Hi- Any one else out there using these Gabriel Gold IC's? I need to know if it is me or if anyone else finds them as good as me. I bought a pair on auction a while back and compared them to my Stealth cables. After about a week of going back and forth I found the Gabriel Golds to have bettered my Stealths and bought more. Is it me? Just wondering what some other folks who bought them think of them. Thanks for the input.
Mlapenta Steve almost always has an ad running. His Agon user name is sts. He's quick to reply to e-mails but it may take a few weeks to get an order filled.He's seems to be running 2-3 weeks behind at all times just based on Agon ads,"word of mouth" and industry sales. It may be worth your looking into The biggest treasures are always the hidden ones bobf
The dog got his knee and is running like his little inner puppy is set free. My chrysalis is parting and I am emerging ready to take wing with the new year. Thanks for your thoughts, John, they helped for sure.
So, the AMR CD77 took the Ayon CD2 to the mat and the Ayon never got back up. A great player for all the reasons above, but the AMR has all the dynamics, micro detail, spacing, staging, etc that the Ayon offers (which is substantial) but also adds a bit warmth to the sound and more 3-d roundness to the images into the mix that I personally REALLY like! It is, in short, and IMHO, a more human and lifelike presentation. Absolutely thrilling.
And, the USB input is reclocked right away to remove jitter and sounds pretty much indistinguishable from the CDP itself.
More details and in depth description later. The chrysalis, she calls.
The Reflection offers everything the Rapture does that been desevedly ballyhooed in a long and splendiferous parade of comments in a number o threads: clarity, detail, speed, accurate pacing, huge soundstage, lovely timbre, midrange to live in, well laid out transients and tonal balance......well, here's where the difference starts.
The overall tonal balance is improved by giving all the players and the notes they play more presence so you can listen raptly to any and/or all of them individually or as a whole. The 'non-main event' players and notes are more present and given more their due as part of the piece.
The bass is deeper and tighter by a fair margin, but most astounding is the highs and the impeovement in the decays of individual note and the accuracy of the transient...they slap you when they oughta' and carress when they should! The highs are improved in extension by not rolling off at all and the decays fade slowly and delicately into deep listening space oblivion. I honestly didn't notice that comparative shortcoming in the Rapture previously. Although it was pointed out to me by jmcgrogan2 when directly compared to the Jade Gold Hybrid, I still preferred the Rapture for its other strengths.
That extension is especially noticeable with cymbals.
And, the breath at the end of vocal. Actually, I think it is the breath. The Reflection just breath life into the music.
All the detail of the Rapture is there, but improved with more inner separation of notes....like different cowbells or percussion blocks right next to each other are obivous. The microdynamics are more revealed and you can just see more deeply into the recording.
Honestly, I feel a bit chagrined with myself for once again calling one of Gabriel Gold's cable the best I have heard....but there it is. I really love the Rapture, but the Reflection is the next step towards actually leaving the atmosphere and floating in space. I'll have to live with myself. And with the Reflection. You might think about inviting it into your home, too.
In the end when taken as a whole it offers an emotional experience and becomes ineffable. You are just inexorably drawn into the center of the music like a molecular swerve.
My wife who has much better ears than I do actually said: "If anyone asks you why you're and audiophile, make them listen to this." ("Always listen to the woman."-Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump). This "this" was The Dave Matthews Band's playing Pay for What you Get from Under the Table and Dreaming. And it was trasporting. Mesmerizing.
I really haven't been able to stop listening to that song.....
More later....I gotta' get back to the tunes!
Oh, yeah, I also auditioned them with the Rapture R speaker wire. I have a pair of Reflection IC's and a set of the R SC's on order! Comments on the SC's to come.....
Rja- I don't think you'll look back, my friend....I remembered someone's quote on this thread about the Rev2 being like clear glass and the Rapture being clear air which is why I went with a space theme. The clarity is pure, clear space. Only music. The Reflection is a marked sonic step up. And, at just a little more given the intro price, it is hard to resist....and if you can reach it, you should just do it. No question. Enjoy the tunes!
I had a chance to hear the Rapture r Ic and thought I would post a bit about it.
One you hear the GG Raptures, it's a pretty exhilarating experience. The speed, precisione, clarity, presence, imaging and stage make that experience pretty damn 'da' band is here' real. The only knock on the pre revision version was a tiny bit of roll off in the highs and lows. And, it's a tiny knock.
At the time, the nearest cable to it for me was the Jade Gold Hybrid which did not have the roll off, but was slower, darker and a little mushy in the images. Deeper stage, though. The Rapture was far and away my choice of cable given all its other virtues.
The 'r' version is, however, a pretty large sonic leap. Kind of shocking in a way after falling all over myself regarding the Rapture itself. So, the 'r' is all of the Rapture with its previous slight deficiencies in extension and roll of eliminated with a few other improvements thrown in for good measure.....It shows deeper and tighter bass and, most especially noticeable with the loss of roll off is a wildly extended decay of individual notes. The separation and staging are improved and the transients, microdetail and dynamics are more astutely revealed.
The Reflection is, to my mind, less of a leap from the 'r', but offers a bit more of ALL the same improvements from the Rapture to the 'r' with one caveat.....The presence and emotional impact of the music is really improved. The sum of the parts being, once again, greater than the whole.
And, here is where my normal zest for language and description is left twisting in the wind like a lonely doily on a bare tree....The Refection just sounds better and draws you into the recording more. I listen a lot with my wife and, as she said, "I don't know, they're both amazing, I just like the Reflection better." So, while the qualities are the same, it is a small overall improvement in all areas over the 'r', an open armed welcoming into the recording.
Corny, I know, but that's how I sees (hears) it. And, at this level of cable, I believe that to be a significant achievement and definitely enough for me to stick with the Reflection even though I have no knock at all on the Rapture r.
The Rapture r speaker cables are also the best I've heard While notb as much of a sonic leap as the IC's, they are still a very substantial improvement over the previous rendition for all the same qualities and reasons above, just not the same level of impact as the IC's. FWIW, in my system, IC's have always had a larger impact on the sound than the SC's.
The last pair of speaker cables I owned before the Raptures's were the Stealth MLT....I have not heard as many speaker cables as interconnects, but have heard enough to recognize their impact and importance to a system. The Rapture r's really sound very beautiful to my ear.....better than any I have had.
Right now, I am using the Reflection IC's with the Rapture r SC's and am feeling for the first time that I can and should spend more time and effort on equipment and power isolation and eventually room tweaks.....For the first time I feel at the end of my wiring (and equipment) road for the major portion of my system (digital server end notwithstanding).....I guess we all know how that goes though.
Take it easy, remember holidays are fun and have a happy time with them... and, as always, enjoy the tunes!
John- My health is back on track and the holidays thick with unfettered relief and joy. Thanks for your well wishes and the same for you and yours! All my best, Art
would be nice to keep this thread going- have an original Rapture and have 'r' and Reflection IC's on order- will report back on findings- these are fantastic interconnects.
I have purchased 4 sets of GG Raptures cables 2Pr. RCA and 2 Pr. XLR's. I have a lot of high end cable and for the money I can't think of anything else I could replace them with that would give me the musical enjoyment that the Rapture's do, on all fronts. I'm looking forward to trying Steve's Reflection
yes, the Reflection are amazing- a further refinement of the Rapture 'r'- inner detail incredible, lack of congestion excellent- no glare- simply music...
yes, amazing more like. I've been using my first pair of Rev 2 R IC's (rca) for few days, and I'm very pleased with them. It's been like a significant component upgrade. I'm enjoying the music more. I don't know how he does it. truly amazing. best money ever spent on cables. if someone can lend me $2.5k I'd like to get the speaker cables too :P
On my Reflection ICs that you reterminated XLR there is a Gabriel Gold label on one end of each IC but no label on the other end. Should the Gabriel Gold end be attached to the CDP or the amp?
Yes, in fact you did answer it on your site -- my mistake. And since the XLRs are male/female you can't make a mistake. They're sounding great already with only a few hours on them.
Hi Steve, I will be getting the Synergistic Research PowerCell 10SE with the Galileo MPC next month -- which includes their latest Precision Reference power cord. So I will wait a bit before posting a full report here. But I can report a change that I made to my system yesterday that astonished me. I had my GG Reflection power cord connected from my power conditioner to my EMM CDP. On a whim I connected it from my Tesla Plex into my power conditioner -- replacing an SR Master Coupler terminated with Oyaide plug and IEC -- and I plugged the EMM into the power conditioner using the Master Coupler. This has made a HUGE difference in resolution, dynamics and sound stage. I quickly discovered that the GG Reflection power cord gives the best results -- fantastic results -- when used downstream -- its sonic benefits are immediately transferred through the entire system and right through to the speakers. When my PowerCell arrives this configuration will change. The Precision Reference power cord will connect the PowerCell to the Tesla Plex -- and the GG Reflection power cord will be connected directly from the PowerCell's Tesla Plex receptacle to my EMM CDP. After December 20 I will be able to post a full report here. I also intend to do a product review featuring the GG cables, EMM CDP, Merlin speakers -- and my Marantz PM-15 amplifier.
Hi Steve, I should have prefaced my earlier posting by letting everyone know a bit more about the cabling in my system. I have a GG Reflection power cord, GG Reflection interconnects and GG Reflection speaker wires in my system, along with the Oyaide-terminated SR Master Coupler. Hence your question about the synergy between Synergistic Research and Gabriel Gold cables.
Hi Steve, I will be adding the SR PowerCell 10SE to my system in a couple of weeks with the Precision Reference PC and Galileo MPC. I am an irrepressible tweaker. So, in the meantime, I have been busy tweaking -- the result of which is that the Gabriel Golds and Merlins have taken a giant step up in my system. I find it amazing that adding a special tweak can change everything in an instant. This happened when I added Ric Schultz's EVS Ground Enhancers to my system a few days ago. Suddenly Gabriel Golds and Merlins delivered a much higher level of performance -- detail, dynamics and a much fuller sound on the sound stage. The Enhancers came highly recommended but I was not prepared for what happened when I installed them in my system. The inveterate tweaker in me now has me tweaking the Enhancers. I have a box full of small items that I have ejected from other systems over the years. I have the straight version of the Enhancers sticking up through the negative speaker binding posts on the Merlins and my Marantz PM-15 integrated amp. Here's how I tweaked the Enhancers. I popped one Cardas speaker pin (gold-plated) onto each of the Enhancers on the PM-15. An immediate improvement. I was inspired to tweak the Enhancers on my Merlins. So, I experimented with various combinations of terminations. After a lot of trial and error here's what I found works best on my Merlins: a Furutech rhodium spade adapter popped onto each of the Enhancers and then two of the Cardas speaker pins (gold-plated, joined together with their set screws) popped onto one of the Cardas spade forks -- not on both -- on each Merlin Enhancer. Crazy? You bet it's crazy. But it works -- please don't ask me why. I have no idea why. I have spent days A/Bing every permutation you can imagine using these little items. With the above-described combination in my system -- YMMV -- there is the greatest improvement in detail, dynamics, sound stage and ambiance that I was able to obtain after all the experimentation. Of course, I use my "reference" CDs for testing each tweak change -- listening to each CD over and over again -- tweaking -- listening -- tweaking -- listening. The venue is now much more "there" on live recordings -- Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Johnny Rivers, Chris Montez, Beach Boys -- you name it. Both live and studio recordings are greatly improved but it helps when the CD is really good quality -- good original recordings or good remasters. But even recordings that sounded "flat" can improve, surprisingly. I had a cheap Duane Eddy CD that sounded like a cheap Duane Eddy CD in my old system. I played it with my new EMM CDP and added the EVS Ground Enhancers. Boy does Duane Eddy ever sound good now. I thought I'd share this with you and those who may be interested in improving the sound in their system. In this case it cost a song -- pun intended -- to get a lot more than song's worth -- A LOT MORE. In other words the improvement was not subtle. The Gabriel Golds and Merlins just keep getting better and better. It's all about synergy. You have a feeling there's a lot more in them thar cables and speakers just waiting to be released then -- wham -- the "more" is suddenly there. I can't wait to add the SR PowerCell 10SE + Precision Reference + Galileo MPC to my system. And a few more tweaks too, of course. I have a feeling it's gonna be "ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN"!! I saw the Righteous Brothers "Live in Concert" in 1976. Beauuuuutiful!!
Sabai- It sounds interesting and confusing all at once,however the bottom line is you have found your own personal sonic utopia. Curious have you ever had an issue in your area with EMI/RF?
Not knowing the make-up of the enhancers it almost sounds as if they are acting like a passive RF/EMI drain in your set-up.
I'm sure there make-up and design has had hours of testing and their must be something special going on with them even if it can't be explained technically
Hi Steve, I think this has me just as baffled as you. I can't explain the changes but my ears bear witness to them. I might mention that my hearing is excellent. I always protected myself from loud concert music when I was young by sitting in the back or by putting my fingers in my ears (at a Sly and the Family Stone concert) or with ear plugs or even walking out (I walked out on Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) -- unlike some of my audiophile friends who now have hearing loss. As you know I live overseas. There are lots of EMI/RF issues in my area. Most of the tweaks I have added to my system that are designed to address these problems produce results that are not subtle. The Gabriel Golds sounded incredible out of the box but they sound even better with every tweak I add to the system. Which tells me they have incredible "hidden" potential. The challenge for me is to find what I need to do so that the Gabriel Golds sing with their full potential. I'm sure that adding the SR PowerCell 10SE line conditioner soon -- and some more tweaks -- will elevate the whole system and will show just how good the Gabriel Golds and the Merlins and the EMM can really sound. The system is already well on its way.
Sutts, I second that emotion. I am using the GG Reflection PC, SCs and ICs, as well as other non-GG cabling. Also, changing the stock EMM fuse to the Furutech T2A (green) has made a big improvement but adding EVS Ground Enhancers and Synergistic Research MiGs has improved the sound even more -- sound stage wider and deeper and more full and more detailed.
I've been reading and reading till early morning hours; what a great thread! I'm rather new to Audiogon but definitely understand the need for speed, dynamics, imaging, depth etc. and it sounds like Steve's GG effect has made music much more enjoyable to many. I call a toast to the man:)
The best tweak was when I installed a matched pair of 1958 Mullard Ecc82 long plate tubes into my preamp for the first time and was escorted straight to nirvana. Wow!
I don't even have a power conditioner (don't laugh); everything is plugged in to the walls directly (one circuit with premium 12 gauge wire to the meter). My IC's are Audioquest King Cobras and a pair of custom silver plated IC's for the mains.
My question is, if I go with a GG Reflection power cord (for starters; I can't afford to buy one for each component) and connect it from the wall to a multi plug power strip to feed all other components, would that impart the GG sound characteristics I've read about to ALL my gear?
Or should I get the Reflection IC's as a first tweak?
Thanks Tvad. I've got the dedicated line, hospital grade outlets and am looking for any phase issues. I will assume from your seasoned experience that the EP2050 (or 2000 also?) will be a great tweak with minimal effect on dynamics (I have good power supplies) and most importantly help protect everything.
Getting back to the thread (sort of), can you imagine Steve's GG Gabriel Gold Reflection lines from the meter to the outlets? Better yet, upgrade all internal component wiring to his alloys? Forgive the craziness; I think I need another eggnog.
Are Gabriel Gold cables really this good? They certainly are -- in spades. I just installed a Synergistic Research PowerCell 10SE power conditioner with Galileo MPC in my system. I have mostly Gabriel Gold cables in my system -- ICs, PC and SCs. The synergy between the SR PowerCell 10SE -- right out of the box -- and the Gabriel Gold cables is perfect. Wide and deep sound stage, wonderful resolution -- very detailed and warm, at the same time -- and superb dynamics. I could not ask for a more musical sound. Makes me want to run the system 24 hours a day but I have to get a few hours rest between listening sessions. My expectations have been exceeded by miles and miles. Thank you Steve.
Well I just got a pair of GG Revelation 2 XLR and they sound very average. Much worst than NBS Master or Marigo 8.8. The sound is way too warm to my taste. Bass becomes muddy. The layer of details become mashed together. Soundstage moved back like 7 ft. I hope somebody could prove me wrong by buying my pair quickly - since no way I am keeping them.
Sabai- Thanks for the great feedback on the GG Reflections. I think the folks ar Synergistic deserve some praise also. I have a great deal of respect for their products and dedication. Steve Gabriel Gold
Sts, I agree. I am very happy with the SR products in my system. Synergistic Research and Gabriel Gold both deserve the highest marks -- not only for the quality of their products but also for their excellent customer service.
Being a fan of Gabriel Gold (I have the Rapture R ICs and SCs and they were better than many I have tried for last 10 years), I decided to give a try to recently released Fusuion Audio Romance-2 ICs based on some very postivie comments on the web. Eric Love, the owner of the Fusion Audio is the nicest and honest person to deal with. He gladly agreed to demo me the availabale brand new pair. Well, both cables develop the same signature sound, and no wonder, they both made partially from gold. All hi-fi attributes are the same and there in spades. But what I liked about Fusiion Romance-2 cables, that they are more natural sounding with better texture without (like ingecting SET flavor to SS gear) sacrificing nothing at all. I decided to keep them and cant be happier. They for sure deserve to be tried. I am not in any way associated with Fusion, just a very happy customer recommendig another great brand that do not cost a fortune but provides with awesome sound.
Sabai,the Gabriel Gold Reflection speaker wire is cooked prior to shipping with a directional flow of end marked Gabriel Gold = From end marked Reflection = To sts
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