Audio envy - dang!

@jayctoy Yes, it is a new offering from AE. I'm not sure why the Mega 3 is not listed on their webpage. Maybe it's not cost effective or takes up too much manufacturing time. But I can tell you it's really amazing!

@lalitk I recently purchased a used pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II and have looking for new speaker cables. I was considering AE speaker cables but wasn’t sure how they compare to more expensive ones. I looked at your system (wow!!!) and it’s quite reassuring to see AE being used in such an expensive and well-thought out system. I’m currently using Clear Day cables which use silver. I’m trying to tame the highs and wondering if copper might be a better route. Just wondering if you have compared AE to other bang-for-the-buck type of cables like Acoustic Zen Satori, Cerious, etc. Thanks.

I ordered my speaker cables ten days ago, still no word from AE. I wish they would keep some in stock for a quicker turnaround. I know ... first world problems :)

Folks, you can count me as a fan of AE. I started with the 2p power cord which made an immediate improvement. I recently got their speaker cables, and the first words that came out of my mouth were also "Dang!"

I was a bit skeptical at first in the sense that I was expecting some changes but was not prepared for what I heard. The soundstage width and depth improved almost immediately. There is more flesh to the bones so to speak, instruments have more heft and better definition, and the sound is overall more, for a lack of better word, 'refined'.

My previous cables were the Clear Day Double Shotgun. While good for the price I paid, I always felt the were a bit too hot at the top, and made some organs like piano sound a bit tinny. I don't know if my cables were somehow broken, but boy the difference is very, very noticeable. I used to read cable reviews and always wondered if the authors were waxing a bit too much, but I'm definitely a believer now. I'm sure the more expensive cables from the likes of Nordost or Audioquest are better, but I don't know if anyone can compete at the price I paid for the AE cables.

I don’t think anyone has a problem with dissenting views here. @madavid0 has every right to test AE cables in his own system and share his views whether favorable or not. We’ve all been around the block a few times, and it should not come as a surprise that for some AE cables will simply be a bad match. It’s not going to change my adoration for the cables for my taste and in my system. There's a reason 'YMMV' is probably the most often used term here.

The problem is when people start engaging in conspiracy theories, or disparaging someone’s enthusiasm for a given product because they don’t have "discerning ears" or "revealing" systems. At this point, we are not simply discussing likes or dislikes but making some serious accusations and attacking the integrity of not only AE fans but the company itself. And if you are making such claims, it’s reasonable to ask for some basis.

@madavid0 -- I'm trying to understand the motivation behind your original post with respect to the 'red flag' comment. Are you implying that those who are smitten by AE cables are in fact shrills working on behalf of the captain who is orchestrating some sort of a clandestine operation? Or is it because you think that AE fans are novices who are particularly prone to irrational exuberance due to lack of experience?

It's always a good idea to backup your claims with some evidence before making these kinds of baseless accusations.

Since I had been so impressed with my AE power cord and speaker cables, I purchased XLR cables from AE about a month ago. Initially they did sound a bit too detailed, but things got better after about 30 hours or so. Unfortunately, I could hear a very prominent hiss coming from the speakers. I contacted @audioenvycables, and Captain agreed to send me another pair. I think the replacement has the updated tuning that captain mentioned in his post.

Anyways, while I was waiting for the replacement, I tried two other XLR cables in the meantime - Audioquest Mackenzie (which I have owned for 5 years) and Shunyata Research Black Mamba (borrowed from a friend). First off, the Mackenzie was simply not even close to the AE cables. The sound was dark, rolled off, and a bit boring. The Shunyata Research were quite good, but definitely not better than AE, at least in my system. Or perhaps my system is not ’high-end’ enough to do them justice.

It’s funny how sometimes we only learn to appreciate a component when it’s removed from the chain, not when it’s added, which was definitely the case with AE cables. I have now put about 50 hours on the replacement AE cables, and I can say without reservation that my system has never sounded better. I think their main strength is offering loads of detail and clarity but without the downsides -- i.e. brightness and fatigue, that often come with the territory.

I have always been impressed with the AE products (already own speaker cables, XLR cables, and Ocean 2P), but I must say that they’ve outdone themselves with the Mega 3 power cord. I was expecting some improvement but was not prepared for the experience after putting it in my system to drive the Luxman 590AXII amp. It has improved the performance of my system in ways that I didn’t think were possible by merely swapping a power cord. The biggest improvement is in the mid-to-low bass region, the bass is punchier but without the extra bloom. The second improvement is that the music just extends further in the room; you get more of the ’musicians in the room’ effect but without it being too forward. Lastly, and this one is a real head scratcher, previously I always felt that the imaging in my room was slightly dominated by the right speaker, for example the singer was standing just right of center. I don’t know how and why this is happening, but after adding the Mega 3 PC the image is dead center and better locked in. Thanks to @lalitk again for letting me know about the Mega 3.

PS -- I always pay full price for AE cables and in no way compensated by the company, ever! So please let’s not go there again :)

@lalitk 

It’s quite admirable how Audio Envy continues to improve their existing cable lineup. I have been using AE cables since 2018 and have enjoyed meaningful improvements with each release.

Agreed. Although, something has to be said about past owners feeling a bit frustrated with the constant changes happening so quickly. Also makes resale a concern with this much 'planned' obsolescence built right into the product :)