Synergistic New Tesla Line...Any comments?

Frankk,
I had Designers Reference X2 years ago and liked the interconnects but had issues with the forward mid-range and mid-bass hump. They were very holographic (though not as holographic as the Tesla's). Also the highs had a slight "grain" and were not as airy or as extended in the highs as any of the Tesla cables I have used in my system. Like so many people here I fell back into the SR line with Tesla Accelerators and later upgraded to the ultra high end combo of Apex / Precision Reference / Apex (my dealer gave me a 100% trade-in allowance toward the Apex / Precision Reference combo so it was a no brainer).

When the Accelerators where in my system I did not notice the forward mid-range, mid-bass hump, or the grainy highs I had with my old Designers Reference IC's. They did everything I liked about the old active cables with far more finesse and transparency. Unless your system is on the bright side (metal dome tweeters and "bargain" digital components, I can't see going wrong with a full complement of Accelerators.

Unfortunately the Cable Company does not allow trials to Canada.

I had a deal to buy a pair of older Resolution Refs when someone else here suggested I might like them if budget was a concern, but the seller backed out last minute with cold feet shipping to Canada.

I put an offer on the Absolute Reference being sold here on Agon by a dealer but got a very strange email back regarding pimping (his wording).

So I guess I will just wait for now until something comes up.

I have read the posts in past and can't really recall that much discussion about the gray inference hence why I asked and started thinking that maybe I would like the Absolutes better. Strangely though not as many owners with comments about the Absolute Refs compared to Accelerator, Precision or Apex.

Hey Frankk, Go back and read the posts, we answered this question many times. All Synergistic cables are different and are VERY system dependent. The most expensive cable in the line is not always the best fit.

First, what are you going to use the Accelerator I/C for? The Accelerators can be gray and irritating in some systems and other not at all. Or if you use too many of them or in the wrong spot in your system. If you are getting an Accelerator use it from Pre to Amp. Even then it may or may not work. You have to try a full compliment of each cable. Borrow them from The Cable Company and then decide which one is best.

Dlcockrum, can you explain "gray sound and irritating over time" which you described the Accelerators. I am hoping to go back to SR and can't figure out which IC to get.

I actually had the Accelerators a year ago and wonder how much better the Absolute Ref or Precision Ref is and considering uping my budget for one of those two(if I could ever get a deal around 1k).

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.

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?

I wonder if somebody has any experience using SR power cord on any battery powered equipment?
I have ASR integrated and phono. The pre amp section and phono are battery powered. They require special cables between battery/power unit to the main unit. Considering that the power is stored in the battery first, would that negate any benefit of using expensive power cords between the wall and battery units. I have 2 T3 power cords to the amp section of ASR but both are 20 amps version so I could not try them on the pre/phono sections. Unfortunately I don't live in the US so I cannot use Cable Company library's loan (althought I get most of my cables from them).

When I receive my Galileo(dual lead) I am running one lead to my T2 on my Quattro and the other to my Precision AC on my QLS 9. I will post results.

Regards Bacardi

Has anyone tried powering the T-2 PC for the Quattro with the Galileo mpc-if so what results?

I just got my Apex speaker cables with Galileo today. After burning them for a few hours, I could not resist listening to my system. In comparison to well broken in Accelerator speaker cables, there was no contest. The Apex cables are still a bit rough, a bit more forward but they throw bigger soundstage, more 3 dimensional body to the instruments, more detail and quite a bit faster. I can't tell how much was from the Apex and how much from the Galileo. I expect the sound to continue to improve over the next several days.
Now I have Apex IC between my DAC and amp, just have to save up more money for my phono to amp and get a few more Galileo :)

Why cant you mix and match??? I'm doing it with a single 2-lead Galileo MPC with my Rel spec interconnect and the T3 power cord going to the sub and it sounds fine. Why should you not mix and match? Does not make sense to me. Save the money and experiment. Order all you Galileos in 2 leads so there is upgrade potential down the road even if you don't need two leads now.

Thanks for the information. I think I will stick with Apex as well. It is a bit annoying that I can't mix and match cables for two lead Galileo as I have 3 power cords currently and may be a digital cable in the future so 1 Galileo would be better than two :) considering that I would need to 230v version.

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.

Suteetat, in my opinion, yes, use an Apex.

thg, yes, I plan to use one Galileo on 2 T3 (both go to my ASR integrated amp). As far as IC goes, since I have integrated amp, I only need IC between source to integrated amp to go along with Apex speaker cables. In this case, should I stick with Apex?

I saw that (Enigma). My guess is that he's selling it for Galileo MPC's.

FWIW there is an enigma for sale here on a'gon. Just search the classifieds for synergistic or for enigma. If I only had the money.

Suteetat, bear in mind that the Galileos have two leads. This means that each one can charge two power cords. Just don't use one on both a power cord and an interconnect. I managed to do this on the D3 digital cord and a power cord. It is a no no.

At SR's recommendation, I use the Precision Reference rather than Apex between my line stage and amp. I did try Apex there, and they were right. It is quicker but lacks the depth of soundstage of the Apex.

I replaced IC between my DA Converter and integrated amp with Accelerators am using accelerator speaker cables and T3 power cords on DAC, integrated amps over a year ago. I eventually replaced IC between my DA converter/integrated amp with Apex IC and I could not be happier.
Using T3 on my DAC may be a bit overkilled but I happened to come across used one locally at a very good price so I could not let it pass :)
Anyhow, so I recently ordered Apex speaker cables with Galileo MPC and could not wait to try them out.

Eventually I think I will still need to replace my IC between my phono and integrated amp which is still the Accelerator.

A few questions I have, for possible future upgrade, if I want to add more Galileo, it would make most sense for me to do the T3 power cords to my integrated amp first as that would affect the entire system whether I am using digital or analog. Right now MPCs are just plugged into regular strips but look like everyone seems to recommend using QLS.

As far as mix and match IC/speaker cables, since I am using integrated amp (ASR) with Apex speaker cables, for phono preamp, should I stick with Apex? What would I be giving up if I go with Precision Reference?

I have none, Bacardi. I think, Ted Denney might, however. All I can say is to try in different locations.

I have ordered a Galileo double lead mpc and should receive by early next week. One question on placement in my 5 channel home theater system, without a powercell, placing it on my QLS 9 Precision AC power cord and the Quattro T2? Or my power amp T3 and the Pre amp T2???? Any suggestions???

Regards Bacardi

Dlcockrum, yours is my experience also. I do wish, however, that the Enigma II would come out allowing all SR cables to be charged from one location and one with a substantial power supply.

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.

OK, I got (3) Galileo MPC's last week. I'm keeping them and ordering (2) more to power my entire system's active shield using them. I'm opted not to buy a QLS-6 and use the bottom outlets on my powercell 10 SE. I'm trading in my Quattro towards the purchase. I will have a full review on A-gon site in a few weeks. Preliminary review, the volume seemed elevated and a greater sense of air and clarity with less darkness and congestion with 3 installed on Powercell, interconnects and speaker cables. The remaining (2) will go on the rest of my power cords and Rel Spec interconnect.

To find an available outlet, I used an old MPC to drive one SR power cord and also my SR D3 digital cord. You don't want to do that! Now it drives two SR power cords and the D3 has its own charger.

This impact of cable chargers just amazes me.

Bacardi, No I still have them. Too bad Synergistic doesnt offer a trade in program.

Ozzy. THX for your help. Did you trade your old MPC's for your new Galileo's???

Regards PAUL

Bacardi, If most of your components are plugged into the QLS9 then I would start there. If only your Mini couplers are plugged into your QLS9 then maybe that would be a good starting place, but also you Preamp since most of your components would be plugged into that.
Some say the interconnects on your highest quality source component. Others say speaker cables since all the music comes through them.

I am sure wherever you try it , it will be an instant improvement. Mine was.
We will probably end up buying several.

I would think if one would try the new Galileo MPC to put it on the starting end of the system(have no powercell) to the wall Teslaplex, like the T2 on my QLS 9. Or say my power amp Precision AC power cord to Teslaplex....Anyone agree?

Regards Bacardi

Hope someone here can help..... I have a SR Tesla Plex ( Euro schuko version) and wondering where I can buy a wall socket back box and front plate to fit it as I live in the UK.
I'm currently using a plug adaptor to use the Euro Tesla precision power cable for the Powercell 10SE to the wall. Although I can plug the euro precision PC directly to the UK 3 pin socket with just the L & N connected but worry not having a earth contact might cause something bad to happen.

Lastly, what are your thoughts on the Tesla Plex?

Thanks in advance.

Tbg, I have 3 Galileo MPC's on the way. Are these recommended to be used on all active shields and also power cables? Are you using a Quattro or QLS with a Tesla power cord to run the active shields?

Tonight I added a fourth Galileo MPC to my system. The first three were: 1) on the PowerCell; 2) on the dac to preamp Apex ics; and 3) on the Apex speaker wires. The fourth went on the Precision Reference ics between the preamp and amp. I merely removed the old MPC and installed the Galileo MPC.

Immediately, I heard a soundstage that was better defined, deeper, and strangely the sound was louder. Nothing else changed! I would like to hear a $15 wallwart do this!

I meant nothing snide about Der's hearing only that if he could not hear the impact on his system, I thought that was unfortunate.

Dave-b,
What you're doing here is high-jacking a thread started by loyal followers of the new SR cable products. If the cables didn't work for you, so what! Let the guys who own and enjoy these SR products enjoy their camaraderie. Maybe you could start a thread with the title, " Hi, I'm Dave_b, and I love my Morrow cables". Then your fellow owners/users can revel in your new-found cable experience. I have never heard the new SR cables and other accessories in my system, so I can't make a subjective judgement. I think that the SR owner, Ted, has posted a while back that he admits that his web site is lacking in certain information as well as some of his new products.

Had to mention, I just read a review of the Apex cables where the reviewer compared them to? Other SR cables. Oh, then they were challenged by the reviewers DIY cables..Oooh Ahhh :=) It's just unfair I tell ya!

TBG, fair enough, apart from your characterization of my remarks as snide, which I reject, and your insinuations regarding my hearing, which are unsupportable and, ironically, snide. And also with with the understandng that it is YOU that cannot credit my remarks, and that you are only inadvertently saying that your view is ubiquitous. Hmmm. Now it seems that nothing in your post was fair enough. So I take that back.

But I have nothing new to say on the merits, so I'm outta here.

My head hurts just thinking about SR speak...no thanks, I've demo'd them enough to know they are not for me. Happy trails:O)

Dave_b and Der, I'm afraid one cannot give in credibility to your snide remarks. If you cannot hear the benefits, I'm sorry!

Bacardi, perhaps Ted will answer your question. I have only used them on the PowerCell, speaker wires, and interconnects.

If one was to audition a Galileo MPC without a Power cell in the system, where would the best placement be for it? I have all Tesla.
T3 - Quattro
T2 - Pre processor
T2 - Dvd/Blue Ray
Precision AC - Power Amp
T2 - QLS 9
T3 - Subwoofer
Regards Bacardi

Voodoo as opposed to? Like what exactly? The first mega power cord success- The Synergistic AC Master Coupler? The first active cables back in the late 90’s? X Series? X2? Synergistic Research has NEVER been like other cable companies, never, ever. When other companies trot out more expensive versions of the same design or cable geometry with bigger and better, or more expensive materials as the dividing line, SR stresses system compatibility and careful cable system matching. They have never to my knowledge posted measurements, detailed geometries, or sold the line that their most expensive cables are best for all systems. They have always stressed synergy and matching their cables to your system before making up your mind.

The problem with taking the stance that SR cables or technologies are hokus pokus is the fact it flies in the face of the facts. Simply put their different cables and technologies are demonstrable. Take Active Shielding for example. Listen to a system cabled with Active Synergistic Research cables and then turn off the Active Shielding- do you hear a difference? Now listen to that same system but this time with the new Galileo MPC’s. Again do you hear a difference? Try comparing their old X Series or X2 cables to the new Tesla Series, do you hear a difference? Which cable do you prefer? Which is the better value? Compare the Accelerator to their previous top of the line Designers Reference and Absolute Reference; when was the last time a cable manufacturer released a new line of cables that out performed their old line of cables, at half the cost? Quantum Tunneling a myth? Really? Listen to their rather plain looking Teslaplex and tell me Quantum Tunneling is not a revelation. Now compare the Teslaplex to much more expensive audio jewelry duplexes on the market, which duplex do you prefer? Which has the bigger soundstage? Which is more transparent? More dynamic? The fact you can compare any SR product to any product you may consider BEFORE you buy allows you to make up your mind based on what sounds best to YOU and this speaks volumes.

How about system-cable matching? Have you ever compared an Acoustic Reference IC to an Accelerator IC between your CD player and pre-amp? Did they sound alike? Which would you prefer in a system that has a warmer balance? Which would you prefer in a system that has a leaner balance? Would your choice be based on the interconnect that has the most expensive price tag or would it be based on which cable sounds best to you, in your system? How about power cords? Does the most expensive Tesla power cord automatically sound best when run throughout a system, or do you match different Tesla power cords that complement your different components? How many cable companies (other then Synergistic) routinely try and talk you OUT of buying their most expensive models?

I have had many, many different systems over the years cabled by an even wider array of cables. All have been different- tubes, solid-state, class A, class AB, class D, analogue, digital, single-ended, balanced, you name it and I’ve tried/owned it and I’ve cabled them with as many different types of cables from as many different manufacturers. All have allowed me to experience music in different ways, some showing me one part of a recording, say inner detail and air, while others illuminated warmth with rich harmonic structure. Some grabbed my attention with earth shattering dynamics while others seduced me with subtle, before hidden detail and nuance. The problem is I have always wanted to have it ALL. Inner detail, dynamics, precise imaging, massive soundstages, black backgrounds, air, layering and on. So I would build one system, fall in love for a time and then be tempted when I caught a whiff of another with a new charm that my then current system failed to deliver. All this changed when I went with SR Tesla cables; I’d had their X Series in the past and they were very good in some respects but lacking in others so I went elsewhere until I tried Tesla. The more Tesla cables I added to my system, the closer I got to my ideal- the absolute sound I had been striving for. Then as I added Tesla power cords. The picture came into clearer and more vivid focus until every last cable in my system was Active Tesla. I later added a PowerCell 10SE and this was as big a revelation as my original journey to the Tesla series cables had been in the first place. Now I’m experimenting with their new Galileo MPC’s and the Teslaplex and my system continues to improve.

For me Synergistic Research has been the end of one road, and the beginning of a new appreciation and love for music. Judging from the size and scope of this tread I’d say I’m not alone.

I also looked deeply into the SR website and the info is slim to none, unlike say a Cardas site (they even compare all alternative geometries). This is Voodoo folks and has taken the path of the mystics vs SR's previous attempts.

"The MPCs output dc not ac."

24V, 300mA on the ones I've looked at. Perhaps others are different voltage or current, but all one needs to do is peel the sticker back and look. But in any case replacements are cheap unless one insists on buying one with the Synergistic sticker affixed at the so-called factory.

"as for what the cables are made of.... that info is on their website".

Nah. Searching their website for actual information buried in the vacuous drivel is a hilarious excercise in futility. The only words they use to describe materials are "PMC Silver" and "Silver Matrix". I suppose we know that there is some silver in there, but what of purity? Gauge? Stranded? Solid? Ribbon? Other metals in the "Matrix"? We don't know. Regarding geometry, "Tricon" and "Acoustic" is all they tell us. What in the world is a Tricon? An "Acoustic" geometry? C'mon. To boot, they give us no information at all concerning electrical properties (e.g., impedance, capacitance, inductance).

But ya gotta love the video of the mad scientist turning the knob on the box while the little blue arc zaps the cable. Muahhhahahahahahahah!!!!!

Der, You should sell them and keep your principle.

I have schuko plugs, so I had the possibility to experiment with polarity of both the cable itself as well as the MPC. Unfortunately, that was not conclusive. Presently, I lean towards Tbg's idea concerning DC. I'll try one more thing: unplug every other electric appliance in the apartment. Meanwhile, I'll also contact SR directly.
Thanks for your input, guys.

Actually Der.... plugging in the MPC right side up is a matter of polarity... and as for what the cables are made of.... that info is on their website.

The MPCs output dc not ac.

Of course. With the pyramid upside down, standing there on its little point, the shielding is sure to become unstable, eventually toppling over and ending up, oh, I'd say about 120 degrees out of phase. I would not expect a hum, though. Maybe a little THUNK when the pyramid topples onto is side.

These cables are excellent in my system, but I think it is coincidence...I just cannot believe in their "technology". Not since they began selling those little teacups, using tubes to power the little blue lights, allegedly zapping things with a gadget from a spooky movie, and invoking "quantum tunneling" (I do indeed know what that is, and I assure you it isn't happening), all the while saying nothing at all about how their cables are configured or what they might be made of. I guess I need to forgive myself for being stooged and sell them as a matter of principle.

Der, If the MPC is installed upside down, it will affect the active shielding. Not sure if that would make it humm though.

Karelfd, the wall wart in the MPC is just a garden variety 300mA 24V transformer that you can buy for about $15 online. I've had a couple of them burn out, and after once buying the real deal replacement for an idiotic price, I just replace them by cutting the wire and splicing in a new transformer. So, perhaps you can try a replacement transformer and see if that stops the noise.

I don't think the little pyramid sticker has an audible effect on the sound!

Karelfd, I suspect that you have dc on your ac line.

Karelfd, You need to contact Synergistic. I am sure they will help you.