2. cables
  3. 1136261511

PS Audio Xstream Statements vs. RSA Poeima

Interesting. I've run Poeima! (original version) in my system for about 5 months. I've been happy with it, but always felt like it was a little "smoother" than I might like. So last week I bought a used set of PS Audio Xstream Statement speaker cables to see what would happen.

I've only listened for an hour or so of each cable, but the very first thing I noticed is a 2dB gain when the PS Audio cables are in. I'm guessing this is due to the Poeima having higher impedence, and I'm also guessing Robert at RSA designed the cable to have higher impedence to help "smooth out" the sound of silver. (Any thoughts on either of these two points is greatly appreciated!)

Anyway, the PS Audio cables seem to be "livelier" without being "brighter." Not sure how that can be, but it's the only way I can think to describe the difference. There is an annoying edge to certain female vocals with the PS Audio, but it seems to image better than the Poeima.

I've listening to each for an hour, comparing the two by listening to a song or two with one cable, then listening to the same song(s) with the other cable. My hands are getting tired of changing the cables!

I still can't figure out which one I'm going to keep. My IC's are all Poeima. Would buying PS Audio IC's likely help me make a decision on which way to go, or am I just spending more money?

Thanks,
Howard
aggielaw

Showing 1 response by clio09

clio09
3,364 posts
 
You need to let the RASD break in a bit more. Robert puts them on a burn-in device for about 48 hours before he ships them, but recommends you let them run at least another 100 or so hours before making any judgements.

In my case, I'm comparing the RSAD Poemia!!! ICs against a pair of Auricle Audio Signature. I also feel the RSAD is a bit more relaxed, especially for a silver cable, but I actually think that is a good thing in my system. The Auricle Audio might actually provide a bit more detail, but they do seem to be a bit brighter as well. The RSAD cables were in my system for 200 hours, then I switched to the Auricle Audio which is approaching 200 hours. The differences are truly neglible, except in cost. The Auricle Audio cables are about $450 less than the RSA. I may be sending the RSAD ICs back just on fact alone.

The RSAD Z-der block on the other hand is an incredible little device, but that is for another thread.
More to discover