that there was indeed a positive difference in my system. I listened to several CDs in this session. The CDs I chose were ones that I am very familiar with - Eva Cassidy's "Live at Blues Alley", John Mayer's "Room For Squares", and Chanticleer's "Colors Of Love".

With the Dakioms on, the subtle nuances in Eva Cassidy's voice were more readily apparent. In her song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" the opening guitar sounded farther away than normal. This was indeed a welcome change to me, as I prefer to "be in the audience" instead of "in the band". When she sang "I pray 'Lord have mercy on me...'", the goosebumps came quick. They stayed through the rest of the song.

Listening to John Mayer's first CD "Room for Squares" always seems to put me in a good mood. It is one of those rare CDs that you can actually listen to all the way through without skipping any songs. Track 2 (Why Georgia) showcases John with a very palpable guitar entrance. When his voice came in, it was easy to discern that his vocal image was higher than the guitar (and even higher than the speakers) with the Dakioms in place. Tracks 12 (Not Myself) and 14 (St. Patrick's Day) are my favorites of the album because of their well-matched melodies and lyrics. On Track 12, John's voice was smooth and about a foot or two behind my back wall. The reverse cymbal crashes and cymbal rides are very natural and their decay seemed to be enhanced with the Dakioms in place. Track 14 has several periods of decay in to silence, and John's voice and guitar sprang out of the silence enough to grab my attention and focus it between the speakers.

The third CD I sampled was "Colors of Love" by Chanticleer. Chanticleer is a male vocal ensemble who specialize in acapella works. This CD has one particular song (Track 4 - "Village Wedding" that I like to listen to when listening for depth. The song opens up with the words "To my beloved, who breaks my heart." The vocal harmonization seemed tighter and yet more relaxed with the individual voices becoming easily apparent with the Dakioms in place. The bass in the group had a much more believable "you are there" presence in his voice. The depth and height of image of the different solos were more localized.

After listening for about an hour with the Dakioms in place, I took them out to listen for differences. Eva Cassidy's CD seemed to be a little more forward and quite frankly, harsh. I have never noticed this quality in this CD, so I wasn't sure if I was hearing what I thought. After several songs on this CD, I decided to put in John Mayer's. Track 2 seemed to be less realistic (the wood of the guitar was less discernable) and I noticed the harshness in this album as well. Going to Track 12, the harshness became substantially more apparent. The sibilance apparent without the Dakioms in place literally hurt to listen to. I ended up listening without the Dakioms for only half an hour, because listening without them gave me a headache.

Perhaps having a headache speaks for itself more than any "golden-ears speak". I can go on and on about how the Dakioms "lifted veils" and "melted walls", but I won't. I put the Dakioms back in place and they will stay in my system. I laughed when I first read your logo: "The only way to exquisite sound." While I do not think that a set of Dakioms are the only way to exquisite sound, I do agree that they place higher levels of resolution within a working man's budget. This has been by far the most effective "tweak" that I have tried. Thanks for a great product and a great offer - I will surely tell my friends about them!

My system: Cambridge Audio D500SE CD Player, Pure Silver Sound
Interconnects, Rotel RA-1070 Stereo Integrated Amplifier, Synergistic
Research Alpha Quad Speaker Cables, Von Schweikert Audio VR-2 Speakers
 

James W. (South Jenks, OK)

This is a review of the DAKIOM A103 and R103 Audio Feedback Stabilizers. I approached the stabilizers with a little disinclination having only just "upgraded" my equipment with a few supposed "tweaks" including but not limited to a pair off the PS Audio Power Outlets. The reluctance was due my apprehension about how much more of an incremental performance I could wring of my self admittedly lower mid range system. I proceeded and must acknowledge that I am pleased. I would quantify and rate the improvement on my JBL mains at between 30-40 percent with most of the gains originating from the following perceived areas:

1. Extended and pronounced mid Bass and especially evident well recorded materials such as the Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD and Josh Groban Live In Concert DVD.
2. Better soundstage and wider dispersion on vocals especially female artists such as Sarah Mclachlan,Celine Dion, and Norah Jones.
3. Enhanced and sharper acoustics on stringed instruments such as the cello, acoustic guitar and violin.

The R103's did especially well on three DVD Audio multichannel recordings (John McEven & Jimmy Ibbotson from AIX Records, Eagles Hotel California and Fleetwood Mac Rumours). I noticed a distinct and immediate improvement in the mid bass emitted from my two mains' 10in woofers. The vocals were also noticeably airy and a pleasure to listen to even at higher volumes. Thoroughly enjoyed the DAKIOM A103 and will recommend this unit as an excellent and cost effective upgrade.

My equipment is broken down as follows:
- Yamaha HTS-5650 Integrated Amplifier.
- Monster HTS 3600 MKII Power Conditioner.
- Monster PB1100 Power Conditioner.
- Hitachi 51SWX20B HDTV.
- Signal Cable HC Power Cord.
- Panasonic DVD S55S.
- JBL S310 Main Speakers.
- JBL S38II Rear Speakers.
- Monster Audio & Video Interconnects
- Blue Jeans Cable Multichannel Analog Interconnects
- Klipsch KSW15 Subwoofer
 

Thomas H. (Lakeland, FL)

my speakers have been out having new crossovers built for them. I had only about a week and a half to listen. I can tell you there was a noticeable improvement in the mids. Also, as I have heard described, the vocalists are clearer. I'm not sure what you guys have done, but whatever it made for an improvement in the soundstage. I wish I had more time to listen with my speakers, but as I said they are being repaired and I am not sure when they will return. You have a fine product, at a fair price. (Something that is needed in this continuing world of cheap tweaks and voodoo science). Thanks
 

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