Synergistic New Tesla Line...Any comments?

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to hear the Precision Reference AC’s on my Martin Logan CL’s. Being perfectly happy with the T3’s I figured that it would be an interesting comparison. They came along with a second Hologram A for my recent upgrade to Krell Mono’s. After listening to the Hologram for a couple weeks and being completely blown away with the improvement over the stock power cords I inserted the Precision reference cords, and then went hunting for two weeks.

Upon returning I warmed up the Krells, and sat down for some listening. First thoughts were very favorable; everything was sounding its usual great. I listened to my usual dozen favorite recordings Eva Cassidy, Mary Black, Sissel, [yea I like female vocals] I got really caught up in listening that I forgot that I was supposed to be critically listening.

I kept the PR’s in the system for about a week noting the complete lack of any glare on Eva’s ‘Fields of Gold” The drum intro on Mark Knopfler’s “Cannibals”, and the piano decay on Dr. John’s “Goodnight Irene” Again I keep getting distracted by the music. These are some great cables.

It is now ShowTime; I put the T3’s back and settle back into the sweet spot. Playing all the usual suspects I don’t think that I am missing anything. Toes are tapping along with my fingers, and the smile is on my face. Listening further I do detect a slight improvement in the very bottom end. And possibly a bit more air end extension at the very top end. Swapping them back and forth a few times confirms my initial thoughts.

It is now decision time, I think that that took longer than the audition. When the dust in my head cleared, I decided to keep the T3’s not that the PR is not a great cable but in my application {the speakers only draw 5 watts at full power] The T3 was my choice I went and got the stock cables that I had never used and once again I was blown away the sound collapsed. Top to bottom everything fell apart especially the sound stage.

Thanks to Synergistic Research and Scott Walker Audio for the opportunity to audition these cables.

Hi anyone tried the X4 or Vortex speaker cables, and combined them to others in the market that price range?

thanks

Keithr, you can assess each with no time on them or put all into a strip and break them all in before deciding which you want. Do you have the new Teslaplex mk II?

08-17-10: Glory
I am to wait for 200 hrs. to really hear the Plex, so I am told.

200 hours to burn in an outlet? How on earth can you attest to differences between outlets at such length---not like you are doing A/B testing.

Keith

Kevin,

I'm looking at my next upgrade. perhaps a powercell 4 for a simple system (cd transport -> dac -> integrated amp -> speakers) or the SR Acoustic Art Bass station and one Gravitron for the front wall. Both options about the same, cost wise.

Where I live in Europe, I can't demo to ascertain which of the above options is the better, hence my post here and interest in the powercell 4.

Dear Sir,
I was reading this thread and noticed Ted's comments concerning the newer products. I'm expecting the new Power Cell 4 tomorrow. I have been told it is about 75% of the 10SE.

If you have heard from any other Power Cell 4 users and have heard any feedback about the unit I would appreciate any evaluation information.

Regards

Kevin

Joeyboynj, thanks for the information.

Go to search Forums and enter Powercell 10 SE and many reviews come up.

Here is a good link:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?raccs&1235269101&read&keyw&zzpowercell=10=se

Enjoy!

Joeyboynj, I found your 2 system pages but I could not find your comments on the sonic improvements. No problem.

Sabai, sonic improvements have been discussed previously in this forum and on my system page. The improvements are not subtle and you should demo one from your dealer and you decide.

The Powercell 10 SE is still he best power conditioner I have ever tried in my system and I continue to use one in my main system. I'm selling an extra one I have. If everyone, MUST know. ;-)

Just one of better cables STEALTH very good as well.

Imagine how nice some of these systems could be if the owners spent money on components and not wires.

But a fool and his money are soon parted.

Joeyboynj, hard to believe you are selling your PowerCell 10SE since you have commented positively on the improvement when the Galileo MPC was added. Are you upgrading? By the way, what sonic improvements did you notice with the Galileo added to the PowerCell?

Ideally, put a dual Galileo on your Powercell. One to the powercell and other to the Powercells powercord for maximum quality.

Regards Bacardi

Yo2tup, Yes, the Galileo MPC is a must for the Powercell. It’s the first spot Ted recommends you put a Galileo MPC if you just have one.

RE: Migs I too would recommend the MiGs...especially when you consider the price. I own ceraballs (new and older versions), vibrapods, deadballs, rollerball jrs. with tungsten upgrage, and diy gingko platforms, and the SR MiGs were my hands down favorite.
The orientation does indeed change the presentation and involves some trial and error. It should be said that the pin-point position changes the focus but doesn't seem to make the music "bright." It should also be noted that the position of the MiGs under the components alters the presentation.
I like them so much that I have MiGS under all my components in my two channel system (amp, pre, cd, and power conditioner) and have moved the other vibration accessories to my home theater pieces.
Try one set if you don't like them send them back. Good luck!

Has any one tried a Galileo MPC with the PowerCell? Can you comment on the improvements heard over the standard MPC?

I installed new speaker cables and interconnects into my system. It's the Synergistic Research NEW Galileo universal speaker cells and interconnect cells. I installed the cells using the included Galileo Basik speaker cables and interconnects. Initial gains in a blacker background and even more separations of instruments, better low level listening because of the gain in resolution. There is a lot more detail and realness to the sound, instruments sound like the real thing and the soundstage was made wider and deeper. The midrange is not as holographic when compared to my previous Apex speaker cables but they have the same frequency extremes. I repeat, listening at lower levels is a complete joy as the details are all there. This alone is worth the price. The result of adding these cells to my system are not subtle changes in sound quality. The interconnect cells are a must companion to the speaker cells this increases system performance times two. The interconnect cells are so accurate and the tone is spot on for all brass instruments. These are keepers. I will soon experiment the cells with other Synergistic products. Probably when the new stuff comes out soon. These are a must try for anyone with their current cables even if they don't have any other Synergistic products.

The benefit of the SR Teslas is being charged. In my opinion, no top cable that is not charged can beat a charged cable in this world of RFI.

Pretty good there are better cables as well.

Thanks for the input Tbg. Have you had a chance to try the
Ultra SS feet under any components?

Glory, pardon me for my typo and thanks for exposing my brain
spasm. Your superior grammar skills are a valuable asset to this forum. However, I am exceedingly disappointed that you did not enlighten us on the etymology of weather vs whether.

Glory, I here what you are saying, but I think you are waisting your time.

Weather vs Whether
The words weather and whether have nothing in common other than their pronunciation, but English speakers are sometimes unsure which one to use. Find out whether you need to correct your spelling.


Weather

Weather is usually a noun:

How's the weather?

The weather is always great this time of year

What's the weather like in Spain?

Weather is also a verb that means "to be affected by the weather":

That house is really weathered

Figuratively, weather means "to get/live through":

I know we can weather this crisis


Whether

Whether is a conjunction that introduces possibilities or alternatives:

Do you know whether he is coming?

You'll do it whether you like it or not

Whether you win or lose, you'll have done your best


The Bottom Line

The words weather and whether are pronounced identically, hence the confusion in spelling. Just remember that whether is more or less interchangeable with "if," while weather indicates the temperature and atmospheric conditions.

I have miggs between my SVS PB13 Ultra subwoofer and my 1.5 inch thick custom Parkawood Platform with coned bearing feet and you talk about bass, my processor sub volume is -12 out of (-15|15). the volume on the sub is at it's detent half.

Miggs also under Powercell 10SE & Oppo SE. The amount of bass is very balanced as my 5 channel Paradigm Signature S1's have only 5.25 midrange drivers.

Regards Bacardi

Scottmac62, at the RMAF StillPoints unveiled their new Ultra SS feet. I have them under my speakers now in place of the StillPoints Component Stands and they are far superior. They use what they call "new technology" which seems a big improvement. While I thought very highly of their Component Stand and Rack, I never was impressed with the original feet.

"Relaxed" is not the right word for what the MIGs did to the highs in my system. A better word would be "released". No artificial "brightness". They in no way "increased" the amount of bass in my system, but merely let the bass that was always there come through in a cleaner, more organic manner.

The best thing to do is try them - everyone's system reacts differently to different additions and subtractions. There is really no other substitute and nobody but you will be able to tell what works for you. It will probably take a bit of experimenting with MIG positions - at least it did for me - before you find what works for you. As with the stillpoints, be sure to give them at least a few days to settle in before moving them. They may not work for you, but the only way to tell is to try them.

To be honest, I didn't think there would be any way they would outperform my Cerapucs. I was pleasantly surprised at being wrong. :-)

I too used the mix of Stillpoints and the Cerabase but I'm now all MIG'ed up. A friend who also used the Cerabase was not convinced in what I've told him about the Mig's so he brought them along and did a A/B in my system because I've already sold them and was he shocked in the result of the Mig's.

Fplanner, did you give the stillpoints at least 2 days to settle in? Did you also have the risers? When I first installed them under my dac the sound was thin and not even listenable for 2 days. This may have something to do with the fairly light weight of my Dac. I also have a second set
without the risers and they are not as nearly as effective.

So, are you also saying that the migs increase the amount
of bass in your system. After I added the Hologram A I ended up with a little too much bass for my room and the
stillpoints cleaned this up with more control.

Besides the bass question I really need to know what the
migs do for vocal timbres and weather or not the migs
relax the highs or tilt them towards brightness. Just the
one set of stillpoints with risers eliminated a lot of glare
in my system.

I also have a steel rack with thick glass shelves and for me, the MIGs killed the Stillpoints. It wasn't even close. More open, fuller sound from top to bottom. In my system, the Stillpoints opened up the highs and upper mids, but didn't touch the lows or lower mids, at least not to the extent of the MIGs. I use the MIGs under all my digital gear as well as the control unit of my preamp. If I had to quantify, in my system out of a possible 10, the order of effectiveness has been: MIGs- 9; Cerapucs- 7; Stillpoints- 5.

I have a question for all you teslaphiles.
I would like to know if any of you have compared
Stillpoints to the migs. I currently have a
plethora of SR products from the powercell se,
apex ic's, hologram A and D and the D2 with
a mix of G-mpcs. So, I am getting that wrap
around sound stage that others have talked about.

I recently picked up a set of Stillpoints with
risers placed under my dac and I am blown away by
the increase in harmonic richness combined with a
more infinite sense of depth with much more front to
back layering. I am amazed they accomplished better
sound staging while reducing glare and improving timbre.

I have more Stillpoints coming to experiment with, but
I would like to consider mixing migs and stillpoints.

I am sure this has been mentioned in this never ending
thread, but i would like to know if the migs tilt the
highs in any way.

I should also mention that my rack is a steel frame loaded
with lead shot with fairly thick glass shelves.

What is the common shelving(stand) or your preferred shelving(stand) for components with Synergistic Research Active series cords which would best utilize the technology of all the S.R products? All comments appreciated :):):)

THX

Regards Bacardi

Anyone try the S.R quantum tunneled HDMI? Anyone have anything to compare it to? I ordered a 3 meter to try out...thx...

Regards Bacardi

Glory, by the "stock" wires, I assume you mean the Basiks that come with them. Yes, I have used them as well as Precision Reference between my line stage and amp, Apex between both my preamp and the phono stage, Oppo player, and Weiss dacs. I have also used them with Townshend ics. In all of these cases I much prefer them with the Universal Cells. I will also say that the better cables continue to prove superior with the Universal Cells.

I will be adding the IC Cells to my Apex/PR wire in two weeks.

Has anyone tried different cables besides what come as stock wire jumpers with the Cells?

Before the year is out I will have the SC Cells to run with my Apex SC's and will complete the task of pulling the most out of the Tesla cables.

Does the Powercell 4 need a 20amp plug like the rest of the Powercells?

Joeyboynj, let us know how the TeslaplexSE sounds. I want to purchase two and a Large Migg set..

Regards Bacardi

I talked to Ted and he commented that the current Galileo cells being sold are the latest versions and there will be an option to purchase black circuits for them. I called The Cable Company and they are getting me two sets to try on my speaker and interconnect cells shortly. I'm also going to try a new Teslaplex SE outlet at the wall and the Basik Precision AC power cord on my HT system.

Ted, Will there be updates to Active Shielding Circuit on the current Galilieo Universal cells as well? I just bought them and have them for less than a month.

Joe and Bacardi- here is a break down on what was new at RMAF and what you can expect from SR for 2011. I’m proud to say that 15 new Synergistic Research products made their debut at this years RMAF.

1. PowerCell 4
2. TeslaPlex SE
3. BIG MiG's
4. G-07 IEC and wall plugs in both US and Shuko pin configurations
5. 8 New Tesla SE Power Cords- T1, T2, T3, T3 UHC, Precision AC Active, Hologram A, Hologram D
6. Precision AC basik Power Cord
7. Galileo Element- Silver

PowerCell 4:
The PowerCell 4 is based on an evolution of our now patented Electromagnetic Cell Technology. The PowerCell 4 is non current limiting, is not fused or switched for maximum transparency, and sold with a generic 14-gauge power cord that is Quantum Tunneled along with the PowerCell 4 during the Quantum Tunneling process. Listening impressions are based on either an Active TESLA T3 or Precision AC powering the PowerCell 4. Sonically the PowerCell 4 is highly detailed with a sweet treble and controlled low frequency presentation. Its sound staging is more pinpoint to the PowerCell 10 SE’s massive liquidity. Where the PowerCell 10 SE throws the larger and more liquid sound stage, the PowerCell 4 is articulate and able to throw a large and highly focused sound field. This difference is much like the difference between a TESLA Precision AC and a TESLA Hologram A or D power cord. Experienced SR users should know what I mean by this.

New TeslaPlex SE:
We have discontinued our popular TeslaPlex AC receptacles in favor of a new higher performance TeslaPlex made with higher-grade materials and of course our exclusive Quantum Tunneling process. The benefits over the old TeslaPlex are heard as a more powerful system, better image density- especially at the edges of a sound field and an overall increase in musicality and resolution. Timbre balance is neutral- the sound is not tilted to either the highs or lows so it should be compatible with a wide variety of systems. The price for the new TeslaPlex SE is the same as the original TeslaPlex ☺

BIG MiG’s:
Designed for speakers, power amplifiers and sub-woofers, BIG MiG’s are adapted from Acoustic ART bass resonator technology. They may also be used under any component in need of more powerful bass than standard MiG’s provide but remember, more is not always better, just more. Use BIG MiG’s in conjunction with standard MiG’s when balancing your system.

Synergistic Research G 07 Quantum Tunneled Wall Plug and IEC’s:
Our new Quantum Tunneled G 07 wall plugs and IEC’s utilize a 100% Gold signal-path from signal contact blades to termination blocks for signal and ground conductors. This allows the G 07 to really push the envelope with Gold delivering a light transparent warmth and Quantum Tunneling providing detail in a massive and liquid soundscape. The G 07’s balance is liquid, highly detailed, and musical. G 07 wall plugs and IEC’s will be made available to the DIY and OEM markets in early 2011.

New TESLA SE Power Cords:
In part these cables are an evolution of the original TESLA power cords with the addition of our new G-07 connectors, which replace Hubbell wall, and IEC connectors on our T Series and Precision AC power cords, and Oyaide P-079 and C-079 plugs on our Hologram power cords. Compared to the Hubbell’s, the G-07’s significantly improve performance through refinement and finesse- it really elevates T Series cords making them sound far more expensive then they really are. The Precision AC likewise benefits with a more relaxed and organic sound. On Holograms the benefits are heard as greater detail, air, and a wider and deeper sound stage. Whereas the original Holograms tended toward a liquid if slightly diffuse image outlines, the new Hologram SE’s terminated in G-07’s maintain the large and liquid sound field of original Holograms but with sharper image focus and enhanced resolution through a lower perceived noise floor. G-07’s represent a significant upgrade to the performance of Hologram A and D power cords.

The second evolution to TESLA SE Power Cords is actually a direct trickle down technology from our Galileo Research Program. In the past when voicing Active Shielding we built dozens of Active Shielding circuit variations to solder into different Active Cable models listening for the option that would compliment a wide variety of systems. Though these circuits are out-side-the-signal-path (they provide resistance for the DC on the Active Shield which is not connected to either signal or ground) never the less, these circuits have a significant impact on the overall sound and character of Synergistic Research Active Shielded Cables. At the two positive extremes (there are far more circuits with negative attributes that never make the cut) one circuit may sound transparent and thrilling with air and detail for days, while another circuit has a warm transparent glow reminiscent of exceptional vacuum tube electronics, and of course, there are hybrid Active Shielding circuits that embody both extremes. In the past we listened for hybrid circuits that would compliment as many components and systems as possible, and this meant trade offs.

During the voicing process for Galileo System Cables and Galileo Universal Cable Cells we came up with the idea of making the circuits external to the Galileo Cells so we could quickly change circuits without rebuilding cells every time we needed to experiment with a new circuit.

Fast-forward to the new TESLA SE Active Power Cords- the first Synergistic Research Active Cables that allow you to select the Active Shielding Circuit that best suits your system. You select between three different circuits- Black (warm and rich), Grey (hybrid of both Silver and Black circuits with positive attributes of both- these are the circuits we would have selected were the circuits to remain built into the cable) and a Silver Circuit (open, airy, detailed and hugely holographic). By allowing users the option of switching between Black, Grey, and Silver circuits, we take the compromise out of Active Shielding Circuit selection. Precision AC, Hologram A and Hologram D power cords come standard with all three circuits while T Series power cords come standard with the Grey Circuit with Black and Silver circuits offered at additional cost (for a limited time, we will be offering T Series power cords with all three circuits standard).

To connect the circuits we have built-in an additional pig-tales much like the pig-tale you use to connect an MPC power supply to power Active Shielding. The circuits themselves are housed in a machined aluminum billet with a faint blue LED at the end of each circuit to let you know Active Shielding is powered up and working properly. In addition to better performance and enhanced system matching, the external circuit makes it easy to repair a cable whose Active Shielding is on the fritz- simply return the circuit to Synergistic Research for replacement or repair while your cable stays in your system.

Precision AC basik:
A new entry-level power cord terminated with our new G 07 wall and IEC ends and Quantum Tunneled for detail and holographic performance. The Precision AC basik has a sonic balance similar to our Active Shielded TESLA SE Precision AC (the standard power cord on our PowerCell 10 SE) with an emphasis on precise image placement, strong dynamics, and PRAT. It will be interesting to see how this cable compares to other budget power cords on the market.

Galileo Element- Silver:
Yet another trickle down technology from our cost-no-object Galileo Research Program, these new interconnects are by far our highest resolution interconnects after the Galileo System IC’s. Design details include a pure silver signal conductor suspended in an Active Shielded Air Vacuum Dielectric and are terminated with Quantum Tunneled XHADOW RCA’s or XLR’s- just like their big brother the 25k Galileo System IC. Comparing TESLA Precision Reference IC to the new Galileo Element- Silver IC in the pre to power amplifier connection, the Galileo Universal sounds more open with finesse, greatly improved frequency extremes, in a more holographic soundscape. In fact when we replace our TESLA Precision Reference IC with just one pair of Galileo Element- Silver IC’s between pre amp and power amp in our otherwise 100% TESLA cabled factory reference system, sound staging expands dramatically with delicate information and bass lines that before went unnoticed. Combined with Galileo Universal Cells, the Galileo Element- Silver Interconnects come surprisingly close to our flagship Galileo System Interconnects. Galileo Element- Silver interconnects come standard with one Galileo MPC power supply for Active Shielding- our highest performance Active Shielding power supply. System compatibility is further enhanced with three external Active Shielding Circuits standard (Black, Grey, and Silver) so you can experiment with Active Shielding Circuits to better match your system.

We should have information for all 15 new products up on our website by the end of next week. I'll post a link to images of the new products and the external Active Shielding Circuits later this week as they become available.

Yours in music,
Ted Denney III
Lead Designer, Synergistic Research Inc.

Here is a link from RMAF:

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/rmaf2010/rmaf2010_tablog_synergistic_research.htm

Bacardi, I must admit that I failed to ask that question. I heard only a comparison on the pcs running the two PowerCell 4s. I also heard no costs for the new pcs.

Tbg, sounds promising. I still would like to hear the powercell 10SE next to the 4, if the 4 doesn't compare, that's alot to pay for 4 outlets and factory cord..Are the new PC cords part of Tesla line or higher up?

Regards Bacardi

I spent some rewarding time in the SR suite and heard the demonstration of the new PowerCell 4 for $1250. It was not compared with anything else but was demonstrated with and without charging. With was substantially superior.

Then there was a demonstration of the new power cables with the option of what resistance was on the charging. There was a substantial difference between the silver and black resistances.

Overall, even on the second day of the RMAF, their sound was one of the very best at the RMAF. I must admit that I payed little attention to other rooms using their cabling or room treatments.

To anyone that seen the Synergistic Research room at RMAF, please report in on what exactly you saw and heard. Maybe a little preview/review. Also, can you tell us what other rooms were using Synergistic products that were not related to Synergistic to show off their products.

Ted, if you like to explain all your new products or list what's new, that would be most welcome.

Thanks, Joe

any news on when the new AC cables will be released?

Airportsyndrome, I actually have them in pin-point configuration( 2 back one front) and noticed a difference in imaging mostly. It tightened the bass up and seems more controlled. The thing is I have a Hifi Pyon 1.5 inch thick Parkawood platform with resonance controlling feet with bearings and I put the migs under sub and top platform. I might try another set under platform and top carpet and take off feet.

Also I might switch to 2 migs in front / one back as the 13.5 driver and magnet weigh more than rear. My subs weight is 155lbs. Try lifting that yourself and place migs under(lol). Good thing I workout..

I think Ted D. mentioned larger miggs coming out ..

Regards Bacardi

Bacardi,

Was there a noticeable difference when you put the Mig's under your sub?

New ends and new power shield hook up. Called the SE. Same price as older AC wire.

Hey Glory. What's with the new AC cables?

Regards Bacardi