@steakster Heh heh. Nicely done.
Some observations from a former skeptic - and a question
I had been firmly in the camp that power cables made little difference. A few years ago, I purchased an AQ Niagara 5000 (very nice improvement by itself BTW) and had auditioned various power cables with it. Nothing too fancy but I found differences difficult to perceive so I just used AQ Monsoon cables. However, I continued to read how others felt power cables had the most impact which I found curious.
I recently decided to move the Niagara to a system in another home and was planning on getting another Niagara 5000. My local dealer (who carries both AQ and Nordost) suggested I try the Nordost QB 8 MK III which he claimed to be a notable improvement over the MK II variant.
I compared the Nordost and Niagara in home and found them different but not dramatically so. The Nordost I thought a bit more dynamic, the Niagara a bit “blacker” in background.
The same dealer was surprised and suggested we do an In-store demo of power cables going into the QB 8 (great move by the local dealer!).
And there it was. The benefit was clearly there in improved spatial cues - the better cables were more “open”. I tried the same thing in my system - and same result. Unfortunately, power cables do matter. I will note that the AQ Niagara - as much as I liked it (and it was the first conditioner that I heard that made a big difference) - was somewhat negating the impact of the higher end power cables (a nice benefit in hindsight).
Power cables don’t make as much a difference as interconnects or high quality digital cables (to my ears, in my system) but the benefits are there depending on your budget and appetite for going down the proverbial rabbit hole.
As an aside, despite Nordost’s claim otherwise, the dealer and I both found the cable from the wall to the QB8 the least impactful and the cable(s) from the QB8 to the amp and source most impactful.
My system now is mostly Valhalla 2s (interconnects and A/C from QB 8 to components. I never expected to get here given my previous experiences.
I need one more A/C cable to complete my loom - for my processor (part of my digital stack). I auditioned a Tyr 2 and it made a notable difference. Unfortunately.
My total expenditure in cables is now equal to the cost of the rest of my system which seems crazy on the surface, but the results have been really rewarding - and more audible than most component upgrades.
Which leads me to a question:
How does this group think an Odin 1 (several available on this website) would match with my Valhalla 2 loom? I’m gathering many users feel that Valhalla 2s are > Odin 1s.
I could just stick w/ Tyr 2 on that unit though the cost differentials are not that great between new Tyr 2 and used Odin 1, but Valhalla 2s are up there.
Thoughts?
Showing 5 responses by soix
Man, if there’s one truth I’ve learned as a long-time audiophile, EVERYTHING matters to some degree or another (unless the system is poor or not transparent enough to reveal the differences). Just wanted to say goodonya for sticking with it, keeping an open mind (and wallet), and, most importantly, ultimately having the ability to trust your own ears. (Hopefully jasonbourne won’t show up here and try to rain on your parade). Congrats on making some nice positive strides in your system! It’s gotta feel super rewarding, and you’ve certainly earned every bit of it. |
I used 12/2 but many here seem to recommend 10/2 that’s probably not much more expensive and I’d think could only be as good or better but is a bit harder to run due to stiffness (I had two 20-amp lines installed BTW). I used a Porter Port, but if I was doing it again I’d probably get this Maestro outlet as it’s reasonably priced, and Enjoy the Music did a head-to-head comparing it to pricier competition from Oyaide, Furutech, etc. and it held its own. https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0114/audiophile_ac_outlets.htm https://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sablon2/3.html Here’s the link where you can purchase if interested… https://www.cruzefirstaudio.com/maestro Just one option to ponder FWIW. Last, went back and found some helpful tips I got here when I installed my dedicated lines so thought I’d share in case it might help — my electrician had no clue how to properly install a dedicated line for audio so it definitely helped in my case… - If possible run separate lines for digital and analog components - Don’t use 14/2 and go with at least 12/2 Romex - All lines should be installed on the same leg and not share a neutral bus Hope some of this helps, and best of luck. |
Don’t laugh, but several here have been highly impressed by this company and their silver cables. Thinking if you have the $$$ to spend on a Valhalla digital cable you probably have $162 to try this pure silver digital cable first and then compare it to the Valhalla — if you still feel the itch. Heh heh. |