Opus 21 Exousias DB25 Power Umbilical From RSA

Wow!

I just got off the phone with Jeff at Resolution Audio. I was lived! Jeff is a true Gentleman.

[Quote]"...the db25 cable offered by Ridge Street would not be worth the money, after all, it just passes instruction data and +5V to power the main unit - this could not possibly make a difference."

According to Jeff, that's not quite how he put it. He understands that the investment of any cable, electronics or otherwise is a personal value and judgment call and not for him to dictate or decide for someone else. Especially since he's acknowledged he has no experience with the Exousias. I offered to change that and send him a Demo but he declined. I understand his position of not wanting to get involved in recommending aftermarket umbilicals, AC cords or interconnects. He did ask if we had any kind of return policy to which I replied "Yes, 45 days." He said that was good to know.

Lastly, as good as the stock or GNSC modified Opus 21 player is, the Exousias is a substantial upgrade. If it's found the Exousias's contribution isn't worth the investment, the purchaser is welcome to send it back for a full refund. So far, none have been returned.

Cheers!

Robert
RSAD

Jtwrace, this is program : track 3,5,12,1,4 etc.
In the order a user chooses.Most CD players have this feature that i often use.
Seasoned,thanks a lot for clearing this up.I downloaded a manual and it has no sign of program playback.

What i don't understand is - a company makes a 3500$ player, which has digital input and volume control (VERY useful!), and then does not offer program?!?
And it has selectable dimmer on remote (also useful), but before this function every playback mode should be featured.Program+repeat, repeat, and random.Also random+repeat.
I just could not believe this.I will not buy this player because of this.
I know it is not important to some people and i respect that.But it costs 5$ per unit to have this feature.
I just don't respect that kind of company policy.
A 3500$ player should be able to do EVERYTHING that 100$ player can.
Just my opinion.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I was taken aback when I called Resolution Audio for their input on this matter. Their response was, "the db25 cable offered by Ridge Street would not be worth the money, after all, it just passes instruction data and +5V to power the main unit - this could not possibly make a difference." While on the phone discussing the db25 cable issue I asked the question, "Would you recommend the GNSC modification to your player?" Their response was, "we would rather not comment on the mods offered by GNSC." I am assuming that there hush-hush attitude was to protect their company and not stick their foot on their mouth.

Audiobb: the player has no programming feature, but does have a very nice track/disc repeat feature.

I don't understand what program playback is...it can repeat one song or the whole CD. Is that what you are asking?

Does Opus 21 have PROGRAM playback?And program+repeat playback?There is no mention of it in a manual...
I found different answers to this

Acastano, I wrote a review on the Exousias link a few months ago, however for some ODD reason Audiogon has removed it. The Exousias cable is a major upgrade for the Opus player in every way. I was astounded at the difference it made with my system. The frequency extremes were more extended, the imaging was in another league, but most importantly it made the Opus far more believeable for a digital player. The differences are not subtle. I suggest calling Robert at RSAD to discuss the work and materials that go into this cable and then you may have a more comprhensive view as to the price. Please feel free to ask any further questions.

Darrin

I contacted Steve at GNSC, he mentioned that they are developing a more cost efective DB25 for the Opus. No timefrime or expected cost,... I guess we'll have to wait,...

My friend RhythmAce4218 uses this umbilical cord on his RA Opus21 and was very impressed with its effect. Hopefully he will share his findings...if I see him in the next day or so I'll suggest he join the thread.

I have not been able to do an A/B comparison of the cable so cannot comment, but since he added the RSAD umbilical and had the GNSC ref mod, his system has never sounded better to my ears. Hopefully Darrin will comment on the relative contributions of both?

01-29-08: Acastano
Are there any other cheaper alternatives? $700 seems just too much but I would certainly like to try a cheaper upgrade.

It is probably best to contact Resolution Audio and/or Steve Huntley of Great Northern Sound Company for an answer to your question.

Cheers,
John

Are there any other cheaper alternatives? $700 seems just too much but I would certainly like to try a cheaper upgrade.

Like all of Robert's other products, the Umbilical comes with a 45 day money back guarantee. So why not try it and decide for yourself?

Cheers,
John