Part 3 | RFI/EMI and Problematic Wavelengths

Our next stop in our four-part series on noise is electromagnetic interference, or EMI.  RFI is the longest wavelength (and lowest frequency) on the EMI wavelength spectrum and typically receives the most focus in audio. However, there are many additional bands of EMI that increase in frequency while decreasing in wavelength. Turnbull Audio discovered that even the smallest high frequency wavelengths on the spectrum, x-ray, gamma, and alpha rays, were also influencing the audio signal.  At first glance, the presence and resultant interferences of this range of the spectrum seem insignificant, but when combined with consistent attenuation of all wavelengths on the spectrum, they cumulatively have a large impact.  

How do you hear these wavelength interactions?  It can be as subtle as a slight discomfort in the eyes or a small headache after a long listening session.  It can also escalate to a haze that sits over the entire soundstage.  Sound can also seem like it connects to physical objects, commonly stated as: “it sounds like the trumpet is coming right out of the picture on the wall”, or “that instrument is coming straight out of the speaker’s driver”.  The goal is to eliminate as much interference as possible, freeing the aural experience from the visual one.

Turnbull Audio’s proprietary Field Obfuscation technology is a dramatically different approach to shielding against all of these wavelengths.  By introducing highly engineered particulates into the viscous and mass damping chamber, Turnbull has created a ‘recipe’ of materials to shield evenly across all wavelengths on the EMI spectrum.  These particulates are incredibly minute, ranging from 9 to 30 microns which is less than the width of a single human hair.  Don’t be fooled by the size; though the materials are small, they are mighty!

As the Turnbull Audio technology reduces the influence of these interfering waves, the benefits start to become clear.  The high frequency extension of a system becomes more effortless.  The boundaries of a room and speaker become less intrusive to the soundstage and instrument placement.  The trumpet no longer seems to ‘come out of the picture’, but rather coexists separately in the same space.  You can seemingly stare right at the instrument that is coming out of the speaker driver and the physical and sonic objects are disconnected.  And for those suffering from frequent fatigue, there won’t be any physical discomfort in the eyes or residual headaches after long listening sessions at normal volumes.

Turnbull Audio has dedicated many years, resources, and innovations in pursuit of the ultimate goal - to eliminate all artifacts and harmful effects of noise, elevating sound to its purest form.  Nothing beats personal experience though; just ask one of our dealers about the extreme shielding capabilities and what happens when they transport a Turnbull Audio cable through airport security’s x-ray machines! Contact a dealer today to find out more and discuss the best path for your system.