So how does the CD Sound Improver work? Well in two ways; reducing unwanted light scattering, and bevelling to 'balance' the disc for improved tracking.

CDs are mass produced on a huge scale, and are not always machined/produced to high manufacturing tolerances. Bevelling the edge of the disc has a similar effect to 'truing' or balancing a car or bicycle wheel - unwanted side-to-side wobble or wheel 'hop' means the disc tracks better, vibrations are minimised, and the (660nm fine) laser relies less on oversampling to try and extract every bit of information.

Light scattering has known detrimental effects on audio quality, which is why some brands like Denon and Marantz use a non-reflective coating ('Xyron') on the disc tray mechanism of their high end players to avoid these unwanted reflections and vibrations. Beam diffusion/scattering cannot be fixed by error correction or oversampling within the player, as the stray laser light is read just as the desired laser light - they are indistinguishable as the 'right' or 'wrong' info.

So in principle the CD Sound improver should allow you to extract a near 'bit-perfect' digital signal off your discs, be they CD, SACD, DVD or BluRay. I have assurance that benefits can be seen as well as heard (on DVDs/BluRays), so the only step remaining is to test the unit out for ourselves! Our initial tests will be with CDs, before we move onto trying video discs as well. The tests will be on high-end players (e.g. with Xyron coatings.. etc) as well as some more affordable models. I intend to use both pristine condition discs, as well as some older (slightly scratched) discs - which may give a higher incidence of light scattering.

WATCH THIS SPACE for our opinions post testing - coming soon!

p.s. For those not willing to dish out a thousand dollars to try out this machine for themselves - we will be offering a service where for a small fee we will bevel your disc for you. Then you can judge the difference for yourself.