Audio envy - dang!


I usually post on AG when I have an issue or concern, so I’m happy for once it’s to praise a new product, in this case Audio Envy’s IC. 

I use an ARC Classic 60 amp with a Herron 1A preamp. The AE cable went between these two.

I run an ARC Phono pre PH3se from my VPI prime as source.
My speakers are Thiel CS2.4’s

Out of the box a bit bright, But after a few hours that just went to strait up transparent - I mean freaking crystal clear. No tonal aberrations. Smooth, with no etched highs. Voices sound right, Natural. Soundstage opened up, as you might expect when things get clearer.

The best part was how inexpensive they were. They made my Cardas Clear Light interconnects I was using sound clouded by contrast. The Cardas was about x3 the cost of the AE’s.
BTW, this wasn’t “I think I hear differences”, this was “I’ll never use those Cardas in this system again, and where is my IPad, I need to order my next set!”

And that’s just what I did.
last_lemming

Showing 8 responses by tksteingraber

Very happy and surprised with AE power cords quality and SQ.   Bought a used Ocean Lite and Ocean Elite 3 for my HT system Dac/Streamer and Amp.  Wanted lighter more flexible cords with tight connection and these checked those boxes. Liked them enough to buy a  used Mega, another Elite 3 and  Lite for my 2-channel system’s power conditioner, Amp and Dac.  I was completely surprised and the level of improved SQ.  Especially the Mega cord, it made the biggest improvement on my power conditioner.  I am an AE believer now! 

@nutty have you compared the New Ocean-Expanded to the Ocean Elite 3?  If so how do they compare?  Also, are your Ocean -Expanded the base cable or did you purchase any of the ground upgrades offered?  Thanks 

@nutty Thanks.  I am considering adding an Expanded cable on my Tube preamp.  Did you get the grounding upgrades on your expanded cables?  

Same here I just placed an order for an Expanded power cable with the ground/braid upgrade.  Cap said it is well worth getting it if you can swing it.  Improves it even more.  Look forward to see how it compares to the Elite 3.  

@evank Talk or email Cap he is very helpful in explaining his cables in and outs. I had some similar ribbons that were fatiguing and took about 75-100 hours to sound excellent. Of course your cables are different as is your system. Good luck. Love his power cables.

@nutty don’t see these recepticals on AE’s website to order. Is this an ask Cap special order only?  Price?  Thanks

Also, I have now had my new OE Expanded with ground upgrade power cable for 2 weeks and it is a really nice step up.  Everything is just better.  Quiet, black background, more 3D, hear details I didn’t hear before.  

@nutty I don’t own any regular OE expanded.  I did compare it (on my tube preamp) to an OE elite 3 and the expanded with ground upgrade is much better it all ways.  Cap told me that he highly recommended the ground upgrade and it is well worth it.  Maybe he would take a  trade in and you could try one and compare…enjoy the music.  Cheers, Tom

I would ask Cap, he is very responsive and helpful.  Try the expanded when they arrive you might be surprised.  I would think the Mega is a good choice.  Only way to know is try one.  With AE’s 45 day return policy no risk.