NEW Cerious Technologies Upgrade - Graphene Matrix Cables


CT Graphene Matrix Cables:

I have been using the CT GE cables for almost two years.
I recently traded up for a full loom of CT Graphene Matrix cables, including speaker, interconnect and PCs, and I wanted to share my experience. I started by replacing only the ICs to try and hear the differences.

The new Matrix interconnects sounded better than the GE immediately after install. I found the original Graphene Extreme ICs to be good but not on the same level as the outstanding GE speaker cables. As break-in started to clear things up, I can hear more clarity and detail not heard before. The ICs are incredible on their own and at the 30 hour mark, I can hear a clear superiority over the GE ICs. I recently started using the Teo Game Changer ICs and preferred them over GE but the Teo has now fallen to the new Graphene Matrix ICs. My Teo’s were and are great, and it is stunning to experience Cerious Technologies commitment to making great technology better.

On the third day of listening to the GM ICs. I couldn’t wait anymore, Having too much fun. I then installed the speaker cables and power cords once I had a pretty good feel for the sound of the GM ICs.

With the full loom of GM cables running in they are going through some strange changes and definitely need time to settle down before realizing what they can really do and very important Bob says to not move them. Since I have a home office I can let them run in all day. I’m at around 120 hours now and they are still improving. Here’s what I’m hearing:

Extended highs and tighter lows.
More detail and better low level listening
Drums are tighter, more clearly defined. So real is the snap of the snare drum. The bass has more depth, seemingly goes deeper, lower. This aspect stands out the most.

I am not in the industry, I’m not an engineer, I don’t work for Cerious Technologies, but I am a fan of the cables and am enjoying what my system is capable of.

I’m closer to my own pinnacle of sound reproduction than ever before.

Lance

lancelock
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@jmcgrogan2 , I had the Morrow $3995 Grand Elite Reference speaker cables at one point. I replaced them with the CT Graphene Extreme and the GE beat out the Morrow in every way, so much more natural and impactful bass. The Graphene Matrix has now bested the GE by a good bit. It's almost hard to believe it could get any better.
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I agree there is no perfect solution which is why lots of people mix and match to tune the sound to their hearing pleasure (as we both know). jmcgrogan2, I wish I could answer your original question, however, I have not heard the manufacturers you listed although I do have one High Fidelity CT-1UR interconnect, digital cable and power cord in one system, along with other HF CT-1U. I have a very hard time removing one HF cable, putting a non-HFC into the system and then try to figure out what I'm hearing due to all the magnetic conduction etc. All I seem to do is frustrate myself! LOL...
Help
me get in touch with Bob. I keep getting my emails to bgrost@cerioustechnologies.com kicked back as of a month ago. Any alternative or new email address for him? Thanks in advance.
@kavakat1  rgrost@cerioustechnologies.com is his email address. You have a "b" instead of an "r" as the first character. I reached out to him this week, and got a response very quickly!
1marker, thank you. The b was my mistake in writing the entry. I do use r . See below what I have gotten repeatedly, even in direct email response to his email to me.

Delivery incomplete There was a temporary problem delivering your message to rgrost@cerioustechnologies.com. Gmail will retry for 22 more hours. You'll be notified if the delivery fails permanently.
@kavakat1  Strange! Maybe try to reach Bob through his website? Use the "Contact Us" option and go from there? Worth a try!
I just ordered the GM speaker cables. The XLR is just simply stunning. Never heard this kind of sound before.
@littlecx , yes, the ICs were the first cables I tried and it amazed me how much better they are than the GE. Also why I’ve been selling off my Teo Game Changers.
@littlecx  I agree that the Graphene Matrix (GM) XLR IC's are amazing.  The build quality and XLR ends Bob uses are world class. Better highs and larger sound stage.  Convinced me so I ordered the GM speaker cables.
Has anyone just received the Tunami GPX-R V2 or the Black Mamba V2 and had a chance to compare to the Furutech 22N, DPS-4, Cerious Tech Matrix or Mano tech 308 
t_ramey had the Black Mamba on the way.  Give him a few days, the Black Mamba needs 250 hours to burn in so he won't be able to do comparisons for awhile.
I received the Black Mamba V2 on 1/18 and most likely will receive the Tunami GPX-R V2 tomorrow.
I put the Black Mamba V2 on my cable cooker for five days and currently have it in my second system on my CJ Classic SE preamp. At this time I would say that it's every bit as good as the Furutech 22N, possibly a bit more refined.
My DPS-4 powers my main listening room amp, therefore I have not attempted a comparison because its a pain to get to, but maybe later when I have more time.
I do not own a Mano tech 308 or Matrix power cord.
When the Tunami GPX-R V2 arrives it will go on my cable cooker for four days.
Yes I had ordered a Black Mamba V2 but the ebay seller accidentally sent me a Tunami V2 so the Black Mamba is coming but not sure when I'll get it. I have terminated the Tunami V2 and have had it on one of my amps running 24/7 the last few days and last night did a quick A/B with the Furutech s022n and thought it was a little more refined and more natural sounding than the s022n. But I've been told it takes a long time for the Tunami to burn in. It was a little bit of pita to terminate compared to some other cables but not as bad as the 55n. After more time I'll compare to the other cables.
I misspoke on my previous post somewhat. I had ordered two Black Mamba V2 cables from two different vendors on ebay and the first cable that arrived was a Tunami V2. The seller has since shipped me a replacement BM but it hasn't arrived yet. The second vendor's BM arrived yesterday but haven't had a chance to terminate it yet so it may be a little while to get a good sense of what it can do. I'll say so far the Tunami V2 on one of my amps and s022n on my preamp sounds pretty good together. 

I have put the Matrix pc on my Panny plasma and am really digging what it's doing. Best picture I've had of any pc to date.
I agree the Black Mamba V2 is more refined and natural sounding than the Furutech S022N (which is a pretty good power cord).

Guys,

Received my Tunami V2 last night and also completed the build and it has very similar attributes as the BM V2, very open and organic sounding with more low end impact and a slightly warmer midrange yet without sacrificing detail.

Have it burning-in on the cooker now and believe it's going to be a special cable as well...

Good to hear the BM V2 is working out in your systems.


Wig

I received the Tunami GPX-R V2 today and my Matrix digital cable. I have both of them on my cable cooker. I did notice that the Tunami is quite a bit heavier and less flexible than the Black Mamba but neither power cord should create a problem for anyone as far as bendability goes.

I did remove the Furutech DPS-4 power cord from my Plinius SA Reference amp in my main listening room and compared the DPS-4 to the Furutech SO22N (14 gauge) power cord on my CJ Classic SE preamp. Now I don't want to upset anyone and your results might differ from mine but I like the SO22N or the Black Mamba V2 much better on the preamp than the DPS-4. There was a lot of testing done with the Furutech SO22N (14 gauge), SO32N (12 gauge) and FP S55N (10 gauge) and the majority people (elsewhere), (myself included in my home) seemed to prefer the sound of the SO22N.

I really like the DPS-4 on my Plinius amp and/or a power conditioner of any type. I was not able to try the DPS-4 on my Transport or Dac at this time, the problem is the Transports and Dac's have HFC U or UR power cords powering them with the issue of lingering magnetism. Takes time that I don't have right now.

I received my Matrix speaker cables yesterday and yes, the Graphene Extreme cables are going back in trade, which I liked a lot.  Like a few have said, these are absolutely good right out of the box.  There is a quality to the sound that is different and hard to explain.  I'll call it a hint of live performance.  It's more natural sounding and the clarity is good.

Everyone says give these lots of time.  I'm ready to be awed.  I'm already impressed.  Man, these are beefy!

jsm71...my Matrix speaker cables are about at 100 hrs and get better every week. Just extraordinary.Best I have had..will be trying the pcs. If I can make a 4’ cable do a 360 with both ends about 18” apart...stay tuned
Given the girth of these new SCs and the fact I have no other option I've got them laying on the (carpeted, basement) floor.  Who is using cable elevators and does it make a difference with these Matrix cables?
I have my SCs on the carpet as well. Maybe Bob will chime in as to whether it makes a difference.
I do not own the Matrix speaker cables however I have always had better sound with all speaker cables and power cables by elevating them off the floor. If you want to save some dollars you could use some 2X4 blocks etc. There has been a lot posted in Audiogon forums regarding other inexpensive creative ways to get cables off the floor. Just my opinion of course :-)
On a very positive note I received my Matrix Digital Cable and I'm very pleased with it.
@lak , I have plenty of scrap wood for some blocks. Probably a good idea and will cost me nothing.
You can also get Bull Nose Ceramic Tile Trims from Home Depot to lift cables. Not very expensive at all.
Let me know your reactions on lifting the Matrix off the floor. I really have to do my evaluations with it sitting on the floor, as that is how most will experience it. If you find it helps I will design something really cool you can diy...
Bob Grost

Since I just put the new cables into my system last week I feel compelled to leave them alone and experience the full break in ride. If I do something now I won’t know if lifts independently improve the sound as the cables seem to be changing (for the better) with every session.

I’ve never used cable lifts but I’ve never had cables of this caliber before and I want to make sure I’m getting everything they are capable of. I’ll have to report back after some time and some testing.

Like most audio tweaks, there is always a camp that feels doing such and so really makes a difference. I was never a big believer in isolation devices and I use them now, so cable lifts deserve a test.

Just took delivery of CTs Damping Squared interconnects , generally I really dislike evaluating wire however following this thread for a while finally convinced me to give them a try with emphasis on CTs 30 day return policy. 
Well I’m impressed with what I’m hearing compared to my much more expensive cables , As they settle in I’m hearing better definition, depth , harmonic density and much more little nuances then before for starters,.,...

Well done Cerious Technologies ! 

For really cheap cable lifts try some small pieces of copper pipe Styrofoam insulation.

In_shore,

Congratulations, now you need to get the speaker and power cables... The quest never ends.

ozzy
Ozzy ,the speaker cables for sure and I have to ask if you compared any of your Furutech power cords to CTs . I need to fit my new PS Audio DSM and Dac with better power cords .

@ozzy 

Thanks for the idea of using copper pipe Styrofoam insulation for cable lifts.  Have you tried this, or just read about it elsewhere?

I love going cheap when it makes sense.  It seems to me that a 6' piece can be cut as needed and would effectively cushion and decouple the cable from any surface.  I'm guessing the cables don't need to be very high up to achieve the intent.  Looks are also not my top priority, although I have tried to keep the room attractive.

in_shore,

No I haven't tried any of the new Cerious Matrix power cords against my DIY Furutech's DPS-4 with the nano Furutech connectors...yet!

jsm71,

Yes, I have used the pipe insulation under cables. The nice thing it wraps around the cable so you don't have to worry about the cables falling off a holder. If you cut the insulation straight they look pretty good.

ozzy
Lak, t-ramey, wig

   Thanks everyone for the updates so far on the cables. I am looking to order either a Tunami V2 or Black Mamba V2 tomorrow. Also pribably a Cerous Matrux soon. Any more updates yet on the Tunami GPX -R V2 performance vs the Black Mamba V2  Alsi Tunami and BM vs the Furutech S22 and DPS-4 or Cerious Matrix PC.?
Happy Super Bowl everyone. Snowy, windy and cold here in Chicago. Hope it's a good game! Breaking in a Cerious GE coaxial digital cable now....only 1 day so far. I was so anxious to put it in that I forgot to check and see if it is marked per directionality? I know that the Cerious cables take time to settle down and do not wish to remove and reinsert if not necessary.
@tuffy72561 the digital cable is not directional and there are no arrows marking a direction. Now that you are using it, mark the direction that it is flowing, (I use a piece of blue painter tape because it leaves no markings if it's taken off). Now your digital cable is developing a direction and in the future should always be used in the present direction.

BTW; kclone moved our Oyaide discussion to its own thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/oyaide-cables
Well, I have on order some Matrix Power cords. This will complete (in my system) the Cerious Technologies Matrix loom.

The Matrix interconnects and speaker cables sounded pretty good right out of the box without much breakin time.

Can anyone comment if the power cord shares that trait?

ozzy
Ozzy, I've read comments from Matrix power cord owners that said the Matrix sounds good right out of the box and gets better with use as one would expect ;-)
What gauge are the Matrix power cords, and what is their metallurgy? Was a bend radius ever determined? Thanks for any answers!
jay23...i have a 4' Matrix arriving tomorrow to specifically see how much it will bend...The 3' Matrix i initially got would not fit between a space of about 20" from outlet to IEC on my amps..hopefully, with the extra foot it will be able to bend enough..stay tuned...
I am now staring at a Matrix power cord wrapped neatly around a 4" in diameter (2" radius) cylinder. This is very flexible. I think the problem is that customers need the cables to kink almost immediately as it comes out of the connector because equipment is pushed so close to the wall. With over 40 years experience and setting up around 500 systems in my life I can tell you that you do want your equipment or cables pushed right up against a wall. Walls have all sorts of crap running through them - AC, digital cable, and other things that wreak havoc on audio systems. Pull your rack out 6" and all these problems go away. It will also help with the nightmare of hooking up new equipment.
The nature of the Matrix conductors and damping jackets is outlined on our website. "Metallurgy" does not apply, as they are a sophisticated composite.Thanks everybody!
Bob
CT
@rgrost

Can you please answer the gauge of the power cords?

Also, does the design of the speaker cable, with "The backbone for the negative conductors utilizes 6 gauge Silver wire encased in OFC copper and Graphene powder, which is then encased in over 4 pounds of copper shot and ceramic damping spheres..." not apply to the other Matrix cables, or even the positive and ground of the speaker cable?
Ozzy Im really look forward to your comments and any comparison with your other ac power cords ,.

On another topic I see you are using Wireworlds Platinum Starlight 7 in place of PS Audios 12s cable which depending on length averages at about 8 times the cost of PS Audios cable , do you feel it’s well worth it ? 
I received the 4' Matrix pc yesterday and I still cannot connect my lt channel amp to the wall outlet due to the stiffness. It will be interesting if Bob's new model will allow the connection. The rt channel I was able to connect but with significant difficulty which I would not want to stay that way...
Just to let everyone know I have pulled all the ads for the trade in Graphene Extreme. All I got was questions, questions, questions with "customers" (you really cannot call someone a customer who never buys anything) trying to finagle a deal. "How much is shipping for the GE power cord?". "$8.00...that is great...I will take it". "Oh BTW I live in South Korea and $8.00 shipping is great. I didn't mention I live in Korea when I asked for shipping costs because I didn't see how it was relevant...". "Oh BTW, we use Schuko connectors here...I assume these come with Schuko connectors. If not you will have to pull the connectors off of these and put on new Schuko connectors before you send them to me." I was spending more time dealing with stuff like this than filling Matrix orders. No more...totally fed up. I will give it to friends for free. I will still gladly accept orders for new Graphene Extreme. If you are a repeat customer talk to me and I will take care of you on the trade ins (Not for FREE, though...). Sorry to vent but OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@rgrost

Cool story Bobby. Unfortunately the eCommerce business model brings in all types of frustrations, like you encountered. Be fortunate that you have a successful business, a lot of people don’t. I wish I could sympathize with you more. My violin string broke. :P
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