I compared the Precision AC to T3 UHC I have on my Krell amp. The Precision AC was more detailed but I found the T3 UHC to be more balanced/natural sounding/musical.
Based on that experience, I would tend to agree that the Precision AC would be a good match for some tube amps per Tbg. |
I've been steadily changing all of my cabling to SR Tesla over the past year. Started with T2 power cords on my Ayre preamp and CDP and a T3 UHC on my Krell amp. Soon afterward bought a Teslaplex (incredible bargain and should be the first purchase before or along with the Tesla power cords).
Next was Accelerator speaker cables and XLR ICs. I agree with Dave b that the Accelerator line (when it is the only Tesla cabling in the system) has a "Gray" sound that tends to wear on you after a while. Too bad he hasn't tried Precision Reference and Apex. Totally different story, plus the Accelerator XLR IC works well when used between preamp and amp combined with the higher-line cables (poor man's Precision Reference?).
Soon afterward, upgraded to Precision Reference speaker cables from the Accelerator (big improvement). Then bought a REL Stadium III and added a REL Spec 2 hi-level cable.
Each addition and upgrade of Tesla cables and power cords was a significant incremental improvement. The only exception was when I tried a Precision AC power cord in place of the T3 UHC on my Krell amp. Although detail, clarity and air were superior with the Precision AC, overall musicality suffered so I quickly sold it off for what I paid for it.
The frequent claim that adding additional Tesla cabling (properly selected to give optimum synergy) yields a "sum is greater than the parts" benefit has definitely proven true in my system.
I recently added a Powercell 10 SE (most significant improvement yet) and a QLS9 for the MPCs. At the same time, I decided to demo an Apex XLR IC and Hologram D in place of the AQ Niagara 72dbs XLR IC and T2 power cord on my Ayre CDP. As expected, the improvement was remarkable, so I decided to buy the Apex and Hologram D in addition to the Powercell and QLS9.
The demo Apex ICs and Hologram D from the dealer did not have the Galileo MPCs, but I ordered four of them with the new cables. One was placed on the Powercell 10SE/Precision AC combo, one on the Precision Reference speaker cables, one on the new Apex XLR ICs, and one on the REL Spec 2 cable. I can assure you that the Galileo MPCs in these four locations made a VERY profound improvement in the sound of my system over the non-Galileo-MPC'd demo cables.
Based on what I am hearing with the Galileo MPCs in place, I would recommend adding them to your existing Tesla ICs and speaker cables before upgrading to higher Tesla lines, just as the Teslaplex is a more sensible early upgrade than moving up the Tesla power cord line from T2 or T3 to Precision AC or Hologram without it.
I have read many posts expressing contempt toward the $400 retail price of the Galileo MPCs, and I certainly agree that $400 is a lot of cash for a "wall wart", but the improvement in my already Tesla-loomed system makes it (almost) seem like a bargain. Contrast spending $400 on a Galileo MPC for your Accelerator or Precision Reference ICs/speaker cables with the cost of upgrading them to Apex. BIG DIFFERENCE. Not that I am necessarily asserting that there will be the same improvement from the Galileo MPCs compared to moving up to Apex, only that it is a more reasonable financial step and you WILL hear a wonderful improvement with the Galileo MPCs on your existing Telsa cables. Plus, they can be used with subsequent Tesla cabling upgrades, so it is almost a can't loose decision.
Just my opinion.
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Actually Tbg, the Galileo MPCs are available in a one lead version. One of these came along with my Hologram D (for extra cost over the standard MPC). I was actually a bit disappointed as I think the two lead model for the same price is the way to go. Even accepting (without question) your input on not mixing power cords with ICs, digital cables, or speaker cables on the same MPC, it would seem that feeding two like cables with one MPC is a good thing considering the cost of the Galileo MPCs and the fact that my just-purchased QLS9 is already full.
I am planning to order yet another Galileo MPC for my pair of Accelerator ICs in the preamp-to-amp position. Has anyone tried the Galileo MPC on Accelerator ICs?
BTW - I absolutely concur with the positive praise of the Apex ICs. Phenomenal. |
Has anyone done a comparison on the effect of the Galileo MPCs on Tesla power cords vs ICs/speaker cables? Is it worth the $$ to add Galileo MPCs to Tesla power cords? |
Okay, since no one bit on my question about the G-MPCs on power cords, I'll give you my two cents on what I am hearing since I got two more today and placed one on my Hologram D. Just as much improvement as when I placed one on my Apex ICs a couple of weeks ago. Man, adding these things just keeps reaping benefits. Five now in my system. The cumulative effect is amazing, akin to adding additional Tesla cables/PCs as noted by many of you. If you doubt this, try switching back to the standard MPCs, even on just one location.
They failed to send me the adapters for the older Tesla cables with these two, so I can't try the other one yet on my Accelerator ICs or T3 UHC/T2 PCs. Will let you know when I get the adapters.
Joeyboynj - after initially comparing the newest G-MPC on the Hologram D with a single lead one still on my REL Spec 2 cable, I removed the single lead unit and plugged the second lead from the new one into the REL Spec (following your recommendation). It sounded the same, so, at least in this combination, mixing a power cord and an analog interconnect on one G-MPC worked out fine. I would, however, heed tbg's warning about combining power cords and digital cables on one MPC.
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Frankk,
With the Accelerator speaker cables and the Accelerator ICs between my CDP and preamp, female vocals (my favorite music type) had a metallic sheen to them (grayness). Even on really well-recorded female vocals like the XRCD2 CD "Best Audiophile Voices II", there was that metallic sheen and the vocal crescendos were almost ear piercing at higher volumes. Same with Nora Jones, Holly Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Shelby Lynn, etc. However, the soundstaging and dynamics were good and the bass was fast and tight.
When I replaced the Accelerator speaker cables with Precision Reference, the metallic sheen (grayness) went away and the peakiness on crescendos was reduced, although female vocal crescendos still had a glare that made me wince.
Once I swapped the Accelerator from the CDP to preamp position to the preamp to amp position and put the Audioquest between the CDP and preamp, most of this glare was eliminated.
Finally, when I replaced the T2 on the CDP with a Hologram D and the AQ Niagara on the CDP to preamp position with the Apex, the glare disappeared entirely and many other things about the sound got way, way better too.
The Accelerator ICs are working very well for me now in the pre to amp position, with Apex ICs on the front end and Precision Reference speaker cables.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Good luck. |
Shellie,
Yes I was using the AQ Niagara IC along with the Accelerator IC and, yes, the Accelerator does work much better now that my system is all Tesla. So, as you say, it is possible that the results would have been different had my whole system been Tesla-loomed as it is now.
Regarding your query on the Galileo MPCs, I too have them on the Powercell 10SE/Pr AC, PR speaker cables, Apex ICs but have my fourth on my Hologram D and REL Spec 2 IC and have not had one on the Accelerator ICs between pre and amp.
"The highs definitely sound sweeter with more air. In fact the whole system sounds more “relaxed”."
Absolutely agree. It seems that adding more G-MPCs is like buying more real-estate in your soundstage as well as more wholeness and integration to the overall sound.
I added my fifth G-MPC today on the Accelerator ICs and they have once again proven to be the exception to the rule. So far, I actually prefer the Accelerator with the standard MPC. The G-MPC on the Accelerator ICs creates a noticeable loss in image focus and transient attack, although the sound is more relaxed with a fuller bass. The effect seems similar to the differences I found with the T3UHC vs Precision AC on my amp.
As I posted before, the G-MPC did make a very positive improvement on the Hologram D. I will try the fifth MPC on the T3UHC to my amp/T2 to my preamp and also on the T2 to my QLS9 and get back to you. |
Update on listening impressions with the Galileo MPCs:
Over the past several weeks, I have added G-MPCs to my system one at a time. So far, these are the ones I have added and they have made significant improvements:
1) Powercell 10SE and included Precision AC cord
2) Precision Reference speaker cables
3) Apex ICs from CDP to pre
4) Hologram D power cord and REL Spec 2 sub interconnect
This leaves my Accelerator ICs from pre to amp, T3UHC on my amp, T2 on my preamp, T2 to the QLS9 powering the MPC's without G-MPCs until yesterday.
This morning, I roused my golden-eared wife into my listening room and tried the fifth G-MPC in each of the above locations:
1) On the Accelerator ICs from pre to amp
Nope. Although there was more ambient information with the G-MPC, there was a dulling of transients and a loss of image focus. Perhaps the razor sharp nature of the Accelerator with the standard MPC is providing just the right balance in this postion.
2) On the T3 UHC to my amp
Nope. Same as above but also too much warmth. The T3 UHC is a warm cord to begin with and adding the G-MPC took it too far in that direction. My guess is that a Precision AC with the G-MPC would be a good upgrade in this position at this point.
3) On the T2 to my preamp:
We could instantly tell that something had been inserted. Immediate increase in ambient information, but took things toward a slight congestion in the sound during complex musical passages. This one will definitely depend on personal preference and the overall system balance. We prefer it without the G-MPC in this position in my system.
4) On the T2 to the QLS9 powering all MPCs:
This one had pluses and minuses. Female vocals were spot on with just the right amount of air and texture (superior to the standard MPC), but drums lost macro dynamics and micro dynamics as a whole suffered slightly. There was again a slight congestion in complex passages. Don't like the trade off.
So, for now, the fifth G-MPC will remain unused in my system. The sound is just SO dialed in with the first four G-MPCs in place, I am choosing to leave well enough alone (for now!).
I will be the first to say that all of this is entirely system dependent and that your results may, and likely will, be different.
Don't know if it is just too much of a good thing or that the G-MPC is better for Powercells, speaker cables, and ICs than it is for power cords. I do know that adding the G-MPC to the Hologram D was a great improvement, so I can't really make a blanket statement on this. Just know what I (and my wife) are hearing.
I do feel that I have accumulated enough experience with the G-MPC to say that it could be a mistake to assume that completely G-MPCing your system will yield the best results. Maybe so, but definitely maybe not. |
Bacardi/Tbg,
The adapters are of high quality and are Quantum Tunneled, so they probably are as good as an adapter can be. The alternative is to have SR re-terminate your cables with the new plugs as Bacardi states. Can't say how much impact that the adapter has on the sound. Question for SR?
Adwiegert,
The 5th Galileo had overnight breakin. Probably not enough, but the first four generated an immediate improvement fresh out of the package. Likely, they have indeed improved in the two weeks or so they have been installed.
I left the 5th one plugged into the same receptacle in the QLS9 overnight and then through all four trial positions, taking care to minimize the amount of time (less than a minute) that each cable or power cord had the active shielding unplugged when switching between MPCs.
Best I could do with only receiving the adapters on Saturday afternoon and having only Sunday to listen and compare.
I decided to try a Precision Reference IC in place of the Accelerator and a Precision AC and Hologram A in place of the T3UHC. I will provide feedback on this with and without the G-MPC once I get a chance to hear them this weekend.
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Update on G-MPC with Accelerator and Precision Reference ICs:
I left the fifth Galileo MPC plugged up all week and did some extensive listening today with and without the G-MPC on the Accelerator ICs between preamp and amp.
My initial impressions hold true after today's audition. The G-MPC tends to makes the Accelerator too pedestrian in my system, although it does provide more air and bloom around performers and within the soundstage as a whole. With my system balance now just a hair toward the warm side (likely the T3 UHC on my Krell amp with an otherwise very neutral configuration), to my ears the Accelerators provide a better overall balance with the standard MPC.
Accordingly, the G-MPC is awesome with the Precision Reference ICs I have on audition as it takes a bit of the edge off of the fast and aggressive sound of the PR and opens it up. Without the G-MPC, the PR produces a sound that is smaller and less expansive, much like turning off the REL sub with its magical effect on the soundstage and 3-D imaging.
It is a tough call between the Accelerator with standard MPC and the PR with the G-MPC. The sonic difference is certainly easily discernable, it's just a matter of preference. The Accelerator is just as fast, but a bit less razor sharp and a smidgeon more congested than the PR. The PR has better bass taughtness and improved immediacy but is not as musical as the Accelerator. More listening required to make a call.
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Scottmac62,
The break in is exactly as Tbg states. I found that, in my system, the Powercell 10SE benefits the most from the G-MPC, followed by the Precision Reference speaker cables, Apex and Precision Reference ICs, REL Spec 2 cable, and Hologram D.
I did not prefer it to the standard MPC on my Accelerator ICs and other Tesla power cords (T3 UHC, T2) or to the T2 powering the QLS9.
Merry Christmas!! |
Scottmac62,
I had the exact experience that Tbg had with the Hologram A on my Ayre K-1xe pre. Total flop. It was way too full and warm (the bass slam was awesome though) and it lost a ton of image specificity vs the T2.
Based on Joeyboynj's opposite opinion, clearly the Hologram A needs to be auditioned in your system to see how it works out. You will know within minutes (after letting it settle in for a couple of days) whether it will work or not. The effect is not subtle.
Also keep in mind that the Hologram A is VERY thick and stiff and a bear to work with in tight spaces.
Good luck. |
"What I heard with the Hologram A on my pre amp and Precision AC on my amp was like everything sounded muffeled as if everything was behind a blanket but still listenable"
Great description, Bacardi. I had the exact same experience with the Hologram A on my preamp. However, the Precision AC was very good on my amp, yet I ultimately preferred the slightly more rich and harmonically complete sound of the T3UHC there. |
Maxwellsilverhammer & Fplanner2010,
I would appreciate an update on your impressions of the Galileo speaker cells since they should be broken in by now...
Thanks,
Dave |
Glad to hear that you are making progress with the cells, Fplanner. Good thing you stayed with it. You might have sent them back without ever hearing what they really do.
Elliot is definitely one of the finest human beings of all time.
Anxious to hear your impressions when you get the other speaker hooked up.
Best,
Dave |
Wow, guys, please take it easy. Norm has always been very hospitable to me personally and I consider him a friend, so it hurts to see the thrashing he is taking on Audiogon forums due to his tendency to be a bit too enthusiastic toward the products he owns and prefers.
I will not get into the whole thing about his reviewer history (primarily because I don't know the facts nor wish to), but I will say that his equipment purchases and his posts are, in my opinion, based on his love for the hobby and genuinely reflect what he personally feels about these products.
I did not wish to enter into this fray, but feel compelled to stand up for a gentleman I believe to be a genuinely dedicated audiophile and a good friend.
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