Ok everyone, far from me to write about something that might start an argument, but here goes: The item below was found for sale on a New Zealand auction site.

I’ll let the description speak for itself (emphasis mine):

AUDIODESK Systeme CD lathe is a very effective CD sound improver. It bevels and trues the edge of CD’s to reduce laser reflection and vibration. This is the biggest upgrade I’ve heard for the CD format. It’s so obviously better from the first few seconds in a transparent system, my uncut discs are immediately recognizable now and sound less listenable and two-dimensional in comparison. It gets CD closer to high-end vinyl reproduction. Improves bass resolution, detail and dynamics, and reduces etch or glare. Blackening the bevel adds weight and smoothness. Soundstage depth and width and space around performers opens out. Similar to the improvement of SACD over CD all without softening or compromising dynamics as some CD mats and other treatments tend to do. Direct copies to cheap cut and blackened-edge CDRs (without even cutting the original) can sound significantly better than the original

Sound better than the original? Really! How is this even physically (or conceptually) possible? Now, I’m pretty into my audio quality (although obviously not video quality, because I use $1.65 HDMI cables), but I’m nowhere near the type of nut that buys this type of thing. I really thought this was a joke when I first saw it – but it’s apparently for real.

I’m still wondering which crazy audio device is the biggest audio snake oil around ( Send your nominations!), but I still don’t think it could hold a candle to this little piece of technology.

They also go on to say:

This is a “must have” product for any really interested in maximizing the potential of their CD/SACD collection. the price is reasonable and the construction and presentation of the product is outstanding. This results are simply quite staggering. – Richard S. Foster, HiFi+ issue 44, product of the year award

Here is a link to that review. Folks, if you’re buying a used car, stay very, very far away from this guy.

Maybe they’d work even better if you hooked up your Ultra Tweeters .

More info here , here and here .

At one point I’m going to compile all the crazy audio devices together in one article.