Lets not turn another thread into back and forth arguing! I'm open to any suggestions under $3K for a 2M cord. |
I only had one day to evaluate the power cords and I've already returned them. He loaned me two cords. I used one on my amp and the other on my DAC. Both cords were to short to use on my power conditioner. The dealer agreed to allow me to try them again next Friday for three days.
Why did I try new power cords? My components are set for now; however I want to tweak my system. Out of all of my cables, my humble opinion is my power cords are the weak link. Although not the ideal evaluation, it provides a window into the effects of changing power cords.
|
bo1972,
I honestly appreciate your input, NOW A BIG BUT. As much as I love my Monitor Audio PL-500's, there are speakers that I prefer over them. They are more expensive than the PL-500's, but my point is I don't want to get into this what you recommend is the "best" and everything else is crap. I know you don't want to hear this, but everyone hears differently and we can't isolate components, we are hearing them in the context of a system. Based on my brief listening of the Sigma's, if it had the same effect on another system and that system required more bass articulation and they valued a dark background, I submit the Sigma would be great. I will audition the Audioquest power cords and post my thoughts. |
Blindjim,
Thanks so much very taking the time to provide such a detailed to response. My plans are to get a home audition of Audioquest, Audience, and the Shunyata Alpha NR.
Although only for one day, inserting the Shunyata Sigma NR erased any doubt on the impact of changing power cords. The improvement in bass articulation was outstanding. Inserting the Sigma's gave me a better understanding of what is meant by a totally black background. All that being said, in my brief audition the Sigma's are on the dark side of neutral. Its not about what's better, but what power cord I prefer in the context of my system, within my budget. I will keep the list price at $3K and below.
Thanks to everyone for having a constructive conversation!!!
|
I should add, after my audition I'm no longer considering replacing all of my cords. I'm convinced the right cord on my DAC and amplifier or power conditioner will provide the change I'm seeking. |
auxinput,
I agree that how power cords are terminated is important. That's why my Silver Electra cables have upgraded Platinum plugs.
|
I use the Marantz and HT bypass on my Corus preamp to drive my fronts for surround sound when watching television and movies. I have a ATI 3-channel amp to drive my center and rears speakers.
|
My 2-channel system: Monitor Audio PL 500 speakers, Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier, Jeff Rowland Corus preamp, Antipodes DS GT music server, Chord Dave DAC , JL Audio F112 V2. All inter-connect cables are Wireworld Platinum. Speaker cable is Wireworld Silver Electra. With the exception of my sub, I have everything plugged into the Torus RM20 power conditioner. I use Shunyata wall outlets and my room is treated with GIK products. Everything sits on Stillpoints.
|
auxinput,
I submit Monitor Audio series II speakers are neutral compared to their series I. To my "ears", in my room, with my equipment, I find the PL500s chameleon like. Several people from Audiogon have been to my house to listen to my system. I recall at least one saying, "they had bite", meaning some excitement in the tweeter. I say they reveal the recording.
No speaker can be for everyone. I think so many of us struggle choosing the right components to get the most out of what ever speakers we have. Not that my components are perfect, but I submit they have synergy. I have other priorities in life and my spending habits must change. The final touch for me will be a couple power cords. |
Thanks for all of the recommendations. I'm trying Shunyata again for several days. I'll post my thoughts tomorrow. |
I’ve listened for two days now. I try very hard not to say one component is better than another one; but instead describe the differences I’m hearing. First, I submit my system is neutral and if it leans from neutral, most would say it leans to the slightly dark side. So my comments are not about which cable is "better", but what works better in my system.
The following music was used to evaluate the power cords: Kirk Whalum-For You, Erykah Badu-Live, Marcus Roberts - Live, Dave Koz-Hello Tomorrow, Kem-Kemistry, David Sandborn-Best of.
After extended listening not much has changed since my initial audition. The Sigma cables produce more bass. The bass is more pronounced and background is darker. The Sigma’s produce a smaller soundstage and gives the illusion that everything is pushed back, with less differentiation between front and rear images.
Returning to my Wireworld cables, there is a slight loss of bass. Bass is still there, but its not as over powering as with the Sigmas. Overall the Wireworld cables are more balanced in my system. The soundstage is more open, with better front to back placement of instruments and back-up singers. Cymbals come to life with the Wireworld. The lead singer appears to have moved slightly to the front, which provides the illusion of a deeper soundstage.
The Wireworlds are staying, not because they are better, but because they provide better synergy in my system. Evaluating cables is hard and time consuming. I honestly don’t know if I’m going to audition anymore power cords.
In a different system, there's no doubt that someone could prefer the Sigma power cords! |
All my comments are a reflection of my analysis in my system, with my ears. For you to say "
IMHO to flatly say Shunyata power cords were aimed at the mids and top ends of the bandwidth as to their best attributes is absurd. This is again, IMO and subjective." Nothing I said was absurd, it's my opinion based on listening with my equipment. You don't have to agree with my opinion. It's funny you acknowledge everything is subjective and at the same time suggest any opinion that differs from yours is absurd. If you believe it's subjective and I hope every one has a right to state their opinion, it's hard to say that they are wildly unreasonable or illogical.Then again, you're free to think what ever you want! |
You’re more than welcome to visit me when you come to SA. My system has changed a little since your last visit. How is your system sounding after all of your updates? How's the Antipodes DX 3? |
I'm happy with my Antipodes DS GT, but my friend insisted on getting me a DX 3 to try. I preferred the DS GT over the DX 2. Will see how the DX 3 compares to my DS GT. |
highstream,
I respect your opinion. I’m sorry, $3000 for a cable is not cheap. After it settles for 48-72 hours from movement it should be okay to audition. It’s my understanding that the Shunyata NR cables are already broken-in and don't need to be played a long time to reach optimum sound. I hear a difference, I just don’t prefer Shunyata Sigmas in "my system". In general I know if the sound I’m hearing is something I prefer or not. |
A friend that I meet through Audiogon sent me an Audioquest Niagara XLR interconnect cable to try. Several months ago he came to my house and listened to my system. He thought the Niagara would be a good fit. Again, to my ears cables sound different. The Niagara adds air and more detail compared to the Wireworld Platinum cable it replaced. I only have one Niagara cable and it goes from my DAC to the preamp.
My problem is when I hear a difference like this, it makes me want to keep investigating. There are just so many options out there for cables and I just don't have the time and/or access to everything. |
highstream,
I don't know anyone that will loan me cables for two weeks. In all honesty I just don't have the time to audition something over a two week period. I know it may not be the perfect way to audition cables, but it's my only option.
It my appear that I'm so unhappy with my current cables, but I'm not. I'm always open to the idea that a different cable may take my system to another level. I'm not dedicated to a particular company, only to a certain price range. If I don't hear what I'm looking for, I'll keep my Wireworld cables. During the process, all I can do is report on what I hear in my system. |
I’m sticking with my Wireworld power cords. I’m sure Audioquest power cords are fantastic, but way more money than I would allocate for a power cord. I’ve changed my interconnect cables from Wireworld Platinum to Audioquest Fire and love the results. I’m listening to speaker cables now and will choose between Audience AU24 SX and Clarus Crimson. After changing speaker cables I’m officially done changing equipment. |
jafant,
Thanks. The Audience AU24 SX is a neutral cable that does everything very well in my system. I highly encourage anyone seeking new speaker cables to give them a listen. I will post my thoughts about the Clarus Crimson speaker cables on Saturday.
|
No,
I get what you're saying, but everyone can't afford the Audioquest power cords that you are referring to. So what you're saying is mute to so many of us. |
No sir, done. I purchased several Audioquest Hurricane power cords and one Audioquest Tornado power cord. My cable adventure is over! |
Audioquest finally has a Hurricane source powercord. I just ordered one for my music server.
|
freesole,
My dealer told me today, "he doesn't have a ship date for the source power cord." I'll be sure to post my thoughts, but remember there are no absolutes in audio, only preferences. I've become a strong advocate of listening with your owns ears, with your own equipment to determine if a component is to your liking. No matter if I prefer it or not, only your ears count.
|
G.,
I've learned to ignore some Audiogon members. I submit you have to be a real fool to continue to read something you find so boring it makes you sleepy.
I'm glad you find the latest Cardas to your liking. I'm very happy where I am and have no desire to change anything at this time.
|
