2. digital
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CD Player Transformed by Power Cable

I recently purchased an Audio Refinement Complete Alpha CDP to go with my matching integrated and tuner. Even after plenty of breakin hours I found the player to be a bit dull, two dimensional, a little weak and ill defined in the bass department, and generally lacking in microdynamics (all in comparison to my Rotel 855).
I had in the closet a Signal Cable Magic Power cord that didn't do much for me on my integrated awhile back. Just for the heck of it I threw it in the mix on the CDP. I certainly was surprised how it changed the sound of the player. With the Magic Power cord the player now is much more vibrant, microdynamic and open sounding. The bass is also stronger (more heft) and I think more defined and tunefull. The only downside is a little hash on upper voices, etc. I could live with this now, but I'm curious about whether the digital Signal Cable power cords would lose the hash without losing the good things. Frank's website says that his basic digital power cord is warmer, but I don't want to lose the openness.

Any advice?
ssglx

Showing 2 responses by s7horton

s7horton
1,065 posts
 
Ssglx, you are right. I haven't updated my system yet. I just recently switched to the AR complete and cd player with the JM labs speakers. I am using the transparent on the amplifier and the stock one on the cd player.

I am using audio quest tpye 4 terminated to the speakers without a ton of luck. I am tempted to try the anticables that you speak of.

Are you using them currently?
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
Ssglx, have you tried anything with isolation? I'm using the complete and complete cd with some jm labs cobalt 806S speakers. Sounds very good. I don't notice the dull and 2 dimensional sound that you speak of. Each piece of equipment I have has it's own shelf in my rack. And the amplifier and cd player each sit on a piece of 1" granite. Maybe isolation is the issue?

Good luck with the power cords and let us know how it goes. I'll be interested to hear your results as we have fairly similar systems.
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