L`art Du Son - CD/DVD Conditioner

Digital media - Optical data carriers - Care

What L'Art du Son LP Cleaner is for vinyl records, L'Art du Son CD/DVD Conditioner is for CDs - the logical step of the same philosophy into the digital world. Every freshly pressed CD leaves the factory with chemical release agents on the surface and electrical charges in the material. Both influence how precisely the laser beam can scan the reflective layer - and therefore the quality of each individual bit read. The conditioner eliminates both in a single operation: it cleans the surface without leaving any residue and changes the physical properties of the polycarbonate in such a way that light scattering and reflections of the laser signal are permanently reduced.

The result is audible and visible: a more natural, organic sound that can come closer to the analog reproduction feeling than untreated digital playback. Harry Pearson, legendary founder and editor-in-chief of The Absolute Sound, tested the L'Art du Son Conditioner in direct comparison with other optical treatments and declared it the clear favorite - with Editor's Choice Award 2009/2010. One bottle lasts for approx. 300 discs, a single treatment lasts permanently.

Optical data carriers are covered with release agents after production and carry electrical charges on their surface - neither can be seen with the naked eye, but both influence the laser beam. The CD laser must penetrate the polycarbonate protective layer in order to precisely scan the reflective layer underneath. Untreated surfaces generate scattering and reflections that impair the precision of the data readout - the CD player compensates for this via error correction, which works technically, but can have measurable consequences in terms of sound.

The L'Art du Son Conditioner permanently changes the physical properties of the polycarbonate surface: light scattering is reduced, the laser beam can shine through the protective layer onto the reflective layer with less irritation and can therefore be read more precisely. The error correction is less stressed, the data stream is smoother - which results in more transparency, more organic dynamics and less digital sharpness. Sieveking Sound, Germany's renowned audiophile specialist and long-standing L'Art-du-Son distributor, writes: Anyone who has had the feeling that they lack direct access to the music and that the music gets stuck in the system should definitely try the conditioner.

The treatment is permanently effective - once applied, the effect lasts. The spray contains only very small amounts of alcohol, is non-flammable and non-toxic. As with the LP cleaner, we recommend shaking briefly before use to mix the ingredients. The product is largely biodegradable.

In terms of sound, users and the trade press unanimously describe a shift away from the typical digital character: music sounds less sharp and harsher, instruments and voices are more clearly integrated into the sound image, and the overall result is more harmonious and organic - a quality more commonly associated with analog playback. Harry Pearson rated the improvements in transparency, dynamic agility and naturalness in a direct comparison as clearly superior to other treatments.

With image media - DVDs and Blu-rays - comparable effects can be seen on the visual level: depth of field improves, contrasts gain in presence and red color tones in particular appear more intense and natural. Image noise decreases, especially in complex, detailed scenes. These improvements occur regardless of whether the data is transmitted via analog or digital connections - as they start at the data readout level before the signal even reaches the system.

The spray is sprayed undiluted directly onto the surface of the data carrier - a single short spray is sufficient for both sides of a disk. Use your fingers to gently spread the liquid over the front and back so that the entire surface is covered with a thin, even film. Then wipe the disk thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue until it is dry. Before burning CD-Rs, it is advisable to treat the disc before writing - this optimizes the quality of the recorded data right from the start.

Note: Do not use on CDs with self-printed labels - color changes may occur. Not suitable for SHM discs (Super High Material), as their sensitive coating could be affected by the product. Shake briefly before use.