I usually post on AG when I have an issue or concern, so I’m happy for once it’s to praise a new product, in this case Audio Envy’s IC.
I use an ARC Classic 60 amp with a Herron 1A preamp. The AE cable went between these two.
I run an ARC Phono pre PH3se from my VPI prime as source. My speakers are Thiel CS2.4’s
Out of the box a bit bright, But after a few hours that just went to strait up transparent - I mean freaking crystal clear. No tonal aberrations. Smooth, with no etched highs. Voices sound right, Natural. Soundstage opened up, as you might expect when things get clearer.
The best part was how inexpensive they were. They made my Cardas Clear Light interconnects I was using sound clouded by contrast. The Cardas was about x3 the cost of the AE’s. BTW, this wasn’t “I think I hear differences”, this was “I’ll never use those Cardas in this system again, and where is my IPad, I need to order my next set!”
I contacted Captain to ask about an XLR to RCA cable to go out from my new API equalizer to my preamp.He said he could make one to my specifications when I was ready. After some experiments with adapters and cables with different wiring configurations the one ordered from BlueJean Audio (Belden wire) worked perfectly but had a slightly grainy texture which actually complemented certain instruments. Vocals not so much though.So I ordered the cable from AE and hoped for the best.
Just received it today and it exceeded my expectations which was simply no more grain.Right out of box it's silky smooth,grainless,and a perfect fit in my system. There is nothing to criticize.I played the same CD that I was just listening to without adjusting the volume or the equalizer.Then chose a few more to try finding something unacceptable.Nope.It's staying.
I didn't think that Iconoclast made a phono cable. I had contacted them about it a few months ago and at that time, they didn't have one and told me that they were not making one.
I just received a pair of O'nestian XLRs today to go between a Pontus ll and Lokius EQ. And Dang! is right. Right out of the box I think it is smooth and refined. Very nice indeed.Adding the Lokius meant having to add another cable so I've been trying the few spares of various brands from the "leftovers" box since the particular Voodoos that are used throughout are no longer available..The best (but not quite good enough)result was with an AE RCA pair.So why not give the AE XLRs a chance?
I would ask Cap, he is very responsive and helpful. Try the expanded when they arrive you might be surprised. I would think the Mega is a good choice. Only way to know is try one. With AE’s 45 day return policy no risk.
@nutty I don’t own any regular OE expanded. I did compare it (on my tube preamp) to an OE elite 3 and the expanded with ground upgrade is much better it all ways. Cap told me that he highly recommended the ground upgrade and it is well worth it. Maybe he would take a trade in and you could try one and compare…enjoy the music. Cheers, Tom
Thanks for the feedback on the Ocean-Expanded Upgraded Ground cords. I’m tempted to audition them. Were you able to compare and contrast the original Ocean-Expanded vs. the Upgraded Ground together in your system?
You’ll need to contact Captain directly for more information, insight and pricing on the OKTA Pro outlets. They are not on the website as of yet. It's been one of my most economical upgrades I've made yet! I'm sure he'd love to hear from anyone wanting to take their system to the next level, especially if they are using Audio Envy power cords.
@nuttydon’t see these recepticals on AE’s website to order. Is this an ask Cap special order only? Price? Thanks
Also, I have now had my new OE Expanded with ground upgrade power cable for 2 weeks and it is a really nice step up. Everything is just better. Quiet, black background, more 3D, hear details I didn’t hear before.
On 12/21/23 in installed a Audio Envy receptical. It’s the same high quality outlet that Captain uses in the OKTA Pro power distribution system. The unit features a robust build with a thick rigid backing plate that instills confidence with installation. In addition the OKTA Pro has it’s share of high purity copper gold plating. Every element of this overly engineered receptical screams AC signal transmission and the gold plated Conductors spring system grips like a vice.
Upon installation in my system I immediately began hearing cues and micro details that seemed covered up with my former outlets. (AV Options Deep-Cryo Hubble, Pangea, PS Audio Power Port and the Furutech GTX-D). After reaching two hundred hours the performance is fast, neutral and doing a great job of preserving the musical warmth.
The captain responded and helped my situation. Just to help anyone else in the future both his suggestions helped. here they are.
Try the configuration with arrow of the positive wire, facing toward the speaker. Then position the arrow of the negative wire, facing towards the amplifier.
(This should be the least forward sound.)
What is the positioning and spacing that you have between the wires leading to the speaker?
this will also affect the tone.
Cap
Most of the testing that we did is with the cables stacked on top of each other, 1 to 2 inches apart.
I would experiment with separating them 3 inches apart, and then gently move them together until you find your desired tone. It’s possible that having them extremely separated, could work in your situation. It would likely pull the mid range back.
@evankTalk or email Cap he is very helpful in explaining his cables in and outs. I had some similar ribbons that were fatiguing and took about 75-100 hours to sound excellent. Of course your cables are different as is your system. Good luck. Love his power cables.
SP12's arrived and I finally had a chance to hook them up. First, I followed the arrow to the speaker recommendation for a warmer sound and the bass was just too bloated for me. I reversed them and the bass response improved. I'll give them some time to break in and report back with how I like them.
Same here I just placed an order for an Expanded power cable with the ground/braid upgrade. Cap said it is well worth getting it if you can swing it. Improves it even more. Look forward to see how it compares to the Elite 3.
Glad this discussion kept going! Just ordered an Expanded power cable to try out. Had meant to try Audio Envy cables a while ago and glad I placed the order today. Looking forward to it. Thanks all.
Hello tksteingraber - I have had the Ocean 3P cables on my sources and a Mega on the amp. There both fantastic cables. However I’m now currently using five Expanded’s on my amp and source components. After careful consideration I felt the Expandeds offered more frequency extension, clarity and better timbre in my system.
For your guidance, I am running a full loom of AE cables.
@nutty have you compared the New Ocean-Expanded to the Ocean Elite 3? If so how do they compare? Also, are your Ocean -Expanded the base cable or did you purchase any of the ground upgrades offered? Thanks
Very happy and surprised with AE power cords quality and SQ. Bought a used Ocean Lite and Ocean Elite 3 for my HT system Dac/Streamer and Amp. Wanted lighter more flexible cords with tight connection and these checked those boxes. Liked them enough to buy a used Mega, another Elite 3 and Lite for my 2-channel system’s power conditioner, Amp and Dac. I was completely surprised and the level of improved SQ. Especially the Mega cord, it made the biggest improvement on my power conditioner. I am an AE believer now!
I have been using five Ocean-Expanded power cords for several months with exceptional results. Also in the system, SP12 Speaker Cables and a Quad Power distribution system.
Also, Cap mentioned some new speaker cables called model 34. I had seen these at CAF when I visited the Endow Audio room, but he mentioned that these should be on the site next month.
Thanks for your post, you made me revisit the AE site. Well, I was looking for a power distributor for my 2nd system that doesn’t impede current and devoid of any coloration. Well, they have a PD called OKTA that peaked my interest along with Expanded PC…perhaps early X’mas gift to me 😊
Cap has some new power cords on the site called Ocean Expanded. I received a couple of them on Thursday and they have proven to be a step up in detail and clarity from the Ocean Elite. More information is coming through on the high end.
Recently I've had several extended, educational and interesting conversations with Cap. His company continues to build it's brand, stay relevant and successful.
I just ordered (2) more Ocean Elite 3P’s to power my Teddy Pardo TeddyCap SE and to power my new Denafrips Pontus II 12th Anniversary Eddition DAC. It’s currently being shipped. With the addition of the last (2) Ocean Elite 3P’s I’ll have a full loom of Audio Envy cables except for my power distributor. I’m planning on purchasing Cap’s Okta power distributor with a 6 foot Mega Power Cable.
Cap was able to tailor the SP12 Speaker cables to work within Naim’s specifications. The SP12 cables are much faster and detailed than the NACA5. (The NACA5 is no slouch)
Just for sh*ts and giggles, I replaced my AE Studio Presitige ICs with my old Cardas Golden Reference (from CD to pre). When I put in the GR, they sucked the life out of the top end and, after about 6 bars of music, I couldn't stand it anymore. So, I put back the AEs and all was well again. They are simply superlative.
Got the SP-12 earlier this week. This is a very solid offering. I usually rotate a few different cables - Zavfino, anticables, Driade Flow, EWA and now these AE ones. I haven’t taken them out to compare with the others in almost a week as I’m letting them settle in but they are very even, excellent detail, not as bass light as the NV-9.
Anyone know when Cap upgraded the Studio Prestige? I have a pair from early last year.
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