I just bought Synergistic Research's new Tesla Accelerator speaker cables and Tesla Vortec interconnects from The Cable Company. I have tried many demo cables from The Cable Company over the past year. These were the first to give me that WOW factor I been looking for so long.
Does anyone have these cables and can you please post your impressions and comments? Thanks.
T-3 UHC is a higher current version of the T-3 used on SR's new Powercells. Very nice fit from wall to power conditioner in my system - no loss of clarity, air or high frequency extension. Also, not fatiguing. Excellent suggestion by my dealer.
Rydenfan, One other thing-let the T3 sit on your power amp for at least 96 hours with the amp turned "on" the entire time. The T3 will open up, smooth out, and deliver the goods like your other Tesla cable.
T3=fatiguing? I find the T3 to be on the warm and fuzzy side of neutrality; a little tuby and bloomy. The interesting thing to note here is the power conditioner in common between both foster and Joeyboy. IMO the PS Audio regenerator power conditioners (it's really just a solid-state power amplifier that puts out one voltage at one frequency) has a fatiguing sound to begin with. The fact is all Tesla cables are transparent-that is to say they play to a systems strengths by allowing those strengths to come shining through-most systems do not need a band-aid to sound their best. I do not find Tesla to cover my system in a thick warm blanket nor do they play to a systems weakness buy trying to mask aspects of a system. Personally I'd rather plug the Tesla PC's directly into the wall and bypass the line conditioner all together but that's just me.
What is the T3 UHC? Is this a new version of the T3?
I agree with Foster about the T3 on the power conditioner and I thought it was too constricting and my system lost a lot of clarity, air and high frequency extension. And the system was TOO fast and fatiguing. It worked best on a preamp, integrated amp, amp and subwoofer.
Rydenfan, dont be dis-hearted, the T3 is a wonderful cable when used in the correct position in your system. The PC's sound better and better as you add more and match the correct cable to your component. But you should demo one of each.
Well, I'm dipping my toes in the Synergistic waters very tentatively. I've recently replaced my entire analogue front end, phono-stage, turntable and arms.
I've consistently shortchanged cables and am now looking at that area as I've pretty well nailed the rest of my system for the foreseeable future.
Anyway, thought I'd start with a T2 power cord on my Tron phono-stage. After that, (assuming I'm pleased), I'm not sure what to do next? More power cords, interconnects, speaker cables? Anyway, should have it in a week or so and I'll see if it provides any noticeable impact. Thanks everyone for all of the great info in this thread.
Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but I've been "Listening to The Music". VD cords replaced were Genesis IC from CD to preamp(Apex Tesla), Genesis PC from conditioner to CD(Hologam-D), Revelation PC from conditioner to Preamp(T-2), Revelation PC from wall to conditioner (T-3 UHC), Revelation IC from tuner to preamp(Apex Tesla), Revelation PC/Elrod Statement(used Stmt, then Rev) from conditioner to amp(Hologram-A). Also replaced Nirvana SX Ltd ICs betw amp and pre with Precision Reference.
Note- I still have bi-wire Revelations on my speakers, with new Apex Tesla speaker cables due at the end of the week. I will see which I like better. Also, Rick S. and I have had several discussions about this and are still friends - he understands why I changed cables and was a real gentleman about the whole situation.
FWIW - Its as though the proverbial "veil" has been lifted, altho 2-3 veils is probably more accurate at this point. The Vr7s are now pretty broken in and so the total combination with my VAC 300.1 is pretty special(at least according to my neighbor).
If the soundstage is wider than my speakers, that is the way I hear it and I can make out all the instruments on stage. I also have more depth to the music. Although I have lost some of the VD energy and sizzle, at this point in my system's evolution, its a price I'm willing to pay for the heightened realism, and palpability as well as the veilage elimination. I mostly listen to acoustic studio recordings, jazz, blues, progressive and alt. rock, new age, big band and some country. No rap, opera nor classical at this point, (although I might try some classical now that my system is finally so much more resolving).
These are just my opinions based on my ears and my system - there definitely appears to be a synergy between VAC/VS/SR. Curious if other VAC/Von Schweickert owners have heard the same w/SR cabling?
Rydenfan, my experience auditioning a T3 was mixed. Initially I tried it on my Blue Circle BMPH integrated. After a very extended settling in period where I liked it a lot, then didn't like it as much, I tried it on my PS Premier where a similar experience occurred. Ultimately, I ended up sending it back to the dealer without purchasing. With the T3 connected to the Premier, my system became very fatiguing to the point of painful. This is how I know there was no synergy in that config. As soon as I removed the T3 from the Premier and replaced it with a different cord, the fatigue was gone. I must say that I never experienced that level of fatigue before. The performance of the T3 will be system and component dependent like most cables, but I'm sure for some it will be a nice addition, just not in my setup.
I will be ordering a T3 today for my McCormack DNA-500 Amp. I have Tesla Accelerator Bi-Wire Speaker Cables. I am looking forward to seeing what the T3 will add. Any thoughts?
Synergistic does burn in all my cables upon request for 4 days prior to shipping on their cable cooker. This is in addition to Quantum tunneling. I also let them burn in for a few days to settle in on the component.
I believe that upon request SRC will further condition power cords using a Cable Cooker prior to shipping.
Mine had no prior conditioning... I threw it into the system and listened to it getting better everyday. AND I must say it was very good after the first 2-3 hours of playing music.
After coming off the Cable Cooker, give it a couple of days to settle-in.
My early posting should have included that the Hologram D went straight to my Audiodharma Cable Cooker. Since Synergistic uses such an intense method of conditioning ( Quatum tunneling), is Cable Cooking the Tesla cables even nessesary ?
Pulled the trigger last week on SR Tesla cables to replace my VD cables. Installed into system (except speaker cables) this afternoon and by this evening my system is sounding better, by a large margin, than it ever has. A neighbor who knows my system well came over to hear this change and was speechless at the new level of musicality. After only a few hours, I am getting much better imaging, transparency, layering and musicality than before and these cables are nowhere near broken in. I continue to be impressed and I'm sure when the speaker cables arrive, hopefully next week, my system will continue to improve. Its really neat to finally be able to hear the music the way it was intended to be heard.
My experience with the Hologram D has been that the frequency extremes are handled in a way that gives one the feeling that your amp has unlimited headroom... top and bottom. Every cord prior to this had some region that tended to be emphasized over the others... and most often, as you suggested, suppressing the upper frequencies.
A slight emphasis on mid-bass was something I thought was brought on by my room, but it turned out to be the previous cord to the cdp. The Hologram D provides a more balanced, top to bottom response... and completely free of grain with the typical Tesla dead quiet background.
Another thing that impresses me is the amount of detail and nuance that can be heard at the frequency extremes. Somehow the cord does this without overly sharpening the focus. If the top end in your system is sweet, then it stays that way, but with much more information. No digital glare, no digital fatigue.
Don't mean to butt in, I'm just very enthusiastic about having discovered the Tesla line. I'm in all the way.
Leica man, thanks for the help. How would you descibe the frequency extremes with the Hologram D ? I ask this because many cable designers control digital nasties by suppressing the upper frequencies.
Combining Precision AC and Hologram Power Cords in SOTA Systems
Our lead designer Ted Denney on design considerations that went into voicing the Hologram and Precision Series power cords.
"I designed the Hologram A and Precision AC cords as counterparts to my Hologram D. Used together they form a flexible power cord system that will complement a wide variety of components and acoustics. The Hologram D is a no compromise power cord for digital sources that presents resolution and ambient retrieval with a natural non-fatiguing analog sound and as such is the corner stone to my ultra high end power cord system.
Like many of my fellow audiophiles, I love the sound of analog playback and strive for the resolution and holographic presence I get from top-flight turntables, tonearms, and cartridges, when listening to digital playback. Sadly, most digital front ends are compromised by power cords and digital cables that sound either overly warm and hence veiled and spatially compressed, or thin and clinical lacking harmonic texture and presence.
I designed my Hologram D to enable digital sources to present detail in an enormous sound field that is liquid with abundant texture and layering. The Hologram D excels in illuminating the boundaries of a sound field by allowing a recording's natural air and layering to come shining through in a decidedly non-digital way.
To create balance between my different power cords start with Hologram A or T3 on your preamplifier, with Hologram D on your digital components. Lastly, compare Hologram A to Precision AC on your amplifier. While Precision AC is engineered and voiced to excel in pin-point imaging, Hologram A is engineered and voiced to combine pin-point imaging with harmonic richness and fluid illumination of a sound fields boundaries. The final choice between Precision AC and Hologram A on your amplifier will depend on your components, listening room, and personal taste, and when you make this decision a system wide synergy is created."
Leica man, there is nothing under Hologram D. It says, "under construction". Been that way for a long time. I went ahead and ordered the power cable anyway based on the great sound I am getting from my system with the Tesla Apex interconnect .
Thought I'd add to the discussion as I just took delivery of a Tesla PowerCell 10 line conditioner and the break-in seems to be very similar to the cables... especially the power cords. Since it uses a quasi active field to condition the a/c it uses a MPC as well (with a much more flexible cable coupled with a slightly different connector). In addition it is Quantum Tunneled with a cable they call "the octopus" (all 10 outlets tunneled at the same time).
Sound-wise the PowerCell seems to be going through the same phasey ups and downs as the cables, but not unlistenable. Already the background is amazingly more quiet than ever before, allowing much more detail to come forth. It's interesting in that resolution is taken up a few more notches because the soundfield is so much quieter, NOT because voices and instruments are more sharply delineated. This seems to be one of the trademarks of the Tesla line in general in that it allows the aspects of ones gear that are positive to shine through even better. If you have a tube amp or hybrid, those qualities that led you to that particular amp are more fully realized with Tesla cables and now the PowerCell.
The PowerCell is an absolute no brainer. I would say to if one was wondering where to start with the Tesla line, then a T3 combined with a PowerCell 10 or 6 is where you should start. I believe SR is offering a packaged deal with a 5ft. T3.
I'll probably be running an extension cord off the fridge for a couple weeks to speed up the break-in.
Huge sound field but you'll need other Tesla power cords down the line to fill in the inner detail. This pretty much mirrors what is on SR's website (Their on-line listening notes are like a bottle of wine with accurate tasting notes : )
A lot has been written regarding break in for Tesla. Personally I find they require at least 96 hours before they start to open up and smooth out. After that it's a 300 hour voyage of discovery.
Here's a link to the subject: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1174928602&read&keyw&zztesla+apex
TOLD YOU SO a year ago: (T.A.S) Cable of the Year -- Synergistic Tesla Accelerators
Teslaphiles and other truth seekers..... well -- hate to say but the Audio Authority (T.A.S) has validated everything I've been prechin' for the past year: Teslas rule! Of all the cable out there they choose this line as Cable of the Year. The other cable chosen: Tara Labs AT 10 TIMES THE PRICE! Sure.
Update: over the past 6 months I've upgraded most of my cables up the Tesla line. Right now as I type this Sade is 6 ft out into my room...and the soundstage extends well beyound my side and rear walls...really amazing. I attribute some of this to the new power cords of which I've sold off all my old stuff to buy all Teslas. I've also upgraded to Acoustic Reference speaker cables and moving up to Precision Reference ic's. Fellow Teslaphiles, listen up -- I won't steer you wrong! Just had to chime in since it's been a while to say: TOLD YA' SO.
Ozzy, I thought the same thing. In fact, I took one cable and started to take back the plastic coating to see what it would take for me to replace it. Well, it seem hard to roll the coating back and replace. You would have to tear off the heat shrink and reshrink it.
Leica, Joeyboynj...
I will have to take your advice. That sounds like a good Idea to try. I did have the active shielding on for a week before shutting it off last night and it was completely holographic though I have done a million other things. I am putting the house on the market and doing to many things to the system right now to ever make a solid comparison of leaving everything on. I have an ead 8300 amp and it gets way hot so I guess I could only leave the processor on. PROBLEM though. My processor turns on the amp so if my processor is always on then my amp is always on. I don't think my wife would get into getting up and walking to the walk in closet to turn the amp on manually to watch tv.
I do turn my system on 2 or 3 hours on the weekend before I will go in there. Do you guys know where the magic is before the cables really kick in. In other words, if the cables and such sound 75% at the 3 hour point thats not bad. Or is it days before they can get up to that high or higher?
Wow, lets see...75,000 hours (at 24/7 usage) means that within a little more than 8 years (or perhaps sooner), the Active Shielding will not work. Evidently the LED is the active shielding.
8 years can be an eternity in changes within the High end Audio Industry.
Questions How much does it cost to have the LED's replaced ? Will the technology at Synergistic be the same in 8 years to update the repair of the LED? Will you be able to sell them used after 5 years since buyers will know they will fail in a couple of years? Will Synergistic even be around in 8 years?
With the cost of the cables for a whole system using Apex, Hologram A and D approaching $10,000+ one needs to really evaluate the value in these cables.
Its too bad the cables dont have a user replacement LED, so you could just have on hand extra LED's.
Freemand, I leave my active shields on all the time. My system collapses when I turn the active shield off and it takes too many hours for that big soundstage and black background to return. I dont have time to wait, since I have a busy schedule most of the time. Freemand, If you have time, can you experiment with leaving the shield system on for a week vs. turning the shield on and off? I know I hear a difference in my system.
Ted, can you just switch the Enigma into solid state mode instead of turning off the active shield when the system is not being used? Or is the tube still engaged while in all solid state mode on the Enigma?
Freemand, You turn your processor off? Wow! I leave my entire system on 24/7-especially the Digital and pre-amp. About the only equipment I would ever turn off are tubes and amps that operate in Class A. This makes such a HUGE difference that I can't imagine ever doing otherwise. I guess since your system goes dark, both literally and figuratively, you may as well turn the active shielding off too. I mean what's the difference right? OTOH why don't you try leaving your entire system on for one week and report back? I'll bet you won't be the only one surprised by the results : )
Leica man, If I where to leave my active shielding on a week to get best results then I realize to stay consistant, I need to leave my solid state stuff on for about a week before its at 100%.
I have read and some say that solid state (more so then tube) needs to be on a week before its sounding its best. Some audio letter just two weeks ago sent via the mail said that same thing. Perhaps some of you got the same newsletter. Never seen it before but it was a good read.
Therefore, why just go part way leaving on my active shielding when I don't leave my solid state on all the time and is robbed performance with just a two or so hour warm up.
As long as my processor and amp stay off, so do the cables! Good times...
>> If some are claiming the active shielding works best when on a week straight then I would rather lose a slight bit of performance<<
Freemand, I'm not too sure how "slight" the performance loss is but if makes you feel better then that's cool. Personally I leave mine on 24/7 however I think I'll turn them off for a night and give Ted's 12 hour "re-boot" a try. Has anyone else tried an extended power down on their active shielding?
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