By Michael Miguest

By Michael Miguest

I am not an electrical engineer or an audio engineer and these are my opinions on this highly debated, controversial subject. However, my educational background does include Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.


I believe that burn-in for audio cables and components is directly proportional to their inherent design. In my opinion, the majority of audio products' designs fail to address the creation of an environment that allows the forces of impedance, resistance, and capacitance to exist harmoniously.


In my opinion, when these forces exist harmoniously, "Audio Synergy" is the resultant effect. Burn-in relates to sonic fidelity, and the majority of those in this industry believe that nearly all solidly burned-in audio equipment and devices including cables sound better than the same device when new. It is my position that the amelioration of sonic performance can't happen if the forces of impedance, inductance, and capacitance aren't performing in tandem with each other. 


The only company in the marketplace today that I believe truly understands and addresses this issue is Sound Design Labs. As simple as it may sound with regard to uniting these forces, the complexity of designing cables and components to achieve this state doesn't exist except with SDL. In an attempt to achieve this state, Audiophiles constantly swap out cables and components and never experience the true potential of their systems.


Sound Design Labs' designer, Donald Smith produces interconnect cables, power cords and power conditioners. His cables are the most musically correct I have heard at any price. Burn-in is real with SDL cables because he has created the environment necessary to achieve audio synergy which takes your sonic fidelity to levels you can not imagine.


What about components (amps, preamps, CD players, etc....)? Here is where it really gets interesting. Donald designs Joule Cases that redefine what is possible in power distribution design. These contain Hybrid AC Power Outlets, and Variable Bias Power Supply features.


The Reference Series retains the Hybrid features of the Signature Joule Case but augments its AC filtering ability and expands the capability of the Variable Power Supply. The Joule Case Reference is offered in two versions: Joule Case Reference and Joule Case Reference AE (Autographed Edition). Both retain the highly damped, non-ferrous, metallic case of the Joule Case Signature. The Reference, however is equipped with (4) four Stillpoints isolation feet, also decoupled from the chassis and the supporting surface.


As with the Joule Case Signature, the Reference's internal wiring is also Deep Cyro-Treated 99.9999% pure Continuous Cast Copper, and additionally incorporates Deep Cyro-Treated 99.99% pure Silver wiring, both utilized in a highly effective noise canceling geometry. The composite gage of the wires utilized, however, is significantly increased. The Reference AE has all of the above features however, its chassis is designed with an integrated internal/external anti-vibration resonance control system.


A core design objective of Sound Design Labs is to create a physical environment which facilitates the unfettered transmission of signals, and transfer of energy.  Variable Bias Technology, an integral component of Active-Link, plays a key role in helping to meet this objective.


In this regard, Sound Design Labs has been able to determine that there are several variables which can have the greatest effect on how signals are transmitted and energy transferred, and that the ability to actively vary bias voltage becomes a critical factor.


Similarly, the most effective bias voltage will vary, and will largely be dependent upon the specific application and environment.  If we accept, as an example, that it is necessary to "dial in" a high-end phonograph cartridge to achieve its greatest performance, then understanding variable bias adjustment will be as intuitive.


Whereas phonograph cartridge geometry as defined by the tone arm and its interface with the LP surface, along with the electrical environment set by the phonograph preamplifier, will greatly determine performance capability; bias voltage, along with the related components of Active-Link, will have similar effect on signal transmission and energy transfer.


While correct geometry and "loading" can be effectively calculated and calibrated when adjusting a phonograph cartridge, the most finely tuned calculations and calibrations are accomplished by the user.  With SDL Active-Link cables and cords, it is suggested that increases or decreases in bias voltage settings be adjusted in increments of 0.5 VDC until the optimum voltage setting is obtained.


Sound Design Labs allows you to plug your components into their Joule Case which creates a physical environment that will facilitate the unfettered transmission of signals, and transfer of energy. In other words, with Sound Design Labs Joule Case, Active-Link Cables, Power Cords, and Variable Bias Technology, your system will perform in an environment where Impedance, Inductance, and Capacitance are in harmony setting the stage for Audio Synergy and a level of sonic performance beyond belief.  http://www.sounddesignlabs.org/

By Michael Miguest

Four years ago, I was the Vice-Presidential candidate of one of five caucuses that was vying to oust the then incumbent UPC (United Progressive Caucus) Chicago Teachers' Union President, Marilyn Stewart. The name of my caucus was SEA (School Employee Alliance). CORE (Coalition Of Rank And File Educators), which was slating Karen Lewis as their Presidential candidate, won after a runoff aided by the support of all the other caucuses: PACT (ProActive Chicago Teachers) which was slating the former union president Deborah Lynch as their Presidential candidate, the CSDU (Coalition For A Strong Democratic Union) which was slating the then Chicago Teachers Union Treasurer, Linda Porter and SEA (School Employee Alliance) which was slating Ted Hadjiharris as their Presidential candidate.

For the Campaign, I hosted a Smooth Jazz Fundraiser at my home and called on a long time friend, Kevin Morrissette to put the band together for the event. Kevin's interest in music started at a very early stage of life, and he began playing piano by ear at the age of 4. By 7, Kevin was playing professionally. 


Kevin's music career includes sharing the stage with many notable performers: Ronnie Laws, B.B. King, and the Pointer Sisters to name a few. He has been retained to perform for President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Mayor Richard Daley, Rev Jesse Jackson Sr., and Ambassador Carol Mosely Braun. The list goes on................... As President of Morrissette Music Productions, Kevin offers a full variety of musical production services as well as live performance. Kevin can be contacted at http://kevinmorrissettemusic.com/
He also shared with me that he will soon be releasing a new CD featuring vocalist Consuela Ivy who you can hear on his website.