You need to contact Ocellia directly. They now have an office in Montreal - Canada. Av. de l'Esplanade |
Just heard Charles1dad Ocellia Ref. Digital cable between my Lampizator Dac and PS Audio Transport. This cable gave me the best sound I ever had in my home. I kid you not. Huge soundstage, air, natural tonality, warmth and imaging. I have a WyWire Gold digital cable coming and I think I may be buying this cable that is how impressive it was. We shall see. |
Rsf507, When I was auditioning Ocellia I went to the TAVES show in Toronto to hear the system. They had the whole system hooked up and driving Zu speakers. I was there on a Friday and loved the sound. I returned on Sunday to hear the system again with a friend and when I went into the room the system had lost life, lost some air and it felt heavy. Too heavy. I was saddened as I thought I had miss-heard the system two days prior.
In taking a closer look, Ocellia had been obliged to change all the interconnects and speaker cables to a brand he was sharing the cost of the room with. I will not mention the name of this brand, you may be able to find it searching 6moons review of the 2011 show. The replacement cables were five to ten times the cost. It was the cables that had given all the weight but it was the wrong weight, it was imbalanced.
As the years go by I have learned what balanced sound is, I am still learning but any cable that adds or takes away is a scary proposition. Ocellia cables do not do that, I own a complete set and the Calliope.21twin speakers. With a revealing system one has to be cautious with cables that influence the sound. The Ocellia cables simply pass everything through, all the high, all the deep grunting lows and most importantly all the information in the middle. If something is lacking with Ocellia cables in your system, it is not the cables doing it.
Having said that with less revealing systems in the past I certainly would entertain modifying the sound with cables, unfortunately as your ears and brain matures and learns about balanced sound you will hear the artificial influence in your system. Although some people never do learn or care about that. That is okay as long as they are happy, but those same people can often be the ones making comments most about what this cable or that cable adds or takes away from their system.
Hope this helps a little. |
Rsf507,
My 2 cents worth, I `ve had both the Ocellia Reference IC and SC for 8 months. The SC is superb! every bit as compelling as the IC.They share the sme level of naturalness,honesty and the uncanny realism.I find both to be excellently balanced with neither favoring a particular portion of the frequency spectrum.Tone and overtones/harmonic preservation is superb.
I`m sure your dealer has a reason for his choices as this stuff is just subjective.If you`re happy with the IC I suspect you`ll have the same out come with the wonderful SC.Again,they`re both very honest and nuanced,they will not hide, compensate or coverup flaws esle where in a system.They`re peas in a pod and naturally work well together.
Regards, |
Because even my dealer who uses Ocellia cables doesn't use their speaker cables, prefers something else. |
Why don't you try them and hear for yourself? |
So now I have all Ocellia ICs and power cords and want to try their speaker cable but hear they lack weight, who has experience with their sc good or bad? |
I have also been a fan of the Ocellia cables. I have written about their power cords in this thread and I have their interconnects throughout my system. I like them for their combination of trasparency, airiness, detail and weight. I replaced my phono cable with the Ocellia phono cable 2 days ago and the difference was absolutely stunning. It was bigger than any component upgrade I could have made. Highly recommended. |
Doremifasol, I'm NOT like Joncourage, I welcome all point of views. With an open mind, SOMETIMES you might learn something new Â… but not sure about this case though.
It's their right to make a A of themselves if they chooses. It's the price of FREEDOM so I don't believe in censorship or have a moderator to edit the content before posting. Just the thought sends chills up my spine.
You can always requests Agon add a member IGNORE feature? :-) |
Doremifasol,I`m just a very happy Ocellia customer that`s all.I`ve posted far more often on audiogon about my Coincident 300b SET amp and Statement linestage.When I find truly fabulous components that convey the emotion of music I like to share my joy and inform others who may possibly be interested.Nothing more or less.
Regards, |
@ Knghifi: But from your answer mate, I gather you don't totally disagree with me about this Sabai chap who keeps going on and on about his HD cables?
Kinda getting monotonous to hear how great cables are from the same 3 or 4 chaps isn't it? Bit of a circle jerk ain't it?
Hey Charles, no worries, I was just asking if you were pretending to be an end-user like that other guy does! If you aren't, I apologize for the question. If you are, well, then you are in the same boat as others on this forums.
What we need is a torpedo to get rid of THOSE guys! |
Doremifasol,
Your post makes no sense at all. This is a thread about Ocellia and I happen to own their Reference cable and am pleased with it.I`m impressed with it and my former ASI liveline and was responding to Knghifi`s comment about the 6 Moons review that compared these two cable looms.
Just because they`re small companies with a low profile does`nt mean these products can`t be exceptional(which they are).There are bigger brand name(by high end standards)) products that can be rather underwhelming.The size of a company has no correlation with it`s quality level.
Regards, |
Doremifasol, Charles1dad is just trying to help and I appreciate his input. I doubt he's involved with Ocellia. :-) |
@ Charles1, are you involved with Ocellia? It seems to me that you and the HiDimond guy sound like bosom buddies! Sabai, you should really get paid for all the advertising you throw on the wall.
This is what gets me on these forums.
Vicks cracks me up because he is dead on! Another cable thread, another Sabai (or any of the other names the guy's got going!) comment about HIS cables! Give me a break!
This thread is about another brand so they are trying to hi-jack it!
Ebm, you are BANG ON! Nobody's heard of many of these brands unless you are an audio geek or some sort of HiFi nerd!! |
Knghifi,
It will simply depend on system makeup and taste.Both are top tier IMO.Both are very transparent,open,dynamic and honest(very little editing).Both are high resolution and clear,natural rather than 'hifi'. The Ocellia just manages to do this while maintaining a sense of ease,fluidity and musical flow.The ASI has excellent tone,the Ocellia took this quality a step further in my system.I could easily recommend either.
Regards, |
Because nobody heard of them!! |
Just read Frederic Beudot excellent 6Moon's Ocellia review. From his description on the differences with the Livelines, I MIGHT prefer the Livelines in MY system. I like the leading edge, agressive snd never found the cables fatiquing or bright and I can't stand brightness.
I will never know until I try so will definitely include Ocellia to my list whenever I get the itch again. |
Just read Frederic Beudot excellent 6Moon's Ocellia review. From his description on the differences with the Livelines, I MIGHT prefer the Livelines in MY system. I like the leading edge, agressive snd never found the cables fatiquing or bright and I can't stand brightness.
I will never know until I try so will definitely include Ocellia to my list whenever I get the itch again. |
Another surprise (not). A thread on interconnects and Sabai pipes up yet again about how amazing his HiDiamond cables are. |
The price list can be found on the Ocellia web site. |
Anyone have a price list or ROM pricing for single ended 1 meter IC's and 8' speaker cables? |
Sabai,there are so many choices in cables available you could spend a lifetime(or two) trying to hear them all.The Ocellia does`nt blow the ASI out of the water.They share similar qualities but the Ocellia is more natural, nuanced,refined and has even better developed tone,timbre and harmonics(which is an ASI strength).I could be happy with either in my system.
Regards, |
Charles1dad
I had a full loom of ASI Liveline. They were blown completely out of the water by HiDiamond cables. All parameters considered. |
Cables are my least favorite components to change. When I get the itch again, I will include Ocellia to my list. |
The Livelines are really very good.I used their IC and SC in my system for 2 years before purchasing the Ocellia Silver Reference to replace them.The Liveline do out perform a number of more expensive cable looms.I have not used either brand`s PC however.
Regards, |
Tedsnapp,
Thanks for the additional information.This Ocellia and the Horning are speakers I must hear one day.
Regards, |
The Ocellia speaker drivers not only have no crossovers but they also use Alnico magnets and silver wound voice coils. They have an impedance of 16 Ohms and have a heavy brass ring and cage that is critical to their performance. They also have the ability to be grounded which allows for another layer of grunge to be removed that is created by the static charge generated by the driver suspension. This is something Tannoy has been doing for years now. It is very easy to test and repeatable.
I believe Jeff's Place blog has an blurb or two about this and his experience with grounding.
All these things add up to a very fast, responsive and revealing speaker. |
The problem with cables is they should never alter the sound of a system but there are so many poorly implemented components in the world that cables are often times used to fine tune for a weakness in a system. The problem is if you ever change a component, especially a weak component that was causing your initial dissatisfaction you will then be in another loop of cable replacement.
Ocellia cables do not alter a system's sound. They are simply revealing and pass through from one end to another. If the sound is not good with these cables in your system you need to look elsewhere than the cables. That can include components but also the room and where your system is positioned. I've had my share of EXPENSIVE / OVERPRICED cables in my system and this is exactly how I feel about my ASI Liveline ICs and SCs. They sound fabulous with all my dfferent tube and SS components ... simply pass through without much contamination. I'm off the bus for the forseeable future on cables. ASI PC also sounds excellent but I found them current limiting even on my DAC so don't use them. Has anyone have experience with Ocellia PCs? How do they work with high current components? |
No the speaker uses no crossover. :-) |
Sksos1,
That speaker with a good quality SET must really sound quite special. I live in Michigan, if closer to you I`d sure accept your kind invitation.Does it use a crossover? My speaker has crossovers but there`s just a single cap at the tweeter(and no resistor) that`s it along with an inductor for the woofer. What do you think of Ocellia`s amplifiers? I love my Coincident components dearly but a full Ocellia system I imagine is excellent as well.There`s something to the anti MDI concept.
Regards, |
Charles1dad that's the one I use it's called the Calliope.30 Twin Signature. Anytime anyone is up in cowhampshire they are more than welcome to stop by for a listen. |
I own Coincident linestage and 300b SET amp driving Their speaker which is wonderful. Given my complete joy with the Ocellia cables(beautiful match in my system)I`d love to hear their speaker in my system.The model wirh the 12" PHY driver and twin tweeters.
Regards, |
Tedsnapp I couldn't have said it better regarding Ocellia cables or speakers which is why I listen to them on a daily basis.
(Dealer disclaimer) |
I would suggest reading about MDI. The concept of Interface Micro Discharge is part of what drives the Ocellia brand and sound. It is now relatively common throughout Europe to build communication and audio products using techniques to combat MDI. This concept was developed by an engineer in the French telecommunication industry.
Basically the use of silver (which when oxidizes still conducts electricity unlike copper) and organic insulators including cotton based materials, minerals and rubber. Oyaide silver ends are used on the set I own.
Strangely North American manufacturers seem to be turning a blind eye to this theory but as others have stated the sound results of equipment and cables following anti-MDI procedures seems to be very repeatable and predictable.
I ended up buying 300B amplifiers, pre-amp, cables and speakers all from Ocellia who manufactures all the above in Montreal except the speakers (made in France) and for the most part sells direct where there are no dealers. The drivers (PHY) are now owned by Ocellia and the cabinets are made custom to order in France as well.
I have owned equipment from McIntosh, Mastersound, Moon, Tannoy Churchills, Atma-Sphere, Manley, Cary, PS Audio, Metrum and probably others I am forgetting.
I went to the TAVES show last year to hear Ocellia. Everything was Oceliia except the speakers which were ZU. I was blown away. I went the following day to see if I felt the same way. I was dumbfounded that the sound was much more flat and bass heavy! I then discovered the cables had all been switched to Kubala cables at multiple times the price! I knew immediately the effect and theory of MDI existed and Ocellia was onto something.
From that experience I then went to Montreal for a more intimate audition. At the end of that audition I ordered a complete system. I say this so you may take what you will from any comments I make from that reference.
I am so impressed by this hand built, home built, product that I offered up my living room in the Toronto, Ontario area for anyone to listen to Ocellia who did not want to travel to Montreal.
The problem with cables is they should never alter the sound of a system but there are so many poorly implemented components in the world that cables are often times used to fine tune for a weakness in a system. The problem is if you ever change a component, especially a weak component that was causing your initial dissatisfaction you will then be in another loop of cable replacement.
Ocellia cables do not alter a system's sound. They are simply revealing and pass through from one end to another. If the sound is not good with these cables in your system you need to look elsewhere than the cables. That can include components but also the room and where your system is positioned.
Having said all that I would suggest to anyone who is looking to get more out of their system to read Get Better Sound by Jim Smith. With his life long experience you could save a lot of money by utilizing the tips he has in his book and DVDs. You could spend tens of thousands of dollars on equipment trying to get that sound that gives you the emotional impact you are looking for and still be disappointed. Every room is different and every room will play on a system, the trick is to find the position for your speakers and equipment that best takes advantage of the room you have!
That then opens the door to Franck Tchang resonators and other goodies that effect sound and our environment that we listen to music in!
The Ocellia brand is not like other commercialized products. I doubt they will ever be in many dealer show rooms and their cables being hand built will never be mass produced. They are very special for systems that have the ability to reveal. |
@Skos1; Nice products but you are a bit far from where I am! I live in Barrie, Ontario!
At least I appreciate that you don't wear a "mask" and you are on Audiogon as yourself! |
Doremifasol yes we sell Ocellia cables. If you haven't heard any differences from other well known cables then I'd tell you that most likely you will not hear differences with Ocellia....just being honest. I find them one of the most natural sounding cables but there are also much better like Prana cables but those would cost you a small fortune.
You can visit my site at www dot soundsofsilence dot com
(Dealer disclaimer) |
Sksos1, do YOU sell Ocellia in your store (or am I reading this wrong?)? Where are you located? What other brands do you sell? I must admit that I am a bit skeptical about all of these relatively unknown brands and that I honestly can't hear the difference between any of the so-called "high-end" cables and what are considered "run-of-the-mill" brands (basic Audio Quest or Ultralink for instance), but I am always trying to find that ONE "magical" cable.
Lots of talk about other brands on Audiogon which, quite frankly, have left me thinking a lot of this is rubbish. |
Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth. Even dealers have to initially buy a product they have never heard and hope it works, yes they buy at a much better price than the consumer but maybe only 25-30% better. (based on what a consumer gets as a discount). I've bought a ton of gear that was very expensive and just didn't get it. Example the Escalante Freemont speakers. I lost over 5K myself in selling them but hey that's just part of the business.
I bought the Ocellia cables without hearing them and after that well I now use a whole system of Ocellia cables.
(Dealer disclaimer). |
"it comes down to what works for YOU!" Exactly!
Charles,
Best Regards, |
I like your logic Charles. I will stick to buying gear the way that I am comfortable with, as I am sure many others do. There simply is too much stuff out there that is pure rubbish as far as I can tell. Reviewers can be biased (or bought!) and we don't really know who is lurking on these forums (for instance) either.
I read a few mags and go on-line to check up on stuff, but very often have been disappointed when I actually HEARD the products. I truly believe that everyone's ears are different and it comes down to what works for YOU! |
There`s no lack of common sense, there are some product and components you won`t be able to audition without buying first(example use items on audiogon). Some products are only sold direct(and don`t always offer a trial policy).
We all have our own comfort level,you should adhere to your own predetermined level that`s all.
I purchased my SET amplifier(new),speakers(used),transport and DAC(new) without prior listening and the system sounds wonderful, surpassing my high expectations. I completely understand your reservations and this method would`nt work for you.I was able to audition my linestage prior to buying.Word of mouth impressions from owners is very insightful and of high value. Also 'certain' reviewers I`ve developed trust in over the years.
It`s a chance I`m willing to take and it has worked out very well for me,to each their own.If I limited myself to what`s only available in stores I`d missed out on some superb audio components.If you require audition before purchase then stick to it, I`m sure it has served you well.
Regards, |
How do you guys manage to spend tons on money on stuff you don't listen to first? That's what's beyond me!
Seriously Charles, would you buy a car without test-driving it first? You can't always trust what you read (especially when there are so few reviews on many of these brands, except by so-called "end-users" on forums such as this one).
How about using some common sense mates? If stores don't carry brands, there must be a reason! |
If you must audition these cables before buying(I can understand why) they may not be a good choice for you. I purchased mine without hearing them(word of mouth enthusiasm) and it worked out fine. I realize everyone is`nt comfortable doing that however.You may just have to go in another direction.
Regards, |
but what STORES actually carry them? Everyone seems content with buying $500+ cables without having the chance to try them out. I am testing other cables right now and I haven't been able to see a difference between those (which are thoroughly discussed on Audiogon) and my present cables which are 1/2 the price. Quite the disappointment actually. |
You can get the Ocellia through Sounds of Silence Audio.com(USA) or direct from Ocellia in Montreal Canada.
They are truly exceptional in presenting realism and natural tone.
Regards, |
Musicallyinclined you stated you tried "other brands and wasn't overwhelmed by them" are you saying you tried Ocellia nd not to your liking? |
But still a hard cable to find anywhere! Just tried a couple of other brands and wasn't overwhelmed by them. |
Another great review of Ocellia cables....
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/ocellia4/1.html |
Musicallyinclined,
Apology accepted. No problem. Thank you for your kind words.
I note that two new HiDiamond threads have been started in the past few days by two new posters. I agree that there are very few HiDiamond users and even fewer who may be posting. But since HiDiamond has only had a North American presence for a few months this is understandable, IMO. As time passes, if these cables are more widely accepted as excellent cables I imagine that we will hear from more users.
I will be putting the HiDiamond Carbon 2 digital cable into my system on Sunday. I will post initial impressions next week.
Regarding the Joseph Audio Pulsars, I am hold off making detailed comments for now because my AMR DP-777 and HiDiamond cables are burning in and my new HiDiamond digital cable has yet to arrive. I think it would be premature to go into too much detail at this point with so much new going on in my system. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear the Joseph Audio Pulsars in Singapore a couple of years ago and was immediately impressed. My initial impression of the Pulsars in my system is that they are stunning. |
Sorry Sabai, I apologize if I came on a bit too impolite but you do mention both HD & the distributor a lot over the past couple of weeks. I do appreciate your honest posts, but I only wished other HD users would join in the discussions in order to solidify your findings. I checked past threads and found two other "users" came under question. I don't doubt for one second that you are a genuine end-user like myself, but you should notice that there aren't too many HD users on these forums.
I was very intrigued by the cables myself, spoke to a couple of friends and retailers that are far more knowledgable than myself and couldn't find anyone to back the cables. The distributor offered to let me buy them from him directly but I like to deal with retailers for personal reasons.
The person I ended up dealing with let me try the Acoustic Zen cables (I already owned a couple of their power cords so I was familiar with the brand). I liked what I heard and bought IC's for my entire system. I would probably have liked the HD cables if I had tried them, it simply wasn't in the cards I guess.
I look forward to reading a "real" review on the Pulsars from you Sabai as I do value your opinion, having read a lot of your posts. Thanks in advance! |
