Morrow Audio re-design announcement: No more Ag coated Cu; Increased numbers of runs.

My M1 cables( traded in a year later) we’re not very impressive in my system.  Simply not keepers, and it was apparent that Morrow had them in the line up as a gateway drug, a cheap entrance into his products.

perhaps they do better with tube components.

My original M1 Morrow cables sounded amazingly good, which means they know what they're doing regardless of the fact that 2 runs of silver clad copper is somewhat minimalist. I traded 2 cables in the "60%" off deal (out of curiosity, and the faith in my being able to remember to send my old cables back) and now that they're mostly broken-in they are VERY good sounding cables, this relative to my decades of using AQ, MIT, and other stuff.

I’ve purchased several MA cables over the last few years. The MA 1.1, MA3 and 5, the latter 2 ordered with the Eichmann bullets. I bought 2 pairs of the MA5 with the bullets, and they were not cheap. Now I hear that Morrow has scrapped the silver over copper design altogether, and claims the new all copper stuff is superior, and already has customer testimonials saying the same. What?

I’ve probably spent $1500 all in at Morrow because they said their cables were so good. With my current system I found my Morrow cables didn’t have the best synergy, and started buying Audioquest, the Sydney and Mackenzie.

I won’t be spending any more at Morrow.  

I traded my old version MA1s (2 pairs) for the new version...cost with discounts was about 50 bucks, a laughably small expense driven by curiosity only as I liked the old version's sound. After about 100 hours on the new cables they sound great...still breaking in I suppose, but that's actually somewhat mysterious as humidity, tube swapping, ear wax changes, violent mood swings, alcohol usage or not, pot smoking quantification (!), or not, and whatever else might be having an effect on the mini data I can glean from varying states of perception while listening to my Real Good sounding gear pile indicates that I have maybe 80 more hours for the definitive tone to arrive. I find that breaking in cables can take a while, and I like to listen to recordings as much as possible during that time so hey, I'll do the work!

Has anyone actually listened to the newly designed cables!

My introduction to Morrow began by getting free tweaks advice by email . I decided to try them against my current Interconnects. I emailed and asked for advise regarding MA4 with upgraded termination Vs MA5 with Mike’s standard connector . Mike promptly replied “ Get the MA5’s “. I didn’t immediately pull the trigger , even though they were “ New on Sale at 50% off” . Mike contacted me and asked if I was having trouble affording the cables at half off and offered to help with the price . I thanked him and purchased 2 pair of 1 meter MA5’s at the 50% discount . I added that if he wanted to comp me for some burn in time , I’d appreciate it very much . A couple weeks later , I was leaving on vacation and asked him to delay shipping as the house was vacant for a week . Mike promptly replied “ I’ll  leave them on the burn in device longer . My cables arrived with 13 days of burn in time ( free of charge ). So I received cables at half price with extensive burn in and backed by a Full Refund Policy ! It took an additional 150 hours of breakin , but I really enjoy them . My opinion is while Mike is “ A Businessman “, he is honest , caring and considerate . He’s one of those “ Buinessmen “ that cares more about promoting this wonderful hobby , than about putting a dollar in his pocket . I feel like I made a friend  AND bought a great product at a modest price . So with a wide range of products and a money back guarantee, Shame on all the Poo Butts that talk smack . To the people that have actually compared them , I hear you and will probably try the Cardas products  ( I have the Clear USB ) into my Yiggy and it sounds great . Respectfully, Mike Bolger .

Thanks for all the post. Looks like we caused a real stir! First off, from a poster on the 1st page, we have always used individually insulated wires. The new design is simply some improvements on that, like more wires, progressive smaller gauges as you move up the line, insulation changes, and, yes, solid copper instead of silver coated copper.

Myself and the team really put our heads to the best we could offer those who have Morrow Audio cables, with the opportunity to try the new design.
After all, we are not a small company anymore and have overhead and payroll, etc. We had to charge something! Even though I cringed at it, we settled on 60% off during the month of September, with a no risk 60 day return.

As others have mentioned, we are the ONLY company that offers this with updated products, besides the additional 60 day return to try them out. We also are even offering Easy Pay! I struggle with the complaints on this forum. What better can I do?

Keep in mind that the old design is excellent! The "new" design does not lessen that fact. Those who have the old design have found great enjoyment. Remember, it is an option to upgrade, not a necessity. Those who want to take advantage of this "option" can do so at a great savings.

Mike Morrow www.morrowaudio.com

@geoffkait  Funny.................Enjoy ! MrD.

Are surgery patients listening to Diana Krall or Beethoven while under anesthesia? Do they have to pay extra for that? Do they get paid to listen?

Actually hospitals are starting to use high end power cords and line conditioners in some applications in the operating room, Shunyata is actually opening a new branch of manufacturing just for this very reason. Some of Shunyatas new adds now feature testimonials from doctors who use their products. Look it up. 

I've ordered my sp6 upgraded version and next will be ma6 and ph6 when their available.

Get over yourselves......16 months ago I paid $360. for my MA5s with Eichmans ( about 40 % off ). I trade them in and buy the new ones, at 60 % off ( $240 ). I have now invested $600., which is full retail. Not interested ! Move on. I am a big boy and will do as I please. Talking about lunacy, comparing this to a car purchase or a motorcycle purchase is complete lunacy. Thank you, Enjoy ! MrD.

Matt M...you hit the nail on the head.

Mrdecibel.........Im sorry but your argument is based on lunacy. I take it then that everytime your smartphone gets upgraded by Apple or Samsung that you feel duped by the company for which you obviously choose through some leap of faith, that this would be a sound purchase. Is Apple or Audio Research not suppose to sell you what they have available now? The stuff in development is not ready for the retail shelf yet so you bought at the wrong time. This is like saying your mad at Ford because they came out with a totally redesigned car for 2018 and you bought the 2017 model :-( Do your research before you buy! Did you ever ask Mike Morrow a year ago "hey mike are you guys coming out with a new line or making major changes anytime soon?" ...Ill bet not! Dont blame Audio Research or Morrow for your lack of investigation.  And that goes for the rest of you in this thread that are so "surprised" that Morrow made a change.

Matt M

@stringreen  Good to know.

I have Morrow's Elite Ref, so I'm looking forward to getting their new 'tech' and 'design' in for comparison.

Top of the line AntiCables were also all silver and now are copper/silver coated cable....very minor tonal difference.

You really should frame this post. It's scintillating in showcasing your wisdom of the market and the players in it. I am in awe of your experience.

At some point in the future (despite it's lack of predictability), you will have an urge to delete your post. If you succumb, you only have to look above. 

😉

I’m still waiting for the names of the other cable manufacturers that offer anything close to what Mike Morrow offers in terms of discounts for the upgrade or trial period for that matter.

That’s why I asked if "anyone" would care to answer the question I asked back on page one of this thread.

And still the silence is still overwhelming.
Example:Harley Davidson upgraded their sound system on 2019 bikes to a whole new design. If I bought a new 2018 before the release of the 2019’s, based on your argument, Harley should let me upgrade my sound system for next to nothing, and let me return to them my old system, right? I don’t think they will let that happen.
If I want that upgrade, I will have to trade in my 2018 bike and BUY a 2019 bike, and probably at a substantial difference.
Or just buy the new system set up at full price, which I’m sure is substantional and sell the old stuff on eBay.

Two members here have shared information that is to your benefit, financially and in terms of product in hand.

You have a choice:

Open your mind, listen and perhaps understand.

OR wave your flag of blissful ignorance loud and proud and rush to be first in line to sacrifice yourself at the high altar of consumerism.

You said ’anyone’...my answer would be slightly different had you said ’to some.’

: )

In what way is a 60% DISCOUNT penalizing anyone? I genuinely don't understand the argument, or for that matter the vitriol. Has it occurred to anyone to simply sell their cables here and send Mr Morrow some cables from radio shack and still get 40% off? SMH 

I always compare the trade-up deal to used cables. Think about it, the used cables don't require break-in and they only sell cables that are in excellent condition. I always take care of mine so they look like new.

Point is, a guy can send in his old radio shack cables and get from 30 to 40% depending on the week it seems. Where as someone who is trading in Morrows cables gets 50  or 60%. Like I stated earlier for me that is still 460 dollars to just replace my 6 ft sp4….Needs to be something more for previous buyers...

falconquest+1. I guess Morrow is the ONLY manufacturer that has a return and upgrade program for less that half the price of a new cable!
Anyone? Other manufacturers doing this?? Hello?
The other cable manufacturers change their designs or add new products also, WITHOUT the trade up program. They just bank on us buying their new product at full price. That's why we all have cables from different eras and different manufacturers thrown in a box somewhere collecting dust. At least with Mike's cables you send in your old and get the latest, or next level up at a discounted price.

@tecknik Not a problem, at all. I like what Morrow does. You should give their product line a try if it fits your needs. Their return privileges are a nice touch. My advice is to wait for one of their sales...the promotional offers are strong and are offered with some regularity. All the best!

david_ten your correct , not familular with Morrow pricing structure and apparently I was wrong in my post as pointed out.

  

Obviously financial cognition isn't a strong suit. : )

"Apparently, you don't have a good understanding of how their pricing works, either."

Are you out of your mind?  You rant and repeat yourself like a petulant child.

I own Morrow speaker cables and interconnects, and have for years.
I can read, add and subtract, and am able to form my own conclusion about how their pricing works.

Surely you are aware that I couldn't care less about your view of Morrow's offer.  Take it or leave it - and move on.

Wow, so much angst out there over an improved design cable. Let me state that I have been using Morrow Audio cables from the beginning in my system. I have continually upgraded using their "trade-up" program. As a matter of fact I just purchased the new MA-6 XLR interconnects in the improved design. I also use SP-7’s on my speakers and the digital cable on my Aurender. I couldn’t be more pleased with Morrow cables. In the end, I think Mike offers an outstanding product with the opportunity for upgrades at a very reasonable price. Say what you want but I love my Morrow cables.

@david_ten +1, Well said. @twoleftears Yes, duped, as was in my example of my Audio Research SP6 purchase. Enjoy ! MrD.

Manufacturers names..please..crickets

How is this different from the frequent situation in audio where manufacturer X comes out with a v.2/mkII of their previous product, with a whole new wave of adverts extolling all the improvements they've made over the original?  How do those who purchased the original feel at that point?  Duped?  Comforted by the fact that manufacturers always exaggerate the differences between v. 1 and v. 2?  Or?

Exceptions: when v. 1 is entirely ungradable to v. 2; when manufacturer X offers 100% trade-in value.  These, it must be said, are pretty rare.

@grsz06  

A. I'm not a naysayer. I like Morrow cables.

B. The issue is with a part of the offer that applies to customers like me.

C. The 'offer' part that applies is dead in the water and doesn't merit consideration, again for me. In other words, I don't come out ahead on it. In fact, I'd be taking a significant loss.

What's amazing (and sad) is not being asked by someone who has never purchased a Morrow product 'WHY' two members who are customers don't find the 'offer' attractive or relevant to them. 

Look, Morrow can do whatever they please in terms of how they structure their offers. I'm completely fine with that. 

What I'm not fine with is Morrow themselves saying it's a generous offer when it clearly isn't and I'm much better off not taking it.

Morrow clearly knows what they are doing and they clearly know who this offer isn't good for. To say and imply otherwise is both foolish and disingenuous.

I am also not fine with a member, who hasn't purchased a Morrow product nor been their customer (presumably), waxing poetic about this being a generous offer when two actual customers are disagreeing with that.

The decision tree is extremely simple. Very uni directional, as @geoffkait  is fond of pointing out. We're talking cables, right?  : )

I have 6 meter sp4 (2016)  and never heard a difference compared to my  typical air free copper speaker cables. Then again I find it really hard to tell compare by not being able to a/b the cables while listening. I also bought a pair of MA1 interconnects that I threw in a smaller second system I have. The MA1's  are a joke! Two strands inside!! Even the cheapest of cords are thicker….Two strands of anything is BS!  To get what I want in Morrow's latest and greatest  I have to spend $450!! Yea that's with 60% off and that is Morrow's thanks to me for buying his cables…No thanks.

grsz06, I, too, am a fan boy of Morrow Audio cables. Morrow is offering EVERYONE 60 % off to try their new cables. As an existing owner ( since their beginning, actually ), how does this make me " special " ? It doesn't. How does this make my existing cables worth a good amount in resale ? It doesn't. To each his own bud. Enjoy ! MrD.

That wasn't what my questions asked?

@grsz06, I, too, am a fan boy of Morrow Audio cables. Morrow is offering EVERYONE 60 % off to try their new cables. As an existing owner ( since their beginning, actually ), how does this make me " special " ? It doesn't.  How does this make my existing cables worth a good amount in resale ? It doesn't. To each his own bud. Enjoy ! MrD.

I have two questions for the nay sayers. What other cable manufacturer offers, as an everyday item a discount to upgrade to their next level of cables and to have a 60 trial period to make sure you're happy with them before you trade in your old ones? What other cable manufacturer offers you a discount on an improved design and gives you a 60 day trial period and if you're not happy, return them and get a full refund?

Most cable manufacturers are continually changing or evolving their designs. Why wouldn’t they? The big question is does Morrow believe in wire directionality and cryo.

I will ask this question. When did Mike Morrow start this " redesign " ? His website indicates the newly designed cables were available as of June of this year, so anyone ordering since this time has the new design. How long does a cable manufacturer need to create an almost 180 ( maybe 360 ) degree design change before actual manufacture ? If I bought MA5s in May of 2017 ( which I did ), was he already in the process of the change ? It reminds me of my experience with my purchase of a new Audio Research SP 6 preamp many years ago, when shortly after, a new and improved version came out ( a, b, c). Financially, the offer Morrow is offering to someone like me does not make sense ( yes, " it is not generous, it is actually penalizing " ). All of the buyers ( of the original designs ) that made Morrow Audio successful should feel the way I do, but, to each his own. I wish Morrow Audio continued success, but as I said above, I am out. Enjoy ! MrD.

That's some interpretation on your part.

Since tecknic doesn't own Morrow cables, I believe it's safe to assume he hasn't done business with them. Perhaps he has a side hobby of analyzing pricing structures that he hasn't shared.

Apparently, you don't have a good understanding of how their pricing works, either.

Let me be more direct. Morrow's offer is not generous. It's actually penalizing. Happy?

@mrdecibel  is correct in his assessment and I concur. The offer doesn't compute financially or offer an upside for a customer (like me). It may work for some...it doesn't for me.

I'm sure Mike Morrow is quaking in his boots.  That aside, why belabor this point - ?  If you don't like the offer, don't do it.  

And do you really think @technik doesn't grasp Morrow's pricing structure and offers?  They are not particularly difficult to understand.

@tecknik  I encourage you to get a better feel for Morrow's pricing structure and offers.

@mrdecibel  is correct in his assessment and I concur. The offer doesn't compute financially or offer an upside for a customer (like me). It may work for some...it doesn't for me. 

I haven't tried Morrow cables but Id say he's handled himself very well in this forum along with his very generous offer of 60% off for customers trading up to the new models.

Well done Morrow, wish you all the best.

Mr Morrow is building up what he’s missing, reputation. Once he gets that, his cables cost will go beyond what you and I can afford.  

R&D, marketing, parts, labor, equipments, employees, patents and rent will add up but $1,000, $5,000, and even $10,000 for a pair of cable or a power cord? C’mon man.

It's amazing how someone's new best thing, was someone else's new best thing a decade ago, only now instead of $300.00 it's $3,000.00...Jim

Keeping it real - I am, of course, talking about above average use with standard 120V or 240V  household use, not for a mega volt, industrial complex.
I do believe there are differences in cables and cords, not always for the better...Jim

I was a master machinist and field tech for one of the worlds largest electronic, manufacturing/supply corporations, who sold high grade electronics (everything from giant electrical transformers, to switching gear, to industrial grade outlets, cables and connectors).  if there is some high tech, magical new science about outlets, switchers, cables and connectors that we are unaware of - please do tell.
I can tell you for a fact the best outlets, cables and connectors do not cost $10,000.00 - believe what you want...Jim

You do that.

@maxima95 Very interesting - I have a friend that is the head purchasing agent for our area's largest medical center. I'll ask if they use that, or anything similar expensive power conditioning units, along with $3,000.00 power cords in their facility - care to make a bet...Jim