Remember the controversy these things brought to the high end home audio world more than 10 years ago?
Go google for "Shun Mook Mpingo disc" and you'll see lots of discussions and debates for the item.
It's a small African Ebony wooden disc, a little larger in diameter then Malaysian 50 sen coin and 1/2 inch in thickness, treated with what seems like matt black laquer. There's a little dot on the side indicating 12 o'clock as the direction of the disc and the SM logo with Chinese character embosed on one side signifiying face up.
I recently got a few to play with courtesy of a friend whom has since moved on.
I stick 1pc of the Mpingo disc to the centre of windscreen where the perceived center image is. The results are subtle, as i could only hear the diferences during the car was stationary. Whilst the effect was subtle, I decide to put the SM Mpingo disc inside the center compartment on the dash at face down facing 6 oclock direction. That is how I ended up using the SM disc in the last few days.
The sonic diference while subtle, but I felt the vocal and center imaging gained palpability, more 3D as to previously a little recessed in to the winscreen previously. The SM used also rendered my EQ non use. As some of you may be aware that I used to like bumping up my EQ's 80hz by a notch, just to bring out the kick drums a bit from the music. But since the SM was used, I prefered the EQ to "Off" position in my Alpine 7998R.
As the Mpingo disc is directional and face critical, do note how you stick them. There are clear instructions on hyow to use them and the directional and facing issues will effecy the sound.
I would also advice that the Shun Mook, despite the name is no miracle cure to all your ICE problems. It's more for people whom already have a very well tuned and sorted out system in the first place. Then, the use of the SM disc is to enchance the enjoyment subtely at it's best. It may even make your system sound weird in some cases! So "your mileage may vary with it's use applies!"
The Shun Mook sounds & looks like snake oil at it's best! hence all the controversies. The website explains the SM principal is in modifying the room/equipment resonance hence it's use will enchance or change the perceived sound when in used.
Dont't take my word for it, seriously, to many people, I am already a whacko of sorts so please take my posting with a pinch of salt. I am also a self confesed psycho accoustic at best!
So if you happen to have a some lying around, you can try them.
Otherwise you can buy them used, in E-bay or Audiogon!
Happy bidding!
