The Problem with Synergistic Research


The problem is one that a number of cable makers suffer from. I preface my remarks by noting this not a problem that is exclusive to Synergistic Research. I use SR as an example because I am more familiar with their cables than with the cables of other companies that have the same problem.

The problem is the cost of incremental improvements. SR makes some great products. But, in spite of their copy writing, not all SR products are great, IMO. Some SR products have made great improvements in my system -- like the Tesla SE Hologram D power cord. That having been said, in retrospect, despite the bally-hoo that surrounds SR product launches, most of their products have brought no more than incremental improvements to my system. Products from other cable companies have brought equal or greater improvements for me -- often at much lower cost.

The problem is that SR has such fast-paced marketing with products coming out at a gallop supplanting recently released products -- such as the SR line of PowerCell conditioners -- that I sometimes feel I have been left in the dust.

We cannot stop the relentless march of technology. But at the high price of most of SR's offerings one is often left with sense of being left out instead of left in when new products come on the heels of products one has just purchased. The SR trade-up program does not remedy this problem at all, IMO.

There are many other cable companies without fast-paced marketing that provide equal or better value for the money, IMO. Companies like Bybee, HiDiamond and Cardas. I am probably not the only one who feels as I do about SR and other companies with fast-paced marketing.
sabai

Showing 5 responses by joeyboynj

I am the younger generation into high end audio. There is no problem with Synergistic Research. Synergistic Research won 2 Best in Show at RMAF with a small down to Earth system. That alone says to me Synergistic Research knows what they are doing and their products are top notch. Yes, their products are expensive. In my system, I enjoy their products very much. I’m not going to bash a company because they come out with new products every so often. I prefer a company that continues to do research and comes out with new concepts and technology. They sure are consistent to produce products that are innovative and interesting and seem to not hold back on their constant pursuit to come out with new and improved gear. IMO, that company sounds like a winner to me.

We all have our valued opinions. I like reading everyone’s take on the subject. I formed my opinions by trying all the Synergistic Research products I purchased before I buy them in my home and in my system and comparing them to other manufacturers.
Sabai, I don’t agree with your comments about the Powercell 10 SE. This is what I was able to conclude when I removed the Powercell from my system. The Powercell is only as transparent as the power cord that it is plugged into. In this case the new Element Copper/Tungsten Power Cord is far more transparent then the Precision Reference AC cord it replaces. Nothing more, nothing less. The Powercell in my system does not hold anything back. I got my powerful Audio Research Dsi200 integrated amp plugged into it. The DSi200 delivers 200 WPC continuously into an 8-ohm load and 400 WPC 4-ohm load. And I don't have any problems.
Fplanner2000,

I'm very interested in what you find out because, I had a PS Audio PPP but an in-home audition proved to me the Synergistic Research Powercell 10 SE was leaps better all around. I think we both had similar auditions a few years back and that’s why you bought the Powercell. I would recommend that you would try and put your Powercell 10 SE before the P-10’s and plug the P-10’s into your current version of the Powercell 10 SE? I believe Bacardi tried this with his PPP but ended up selling his PPP like I did and just kept the Powercell 10 SE.

Another idea, instead of spending the money for two P-10's. Get a home audition on the NEW Powercell 10 SE Mk.III with the new Element series Copper/Tungsten 32-amp Power Cord. Keep the best sound in your system, which will be either be just the P-10’s or the new Powercell 10 SE Mk.III with upgraded Element Power Cord.

I'm looking forward to your review!!! :-)
Fplanner2000, I have to 100% disagree with you. I prefer the sound of no surge protectors in my systems and NO power switch in the system. In my 30 years in audio I always thought surge protectors added nasty attributes to the sounds and I'm right after having the Powercell 10 SE Mk.III in my system for a few years. I will NEVER go back to surge protectors. The best way to prevent damage is to is dis-connect the entire system from the wall. I NEVER had a problem. ;-) Its not a multi-award winner each year for nothing, it does what it says on the website. Thank for your input and thoughts. Much appreciated!!! :-)
F,
YES, I did try what you have in your system. I have had tried all of PS Audio passive and active PS Audio power regenerators in my system over the years, old (PPP) or new (P3). I know, I have way too much time on my hands. LOL!!! I even had a beautiful PS Audio Power Plant Premier in my system for 2 years before I decided to try a Powercell 10 SE Mk.1. I really enjoyed the effortless power and no additives of the active circuits in my system. Therefore, in MY system, I upgraded to the PowerCell 10 SE Mk.3 works perfect for me. Have you tried the newer/latest Mk. 3 version of the PowerCell 10 SE??? It blows away the two earlier Mk. 1 and Mk.2 versions and is much better than the PS Audio P3, P5 and P10. We both tried VERY similar if not exact equipment and made different decisions based on our own personal preferences. This is what this hobby is all about in a sense. I can only make suggestions and save someone some time. I tell people when asked you must try both types and make the best decision for your ears and for your very own system. That's exactly what I did and I love my choices. I only make decisions unless I'm over 100% sure this is the direction I want to go and I always make sure there is at lease a 30 day or more money back guarantee just in case. Cause you know us Audiophiles and changing our minds. LOL! Go to The Cable Company and borrow some demo units and make your own decision. The PoweCell has many many awards. So my opinion is also backed up by professionals in the business. Not too sure about the PS Audio stuff.

Good Luck and Have Fun as I ALWAYS do in my hobby. ;-)