Just ordered the Takumi PC to try in my system.
@pokey77 Which Isotek cable did you have? I'm running the Optimums in my system which I preferred over some upper tier AQ offerings.
-Alex
聖HIJIRI Users thread
Based on a discussion with another forum member, I've been reading up on this Comback Corporation brand. The reviews I've found have been pretty positive, but I've also learned over the years to take all reviews with a grain of salt. So the purpose of this thread is for users to share their input on 聖HIJIRI cables. When you share, if you'd discuss what model of HIJIRI you demoed and what brands/models they were compared to, that'd be very helpful.
A little background: a few years ago I was reading the Audio Envy threads and decided to give them a try as the seemed to compete with much higher-priced cable. So I decided to give AE a try. I found both the $179 P2 and the $279 M3 to easily best an Isotek power cord at $1k. So that got me thinking even more about value products. I was about to give Zavfino a try and then was given another recommendation to give HIJIRI a try. So this is how I got here. I'll be very interested to hear all user comments on HIJIRI and this should be a good repository for the brand.
Here is their website: www.combak.net
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I am using IsoTek Optimum only on my Sigmas power conditioner. Using Audio Envy on my preamp (P2) and amp (M3) and Nordost Frey 2 on my source. Audio Envy, for me, is much much better than the Optimum, no contest. Planning to try Hijiri this year. Will be very interested to hear about your audition with Takumi. |
Look forward to hearing your impressions @pokey77 ! |
@lalitk On my source Modwright Cambridge CXN V2 |
My error @rareace! Looking forward to hearing your impressions. I heard the biggest impact on my conditioner followed by my Integrated amp, then dac and finally my server. |
@lalitk My conditioner uses a 20 amp IEC inlet and I have a Isotek Syncro that prevents DC from entering my components reducing buzzing from my transformers. I didn’t know they have a model above Takumi. What is the price if this limited edition cable? Looking forward to your impressions! -Alex |
I understand the rationale to use IsoTek Syncro PC on your conditioner. Sorry if i wasn’t clear before, the limited edition 聖Hijiri SM2R-L PC is not above Takumi 匠 Maestro which remains the flagship PC in Combak lineup. As per Colin, the SM2R-L is brought back for those who loved the X-DC PC sound back in the days. The 聖Hijiri SM2R-L is further improved on original X-DC350M2R design. So I decided to try this new cable to see if this cable bridges the gap between entry level Nagomi and flagship Takumi, can’t wait to find out 😊 |
@pokey77 Forgot to ask which generation Optimum cable you are using? Is it the EVO3? -Alex |
Yes, it is an EVO3. It is probably two years old.
Hey Lalit, will be very interested to hear your impression of the new limited edition聖Hijiri SM2R-L. See my updates below.
I get it! You will have to wait longer for my impressions as I've still a few more weeks until all six outlets on the Sigmas are burned in. Then I'll decide if the amp stays plugged into the Sigmas or goes back in the wall. Totally loving the musicality of the Sigmas though; was not sure at first but after some time (4+ weeks) it really opened up with quite good realistic sound - snares sound like snares, cymbals, guitars, piano, etc. I wish I'd have used all six outlets from the start, but only used four so am waiting for the final two to finish breakin. After I've settled the amp into the Sigmas OR into the wall test, then I'm going to introduce my last Network cable from router to the A side of the ER and wait for it to burnin/settle. Then I can move on either to more Network tweaks or to Hijiri.
Hoping to hear from @waltersalas at some point as he experiments more with Hijiri. |
Glad to see this thread carrying on with continued sharing of experiences with the excellent Hijiri cables. I have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride with the Takumi. As I reported earlier in this discussion, I was utterly transfixed by the difference it made on my Boulder 866, but then I auditioned a Linear Tube Audio Ultralinear+, which turns out to be a fanstastic match for my Fyne F704 speakers. At the same time, I bought a Lampizator Baltic 3 and found that I preferred the combination of the Baltic 3 and Ultralinear+ to the Boulder. Fine, but there was a catch. The LTA integrated does not really seem to care what kind of power cord is on it (a consequence of the David Berning design, I am told). While the Takumi elevated the Boulder to breathtaking levels, it made little to no difference on the LTA. So I relunctantly put it up for sale...which turned out to be premature, I think. For kicks, I tried it on the Baltic 3, and--boom--the magic was back in a big way. I already had tried excellent cables on the B3, including the Nagomi and a TWL Obsession, and both were terrific. But the Takumi on the DAC has taken my system to an unprecented level of musicality, leaving those two very strong other cables in the dust. Clarity, layering, tone, decay, and impact were all significantly improved with the Takumi on the DAC. I have had several offers on the Takumi, but I just do not think I am going to be able to sell it after all, barring some other unforeseen twist or turn. The "whoa" factor is back!
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Wow, thanks for all the info.
I am glad you mentioned the Nagomi and TWL Obsession. I will definitely try the Nagomi this year. I had been thinking a few years back about giving the Obsession a try but moved on from that for whatever reason I can't remember.
Would you provide any comments comparing the Nagomi to the Takumi? Probably wouldn't go that way since the Takumi is $5k or so, but it would be nice to get your impressions on the two compared.
Congrats on the Linear Tube Audio Ultralinear+ and Lampizator Baltic 3. I'm assuming the LTA is the integrated?
Cheers |
Yeah, the LTA Ultalinear+ I have is the integrated, and it's terrific, especially with the Baltic 3. I believe Linear Tube Audio uses this combination at some audio shows, and I can certainly see (and hear) why. It's a dynamite combo. As for the cables, my advice is do not listen to a Takumi unless you intend to buy it. Once you know, you know, if that makes sense. The Obsession has a very dynamic sound with excellent soundstaging and detail retrieval, without sounding the least bit "hard," strident or clinical. I would say the Nagomi is more nuanced and does take some getting used to, especially if you are accustomed to cords with a bolder, more forward sound. The sound stage of the Nagomi at first seems to emphasize the mids and back off a little on the extension of the higher frequencies, but that sensation may just be relative to what I have been used to. It is a very musical cable that draws you in more than it blows you back. But for me it represented a paradigm shift that took me a good while to get used to. Both are very fine cables and are still in service in my system. TWL has upgraded the Obsession to a new "Statement" series that I have not heard, but may try later in the year, along with the mid-tier Hijiri cable that falls between the Takumi and Nagomi. I'm in no hurry, though. My system has never sounded better!
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Perhaps @gestalt, Colin, the importer/dealer can help best with that question. Thanks for the update @waltersalas ! |
@lalitk is correct. The SM2R-L is a modern take on a classic Harmonix cable that many loved in the past. We're still working on pricing, but both cost and performance will be a competitor for the Nagomi. It's (allegedly) a different type of sound for a different set of preferences. I'll have my demo stock soon and will report back more concrete thoughts. |
@twoleftears Thanks for posting that site, it helped me visualize the newer pc line. |
To add after listening more The best way I can describe the Nagomi Powercord is that they sound like I added a SET Amp to my system, compared to the other cords I used in the past. Very bloomy, close to the stage midrange with just the right amount of detail on top and bottom..not Hifi sounding at all. Just musically muscular. |
The wait is over. 聖Hijiri SM2R-L PC is here and undergoing the ‘break-in’ process on my Marantz SA-11S2 SACD player. I end up dusting off my modest collection of SACD’s 😊 The power cord is pictured in image #43 https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9445#&gid=1&pid=43 |
The only place in the United States that I'm aware of to purchase Hijiri cables: https://gestalt.audio
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Thank you for your patience. The 聖Hijiri SM2R-L power cord took 300+ hours to open up. My listening test were conducted at 400 mark. For direct A/B comparison with “TAKUMI”, I swapped the SM2R-L back n forth on my Accuphase Integrated. I listened to variety of high resolution files stored on my Aurender SSD and Qobuz. What struck me immediately is the similarities between the SM2R-L and TAKUMI power cords. I heard much of the same characteristics of 聖Hijiri TAKUMI maestro in SM2R-L i.e. conveying the music in a most natural way without emphasizing any elements of music and with finesse and fluidity. Again with SM2R-L, the designer's emphasis remained on the mid-range. The vocals through this PC were simply stunning and my connection with music was just as engaging as with “TAKUMI” power cords. IMHO, the SM2R-L fills the performance/price gap between the NAGOMI and TAKUMI power cords nicely. I don't think SM2R-L meant to compete with TAKUMI's so in that aspect, SM2R-L has easily surpassed my expectations at 60% cost of TAKUMI's. Switching back and forth between "TAKUMI" and SM2R-L revealed why I'm still biased towards TAKUMI's :-) The TAKUMI’s in my system simply digs deeper into the music and reveals every nuances you didn’t know you were missing with SM2R-L or Nagomi power cords. It’s not like SM2R-L is lacking in details or holding back anything but you’re in different stratosphere of resolution with TAKUMI’s. Is SM2R-L worth the 2X cost of Nagomi's? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that! I do honestly believe, if you hear both of these power cords in your system, there is a darn good probability that you're going to end up preferring SM2R-L over Nagomi's. |
Wow, 300 hours to open up! Now I understand why it took you longer to provide your insights and I'm very appreciative. I'm sure that others will be as well. This thread has gathered a number of insights into the 聖Hijiri brand and I hope it is helpful to others besides myself. I'm glad that I'm usually slower to make a move and now I've been able to hear about the new mid-line SM2R-L, it sounds like something I'd be interested in.
BTW, I stumbled on a few 聖Hijiri threads over on the WBF cable forum. Though the threads employ brevity of text, they do indeed also correlate, at least in part, with how you describe 聖Hijiri. That along with the significant comments in this thread, all seem to be in similar agreement on the sound of 聖Hijiri and I'd assume that that will make it easier for some to seek out a demo, myself included. |
“I'm wondering where you found the best SQ upgrade with the Takumi's?” I say stop wondering and go for all out TAKUMI upgrade :-) |
Thanks for the review and comparison of the Hijiri SM2R-L. I am contemplating upgrading up from the Nogami on my Int amp only. The Takumi sounds wonderful on my A200. I think it offers more natural ease and fluidity compared to the Nogami. Will the Hijiri SM2R-L deliver this improvement? Also find the bass more powerful. |
“Will the Hijiri SM2R-L deliver this improvement? ” I honestly believe so and A200 would be the perfect candidate of this amazing cable. |
Thanks @lalitk ! |
I too am interested in the bass performance of the Takumi. Is it low, high or just right? Consider the sound of a double bass live on stage as a reference point for bass performance in a physically acoustical designed appropriate setting. |
I have now read this whole thread and I am intrigued by the power cord. I recently purchased the Hiijiri Takumi RCA cable after doing an extensive A-B-C comparison with Inakustic, Hiijiri, and the Tchernov. What a shootout it was. I also noticed that many of the people on this thread are from the Helix Dueland DIY thread. I had 6 of those power cords made for me. I am sensing even though the H-D power cords are good, the Hiijiri are just on another level in SQ and price. It has been a couple of months of dormancy but I would love to hear if everyone owning the Hiijiri power cords are still saying these are end game. |
“I would love to hear if everyone owning the Hiijiri power cords are still saying these are end game.” I am using the full loom of HIJIRI’s cables since April 2021. So yes, for me they turned out to be end game cables. I am not aware of Takumi RCA’s in HIJIRI lineup, is that a new cable in their lineup? |
