Hi L_M... well that review supports my point I made much earlier...
one serious listen to SR Tesla's and you are left fumbling and grasping for words...
("words, words as if all worlds were there" Robert Creeley)
to describe the experience of finally hearing recorded music... transcendent through Teslas... as virtually live...
|
Teslaphiles- not sure how long this has been up but there's a killer review on the Tesla cables over at 6 Moons and it pretty much sums what we've been writing about all year. Also it has information on the new Enigma tube power supply for Active Shielding- that thing seems cool as hell. God help me I want one! : )
http://sixmoons.com/audioreviews/synergistic/tesla.html |
Elinor... I agree...
with an opportunity available like the Cable Company, I cannot imagine anyone selecting (much less buying) cables without having lived with them for a few weeks...
and especially listening to the Tesla's against any other possibilities out there.
In my experience each cable in the Tesla line does something *significantly different*...
one line, such as the Accelerator or Acoustic Reference, may not work for you, but another probably will surprise you into the recognition of the possibilities within your system...
and you will know right away... not in a few weeks...
my experience has been... if you like what you hear in the first hour or two, you'll like it in a few days/weeks, imho...
and if you don't like what you hear right away... you probably won't like it any better later...
these cables are very decisive and very interactive with other elements in the system... fun to experiment with because of the immediate recognition factor... happy listening! |
I heard a high quality system at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego last week with Tesla throughout the system. I have not cared for the speakers in this sytem until the Teslas were connected. These cables are indeed unique and once you have experienced them, it is tough to say that you will live without them. |
Tboooe and PC people...
I've just played two separate systems with T2 & T3 Tesla PCs for well over a week, and they are simply amazing...
yes, highly, highly system dependent... one of my systems likes the T2 and the other doesn't... another of my systems likes the T3 and the other doesn't... no matter... what those cords do is really remarkable... even when I don't like what I'm hearing (say putting the T3 on the digital sources vs putting it on the amp) I know someone else will like what they hear... these cords are that good... not only do they address a number of annoying issues... glare, harshness, flat dynamics, etc etc... but they bring so much more to the musical experience... borrow some from the Cable Company... experiment... I think you will be pleasantly astonished.
I know I was... put my order in today!
Happy listening |
i recently heard a system using all tesla line cables - ICs and PCs. the sound was excellent. and the construction of these cables is up there with the best i have ever seen. |
istanbulu, I will definitely keep you updated via personal email as I audition these cables more. I am actually looking forward to taking them out of my system when I have to return them to the Cable Co. From my experience, I am most able to hear differences when a component is taken out of my system vs put in. |
Tbooe...
I agree with your sense of vertical layering in the sound stage. I had the same experience/observations/conclusions when I listened to Ted's system at SR a couple of weekends ago.
As you wrote,
>>the SR cords tend to create a vertical layering of the sound. For example, I hear the vocals on one level while hearing the guitars a foot or two below. Interesting.<<
What interests me both in this thread's users of Tesla cables and my own experiences with Ted's engineering and products is how some aspects of synesthesia seem to be occurring, recurring, and remarked upon...
"...I teach my eyes to hear, my ears to see..." (Roethke)
I find this convergence of senses fascinating... this is not surpising in live performance (because it's there in front of us), but this increasingly visual interaction of the auditory experience in recorded reproduction in two channel through SR cables does surprise me ...
(ramble, ramble!)
some aspects of the imagination (the image-making portion of our mind)is at work here revealed in plain sight (as in "hidden in plain sight").
btw... nice people, Ted and Elliot... very kind and generous with their time and very patient and thoughtful with questions and comments.
I am very interested in your thoughts and evaluations of the Tesla PCs you are auditioning. |
>>I am having trouble finding words to convey my experience with these cables.<<
Silence is golden. |
Tbooe,
It's pretty cool listening to a singer not holding a guitar in front of their face isn’t it? –or- “your mean all instruments don’t line up ruler flat along the horizontal axis of our tweeters?” : )
When I first got my power cords from SR I plugged them in, and promptly unplugged them and daisy chained them to my Sub Zero- brrrrr. You've got to let them burn in before they open up and settle down.
I am still working on my review however in my system the new Tesla power cords exhibit the same traits as my Tesla interconnects and speaker cables. Holographic sound staging, timbreal accuracy, dramatic front to back, top to bottom, and side to side layering, air through the ceiling, transparency, non fatiguing natural detail, and a black background from which micro transients and minute inner detail spring forth where before I heard only low level noise.
From what I gather the Hologram D was engineered to work in conjunction with other Tesla power cords as a “system” and this was confirmed by an email exchange I had with SR, as well as their website. If you’re going to run Hologram D you may need to combine it with Hologram A or Precision AC or T3 on your amp, and T2 on your pre amp. These power cords seem to “balance” each other very well- especially at the upper end of the line. My take so far is that the Precision AC is the most pinpoint, the Hologram A sounding like a cross between a Precision AC and a Hologram D while adding warmth to my system, and T3 has a rich yet detailed presentation with a liquid sound field and a “round” quality to image placement. If you are not going to run the Hologram system, or if you’re not going to add other Tesla cables down the road, you may be better off running T3.
I donÂ’t want to give too much away from my review but the net result is unlike anything I have ever heard before. Just like Instanbulu, I am having trouble finding words to convey my experience with these cables. |
istanbulu, for my cdp, the Hologram D did indeed make a pretty big difference though I still evaluating. I am impressed with the soundstage width. My speakers have never disappeared more so than with these cables. The most impressive change though is how accurate they are. The sound is also much livelier. By this I mean that notes seem more well defined. Its like drawing something with a freshly sharpened pencil vs a crayon. The edges and note composition is so much more sharp and less "sloppy". I am concerned that this extra definition may lead to listening fatigue though. I need to keep listening. Don't get me wrong, upon initial listening the sound is very dynamic and engaging.
One thing I noticed when I was at SR listening to Ted's system as well as my own system is that the SR cords tend to create a vertical layering of the sound. For example, I hear the vocals on one level while hearing the guitars a foot or two below. Interesting. |
tboooe... the Precision Reference PC is feeding a McIntosh MC352 two channel amp...
I agree with joey's comments and evaluations made earlier today...
this Tesla stuff is the real deal...
the promise made by cable manufacturers decades ago has been realized by SR... nice work!
I'm tempted to check out the Hologram D on the CDP... |
Tboooe, thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately it isn't the case with LS-25. Stock cord does not sound bad at all, but the Shunyata Taipan Helix Alpha sounds a lot better on it. Don't forget, the LS-25 is about 3 generations back and 1 model down from REF3 so these 2 models can not really be compared at all. I'm not in a hurry to change anything in my system right now as everything is working together so well that I can not point out any shortcomings. I'm just enjoying the music. But I will try the new SR power cords anyway. Just to see what the buzz is all about and if they are better, then they'll replace whatever the power cords they beat in my system. |
audphile, you have the Audio Research LS-25 right? When I tried poewr cords on my Ref 3, I found that nothing worked better than the stock cords. Perhaps the LS-25 will behave in the same manner. Consider yourself lucky if it does! You dont have to spend money on expensive cords! |
istanbulu, what component are you using the Precision Ref pc in your system?
I agree with everyone so far about power cords on the amps, especially the Pass amps.
My next audition will be with cords on my amps (Precision Ref or Hologram A) and preamp (T2 or T3) |
Thanks Joey. I will give T2 and T3 a try. |
Hi Audphile1, I have tried the Hologram D on CDP and now have the T3 installed and burning in. I'm comparing the two to see what differences are. My review will come later this week. I'm not going to try the T2 on CDP.
The T2 and T3 work wonderful on preamp. The T3 will give about 20% more resolution than the T2. And is a little faster, warmer and has a slighty bigger soundstage. The T3 is an all around power cord.
Also, I agree with your amplifier comment. Power cords dont make much of a difference on some amps...including mine.
As for the Hologram D on CDP...Well, all the hype is true for this cable. It's in a class all it's own. This cable along with the Precision AC transformed my system into a high resolution system. I can hear the most subtle nuances that make the recordings sound even more real. This cable further enables my speakers to disappear. It eliminates all digital hash, revels micro details and the separation of instruments and voices are amazing. I can pinpoint all over the soundstage where each instrument or voice in coming from. I NEVER heard anything like it before. This cable does not emphasize any frequency range it is ruler flat. No bloated bass or shrillness in the treble. |
About the SR Tesla Precision Reference PC...
The existing vocabulary for describing the "pre and post Tesla experience" seems to pale before the actual experience of hearing music through these Tesla cables.
The Precision Ref PC on my system does all of the extraordinary and excellent things we have come to experience with SR Tesla... just stunning in many ways.
The imaging of the music as a result of the PR PC is like nothing I have experienced before... the change is direct and immediate and very positive...
it's quick, liquid (and at the same time: coherent and tight without smearing), detailed and very musical. In my experience usually musical and detailed and precise do not converge, but with the SR Tesla it does.
imho, "the problem" with SR's Tesla line, as well as the prototype power conditioner, and the Enigma is that an audiophile vocabulary that describes the Tesla audio experience doesn't seem to be available as yet, much less the comprehension of what "Tesla language" would communicate to those who haven't heard music through the line and related equipment.
Good listening to everyone! |
Thanks Tboooe and Joey. I should have indicated that I am mostly interested in T2 and T3, since the Hologram A and D are pretty much beyond what I am willing to spend on the power cord.
I may order T2 and T3 from Cable Company sometime after the holidays to try on my amp and preamp. I'll be surprised if either one makes any significant difference on my amp since this amp is one tough customer for power cords, as it is pretty immune to power cord changes, but we'll see. Joey, have you tried the T2 or T3 on your cd player? |
I have the whole line on loan from The Cable Company. The T1 and T2 are very very flexible. The T3 and Precision AC are easily manageable as well but not as flexible as the T1 & T2. The Holograms need to be muscled into place but worth the effort. These power cables are a amazing compliment to their speaker cables and interconnect lines. The T2 is an great value for what it does on my preamp. It easily beat cables in the $500-$1,500 range. These are the best power cables I have ever used. I will have a full review soon as well. |
audphile1, I have the Hologram D on loan from the Cable Co now and while they are not the stiffest cables I have ever tried, they are also not very flexible either. |
are these cords as flexible and light as Tesla speaker cables? |
Teslaphiles- the power cords are beyond my wildest dreams (and that's saying something). I am working on a full review and I have borrowed a few cables from friends and The Cable Co to put my findings in perspective. I should have my review completed by the middle of next week- stay tuned.
In the mean time I see Synergistic won an Audio Oasis Award from Positive Feedback while at RMAF. There's also a lot of good information on the upcoming Enigma Valve power supply for active shielding and the new line conditioner- do the guys at SR ever sleep?
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:qQn8-q4rouoJ:positive-feedback.com/Issue34/rmaf_dr2.htm+synergistic+research+rmaf&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=us |
I have Hologram Ds coming to use on my transport and dac. I would love to hear everyone's opinion of the other SR AC cords. |
I currently have on demo the Synergistic T2, T3, Precision AC and Hologram D power cables.
With the Precision AC installed it is like a blanket was lifted off my speakers. Unbelievable precision and clarity. I never heard anything like it before. It is simply breathtaking. It does give you that "you are there" experience.
I have the T2 on my Preamp. Not as big of a shock as putting the Precision AC on the power regenerator. I noticed increased bass and definition, more transparency and faster pace, nice midrange details but not too warm, really nice air around voices and focus of the soundstage.
I will review the others as well soon. |
Just a heads up- I am auditioning the new
Tesla Power cords. Currently in the mix are Hologram A's and D's along with T2's and T3's. They are currently breaking in powering the firdge and will be going into the system in 48 hours- I can't wait.
Stay tuned |
Leica_man,
Right now, I'm listening to an antique amp'd system w/ monobloc tube amps being fed by a pair of single ended SR Tesla Acoustic Reference ICs... the rest of the cabling is Kubala-Sosna Fascination XLRs from the cdp to the preamp and Fascination SCs to the Tannoy DC3s...
and I have never heard this system sound as good as it does today.
I've fed it the early Dave Matthews and John Mayer albums with results of astonishing listen-ability and depth.
The whole experience, regardless of music genre, is very, very suprising in a very positive way. I'm looking forward to putting SR Acoustic Reference SCs on it later this week.
IMHO skepticsim about audiophile equipment and especially the cabling aspect of audio-philia is always a smart thing, but trying the SR Teslas is even smarter.
My advice: borrow them from the CC, hook them up to your system putting the active shielding plugs at the source-point, attach the active shielding MPCs, plug them in observing polarity, leave them plugged in, play them over several days, do not move them, touch them, screw with them in any way, and within a week you will hear remarkable things.
All the best to everyone,
Ed |
OK, no problem here. Most of us are all here to learn and post our experiences. Thanks for your input. Let's move on... |
10-02-07: Joeyboynj
Audphile1, I dont need to answer your questions... Joey, you already did. I actually don't know why you got so bent out of shape. I obviously struck your nerve with my comments. It is unclear to me how you figured that my comments were directed personally at you. That wasn't my intention. Peace man. |
Audphile1, I dont need to answer your questions. They all have been answered by previous posts.
Looks like I'm having pancakes tonight...again. ;-) FUN! |
I am sure they get better and better when you go up the line. And their Reference should be better.
That's logical. If that wasn't the case, they'd be worthless. I often recommend Tesla Accelerators because I think they are good speaker cables for the money.
Joe, this thread doesn't bother me a bit.
I already explained how I see it.
You say you report your findings? Like what exactly?
That when you go up the model line the cables get better?
That's a discovery!
You obviously did not like my opinion. That's OK. Opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one.
I'm glad you found cables that work great in your system. Enjoy the music.
P.S.
Your last post proves my point. A one syrupy thread that apparently welcomes only positive opinions.
Knock yourself out! Have fun! |
Hifisoundguy, Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated! |
Audphile1,
The Tesla cables get better and better as you go up the line. The Accelerators are very good but the Reference line is even better. Much better. Also, better than any cable I have ever used. Members here are just confirming these findings on this thead. If you have tried the Tesla Reference line you would understand what we are talking about. I started this tread for Tesla cable users and for us to report our findings. If that bothers you, dont read the tread anymore. |
I doubt the poster "taking Tesla to the NEXT LEVEL" even has SR cables, unless he is using them on his Bose system- sheesh. As to Audiofell, if he wants to know which level, he can always audition Tesla cables in his own system, but of course that may pose a conflict of interest as he is a Stealth Audio distributor (cables).
And now to throw my hat into this ring (again), I just purchased a new turntable and it needed a phono cable so I auditioned a Hovland Music Groove II and a Synergistic Research Tricon Analog. It was no contest with the Synergistic cable being the clear winner. If anyone wants to read my review, it's over on the Analog board. And to throw salt into what for some may be a wound, SR has power cords coming out anytime now and I have no doubt they will be class leading. For many people who have, or are currently auditioning Tesla cables, it's clear what all the excitement is about, and for everyone else, I wonder what all the excitement is about if you get my meaning.
LM
link to Tesla Tricon Analog review:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1191003319&openflup&11&4#11 |
Tesla cables are good. I auditioned the Accelerator speaker cables in my system for several weeks(loaner from CableCo) and liked them, they were good cables especially for the money, but I ultimately purchased other brand cables. There are lots of good cables. SR cables are good but not the end of the world.
When I see a discussion get this sweet and syrupy where everyone is congratulating each other with the purchase of a product in subject, to me, this has no point as it completely looses the purpose and meaining of discussion from which any conclusions can be drawn.
So, Audiofeil, very good question. The only way to find an answer is to keep monitoring this thread. Apparently a new level of SR Tesla is revealed every month or so.
This is what happens here usually..... |
>>The 203 series feedback stabilizers from Dakiom take these Tesla series cables to the next LEVEL...<<
What level were they at and how many more levels are there?
Just curious. |
The 203 series feedback stabilizers from Dakiom take these Tesla series cables to the next LEVEL.........MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!! |
Along the lines of what Istanbulu states... as you move up the line - SR Tesla Apex from cdp to preamp, along with Precision Reference from preamp to amps are a recommended combination as well. |
Tboooe, LeicaMan... the combination of the SR Tesla's: The Acoustic Reference ICs between the cdp and the preamp, and the Acellerator ICs between the pre and the amp have finally made my day...
glare, granularity, brightness... banished.
And what is in place is a nicely dimensioned soundstage with marvelous midrange, etc etc... Finally! My upgraded speakers (which began this quest) sound great!
Thanks to everyone who suggested trying the SRs... well worth the time and trouble! |
711smilin, How are those new Synergistic power cords??? I see you are selling your Purist! ;-) |
Jafant, contact The Cable Company. They will demo the entire line if you like through the mail. |
Any dealers in the Southeast out there?
must carry complete line for demo / listening. |
Mctgood,
Great review. So you really liked the Tesla phono cable huh? I don't see anything about this on SR's website but since I'm getting ready to take the plunge into vinyl (again), I think I'll give it a try. How much does this cable cost- is it more expensive then the Hovland Music Groove 2? Anyone else have any experience with this new phono cable?
LM |
Hi Ed, I also went from Vortex, Accelerator, Acoustic Reference and now Apex on my CDP to PRE. I think you will really like the Acoustic R's on CDP. They are not bright at all. Very wide frequescy range, round and very nice midrange texture. I also preferred the Accelerator on the PRE to AMP with this cable. It compliments the A.R. with it's quickness and is neutral. Less warm than the Vortex.
Are you going to upgrade to Tesla speaker cables as well? They will also enhance the effects of the I/C's.
Good Luck and have fun...I did with my auditions from the Cable Company. They are the a great group. |
Tboooe, by next weekend I will have an opportunity to audition through the Cable Company (CC) a pair of XLR Acoustic Reference interconnnects (cdp to pre) against the CC borrowed Votex (cdp to pre) Acellerator (pre to amp) combination. I'll also try the Acoustic Ref (cdp to pre) and Acellerator (pre to amp) in combination as well.
To answer your question:
I upgraded my speakers, and the cdp suddenly was much too bright, granular, fatiguing, and sometimes harsh... "Treble Trouble."
I have Kubala and Sosna Fascination cables all the way around: SCs, ICs, & PCs, and previous to the speaker upgrade I was very satisfied.
But with the speaker upgrade, the link from cdp to pre (the pre is tube) was not desireable.
I tried the Kubala Expression to see if it addressed the issue: a little bit...
Leica_man here on Audiogon and the CC guy (Joe) recommended working my way up the SR interconnects, particularly the Tesla series... and it has been quite the revelation... greater and greater degrees of improvement in all respects... addressing the glare problem and so much more musciality that it's frankly astonishing!
:)
I'm freakin' because "rumor has it" the the new SR PCs are going to be killers at all price levels!
Well... if my budget is going to get "killed," it might as well be with a smile on my face!
Ed |
Hi Ed. I am hoping to get the Apex speaker cables soon. Once I evaluate this I will move on to interconnects. Sorry this is taking longer than expected. I got sidetracked auditioning some very good power cables. I will report back what I find. It is encouraging to hear your positive experiences with the entry model Teslas. Would you mind sharing what improvement you heard? What were your previous cables? Based on everything I have read, it sure seems like the Teslas are the real deal. |
Tboooe, did you audition the Acoustic Reference interconnects and what were your impressions?
I'm working my way up with help from the Cable Company; right now I'm with the Vortex and the Accelerators (in combo: CDP to Pre with Vortex, Pre to Amp with Accelerators) and liking what I'm hearing so far, so I am very interested in the ARs... thanks, and enjoy the music,
Ed |
I have really enjoyed this post, and have used it as a point of reference for my own system. I would like to share my own experiences, as they may help others as you all have helped me.
I have been searching for that interconnect and speaker cable that allowed my system to sound like some of the best I have heard, assuming that my components are up to snuff. After many trials, and a running relationship with John at the Cable Co. I have settled on the Tesla line. It started with my speaker cables...I had been through MIT Oracle, Acoustic Zen Double Barrel, Sunny Cable,Purists Audio Venustas, Zu Cable, and finally settled on Shunyata HELIX for the speed, sound staging, and tuneful bass....not the deepest bass, but it was very clean(?lean), voices were beautifully rendered, and a piano sounded like a piano..except the weight was lacking. the others were all exceptional in one area or another, but those hallmarks that I valued most were best displayed by the Shunyatas, until I heard the Synergistic Precision Ref speaker cable.
The speed is tremendous...you are able to hear the slightest change in tone, the lightest brush stroke of a cymbal, any inflection in a voice...dynamics seem to come at you in waves. The weight in the lower registers of a piano, in fact the presence of the instrument was now immmediately discernable..unncanny! Many of the other cables were musical, but these Synergistic cables began to relay the intent of the performer as well...more later on this. I demoed the Apex as well, but the Precision Ref fit best with my particular taste, being the most neutral of the bunch. I was happy with this until I read about the phono cable as listed above, as I too own a Hovland Music Groove 2. Needless to say, this is one special cable. The amount of information conveyed by these cables is unreal. EVERYTHING seems to get thru, and the background is so quiet..the music just explodes off the vinyl....really deep, taught bass, drum kits appear, horns ....you name it. I was almost ready to give up vinyl. Not willing to spend 30K plus on a super TT, now I don,t need too. These cables let you see/hear how good your system really is. To top it all off I am adding a set of Precision Ref cables from my phono preamp to my preamp. This is when the true intent of the performer that I alluded to earlier, and was hinted at by the speaker cables, began to become more readily apparent. I think it involves not only the significant detail (especially at the edges of the soundstage) that you are picking up, but the dynamic shadings during the performance by the artist....you have to hear it for yourself. There is so much more info in every way. Sorry to ramble on. I am looking forward to adding a set to my CD player and hearing the power cords when they are released.
System:
Usher Audio BE 20 speakers
Edge NL 12.1 Amp
DeHavilland Mercury 2 preamp
Bel Canto CD-1
Michell Orbe TT, SME 309 tonearm, Van denHul Colibri
47 Labs PhonoCube, run Dual Mono
BPT 3.5 Sig power conditioner |
joey, I am still trying to arrange a demo. I am also going to try the Apex speaker cables as well. I will keep you updated. |
Tboooe, have you tried the Precision Referecne speaker cable yet? I'm interested in your review. THANKS! |
