Hi Lak,
That's a very encouraging first impression. I'm also curious about your thoughts on this power cord given your familiarity with the HTC CT1 power cords.
Charles, |
Bugredmachine,
The Cerious Graphene compared to the more expensive HTC power cables has me curious as well. That's why I am interested in Lak's listening impressions since he's familiar with both. .
Charles, |
Hello Lak,
Thanks for posting your listening impressions and comparison of the two brands of power cables. Yes the math is self explanatory, the Cerious Graphene competing favorably with the highly praised HTC cord is very commendable, caveats noted.
Charles, |
Jazz,
I agree that Lak is a valued reference point particularly given his use of the HFC line of power cables.
Charles, |
A one man company (essentially ) making high in demand products =extended wait period. I'm interested in their power cables but realize it will require patience if I go that route. Lak's report impressed me , knowing that they're on par with the HFC power cables.
Charles |
Hello Lak,
You tried the Cerious Graphene cable on your HFC conditioner in place of the HFC UR cable and determined that it was very good. Impressive as the UR cable is 10 K dollars for 1 meter. The HFC CT1 power cable is 2 K dollars per 1 meter and is highly praised and yet you find the Cerious Graphene better sounding. This is noteworthy in my opinion. Your system is certainly more than capable of distinguishing the differences.
Charles, |
5 amps =600 watts so only moderately high powered amplifiers would pose a potential limitation problem with the CT-1 power cable.
Charles, |
Calloway,
Well your terrific system is surely up to the task of sorting out power cable sonic characteristics I imagine that your Chalice Grail is sounding as stunning as ever. |
Ozzy,
I can certainly see why you'd like the balanced AC power cable. I use a BPT balanced AC conditioner /transformer with excellent results on all of my components plugged into it.
Charles, |
Thaluza,
Have you used the SR power cables on your Frankenstein amplifiers yet?
Charles, |
Hello Thaluza,
That is an encouraging early listening impression regarding the power cables. I'd be quite interested with the Ocellia and Cerious Graphene IC comparison. The Ocellia is excellent in my system.
Calloway,
Well your findings certainly correlates with the impressions of Lak and that's quite a feat given the substantial price discrepancy between the two brands , very noteworthy.
Charles, |
Hi Calloway,
The CPT cable uses an AC balanced transformer and I'm well aware of the genuine benefit it provides an audio system. I've used a balanced transformer (BPT) in my system for 7 years and it is fantastic. I will say that the Cerious graphene cable seems to be an exceptionally fine power cable. I look forward to your listening comparison.
Charles, |
Hi joecasey,
Obviously you are correct, I often audition products but not in every single case. I’ve also had much success relying on trusted audiogon members impressions such as Lak. Sometimes I use these trusted members as effective initial filters before deciding to make a purchase. In this instance both Lak and Calloway 's opinions have considerable influence given the power cables they have owned/heard in their systems.
Charles, |
Hello Lak,
I really appreciate your comments concerning these various highly regarded power cables. I'm particularly interested in the Cerious Graphene and the SR Black cables. In terms of a natural /organic character and tone saturation are they equal in this manner? This aspect of sound quality is a higher priority for me than Soundstage, image specificity or ultimate bass. My listening is predominantly jazz with acoustic instruments so the priorities I seek matter with this genre of music.
Thanks,
Charles, |
Lak,
Thanks, I see your point. We share the same Yamamoto DAC, if you ever try both cords on it let me know your thoughts.
Charles, |
|
Lak,
That's impressive, the HFC CT-1 power cable is no run of the mill product, it has been widely praised. It's good for all when a very high performing product can be had for very reasonable cost.
Charles, |
Hello Larry,
I sincerely thank you for your time and effort to review these four power cables, it isn’t a simple task. The HFC CT-Ultimate is too expensive for me to consider. It seems clear that the SR Black and Cerious Graphene cords are exceptional values and top tier performers. I will ultimately choose between them. It appears unlikely I could go wrong with either one. The Yamamoto DAC is a very good source for this type of comparison. It has very little editorializing effect and is quite natural.
Thanks Larry,
Charles, |
Hi Jmgrogan2,
Yep, even used the HFC power cords are still relatively expensive so I am grateful for the much lower cost yet highly recommend SR and Cerious choices.
Calloway, the CPT cords have an integral balanced AC transformer which I don’t require. In my system I use a BPT 3.5 Signature plus unit that is a 75 pound 2400va balanced transformer with 10 AC outlets. 7 years of utter joy with it. I'm a strong proponent of balanced AC power for an audio system.
Charles, |
Lak,
Wow! You have accumulated a stellar arsenal of power cables in your system. We certainly appreciate you sharing listening impressions with the rest of us. Same is true of Calloway and his contributions. This has been most helpful and informative to many of us here.
Charles, |
Hi Calloway,
Well your guys did a very fine job with this time consuming and tedious triple power cable comparison. Based on your findings and factoring cost the Cerious Graphene cable is an astonishing value given that it competes with two excellent and more expensive cables on their level, impressive. I really appreciate your time and effort Calloway.
Charles, |
Hi Calloway I look forward to your comments.
Charles, |
Hello larbo53,
I use the same power cord as this at the time was recommended by the builder Chris. It surely has served me well, but like you I'm very tempted by the high current Cerious Graphene cable. Lak and Calloway's reports have gotten my attention.
Charles, |
Infection,
Calloway has the good fortune to own the spectacular Chalice Grail PSET amplifiers. My gut tells me that they would sound sublime. I doubt that there are more than just a few in existence, they are truly rare and unique. Okay I’m done with the gushing praise . 😊
Charles, |
Calloway,
Man oh man I'd love to hear your Grails 😊I can’t imagine that you'd ever replace them.
Charles, |
Hello Thaluza,
Thanks for the well written and insightful listening impression post.
+1 your comments regarding the SR Black fuses.
I participated in a comparison between the Coincident, Cardas Clear and Siltech ICs. The Coincident were neutral and open/transparent and I didn't detect edginess. I did obtain the Ocellia Silver Reference cables and preferred them to the very good Coincident. I found the Ocellia more naturally musical, organic and fuller bodied. So I know where you are coming from.
I got mine used about 4 years ago, as you note they've become more expensive recently. Based on your listening it seems no doubt that the CT Graphene are excellent cables and a very exceptional value. I believe that you made the right decision when all factors are considered. Your system must sound wonderful.
Charles, |
Hi Calloway,
That's quite an endorsement of the Cerious Graphene speaker cables from you and your wife considering the very esteemed HFC CT1 -U you're currently using. In terms of cost this is a remarkable value to obtain this level of performance.
Charles, |
Hi Calloway,
That's quite a strong endorsement from you given your extensive background with numerous upper tier cables. Yep, quite the compliment.
Charles, |
Pas,
That's an interesting comment concerning Ginkgo. It actually improved your hearing ability?
Charles, |
Yes,
I note the language and I don't view it as a "miracle " supplement by any means. However for its very modest cost it seems to be a worthwhile product for some users (such as pas). I realize that I've gotten off topic.
Charles, |
Pas,
I've googled a number of articles discussing ginkgo including a report from the University of Maryland Medical Center that's quite favorable. It seems that ginkgo has numerous medical benefits (primarily due to its positive circulatory effects ). Thanks for bringing this interesting product to my attention. I'll do further reading.
Charles, |
Hello Calloway,
Your results are not that surprising considering how well the Cerious Graphene cable compared to your highly regarded High Fidelity CT cables.
Charles, |
Hi John,
for the record it was not me but jond and jazzonthehudson who directed their inquiry towards you . Nonetheless I'm sure everyone here most certainly appreciates your informed response.
Charles, |
Hi John,
You raise a good point but don't you believe that it's "implied" that a response is simply one's own opinion? I just assume that when I offer a comment or impression people realize it only my opinion and by no means represents an etched in stone proclamation. It just seems that people participating on an open forum would be aware of this.
Charles |
Hi John,
Again you make good points. Assumptions can certainly be wrong, no doubt. I just think "newbies" unfamiliar with audio products are adults who would bring some degree of rational though/common sense along with their curiosity to these forums. I'd find it somewhat hard to believe that a newbie would take the numerous impressions offered here as the holy gospel. I could certainly be wrong.
I could never declare Coincident products the best (or any product for that matter) for the very reasons you stated above. I can only go as far as saying they've served me superbly 😊.
Charles |
acman3,
I've noticed this increased trolling trend lately with this site as well. Unfortunately I/we can't do much to stop it, goes with the open forum territory it seems.
Charles |
Hi mac48025,
Brownsfan who just posted above has the Coincident Frankenstein, Line Stage and Super Victory II setup that you aspire to. He could undoubtedly provide you with valuable insight.
Charles |
Hello Allan,
I have been quietly following this thread and there are posters here who's opinions I respect and trust. I believe that the cables discussed are as good as is written here. I'm sure that these products would be very fine in my system as they've been for others.
I'm so content with my current cables' Ocellia Silver Reference IC and SC (4 years) Coincident power cables (7 years) that there's little motivation to change. If I were to make a move it would be with the power cables. The Graphene cords do interest me as do the latest Coincident Statement power cords or Ocellia's own power cords. There's no shortage of very good options.
Charles
|
Allan I'm an advocate of the SR fuses due to their performance in my system. I am actually a supporter of the idea of better fuses in general. The Beeswax and Audio Horizon fuses are likely just as good as what I have.
Charles
|
Hello Roxy,
I certainly trust your impressions. I may at some point try the GE Yellow power cord from the wall outlet to my BPT balanced AC transformer/power conditioner. My entire system is plugged into it. It requires a 20 amp plug. The Ocellia Silver Reference cord is much more expensive but their IC and SC have served me so well it seems a natural fit. If the GE cord is equally good it would represent tremendous value given its cost.
Charles |
Roxy,
By the way I bought the Avatar Acoustics Afterburner 8 AC outlet that you've mentioned in the past on this site. It was a very good decision, thanks.
Charles |
Roxy,
Agree, what matters most is does the product improve sound quality and the music listening experience.
Charles |
Iprules1962,
Good comments and truth. All that matters is what does the product sound like? Do your music listening experiences improve ? A manufacturer could give the most eloquent dissertation regarding the why and how of their products. Meaningless prose if the actual listening evaluation of the product is unsatisfactory. Just listen and judge.
Charles |
Al,
Based on your explanation this would suggest that the insulation material and construction/implementation is probably more a significant factor affecting sound quality than many would suspect.
Charles |
Mac,
Alet is universally recognized as an asset to this site for his technical knowledge. Just as noteworthy for me is his unfailing decorum, class and maturity. Mac I also have much appreciation for science and engineering. Knowledge is a good thing no doubt. I just don't need to know the why and how of something to enjoy it. Give me an opportunity to listen to a audio product and I'll render a verdict.
Lack of an adequate explanation as to how something works won't detract from its performance.
Coincident |
Darn auto spell, of course I meant Al not Alet.
Charles |
Hi a25105,
I appreciate your kind comment. There are far more legitimately terrific audio products available than I could ever hear or certainly own. I'm very content with what I have but readily acknowledge that there are other options available as good (or better) than what I own. My system consistently provides an emotionally engaging listening experience and that satisfied my ambition.
Charles |
Al,
Given the extremely high speed of propagation velocity the delay factor would be as you note insignificant (due to the lengths of audio cable). But no doubt that insulation/dielectrics exert some level of sonic influence.
For example the maker of Ocellia cables is adamant that there are characteristics that favor natural materials (cotton, paper or silk) vs synthetic/plastics in regard to dielectrics. Obviously I’m in no position to affirm or reject this idea other than to say that so many variables affect what we hear. Granted some variables are more recognized and supportable than others. Audio is fascinating, television/visual domain doesn’t seem as mysterious or interesting (or maybe I'm simply bias toward this field). There’s just something about listening to music and its effect on humans.
Charles |
With 21 pages and over 1100 posts topics will tend to drift intermittently. Charles |
Hi Dave (Calloway),
Are you using the Cerious Graphene power cables with the Grail mono blocks?
Charles |
