Having had nothing but outstanding results using Pursang interconnects and speaker cable in my audio-only system, I tried Pursang Digital cable on the Component Video Outputs of my Comcast-supplied High Definition TV tuner, and the picture improvement on my Sony LCD Projection TV is such that the picture quality on non-hi-def channels approaches the picture quality on hi-def channels. Whether hi-def or not, the picture is sharper, and the color is more intense.
Review: Argent Audio Pursang Interconnect
Category: Cables
Please let me begin by saying that my listening room dimensions are 30' x 18', with a high beam ceiling. I prefer a cable that can deliver superb tonal balance or balance frequency response from top to bottom. Because of my listening room size and the fact that I am using a dynamic speaker, I greatly favor a wide and deep soundstage with a detailed and holographic presentation. Of course, dynamic range is an important issue too with my personal preference for big band music (Ellington, Basie, and so forth), however personal and intimate vocal recording artists are favored during late evening listening sessions. Finding a cable that can play uncompressed or without the digital brightness and hardness is equally important, big band dynamics and strong vocal performances often stretch the limits or range of a speaker. Truly, I find enjoyment when music flows with ease, effortless, and uncompressed.
I have tried many different interconnect cables throughout the years, some have been quite good while others were not so favorable. Besides the similar products that I have listed, I have also heard or auditioned many other interconnect cables ranging in price from $200 to $4,500 per meter. I have purposely avoided mentioning which cables are my least favorite, although after using copper cables for years, I must confess my current preference for silver cables when designed and built correctly. There are those audiophiles who claim silver cables are often bright or harsh, I am not one of those who share those beliefs because the cables I am using defy their belief.
About 18 months ago, I was using the Nordost Quattro Fil interconnect cable, which I still believe is an excellent cable. Reluctantly, I succumbed to purchasing the very first Jaden Standard RCA Interconnects sold by the designer, Ric Cummins from Argent Audio. I do not have deep pockets nor did I want to throw more money down the drain buying another cable which I hadn't heard. Yes, I too have spent my fair share of money buying cables that others tout are good, but their performance was less than expected, leaving me cables that I could not sell knowing others might be equally disappointed.
I originally contacted Ric Cummins for cable suggestions for a personal friend. Ric was not commercially selling his cables at the time, but he had made a few for shows because he was not satisfied with other products. I suppose that I purchased Ric's cables because I had the guilty conscience of buying used speakers that he designed, Rosinante Dulcinea, from a private seller. I, and a few friends, were impressed by his speakers' performance at The Home Entertainment Show at the Tuscany Hotel in Las Vegas in January 2001. I eventually crossed my fingers that his cables were good because I knew that Ric's cables were unknown in the retail market and nobody in his or her right mind would buy these cables from me.
Surprisingly, I preferred the Jaden Standard Interconnects over the well regarded Nordost Quattro Fil, and so did a very good buddy of mine who replaced his Silver Audio Appassionata Interconnects. Shortly thereafter, another close audiophile friend replaced his Nordost Valhalla for the newer design, the Jaden Signature Interconnect. For those who are curious, the Jaden cable was named after Ric's grandson.
The Jaden line was quite impressive, with a superb tonal balance quality, wide and deep soundstage, and very musically detail. I quickly discovered that my system was tipped from mid to high after employing the Jaden cables in my system.
About seven months ago, Ric sent me his latest interconnect cable, the "Pursang," which had the same qualities of his earlier designed Jaden Signature series, but even better tonal balance. More specifically, the Pursang cables have a superior cutting through quality that allowed me to play my audio system at a lower volume level with greater satisfaction (this is important to me and my family because I do not have a dedicated listening room). The Pursang cable has more extension from top to bottom, and specifically greater detail and a better dynamic range, although his Jaden cable line will deliver high end performance. With the Pursang cable, I am able to see more into the soundstage, a very holographic experience.
Lastly, I am presently auditioning the Pursang Plus speaker cables, which I plan to write a review in the near future.
I am extremely happy for Ric that he has developed a strong following for his cables. This was not an easy feat, especially since his cables were unknown 18 months ago. In my opinion, if you are looking for a high performance cable that is competitively priced, the Jaden Signature or Pursang cables are a consideration. I know many audiophiles with lavishly expensive systems who favor Ric's hand-made cables, which are light and easy to use, unlike some other cables in the market today that are heavy and rigid.
There are still many audiophiles who do not realize that Ric Cummins is the designer of the Room Lens and Dark Matter Platforms. Ric may be contacted through his website: www.roomlens.com
Associated gear
Esoteric DV-50 Universal Player
Audio Logic 2400 DAC
David Berning ZH-270 Amplifier
REL Stentor Subwoofer
Rosinante Dulcinea Speakers
Similar products
Siltech
Coincident CST
Nordost Quattro Fil
Cardas Golden Reference
Harmonic Technology
Sakura (Labs 47)
Acoustic Zen Silver Reference
Synergistic Research
Totem Acoustic
Please let me begin by saying that my listening room dimensions are 30' x 18', with a high beam ceiling. I prefer a cable that can deliver superb tonal balance or balance frequency response from top to bottom. Because of my listening room size and the fact that I am using a dynamic speaker, I greatly favor a wide and deep soundstage with a detailed and holographic presentation. Of course, dynamic range is an important issue too with my personal preference for big band music (Ellington, Basie, and so forth), however personal and intimate vocal recording artists are favored during late evening listening sessions. Finding a cable that can play uncompressed or without the digital brightness and hardness is equally important, big band dynamics and strong vocal performances often stretch the limits or range of a speaker. Truly, I find enjoyment when music flows with ease, effortless, and uncompressed.
I have tried many different interconnect cables throughout the years, some have been quite good while others were not so favorable. Besides the similar products that I have listed, I have also heard or auditioned many other interconnect cables ranging in price from $200 to $4,500 per meter. I have purposely avoided mentioning which cables are my least favorite, although after using copper cables for years, I must confess my current preference for silver cables when designed and built correctly. There are those audiophiles who claim silver cables are often bright or harsh, I am not one of those who share those beliefs because the cables I am using defy their belief.
About 18 months ago, I was using the Nordost Quattro Fil interconnect cable, which I still believe is an excellent cable. Reluctantly, I succumbed to purchasing the very first Jaden Standard RCA Interconnects sold by the designer, Ric Cummins from Argent Audio. I do not have deep pockets nor did I want to throw more money down the drain buying another cable which I hadn't heard. Yes, I too have spent my fair share of money buying cables that others tout are good, but their performance was less than expected, leaving me cables that I could not sell knowing others might be equally disappointed.
I originally contacted Ric Cummins for cable suggestions for a personal friend. Ric was not commercially selling his cables at the time, but he had made a few for shows because he was not satisfied with other products. I suppose that I purchased Ric's cables because I had the guilty conscience of buying used speakers that he designed, Rosinante Dulcinea, from a private seller. I, and a few friends, were impressed by his speakers' performance at The Home Entertainment Show at the Tuscany Hotel in Las Vegas in January 2001. I eventually crossed my fingers that his cables were good because I knew that Ric's cables were unknown in the retail market and nobody in his or her right mind would buy these cables from me.
Surprisingly, I preferred the Jaden Standard Interconnects over the well regarded Nordost Quattro Fil, and so did a very good buddy of mine who replaced his Silver Audio Appassionata Interconnects. Shortly thereafter, another close audiophile friend replaced his Nordost Valhalla for the newer design, the Jaden Signature Interconnect. For those who are curious, the Jaden cable was named after Ric's grandson.
The Jaden line was quite impressive, with a superb tonal balance quality, wide and deep soundstage, and very musically detail. I quickly discovered that my system was tipped from mid to high after employing the Jaden cables in my system.
About seven months ago, Ric sent me his latest interconnect cable, the "Pursang," which had the same qualities of his earlier designed Jaden Signature series, but even better tonal balance. More specifically, the Pursang cables have a superior cutting through quality that allowed me to play my audio system at a lower volume level with greater satisfaction (this is important to me and my family because I do not have a dedicated listening room). The Pursang cable has more extension from top to bottom, and specifically greater detail and a better dynamic range, although his Jaden cable line will deliver high end performance. With the Pursang cable, I am able to see more into the soundstage, a very holographic experience.
Lastly, I am presently auditioning the Pursang Plus speaker cables, which I plan to write a review in the near future.
I am extremely happy for Ric that he has developed a strong following for his cables. This was not an easy feat, especially since his cables were unknown 18 months ago. In my opinion, if you are looking for a high performance cable that is competitively priced, the Jaden Signature or Pursang cables are a consideration. I know many audiophiles with lavishly expensive systems who favor Ric's hand-made cables, which are light and easy to use, unlike some other cables in the market today that are heavy and rigid.
There are still many audiophiles who do not realize that Ric Cummins is the designer of the Room Lens and Dark Matter Platforms. Ric may be contacted through his website: www.roomlens.com
Associated gear
Esoteric DV-50 Universal Player
Audio Logic 2400 DAC
David Berning ZH-270 Amplifier
REL Stentor Subwoofer
Rosinante Dulcinea Speakers
Similar products
Siltech
Coincident CST
Nordost Quattro Fil
Cardas Golden Reference
Harmonic Technology
Sakura (Labs 47)
Acoustic Zen Silver Reference
Synergistic Research
Totem Acoustic
19 responses Add your response
I've used Pursang Digital. I've drawn my horns in a bit on Pursang overall since I've gotten more experience with various other cable lines. I've now tried four different digital cables, and I prefer both Nirvana DC-110 and TG Audio HSR over Pursang. The TG Audio is my top pick, and it's also substantially less expensive than either the Nirvana or or Pursang. |
Richard, given that you're already using Ric's ICs, Id suggest trying the Pursang speaker cables. The only problem is that you're going to need two pairs if you want to continue bi-wiring, since he doesn't make a biwire cable. Even not knowin g the AlphaCores I'd be willing to bet that you'll hear more difference going from them to Pursangs than you would swapping out the Jaden Sigs. Changing the ICs when you already suspect that the speaker cables are the weak point might just set you up for frustration. I'd say that if you can afford it, bi-wiring with Pursang is going to drop your jaw. |
Palasr, I'm using the standard Jaden speaker cables with my Beauhorns, and never even think about changing them. They replaced the more modest Kimber 8TC and immediately improved my system, but I don't think they had as much impact as the IC's. Hawaiikid (Dennis) or Ric Cummins himself would be your best resources on this question. Dennis is using the "new and improved" version of Ric's cables, and also is using a Berning amp, although it's the ZH-270. Ric of course is the designer, and will talk straight with you. Good luck. |
I'm curious as to which you (all) felt made a greater difference, the interconnects or the speaker cables? I might add that I have been an enthusiastic user of the Jaden Signature IC for the past year or so, and couldn't imagine going back to much of anything else. My question then is will the speaker cables (which I am contemplating a purchase of) give me as much of a widescale dramatic improvement as the interconnects did, or more (which I could imagine is possible)?? The recent replacement of my trusty Vandersteens with the vastly more accurate and revealing Meadowlark Shearwater HotRods are certainly going to prompt a speaker cable purchase almost immediately (the current cables are the AlphaCore Python copper biwires, which while very good, were a much better match with the Vandersteens than the Meadowlarks). System is a Berning TF12 preamp to Berning amplifier (either the EA230 monoblocks or EA2101) to Meadowlark Shearwater HotRods being fed a mostly steady diet of vinyl. Thanks, -Richard |
Hi Dennis, Thanks for the kind words. I do remember Ric taking my comments on his original cable to heart, which spurred him into developing the Jaden Signatures. Each iteration of his products seem to be leaps and bounds better than the preceding generation. Considering how good even the original versions are, it's difficult to conceive that much of an improvement could be made. But being the audio genius that he is, somehow he manages. I only hope Ric doesn't read these glowing reviews for fear of his raising his prices. When you get a chance, let me know which products you thought were of special interest at CES. Best regards. |
Ken, I think you have a superb audio and video system. It does not surprise me that you are getting the immediacy and dynamic response from your system, especially with the Pursang interconnects. I am aware of the equipment and cables that you are using, and based on our friend's similar set-up and how revealing and musical his system plays, your comments do not surprise me. Looking back, I think Ric would attribute his drive to develop a seriously high end cable, at a moderate price range, to you. After all, you were critical that his Jaden Standard interconnects were not as good as the Nordost Valhalla, which challenged Ric to design and build the Jaden Signature. Congratulations to you in setting-up such a great entertainment system. |
I'm also one of Ric's biggest fans. I'm the guy Hawaiikid referred to in his original review who replaced my Valhallas with Jaden Signature IC's. Ric subsequently sent me a pair of his new Pursang IC's to try (he's so sly)knowing that they were even better and that I would want to upgrade from the Signatures. Not wanting to spend money on another set of IC's at the time, I hesitated plugging them into my system. However curiousity got the better of me and one day I inserted the Pursangs. Even though they were sitting unused for several weeks, they immediately made themselves known by providing my system with all the attributes the other posters have mentioned. I think the most satisfying quality is their "cutting through" ability. They just sound more immediate than other cables I've used. I use horns, so I'm used to immediacy. But the Pursangs somehow made my Beauhorns sound even more immediate, with images seemingly right there in the room. Just last night (actually 4am) I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. I went to my listening room and played a couple of cd's. Not wanting to wake my sleeping wife, I set the volume control to almost 0 on my preamp. Even at this extremely low setting, my system was able to deliver enjoyable soundstaging, imaging, bass and believe it or not, dynamic contrasts. I know the Beauhorns are primarily responsible for this, but without the Pursangs, I doubt they would provide this level of performance and enjoyment. BTW, I also rediscovered how good Ric's Room Lenses are. I haven't been using them since I had a projection HT system installed in my listening room. They were interfering with the sightlines. However with a little speaker placement adjustment, I was able to reinstall them. WOW! I couldn't believe how everything just seemed to snap into focus. The soundstage widened beyond the speaker planes, while improving depth and layering. Of course the center lens blocks my view of the screen, but it's worth the effort of moving it out when watching a dvd, and back in when listening to audio. If you haven't tried these, they really do work. As Hawaiikid and others have claimed, Ric is a great guy who loves to talk about audio (and other interesting things). Give him a call. You won't regret it. |
Tvad, I agree with you that Ric's website needs some updating. The Pursang cables are new, and they are immediately available. You can contact Ric Cummins for specific information at (785) 542-3922 or via email: [email protected] |
Ric doesn't have the Pursangs on his web site yet. You have to phone or email him to talk about them. He's a seriously nice guy to talk with, so I'd strongly recommend giving him a call. About gliders - I flew flew in Ottawa up till a few years ago, all flatland thermal flying. I flew a number of ships - Pilatus B4, Puchacz, Grob 103, Schweizer 1-26 and 1-34. I had a share of the 1-34 for a number of years, and used it to get my Silver C. I fell out of flying due to lack of time, but I expect I'll take it up again when I retire in a few years. For now I'm flying on clouds of Bach :-) |
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No one mentioned prices. For all you "starving artists" out there, there is another home shootout candidate. For $180 per eight foot pair of speaker cables, and $120 per interconnect pair, [email protected] won my heart and soul. With the new era of direct marketing, there is a money back guarantee. Reading the above postings described attributes present in Gregg's products. But, my main reason for commenting is to give bargain oriented Audiogon members a shot at the high end sound we all covet, without having to hide the prices from our spouses. |
Hawaiikid, Thank you for your insightful review of Ric Cummins Pursang cabling. Ric has developed a very faithful following. Comments here and on Audio Asylum seem to indicate many have achieved the elusive "sonic nirvana" by deploying Pursang IC's, digital cable, and speaker cable in there systems. I purchased a used pair of Jaden standard IC a while back, it certainly made a big difference in my modest system. Having achieved a well balanced system, looks like cable upgrades will be my next step. From my casual observations of posts it looks like the Pursang's or Ridge Street Audio Designs Poiema are garnering the most kudos. Roger |
I know what you mean about the Brujos, too - I'm using a pair of Brujo HCs on my Wavelength amps. Once they had burned in they were significantly better to my ears than the Nirvana power cords that the amp's designer recommends. The only non-Argent cable left in my system is a pair of Nirvana PC Plus powercords on the digital components. Once Ric delivers their Brujo replacements, like you I'm going to completely wired with his cable. It's magical stuff. |
Gliderguider, thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my product review. Interestingly, I too experienced the same results when comparing the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects and Satori speaker cable to the Jaden Signature cables. Now, the difference is even greater when compared to the Pursang cables. I am presently using the Pursang cables throughout my system (digital, interconnects, and speaker cables). By the way, I am also using Ric's latest power cord, the Brujo. You can expect the same high quality performance from the Brujo cords. |
As another ecstatic user of Ric's Pursang cables, let me add my enthusiatic agreement to your comments. You're describing exactly what I hear in my system. I've never heard cables with such clarity, dynamics, naturalness and realism all rolled into one package. I had an interesting experience last night. My system is wired from stem to stern with Pursang, but to get there I went through a couple of stages that left me with full systems of other wire. Because I'd gotten where I am through a series of incremental additions I'd never compared a full system of Pursang to full systems of other cables. Over the course of about three hours last night I did just that. The signal wires in the system consist of a digital IC, a pair of balanced ICs, a pair of RCA ICs and a pair of speaker cables. In all cases the RCA and XLR ICs were the same wire. First up was an Acoustic Zen setup, consisting of an MC2 digital cable, Silver Reference interconnects and Satori speaker cable. After listening to the Pursang for some months I was shocked at how much detail went missing when I fired up the AZ setup. The sound lost dynamics, drive, lucidity, engagement and all-around realism. It was as if a thick cloth had dropped over the window on the music. Now for people who use AZ wire this may seem a bit over the top, or even downright unbelievable. All I can say is that this is a fair description of what I heard. The sound took on a degree of remoteness that I just didn't expect. Now, I hadn't used these cables in about two months, but they had been well broken in when I put them away, and at least the single-ended ICs had seen consistent use in my living room system since then. Next up was a multi-manufacurer system consisting of a Nirvana DC-110 digital cable, Wireworld Gold Eclipse III+ interconnects and Magnan Signature speaker cable (the wide black ribbone). This combination was more successful. More detail and emotion came through, and the dynamics were better than with the AZ system. There was a better soundstage, resolution was a bit higher, and there was more of a sense of the performers as real people. But (you knew there was going to be a "but", didn't you?) I still had a sense of something missing. The "there" just wasn't all there. While I could hear the musicians as people now, I was still missing a lot of insight into their artistic intentions and how they were realizing them during the performance. After a couple of hours doing this, I was feeling pretty dissatisfied, and finally gave in to my urges. I rewired the system with Pursang - a digital cable, two pairs of ICs and the speaker cable. I hit "play", and the first two bars reaffirmed why I've become a Pursang zealot :-) The "there" was all there. I could hear all the nuances of the performances, the dynamics sounded real again and the veil over the perfomances lifted. Not only were there real people making the music, I could now hear and understand the artistic decisions they were making - fingerings, phrasing, the interactions between pairs and groups of musicians, the breathtaking realism of voices. When I played some Schubert it was as though the EPA had stepped in and ordered all the pollution to be removed from the lake so I could see every glittering scale on that quintet of trout swimming below the surface. Sheer bliss. As far as I'm concerned the Pursangs define a new state of the art in audio cabling, and Ric Cummins is a freaking sorcerer. |