The TARA Labs Grandmaster Evolution Digital Interconnect uses a pair of RSC® Gen 3 Rectangular Solid Core® conductors.
In the AES/EBU format, the conductors are critically spaced to ensure an exacting 110 Ohm characteristic impedance; this is the AES/EBU format used with XLR connectors.
The RSC Gen 3 conductors are smaller than the Gen 2 version, and this provides a more extended bandwidth for the digital signal.
The TARA Labs Grandmaster Evolution Interconnect uses a system of woven filaments constructed from small Teflon tubes, to expand and displace the shield further away from the signal carrying conductors.
In this way, the Grandmaster Evolution Digital Interconnect is able to reduce digital distortion, called ‘jitter’.
Jitter explains why Digital cables sound different from on to another.
The most significant reason for the different sound in digital recording and playback systems is the phenomenon of ‘errors’.
The most widely known error is called ‘jitter’. Jitter can be thought of as a timing error or a distortion of the digital bit-stream within the digital send and receive components and the digital interconnect cable.
The timing errors (digital jitter) can be reduced by using better quality cable with superior shielding to reject interference within the cable. |
The Taralab's muse interface is a state of the art adapter, this adapter will soon be reviewed in stereophile or the Absolute Sound magazines, this adapter will work with any other high-end cable's, no matter the brand, this adapter has the same material that the HFX and Grandmaster grounding station's have, this adapter will set the bar for performance for all others to follow 😎 |
The shipping starts next week on the muse interface, I'm pre-ordering mine today, in turn, I will be doing a professional review that will be posted on the taralab's website . |
To Audiolabyrinth,
Many thanks!
Best Regards, Mike |
Tube_meister, Hi Mike, your welcome, are you considering buying one of the taralab's power conditioner's here on audiogon? |
Hey audiolabyrinth do you know anything about the retail price of the taralabs muse interface 😕 |
Hi birdiemay, absolutely, $795.00 balanced or single ended, now remember, this is a state of the art product, for what the muse interface does, this is a good value. |
Do you know anything about the sound of the muse intetface?, thank you for your reply of the retail price of the muse intetface. |
Hi birdiemay, The sound of the muse interface, A extremely lower noise floor, increased air with 3 dimensionality, individual instrument's within space are more delineated, front to back sound stage with layering, you will be able to tell where each instrument is microphoned within each recording, vocals are incredible, the entire sound is organic with lifelike realism 😉😼 |
I'm going to buy this muse interface but if you're wrong about the sound description I'm going to be pissed off , I will post my impressions here. |
Hi birdiemay, I believe should have no concerns, I look forward to your impressions. |
What is so good about Taralabs? I look forward to future posts :)
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Hey yping im going to buy the muse interface and post my impressions here. They are being shipped now. I also have a whole loom of tara labs cables in my system that I'm quite happy with.🐥 |
Hi Yping, this thread is very comprehensive to your questions if you back read the entire thread in your spare time 🈯🈯🉐🈹 |
Birdiemay, when do you get the state of the art muse interface? |
Hey audiolabyrinth , got the muse interface; its way way better than expected, this is better than the high fidelity cables adapters I have, hugely better! , thanks |
Birdiemay, glad you appreciate a state of the art adapter like the muse interface, although, it's much more than an adapter, this interface improves even the taralab's Evolution Grandmaster interconnect's by a substantial margin, comparing the high fidelity product really wasn't fair, that's not close to the same league of the muse interface, neither less, enjoy 😎😆 |
The Muse Interface
TARA Labs has been at the forefront of design & technology for thirty years. In that time, TARA Labs has been credited with numerous “first inventions” in the field of high-end audio cables; Rectangular Solid Core (RSC), vacuum dielectric technology (VDT), and now we are introducing the advent of a fantastic new product known as: The Muse Interface.If you could improve the sound of your audio system, what would that be?Would it be a more expansive soundstage, less glare or stridency, more musicality?There are literally thousands of component models available in the audio marketplace. And many of these components when combined together, will not offer that symbiotic relationship and sound that audiophiles are looking for? TARA Labs has always been at the forefront of technological advances in this industry, and our high-end audio cables have brought many a system close to “perfection.”In an effort to expand our product line to bring audiophiles closer to the “live-sound”, TARA Labs is now introducing The Muse Interface Sound Enhancement System. You can now add this incredible technology to your audio system and improve your sound like never before! And it works with any audio system or audio cables regardless of brand. The Muse Interface can be connected to any RCA or XLR cable termination, and what you’ll experience is a lower noise floor, wider sound-stage, more presence, mid-range warmth and richness, as well as enhanced musicality without sacrificing detail and high frequency extension. A sound that is more coherent and natural, bringing you closer to the “live-experience” like never before!*The Muse Interface is especially recommended for systems that have wide-bandwidth electronics (with limited filtering*), or with systems that use loudspeakers that have a tonal balance that emphasizes the high frequencies, including systems that are slightly etched sounding or overly detailed, perhaps with a sense of glare or stridency. In addition, we have found that when used with high-end audio systems, the effects become more apparent. Meaning the better the audio system, the closer you’ll become with that “perfect live sound.”The Muse Interface is unlike traditional shielding methods or filter networks. Even complex shielding methods still remain in proximity to the conductors, thereby distorting the audio signal. Filter networks in boxes at the ends of the cables often contain low quality resistors, inductors and capacitors to perform the filtering. These reduce RFI/EMI in the cable itself by being soldered in series and parallel between the signal conductors. This alters the integrity of the signal, in particular, the higher order harmonic structure. Using The Muse Interface, RFI/EMI is dissipated and absorbed within the Muse technology. This function occurs in isolation from the signal conductors. The signal path is not cut and fitted with additional components. The Muse Interface is extremely effective in eliminating the noise of RFI/EMI without the attendant high-frequency anomalies of filter networks. This translates into a sound that is closer to live than ever before. |
THE ZERO GOLD G2 (Gen2): One of the most successful audio cables of all time is the original ZERO Gold Interconnect from TARA Labs. The original ZERO Gold was praised for its breakthrough performance. In the Gen 2 design, technology has literally been borrowed from the famous and more expensive ZERO Evolution Interconnect. Available now is the ZERO Gold Generation 2 Interconnect at a lower price with complete flexibility and better performance than the original ZERO Gold. The breakthrough improvements include greater bandwidth and a completely new and proprietary air-dielectric construction. TARA Labs first introduced air dielectric interconnect cables in 1986; 30 years ago. And instead of using round conductors in air-tubes, TARA Labs uses Rectangular Solid Core® (RSC®) conductors which are 'seated' inside small air-tubes™. The new Zero Gold G2 makes full use of this technology.
The new Zero Gold G2 will offer the listener an audio cable that is absolutely fabulous! Extremely low in capacitance at 3 pF, with a sound that can be described as holographic. Exceptional high-frequency extension and detail, expansive soundstage with spatial cues with a bottom end that is rich and full of bloom, in addition to a substantial low noise floor. This interconnect is simply astounding for the price. And for audiophiles who remember the original Zero Gold, the flexibility of the new Zero Gold G2 will simply amaze them.
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Keith- I am still looking to get together and listen to your system. |
Lol. Seriously. Muse interface. Wow. Glad I'm basically done with my system. Find what works for you and enjoy no need to compare. If you like it use it! |
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Hi calvinj, I did not do a comparison, another member already had a high fidelity adapter product, so she did the comparison after I recommended the taralab's muse interface for her to buy, the comparison only lasted seconds, lol! |
Email sent a few days ago- Keith. |
Introducing an all NEW cable by Taralab's, as it turns out, the new 0.3 has been discontinued , replaced by a much better performance cable in the continously revamped taralab's cable model line up,
The Zero Prima w/HFX
The Zero Prima is a state-of-the-art analog interconnect cable using an all PTFE (Teflon) air-tube construction and a pair of helixed Rectangular Solid Core conductors. The extended Bandwidth technology is employed using a product design that has a perfect air-dielectric environment and minimal dielectric construction to extend the high-frequency bandwidth to provide a linear and uncompromising approach to the sound of the interface. A complex system of braided shielding made of pure copper and silver is used to control the RF and EMI interference. The shield is part of the ISM Shield System. ISM is the Isolated Shield Matrix, where the shield floats at both ends of the interconnect cable. The shield is connected at the source end, to the HFX Floating Ground Station. The Floating Ground Station uses Ceralex devices internally to absorb and dissipate RF and EMI interference in the shield. This is done outside the signal path, and so the Zero Prima Interconnect with an ‘out-board’ Floating Ground Station does not affect the high-frequency signal within the signal carrying conductors.
The Zero Prima with the Floating Ground Station is designed for component interface of all extreme high-end audio components, but not recommended for electronics that have limited filtering. |
Well any pics of systems posted. Good to see what people are running |
I am still looking to get together and listen to your system. Keep me posted! |
Calvinj, pm me if you like to have pics of my system, and all my other audio equipment 😆 |
The Zero Evolution Phono
The Zero Evolution Phono-Cable is the epitome of high-end reference quality phono cables. The design and technology used in creating this exceptional cable, is a far cry above any other phono cables that are currently available in today’s marketplace. Extremely low Capacitance as well as exceptional high-frequency extension The Zero Evolution Phono-Cable works very well with all cartridges regardless of voltage.The Zero Evolution also incorporates a “star-ground” system (SGS) with a variety of optional male/female mini-banana connections. This system is unrivalled in that it provides the option of floating or connecting different sections of The Zero GX Phono-Cable shielding system. There are subtle differences to be heard, some of which are caused by slight variations in the shield and grounding arrangements of the cartridge and the tonearm, and the turntable and the phono-preamp. As we all know, the shield/ground formats in the Phono interface are sometimes different enough to create a hum or buzz problem. Using The Zero Evolution Phono Cables’ superb proprietary shielding system, we are able to provide a method of optimizing the shield and ground system for the lowest possible noise floor in this critical component interface. As we all know, the shield/ground formats in the Phono interface are sometimes different enough to create a “hum or buzz” problem. With The Zero Evolution Phono Cables’ proprietary shielding system (SGS), we are able to provide a method of optimizing the shield and ground system for the lowest possible noise floor in this critical component interface.“Master” Gen3 Conductor is: 99.999999% Oxygen-free, mono-crystal, rectangular solid core, hand-polished, frequency-tuned copper conductor.Available termination: RCA, XLR, 5 pin DINHandcrafted in USA and lifetime guaranteedExcellent high-frequency extension & exceptional detailTight bass & full midrangeExtremely revealingImpressive holographic soundstageNeutral & naturalUnparalleled musicality |
High fidelity monthly magazine, review by Wojciech pacula,,, the impact of tests in trade magazines is either described as none or of a sort that can change everything; it depends on whether or not the one who expresses such an opinion likes or does not like the press and/or reviews. But if you want to form your own opinion, it would be best if you base it on concrete examples. The argument FOR could be the story of the, at the time Australian company with headquarters in Sydney, the TARA Labs (TARA is written in capital letters, because it is an abbreviation of The Absolute Reference Audio).
The company launched on the other side of the globe in 1986, with their Phase II cable. In 1988 they managed to organize its test in the American magazine "Stereophile". The cable proved to be so interesting that the magazine gave him an extremely positive feedback. The response from the press, distributors and consumers was so great that a year later the company moved to the United States and since then is a US company. It was not the first nor the last such Aussie transfer – one could point out some other examples such as: AC/DC and Dead Can Dance. But as far as audio industry is concerned this was the most famous transfer.
The world of cables is divided into those who use copper and those who use other metals, mainly silver. TARA Labs belongs to the former. But this is not the only distinguishing feature of their designs. The second is a commitment to the use of solid core cables, i.e. single, separately insulated wires, in TARA Labs version placed in the tubes filled with air; as air is one of the best insulators. Except for vacuum of course - the company boasted that for the, until recently top interconnect in company's lineup, model The Zero, they managed to get the pressure inside the pipes that is similar to vacuum. Was it really so? Hard to say, but the message was released out into the world.
The conductors utilized by the company were not ordinary round ones. Already in 1992, TARA used wires with a rectangular cross section (Rectangular Solid Core). Today such non-round wires are used also by other brands such as: Acrolink or Acoustic Revive that uses oval ones, but back then it was a true novelty. As for newer ideas introduced by TARA there are some worth mentioning such as: passive float screen that is connected to a special "base" (Isolated Shield Matrix). Currently, TARA Labs is one of the largest manufacturers of specialized wiring. All of its products are made in the USA, which emphasizes the engraving on connectors that reads: "All cables made in U.S.A.". |
TARA LABS EVOLUTIONFor a long time the top TARA models were The Zero interconnect and The Omega speaker cable. A few years ago, however, American brand diversified top of their lineup and divided cables into two sub-series: Onyx and more expensive, Gold. Although in both cases it was a step forward, it were still variations on the theme, and not a true new quality. The latter was introduced in 2014 with a completely new series called Evolution, with two sub-series: Evolution and Grandmaster Evolution. The first was twice as expensive as the Omega series, and the second is much more expensive than Evolution. Grandmaster Series Evolution, as we read on the official website of the manufacturer, is not available for review. So we do a test of The Evolution Zero interconnect, The Omega Evolution SP speaker cable and The Omega AC Evolution power cable.
If you know previous models offered by the company and you see and read bout its new products a few things will immediately catch your attention. Let me begin with the least important, or it would seem so, element, its appearance. And this is because it turns out to be extremely important in everyday use, and is a result of particular mechanical design, which is a fundamental building block for sonic performance of the cable. |
The Zero EvolutionThe Zero Evolution interconnect is not advertised as using "vacuum" as a dielectric. Maintenance of the model that actually used vacuum was extremely difficult and any, even the slightest damage to the cord or plug was tantamount to saying goodbye to the key feature without even knowing about it. The new interconnect uses the classical solution, i.e. solid-core conductors in tubes filled with air. These are rectangle second-generation RCS wires made of SAOF-8N copper. The abbreviation reads: Super Annealed (subjected to aging), Oxygen Free (cleared of oxygen), with a purity of 8N (99.999999%) - the highest, that is achievable today. Wires are polished and coated with a thin layer of a liquid dielectric, which solidifies over time. This coating is intended as a barrier against oxidation of the metal. Each of the wires is a long single crystal, the solution known from the OCC.
The wires are wrapped around a thick inner core and mechanically stabilized so that bending the cable would not change their arrangement, and thus their electrical parameters. Sophisticated design and high quality materials - tube and core made of Teflon and coating wires with a polyethylene used in the aerospace industry - made it possible to achieve extremely low capacitance of the cable, at the level of 2 pF and conductivity 75% higher (I'm quoting manufacturer) than the one of The Zero Gold. A derivative of these changes, but a very important one, is the incredible flexibility – it Is extremely easy to install cable in the system.
After "vacuum" cable Evolution inherited an important component - fantastic plugs, particularly impressive in the RCA version. They constitute a superb termination of thick cables (thick, not because of the number of conductors but because of the mechanical design) and allow for precise clamping them in the socket.
Another 'inherited' element is the virtual ground "station", called HFX (High Frequency eXtendened). This block of aluminum filled with mixture of granules of different kinds of minerals. The solution is similar to ones made by other brands such as: Acoustic Revive, Entreq and Verictum. In this case cables screens are connected to it. Normally, the screen is connected on both sides of the cable to ground, or just on the source side, if negative signal run has a separate cable (it's called: pseudo-balanced design). In the Zero Evolution case screen is not connected on any end, but only to this virtual ground, which extends the frequency response of the cable – with a screen a capacity is introduced, and it blocks high frequencies |
The Omega Evolution SPThe Evolution speaker cables are constructed similarly to the interconnect, the main difference is a greater number of conductors (224). But while The Zero Evolution from the outside – apart from a greater flexibility – does not differ much from The Zero Gold, inasmuch The Omega Evolution is a completely different breed than The Omega Gold and Onyx. They differ primarily with their diameter. Already before some people unrelated to the audio when they saw in my room two hoses running to the loudspeakers, laughed, saying that apparently I took them from the welding machine. With Evolution on my floor they will have to change the repertoire of jokes and go to those about hoses used in hydraulics or irrigation - the new cables are so thick that they could pass for the main system irrigation bus of a large size farm.
Another important difference that goes in opposition to their thickness, is, again, their flexibility - the cables are extremely easy to install in the system and place them whatever way we want. The connects are screwed on – so one can use spades or bananas, and then change one's mind, one is not limited by anything. This is an additional point of contact, which in itself is not beneficial, but I know from experience that the idea works in real life, not in the imaginary world of audiophiles. I do have two sets of plugs and occasionally interchange them. |
he impact of tests in trade magazines is either described as none or of a sort that can change everything; it depends on whether or not the one who expresses such an opinion likes or does not like the press and/or reviews. But if you want to form your own opinion, it would be best if you base it on concrete examples. The argument FOR could be the story of the, at the time Australian company with headquarters in Sydney, the TARA Labs (TARA is written in capital letters, because it is an abbreviation of The Absolute Reference Audio).
The company launched on the other side of the globe in 1986, with their Phase II cable. In 1988 they managed to organize its test in the American magazine "Stereophile". The cable proved to be so interesting that the magazine gave him an extremely positive feedback. The response from the press, distributors and consumers was so great that a year later the company moved to the United States and since then is a US company. It was not the first nor the last such Aussie transfer – one could point out some other examples such as: AC/DC and Dead Can Dance. But as far as audio industry is concerned this was the most famous transfer.
The world of cables is divided into those who use copper and those who use other metals, mainly silver. TARA Labs belongs to the former. But this is not the only distinguishing feature of their designs. The second is a commitment to the use of solid core cables, i.e. single, separately insulated wires, in TARA Labs version placed in the tubes filled with air; as air is one of the best insulators. Except for vacuum of course - the company boasted that for the, until recently top interconnect in company's lineup, model The Zero, they managed to get the pressure inside the pipes that is similar to vacuum. Was it really so? Hard to say, but the message was released out into the world.
The conductors utilized by the company were not ordinary round ones. Already in 1992, TARA used wires with a rectangular cross section (Rectangular Solid Core). Today such non-round wires are used also by other brands such as: Acrolink or Acoustic Revive that uses oval ones, but back then it was a true novelty. As for newer ideas introduced by TARA there are some worth mentioning such as: passive float screen that is connected to a special "base" (Isolated Shield Matrix). Currently, TARA Labs is one of the largest manufacturers of specialized wiring. All of its products are made in the USA, which emphasizes the engraving on connectors that reads: "All cables made in U.S.A.".
TARA LABS EVOLUTIONFor a long time the top TARA models were The Zero interconnect and The Omega speaker cable. A few years ago, however, American brand diversified top of their lineup and divided cables into two sub-series: Onyx and more expensive, Gold. Although in both cases it was a step forward, it were still variations on the theme, and not a true new quality. The latter was introduced in 2014 with a completely new series called Evolution, with two sub-series: Evolution and Grandmaster Evolution. The first was twice as expensive as the Omega series, and the second is much more expensive than Evolution. Grandmaster Series Evolution, as we read on the official website of the manufacturer, is not available for review. So we do a test of The Evolution Zero interconnect, The Omega Evolution SP speaker cable and The Omega AC Evolution power cable.
If you know previous models offered by the company and you see and read bout its new products a few things will immediately catch your attention. Let me begin with the least important, or it would seem so, element, its appearance. And this is because it turns out to be extremely important in everyday use, and is a result of particular mechanical design, which is a fundamental building block for sonic performance of the cable.
The Zero EvolutionThe Zero Evolution interconnect is not advertised as using "vacuum" as a dielectric. Maintenance of the model that actually used vacuum was extremely difficult and any, even the slightest damage to the cord or plug was tantamount to saying goodbye to the key feature without even knowing about it. The new interconnect uses the classical solution, i.e. solid-core conductors in tubes filled with air. These are rectangle second-generation RCS wires made of SAOF-8N copper. The abbreviation reads: Super Annealed (subjected to aging), Oxygen Free (cleared of oxygen), with a purity of 8N (99.999999%) - the highest, that is achievable today. Wires are polished and coated with a thin layer of a liquid dielectric, which solidifies over time. This coating is intended as a barrier against oxidation of the metal. Each of the wires is a long single crystal, the solution known from the OCC.
The wires are wrapped around a thick inner core and mechanically stabilized so that bending the cable would not change their arrangement, and thus their electrical parameters. Sophisticated design and high quality materials - tube and core made of Teflon and coating wires with a polyethylene used in the aerospace industry - made it possible to achieve extremely low capacitance of the cable, at the level of 2 pF and conductivity 75% higher (I'm quoting manufacturer) than the one of The Zero Gold. A derivative of these changes, but a very important one, is the incredible flexibility – it Is extremely easy to install cable in the system.
After "vacuum" cable Evolution inherited an important component - fantastic plugs, particularly impressive in the RCA version. They constitute a superb termination of thick cables (thick, not because of the number of conductors but because of the mechanical design) and allow for precise clamping them in the socket.
Another 'inherited' element is the virtual ground "station", called HFX (High Frequency eXtendened). This block of aluminum filled with mixture of granules of different kinds of minerals. The solution is similar to ones made by other brands such as: Acoustic Revive, Entreq and Verictum. In this case cables screens are connected to it. Normally, the screen is connected on both sides of the cable to ground, or just on the source side, if negative signal run has a separate cable (it's called: pseudo-balanced design). In the Zero Evolution case screen is not connected on any end, but only to this virtual ground, which extends the frequency response of the cable – with a screen a capacity is introduced, and it blocks high frequencies.
The Omega Evolution SPThe Evolution speaker cables are constructed similarly to the interconnect, the main difference is a greater number of conductors (224). But while The Zero Evolution from the outside – apart from a greater flexibility – does not differ much from The Zero Gold, inasmuch The Omega Evolution is a completely different breed than The Omega Gold and Onyx. They differ primarily with their diameter. Already before some people unrelated to the audio when they saw in my room two hoses running to the loudspeakers, laughed, saying that apparently I took them from the welding machine. With Evolution on my floor they will have to change the repertoire of jokes and go to those about hoses used in hydraulics or irrigation - the new cables are so thick that they could pass for the main system irrigation bus of a large size farm.
Another important difference that goes in opposition to their thickness, is, again, their flexibility - the cables are extremely easy to install in the system and place them whatever way we want. The connects are screwed on – so one can use spades or bananas, and then change one's mind, one is not limited by anything. This is an additional point of contact, which in itself is not beneficial, but I know from experience that the idea works in real life, not in the imaginary world of audiophiles. I do have two sets of plugs and occasionally interchange them.
The Omega Evolution ACThe power chord The Omega AC Evolution is much stiffer than the speaker cable, although it is similar in diameter. The thing is that manufacturer used of a screen with very high coverage, which protects against electromagnetic radiation and RF noise. Also ferrite cores placed at both connectors serve the same purpose.
The new cable features twice as much conductors as the previous flagship – there are 18 rectangular SAOF-8N copper wires for the "hot" run, 18 for the "cold" and 18 for protective run. In run three thick wires were added to improve conductivity. As it turns out, this stiffness stems also from the fact that each of the runs is separately shielded. Plugs come from the Japanese company Oyaide.
In „High Fidelity's” May issue I presented the first part of this test, an assessment of the Krakow Sonic Society (meeting #103, see HERE). The Evolution series was compared to TARA Labs The Omega speaker cable, TARA Labs The Omega Onyx and Siltech Double Crown IC and speaker cable.
In my own system for comparison I used Siltech Triple Crown and Crystal Cable Absolute Dream interconnects, TARA Labs The Omega Onyx speaker cable and Acrolink Mexcel 7N-PC9500 and Acoustic Revive Power Reference Triple-C power chords.
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Recordings used for the test (a selection)
Debussy. Complete Piano Works, wyk. Walter Gieseking, „Signature Collection", EMI 55917 2, 4 x SACD/CDFor Ever Fortune. Scottish Music In The 18th Century, wyk. Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien, dyr. Robert Getchell, Alpha, 531, CD (2012)Istanbul, wyk. Hespèrion XXI, Jordi Savall, Alia Vox, AVSA 9870, „Raices & Memoria, vol. IX", SACD/CD (2009)Andrzej Kurylewicz Quintet, Go Right, Polskie Nagrania „Muza”/Warner Music Poland 4648809, „Polish Jazz vol. 0”, CD (1963/2016)Andrzej Kurylewicz Quintet, Go Right, Polskie Nagrania „Muza”/Warner Music Poland 4648809, „Polish Jazz vol. 0”, Master CD-R (1963/2016)Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington Live!, Nippon Phonogram | EmArcy 842071-2, CD (1989)Lucy Ann, Lucky Lucy Ann, Mode Records/Muzak MZCS-1121, „Mode Vocal Collection”, CD (1957/2007)Ludwig van Beethoven, Overtures, dyr. Sir Colin Davis, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Sony Music Direct (Japan) TDGD-90013, „Esoteric 20th Anniversary", SACD/CD (1986/2007)Manuel Göttsching, E2-E4. 30th Anniversary, MGART, 404, CD (1981/2012)Ornette Coleman, The Shape of Jazz to Come, Atlantic Records/ORG Music ORGM-1081, SACD/CD (1959/2013)Wolfgang Dauners/Et Cetera, Knirsch, MPS Records/HGBS Musikproduktion UG HGBS 20013, CD (1972/2013) |
The Zero EvolutionThe TARA Labs interconnects of the top series have always been my own “analog sound' role model, i.e. very smooth, warm, without underlined edges. I understood it this way, that the developers wanted to avoid the problems which recordings provide in abundance. The mission was a success, because with The Zero I never heard any harshness, distortion, dirt, or unpleasant elements in the sound. A very similar behavior to worshiped Wadia's CD Player, model 861.
I do not know how TARA guys did it, but the new The Evolution Zero interconnect is even smoother, more enjoyable, and yet its tone is significantly more open, treble is nicely extended and it never lacks the energy and brilliance. Everything that is happening there, whether it is cymbals, or trumpet and saxophone harmonics, and finally sibilants - everything shines wonderfully, is particularly vivid, and yet smooth. |
I know I repeat myself, but I have to say it again - I do not know how the company did it, but presentation is even smoother than the one of Siltech Triple Crown IC. I thought smoother was no longer possible, until I heard The Evolution Zero. The tonal balance of the performance is placed quite high, and yet it initially one has an impression of it being shifted down - a phenomenon that I try to explain with quite powerful bass delivered by TARA that resonates for a long time and always tries to be present. Siltech presents larger images, bigger volume, but it is TARA that provides listener with more relaxed presentation of the recorded music, it's Tara that enchants listener from the very first minute of listening.
I mentioned the bass already, not let me elaborate. A way of showing double bass, organ, piano, electronic instruments, is very pleasant. It's slightly warm presentation, without clear edge forming, and therefore very safe. And if it was another cable from a lower shelf, then one could speak of a slight rounding of shapes and "releasing" sound towards decay phase. In any other case I could indicate a slight remission of control. I'd talk about rounded attack resulting in less precision. But not here, not in this case.
Yes, it's true, it's not a perfect control, there is no precise determination of the attack and stop. But this gives the impression of the presence, density and fullness, while there is no rumble in the room, listener never complains about the extended bass notes, despite the high energy of the whole lower end. The message is perfectly coherent, we do not track individual elements of the performance by simply listen to music.
The soundstage is wide and deep. But quite different from that which I have heard with other top level cables. Let me spoil it for you and tell you right now that I will tell you the same about other elements of the Evolution series: rear plans are as important as the front one, they are shown equally clearly with the same, high level of energy. Volume (size) of instruments, vocals, and non-musical elements placed there are comparable with those on the front.
I have no idea how this is achieved, but I can not deny the facts: the Evolution shows a change of timbre, dynamics, emphasis shifts, change of drums pace that is set at the back of the stage as well as of the leading instrument. I mean that both arouse similar emotions, involve listener in the same way. And they demand the same level of attention. So there is this impression of incredible richness of sound. It comes at a cost, obviously but I'll tell you about it bit later.
First, let me tell you about dynamics - a fantastic, explosive, powerful one. Always equally exciting without tempering in less important moments, and by that generating huge excitement. This is one of the few cables that show this aspect of music intimately, as if we were sitting in front of a stage at a concert. It's a beautiful, exciting performance even smoother than what we get from SILTECH Triple Crown, which took me completely off guard. How they achieved that, how did they combine energy and open treble with such an excellent smoothness - I do not know. Just as I have no idea how they managed to show back plans so perfectly without adding any brightness to the sound, without damping the attack. |
The Omega Evolution SPIf you start listening from the interconnect, it will prepare you for most of the changes that will happen after the change of speaker cable. Even this, however, does not prepare listener for the incredible dynamics of this cable with which the it delivers music. This is amazing, because until now I believed that Omega Onyx, which I was familiar with like with almost any other element of my system, will crush every competitor and won't be taken by a surprise by none. And here come a surprise - Omega Evolution is clearly faster and much more dynamic. These are not minor changes but a significant improvement.
This applies to both the foreground and what is behind. I would even say that the latter constitutes its performance, because I have not experienced so far anything like that with any other cable. Hitting drumroll, kettledrum, double bass' solo, guitars are with the new TARA speaker cable simply outstanding. An older version of the cable, Omega Onyx, was phenomenal in this respect. The new cable slightly improves what is happening in the front, but completely changes the rules of the game by showing as clearly dynamic shifts in the rear of the stage.
Omega Evolution is a cable with a much wider bandwidth (perceived) than the old Omega Onyx. It has firmly extended treble and more meaty bass. With the older version nothing was missing at least until I heard Evolution. Also Siltechs – both Double and Triple - Crown seem less "present" at the top of the band, their sound is more "vintage". Powerful treble performance itself is not a feat, I know a lot of expensive cables, which have a high treble energy. But none of them is at the same time so smooth, so - I'm exaggerating, but I want to show it clearly as possible - warm. This is not a "warm" sound in the sense in which we use the word to describe the majority of tube amplifiers. It is "warm" through lack of aggression, smoothing of all irritating elements of the recording, and combining everything into a fluid whole.
It all doesn't mean that the Omega Onyx just gives up without a fight. Despite the fact the its performance is less open, a little more chaotic and there is no the same incredible smoothness and fluidity that Evolution has, it excels however when it comes to slightest shifts in timbre, and instruments placement on the stage. This is the price that the new series pays for the excitement, for the beauty, for "gold" ambiance the Evolution cables present music with. The world portrayed by the interconnect and speaker cable is always more beautiful, more interesting than one delivered by other cables. Just as a well taken, cropped and processed image in a top shelf color magazine. |
The Omega Evolution ACThe Evolution Zero interconnect and The Omega Evolution SP speaker cable have a very similar sonic signature, contribute very similar changes to the signal. The Omega AC Evolution power cable is different. Strongly emphasizes the treble, adds weight to the lower end and slightly withdraws the upper midrange. In combination with the two other cables of this series it allows the system to present the elements in the back of the stage in even clearer, more distinct way. They are clearly displayed, as clearly as what is happening in the front, but without bringing them forward. It is clear that TARA Labs is a champion of spacing and imaging, the soundstage is extremely wide and deep.
Dynamics is another surprise, again. It is very high and again I had the impression that Tara delivers more live-like performance, that other cables present more "studio-like performance" in this respect, ie. they average dynamics to allow user to use higher volume level. With TARA sound seems louder. One puts these cable in, touches nothing else and it gives an impression of a volume level higher by 1-2 dB. |
SummaryTARA Labs Evolution is one of two or three sets of ultra high-end cables, which impressed me THAT much. Among them these offer most beautiful sound. Beauty is an extremely imprecise category, but in this case it best captures my feelings and thoughts. These cable allow user to enjoy his whole music library, regardless of the genre and even quality of the recording. With each album they create an amazing spectacle and a draw listener into their world.
But it is always their world. A fantastic differentiation provided by top Siltechs, even if they sound a bit more "roughly" (again, I'm exaggerating, but that's life), clearly shows the differences between recordings in a more distinct way; so recordings of lesser quality will sound worse then those of high quality. But even they can not do what TARA can – they are not able to present in such an exciting and energetic way the events in the back of the stage. Other cables, in comparison, appear to hide what happens back there. I assume that this is due to the phenomenal dynamics of the reviewed cables.
Writing about the performance of a high quality audio component I emphasize that you have to test it in your own system, because the composition of the individual components is an individual matter. When it comes to TARA Labs Evolution my recommendation becomes even more important. This time it's not even about them delivering poor performance in some systems because they will sound in equally spectacular way in every system. So the question here is only whether they to suit your tastes and approach to music listening or not.
On the one hand, these are brilliant cables, especially the interconnect and speaker cable, as they transform listening to the music into a true musical feast. But then all recordings are gaining the same excitement, the same beautiful refinement, which makes them more alike. So if you are more interested in listening to music in comfort, with continual pleasure, with the same level of fun - TARA Labs is for you, and once you have them you shall never again even think about any other cables. However, if you are willing to sacrifice a peace of mind for the sake of getting to the truth about each recording, if you are more interested in how they were prepared, then you will have to look somewhere else.
Anyway, TARA Labs Evolution is a wonderful, amazing set of cables made by the people who know how to turn a great product into outstanding one. How many more such magicians are still walking around in this world? GOLD Fingerprint Award for the interconnect and speaker cable – there is no way around it.
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GOLD FingerprintTARA Labs EVOLUTION SERIES
The GOLD Fingerprint Award is an expression of our highest appreciation for the product and the people behind it. It is awarded extremely rarely, within 12 years of our operation it has been awarded only a few times. But knowing the TARA Labs company, using their product every day, I got used to the idea that sooner or later it would happen. Cables from the Evolution series deliver everything that top-high-end cables should do, because they present the music the way that makes one wanted to listen more and more, also in the top systems. They achieve that in a different way than other top cables, but that's the beauty of audio – there always different ways to achieve an objective. Team TARA Labs did it in its own way and achieved remarkable final effect.
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ANALOG SOURCES- Turntable: AVID HIFI Acutus SP [Custom Version]- Cartridges: Miyajima Laboratory KANSUI, review HERE | Miyajima Laboratory SHILABE, review HERE | Miyajima Laboratory ZERO (mono) | Denon DL-103SA, review HERE- Phono stage: RCM Audio Sensor Prelude IC, review HEREDIGITAL- Compact Disc Player: Ancient Audio AIR V-edition, review HERE- Multiformat Player: Cambridge Audio Azur 752BDAMPLIFICATION- Line Preamplifier: Polaris III [Custom Version] + AC Regenerator, regular version review (in Polish) HERE - Power amplifier: Soulution 710- Integrated Amplifier: Leben CS300XS Custom Version, review HERELOUDSPEAKERS- Stand mount Loudspeakers: Harbeth M40.1 Domestic, review HERE- Stands for Harbeths: Acoustic Revive Custom Series Loudspeaker Stands- Real-Sound Processor: SPEC RSP-101/GLHEADPHONES- Integrated Amplifier/Headphone amplifier: Leben CS300XS Custom Version, review HERE- Headphones: HIFIMAN HE-6, review HERE | HIFIMAN HE-500, review HERE | HIFIMAN HE-300, review HERE | Sennheiser HD800 | AKG K701, review (in Polish) HERE | Ultrasone PROLine 2500, Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro, version 600 - reviews (in Polish): HERE, HERE, HERE- Headphone Stands: Klutz Design CanCans (x 3), review (in Polish) HERE- Headphone Cables: Entreq Konstantin 2010/Sennheiser HD800/HIFIMAN HE-500, review HERECOMPUTER AUDIO- Portable Player: HIFIMAN HM-801- USB Cables: Acoustic Revive USB-1.0SP (1 m) | Acoustic Revive USB-5.0PL (5 m), review HERE- LAN Cables: Acoustic Revive LAN-1.0 PA (kable ) | RLI-1 (filtry), review HERE- Router: Liksys WAG320N- NAS: Synology DS410j/8 TBCABLESSystem I- Interconnects: Acrolink Mexcel 7N-DA6300, review HERE | preamplifier-power amplifier: Acrolink 8N-A2080III Evo, review HERE- Loudspeaker Cables: Tara Labs Omega Onyx, review (in Polish) HERESystem II- Interconnects: Acoustic Revive RCA-1.0PA | XLR-1.0PA II- Loudspeaker Cables: Acoustic Revive SPC-PAPOWERSystem I- Power Cables: Acrolink Mexcel 7N-PC9300, all system, review HERE- Power Distributor: Acoustic Revive RTP-4eu Ultimate, review HERE- Power Line: fuse – power cable Oyaide Tunami Nigo (6m) – wall sockets 3 x Furutech FT-SWS (R)System II- Power Cables: Harmonix X-DC350M2R Improved-Version, review (in Polish) HERE | Oyaide GPX-R (x 4 ), review HERE- Power Distributor: Oyaide MTS-4e, review HEREANTIVIBRATION ACCESSORIES- Stolik: SolidBase IV Custom, read HERE/all system- Anti-vibration Platforms: Acoustic Revive RAF-48H, review HERE/digital sources | Pro Audio Bono [Custom Version]/headphone amplifier/integrated amplifier, review HERE | Acoustic Revive RST-38H/loudspeakers under review/stands for loudspeakers under review- Anti-vibration Feets: Franc Audio Accessories Ceramic Disc/ CD Player/Ayon Polaris II Power Supply /products under review, review HERE | Finite Elemente CeraPuc/ products under review, review HERE | Audio Replas OPT-30HG-SC/PL HR Quartz, review HERE- Anti-vibration accsories: Audio Replas CNS-7000SZ/power cable, review HERE- Quartz Isolators: Acoustic Revive RIQ-5010/CP-4PURE PLEASURE- FM Radio: Tivoli Audio Model One |
The review above was published July 1st 2016, number 146, high fidelity monthly magazine. |
The review starts at post 11-23-2016 at 11:13 pm,, enjoy 😎 |
Confucius say man who talk to self have captive audience.
Since I don’t have ANY cables OR interconnects I guess you could say I don’t have a dog in this fight. So I will bow out post haste. :-) |
Check out the great review above. |
Tara Labs Grandmaster Evolution w/HFX, easily the finest sounding cables I have heard. if you have not heard what air dielectric and 'uber' grounding does for an interconnect it's astounding.
***** By Mikelavigne |
And mikelavigne is selling them right here on agon:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/interconnects-tara-labs-grandmaster-evolution-w-hfx-1-5m-xlr-price-drop-again-2016-07-28-cables-98045-north-bend-wa |
You are correct, 1 pair only, he is keeping all the other pair's of the taralab's Grandmaster Evolution cable's 😤 |
