Some people including myself believe having the loom of cables from the same brand, PC's to IC'c to SC's do create that synergy. Depends really on system matching IMO. For myself I went a dedicated line into a Synergistic Research Powercell 8 SE UEF and continued with their brand til speaker cables. I would do a demo with the Cable Company if they still do that.
PC for LUMIN X1 ! .... Shunyata? Nordost? Synergistic Research? AQ?
I was ready to purchase a Shunyata Alpha V2 PC from my new streamer/dac but after reading a few things I held off.
Now im utterly confused. Way too many options and not enough info comparing. My upper limit for this source component is $2k, but I don't mind buying a used cable either
ultimately this will be going into a gryphon diablo 300 into kef blades 2 if listing the chain helps
Now im utterly confused. Way too many options and not enough info comparing. My upper limit for this source component is $2k, but I don't mind buying a used cable either
ultimately this will be going into a gryphon diablo 300 into kef blades 2 if listing the chain helps
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It gets tricky. With high end equipment it is even more important to make good choices. One question to think about is when are you going to upgrade to those other components? If it is five or ten years, then I would not think about them. I always try to reach a plateau and stay there for a while… 5 - 10 years. If you swap out a couple components the best solution is likely to change. Personally I am hesitant to compromise now for an uncertain future. My choice of components has changed over time as I learn and my musical taste change (mature I think). I would find a way to audition on an extended basis at least three high end brands. Cable company or dealer. If you have three choices then you can get a feel for how big differences are likely to be and calibrate what you hear to the professional reviews. Of the three brands, you might actually choose a forth brand based on reviews. I found that the brand (and level) of PC to have a similar effect as their interconnects and cables. The differences in detail and tonal balance were pretty apparent on the low power digital side. I have recently gone through comparisons of Transparent and Cardas power cords (some others also, but they got eliminated quickly). Because each have their strengths in my system I have been swapping one in for a week and out for a week. On the digital side the Transparent won quickly (same as my interconnects). It has been my amp that I have been waffling on. I have decided to put in another direct line with 10 gauge to my amp and then retest. I may spring for a better cord… going from the $1-2K range to the $3-4K. The difference on my power amp is subtle but important. |
Interesting feedback, thanks I think I will try to audition a few cables In the meantime, what are the mainstream favorites for me to try out? I will limit it to 5 cables audioquest huricane Nordost Frey 2 Shunyata Alpha v2 Synergistic Research Atmostphere X level 3 (pricey) What else should I try. Anything in your system that you love and think is worth a listen? I plan to spend a little more when I upgrade my amp PC but for the lumin I'm trying to stay around $2k so If it's higher end then I must shop the used market |
Try Zavfino Majestic PC, you will be pleasantly surprised how admirably this cable performs against the ones on your list, https://zavfinousa.com/collections/power-cables/products/the-majestic-occ-power-cable-12awg |
Do you like the Niagara? I was interested in the Everest power conditioner, but even Shunyata don’t recommend to plug the amp into it directly. So I ended up not buying. Looking for a solution that will benefit all my components, not just source. As for the Galileo SX, how do you like it compared to others you’ve tried. |
The Niagara is excellent! Especially with my tube amps. They sound a lot better than plugged directly to the wall. This is something I don't think the Shunyata is meant to do. I tried many power cords with the Lumin and I believe for me, the SR SX is the best. Also, I am using the Critical Mass 2 footers 1.0 under the Lumin, another big plus. ozzy |
Transparent Cardas WireWorld I normally go to The Absolute Sound and Stereophile annual component ratings issue to choose my starting point. If they have a top rated one for some ridiculous amount of money that is highly rated, it is OK. Seek reviews of the same brand in your price range, or just try one in your price range. Also, well established brands have a house sound. If you like the sound at one level you are going to get the same sound moving up or down the product line. I personally have found Nordost a bit thin in models below extremely expensive. Their top of the line stuff is great. WireWorld, Transparent, and Audio Quest are the largest selling brands. For some reason Audio Quest has never done anything for me. |
@questionforhifi I can relate to your power cord confusion. There are many good choices for power cords. That is good. But also a problem to navigate through all the choices. I think it comes down to the basics. Thicker gauge is good. Highest quality conductors and terminations is good. Quality insulation is good. Start with those minimum requirements. I have Shunyata Deltas and AQ Tornados. But I do have one Pangea Audio AC-9SE MkII Power Cable with Cardas Copper. It has good conductors and about one of the thickest gauges I have seen. SQ on my Raven Blackhawk Mk3.1 where I have given it a workout was just as good as my other cables at a fraction of the price. How’s your hearing? How’s your room? How’s the rest of your system? Will you hear a difference between high end cables? One could argue to start with that cable and go from there up the ladder if you want. |
If you like particular brands characteristics, why not trying certain combinations with other sections in your system? The results can be very impressive. All my sources are powered by Nordost Valhallas in my systems (D1, DAC and X1) because of the life they provide to the music.. However, my amplifiers are powered by Sigma HC and Sigma V2 for their better bass control and accuracy at the top end - No more fatigue. In short, two very different brand can complements each other. |
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Given your 2K budget, Triode Wire Labs Obsession $1399 with a 30 day trial. https://triodewirelabs.com/product/the-obsession-statement-series/ What else should I try. Anything in your system that you love and think is worth a listen? |
