With super-thin carbon fiber top and soft silicone on the bottom, the Super Black Hole improves the best features of the best CD mats and takes disc playback to a new plateau of high performance. By reducing micro-vibration in the CD spin during playback, laser-reading error is potentially reduced. (Error correction in audio CD discs is not perfect; it is algorithm-based "guessing," not binary like in data CDs). By damping the disc/clamp interface, micro-vibrations generated by spinning discs are hindered, keeping them from permeating throughout the player where capacitors, op-amps, micro-processors, and other sensitive parts can be adversely affected. In-house testing with original (discontinued) Black Hole CD Mat indicates much of the audible improvement is due to improved ambient soundwave phase relations.
Unlike conventional carbon-fiber CD mats that slide around on discs, The Super Black Hole stays put until you remove it. While the Millennium CD mat does a great job sonically, it sometimes lacks compared to the full-spectrum dynamics provided by the Super Black Hole. A firm, intimate contact works better than a disc just laying on top, plus the silicone layer adds superior vibration-absorbing ability. We discovered years ago that a smaller mat that simply addresses the clamping/disc interface and hub area of the CD provides superior results.
The Super Black Hole does not use adhesive, so it can be perpetually transferred from one disc to another–forever! The rigid carbon fiber layer keeps the mat flat and firm.
Herbie's hand-made Super Black Hole is compatible with most drawer-loading and top-loading CD, SACD, DVD, and Blu-ray players (not recommended for horizontal or vertical slot-loaders or computer drives).
2" diameter (50.8mm) by .025" (0.64mm) thick. Weight: 0.8 gram (0.03 oz.)
- Reviews
- Questions
Good product
I purchased the Black Hole to see if it would help in playing discs that my CD player would skip. It indeed helped and I believe improved the sound, I am using the new Vera-F AC line filters which also improved the sound. As soon as funds permit I will be purchasing a second one. Thank you for your invention, John
Better focus
The first time I used the black hole I did hear a difference. Then I played a CD for the recommended 20 hours. The improvement in clarity and focus was much more obvious. Since then, I have used it for at least another 20 hours, and the improvement has been audible. my recommendation would be to double the recommended 20 hours for break-in. Definitely worth the price for the improvement.
United StatesDefinitely worth getting one!
Another excellent product from Herbies Audio Lab! This little but amazing product brings new life to CD’s, SACD’s and DVD Audios, a must have!
United StatesSuper Black Hole Pad
Simply a must have PIA to seat but worth the effort
Francesuper black hole
an efficient product at reasonable price
United StatesRe-review
I had submitted a review a few months back stating that this robbed my system of everything the dac and transport has done for the system. Fast forward to now. I grab for this more times than not. Im not sure if burn in really worked or i got used to it. It tends to help on certain recordings. I dont always use it but I'm glad i have it.
United StatesWas skeptical . . . now I'm not; It works!
Did a lot of research on different CD mats on the market. This one seemed the most logical in its approach (over the center of disc). I noticed results way before reaching burn-in time of 20 hours, specifically an overall tighter sound and smoother bass response. Will be purchasing more of Herbie's AL products. My system: Simaudio Moon Ace All-In-One Amp/Streamer, Marantz SA8005 SACD deck, Klipsch Heresy III speakers. Cheers!
United StatesBlack hole cd mat
The CD mat is consistent with Herbies products. My CD transport and all connecting cables are very high end and this mat improved my already excellent sound dramatically. Truly another WOW!
United StatesWorks Well
The Super Black Hole works well with my Sparkler Audio CD player. Better inner detail and smoother presence of the music. More realistic and less digital sounding.
United StatesSurprised
Works as many reviewers already stated. More analog like. You hear much more detail and it makes CD listening less fatiguing. Great product. I’m insisting my friends try it also. Thanks!
United StatesMore Life-like
Very pleased with this. Was not expecting as much of a change as there was. Recordings become more 3D and life-like with a better soundstage. Will be buying a second as a gift for a friend.
Immediate improvement
I will never play my CDs without your CD mat ever again. The level of improvement is on par with cleaning up power source or major cable upgrades. Especially noticeable is the level of realism and presence in live recordings. Currently I’m using a Philips LHH2000 and I’m nowhere close to done with CD format yet.
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