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WTF?

Like many audio tweaks, It's not the physical object itself that offers the value proposition, but what's been done to it and the result it achieves.

If this kind of stuff triggers you, just leave now. We know already that the Chronos is unorthodox to say the least. But, we and a few others have actually tried the Chronos extensively, and it works as claimed. Is it worth the asking price? For us it is, and we will be the first to acknowledge that this is not for everyone. First you need to have your room, system, power, cables etc. pretty well dialed in before this product would make sense for you. Do that stuff first, then come back and try this.

And last on a more personal note. If I really wanted to get rich, I would have gotten into politics, started a cult, or sold health supplements. Audio is not the path to riches you may think it is.

Now that that is out of the way...

What is this thing?

The Chronos looks like a thumb drive, in fact, that is physically what it is. But that is not how it's used. In fact Nirvana specifically states that if you plug this in to a USB Data port on a computer or device that reads/writes to thumb drives, you will destroy it's capability and purpose.

Nirvana Audio states the Chronos impact is primarily on electronic signals and acoustic wave vibrations, so it is not restricted by equipment, music type, etc. It actually integrates with audio systems in an extremely direct way.

It works with or without power. You can plug the Chronos into a USB charger, adding power, but no read/write. Nirvana's recommendation is to not use it in this manner, but there may be benefits of this that you may prefer. In other words, experiment.

If you choose to power it, the recommended charger is the Anker GaN Prime charger found on Amazon.

Below are some reactions to the Chronos from listeners.

What Does It Do?

When Chronos Optimizer is activated, it has a profound impact on music reproduction. The entire process, from electrical signal production to the culmination of acoustic wave vibrations in the room, can be significantly optimized. This optimization results in noticeable noise reduction, increased music information, enhanced audio system stability, and the natural optimization of audio equipment functionality. For instance, the audio system can play louder without overloading. Conversely it maintains clarity and the integrity of low-frequencies even at low volumes.

When listening, the sound not only becomes clearer, purer, and more powerful, but the enhancements in density and low-frequency quality yield discernible improvements. As the sound is meticulously restructured and harmonized, common issues such as reflection, diffusion, and even challenging problems like standing waves and bloated bass can be promptly eradicated. Consequently, a stereo audio system need only fulfill basic requirements for speaker placement, yet it will unveil an extraordinary see-through soundstage.

Our Take

Like many other tweaks, the amount of low level information is increased, which affects soundstaging, dimensionality and resolution. What makes the Chronos vastly different is what it does to vocal/instrumental layering. With the Chronos, layers become unsmeared, distinct, unblurred and natural. The soundstage envelope is expanded in all directions, and picking out image placement is effortless. There is also a more realistic and natural quality to complex musical presentations. Vocals and instruments are more intelligible and distinct without becoming etched or hardened at all. Be warned, once you hear this, it will be hard to ever go back.

The effect takes about 30 minutes to really kick in. However if you have a lot of other tweaks in your room, it may take longer for the Chronos to synergize with their effects.

The below image and quote is from Alan Sircom of Hifi+

Reviews

Enjoy The Music - Rick Becker
Nirvana Audio Review Page

FAQ

Where Do I place the Chronos?

The recommended placement is on your audio system rack or near the audio system.

We found that placing it near the main power source of your system, such as the power distributor, allows you to notice its effect on power optimization quickly.

If you try positioning it on the mains breaker in your home, you may find that not only does the sound of your listening room change, but even other audio-emitting appliances in different rooms—such as televisions—may exhibit a little bit subtle differences. This is something you may wish to experiment with.

However, the Chronos Optimizer has a unique characteristic: its effect can be activated by the sound waves in the room and natural sunlight. Nirvana recommends avoiding placement in a completely dark, sound-isolated, fully enclosed distribution box in your home for long periods of time. Doing so would limit the experience to the power optimization aspect only and reduce the full benefits it can provide when placed within your listening environment.

Can I plug it in to a USB Charger?

Yes, the Chronos Optimizer can be powered by a USB Type-A smartphone charger. Do NOT plug it in to a computer or any other data port that has data read/write capability.

When powered, the effect of Chronos tends to be more immediately apparent. That said, with careful listening, some notice that the sound can feel slightly less natural compared to using the unit without power. Additionally, once the unit has been used powered-on for a period of time, returning to unpowered use may feel subtly less natural than it did originally—leading some to prefer keeping it powered thereafter, or not to power it up from the beginning.

For this reason, Nirvana's primary use and suggestion is to leave the Chronos unpowered.

However, if you choose to use a charger, it is recommended that you plug the charger directly into the wall outlet in your listening room, rather than into a power conditioner which you might already use for your audio system, as this generally yields a more natural sonic presentation.

Does it work with (insert tweak here)?

In our experience it is compatible with most every other tweak we've tried. But there is a catch. It may not sound good initially, but be patient. over the course of 2-3 days the Chronos will start to adapt, open up and work it's effect in harmony with all of the other tweaks that might be in your system.

Can the Chronos be "Recharged"?

The Chronos Optimizer is not designed to require any form of recharging. Its operating principle does not depend on stored energy that depletes over time, which is a key distinction from many other approaches currently on the market.

What is the life span of the Chronos? Is there a warranty?

From a theoretical perspective—based on the underlying principles behind the development of the Chronos Optimizer—its effect is considered permanent. As such, the product does not have a defined “lifespan” in the conventional sense. Under normal conditions of use, there are therefore no specific factors that either extend or shorten its effective life.

For this reason, Nirvana offers a five-year warranty for added peace of mind. In the unlikely event that there is any concern regarding a loss of effect under normal conditions of use within this period, the Chronos Optimizer may be returned to us for inspection, and a replacement will be provided should any issue be confirmed.

More Questions? Try the Nirvana Audio Chronos FAQ

Units are available for in-home audition.

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