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My Snubway and Main Stream Master Class Combo Review

I must admit I am a sucker for tweaks.

I have owned and tried so many. I have always admired those who think outside the “box”. Some of these items were great, some maybe? And then some were just a “swing and a miss”.

I have communicated with Mark through the years and have used several of his products. So, I ventured into the Vera-fi Audio filters that many of you have expressed that you have liked. That is specifically; the Snubway and the Main Stream filters. I’m not sure if that is the appropriate category but I think that is what they do.

When I first received them, I tried them on my Audio dedicated AC line. First listen, the music sounded louder and more in my face. I was concerned that perhaps they were too much for my already “clean” audio system.

I then moved them to my dedicated Video AC line. On this line, I have an AudioQuest 1200 conditioner, an 85” Samsung TV/LED, Oppo 205, Satellite Dish, Apple TV and a 7 channel Outlaw amp. And I also had a Puron filter. When I first viewed this Video system with the filter combo now in use, boy, was I impressed! I watched a few pre-season NFL live games and the image was fantastic! So clean, immersive, with deep contrast, and deep colors. I knew these units would be a permanent part of this system.

So today, again, I tried that combo on my Audio Dedicated line. On this line is my AudioQuest 7000, Lumin X1, and 2 Michi 8 power amps. But now this time I did not get the image overload, perhaps these take some time to burn/break in. I will let these units percolate for a few days before I pass additional comments. But… I did order another set of them.

ozzy

ozzy

Showing 4 responses by jmfinney

jmfinney
86 posts
 

Thanks Ozzy! I always enjoy your insight. I have a pair of Main Streams & pair of Snubways coming next week. Will you kindly go into more detail about where you have found each one to be most effective, for example, wall outlets and/or power conditioner/distributors?

jmfinney
86 posts
 

Guess I’ve put 72-84 hrs on 3 Vera Fi Main Streams & 2 Snubways.
 

1 MS & 1 SW plugged into a 1FT 10ga w/ 3 outlets pigtail. That is plugged into the only dedicated circuit & its quad wall outlet. A single Main Stream goes in 1st position of SR power distributor #1. A 2nd rig just like the first is plugged into SR power distributor #2 where the flat panel TV is.
 

After trying several combinations & locations, I felt this configuration offered the biggest return. At this time, I’ m noticing more dynamic bass, deeper soundstage, more focused center image & slightly more detail. The overall presentation has been subtly, but noticeably, elevated to a higher level, resulting in a more emotional connection to the music. I simply feel closer to it!

 

 

 

 

immediate

jmfinney
86 posts
 

This 10awg 3 outlet 1ft extension works quite well. I have 2, 1 is configured with 2 2Main Streams, the other has 2 Snubways plugged into it. Both extensions are plugged into 2 of the receptacles in the quad box servicing 20a dedicated circuit.

Mid-fi 2ch streaming system is extensively optimized, but there has been a very stubborn, faint, but annoying buzz coming from both speakers. Slightly more audible in the speaker nearest amplifier vs the other. You literally have to place your ear flush on the cone to hear it.
 

This combination of MS’s & SW’s at the wall outlet has chipped away at that last bit of remaining noise where others have fallen short. 
 

Below is the link to the short multi-outlet extension. It’s the only 10awg in a 1ft length I could find.
 

 

Maximm 10/3 Indoor Extension Cord 1 Foot, 10AWG Black ETL Listed, 3 Prong Plug 3-Outlet Heavy Duty Indoor, Power Cord 1ft https://a.co/d/cPgxjQd

jmfinney
86 posts
 

I’m currently running 3 pairs of Snubs & Main Streams. Using 3 of the 10 gauge 1ft 3 outlet extension cords mentioned in one of my previous posts above, there is 1 Snubway & 1 Main Stream on each cord. I plugged one combo into wall receptacle of dedicated circuit, one combo in top left receptacle of Equi=Core 1800MK3 & one combo in SR Powercell 8SE distributor that feeds A/V equipment. Very worthwhile improvement over the 4 Purons I’ve been running since they burst on the scene.

Recently received 2 sets of Heartsound Audio HoloStages. Initial impressions are frankly mind blowing! I’ve tried many tweaks & this one moves the needle more significantly more than some others that address the acoustics of the room. These are completely passive devices that are out of the signal path. 

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