Review: Michael Wolff Cables


Category: Cables

The latest of Michael Wolff's interconnects are his Dragon series Empress Interconnects. It is identify by a small red Dragon on top of an Empress Wolff logo. I am not sure how many generations this cable has evolved from, perhaps Michael can enlighten us. I did however had a chance to A/B one of his earlier Empress ICs and the newer Empress Dragon series cable.

The differences were actually very dramatic. It was apparent that the Dragon series cable had the same Empress signature, but much more musical.The dynamics were clearer, and the soundstage was wider and deeper. Instruments now occupied more of their own space in layers of detail, taunt bass, and a warm lush midrange. I know, it sounds like a review from an article from a Stereo rag. But this cable is really that balanced. I must mention that it did not have the last word in detail and extension, compared to the Wireworld Gold Eclipse. But hey, the Gold Eclipse cost 3x more, not that cost have anything to do with its' performance, but in this case the cable compared does cost 3x more. Yes, the conductors are silver and both the Empress-Dragon and the Gold Eclipse are not bright and thin, as many would believe from silver wires. And believe me if they were, my Thiels would revel that.

Prior to shipping, the cables go through a Haggerman Fry Kleaner break-in process. I felt the Fry Kleaner took the cable 90% of the way. As I mention to Michael, I used the XLO system burn-in CD track 9, for an hour to finsh off the burn.

I know descriptions of cables and audio gear in general, are subjective to each listener. The only way is to have a listen for yourself, on your own gear. Michael offers a 2 week audition period. The cable has been in my system for couple of months hooked up to my second source, the Classe .5 CDP, which is also plugged into one of Michaels' Source cords.

Needless to say, I am quite satisfied with this cable as well as Michael's professionalism and honesty. If you want to forget about your gear and just listen to music, pick up one of MWs' IC.......put on Pink Martini's - Hang on Little Tomato and ........Enjoy!

The majority of my music collection includes Jazz, Blues, and Vocals. My passion is more on the recorded voice and intimate bands. Some of the recordings used for this review are..........

Jacintha - Jacintha is her name
Rob Wasserman - Duets
Duke Ellington & Ray Brown - This One's for Blanton

Associated gear
Audio Research CD2
Classe .5 CDP
Pass Lab X-1
Pass Lab Aleph 1 monblocks
Thiel 3.6
Gutwire Maxcon power conditioner
Wireworld Gold Elcipse ICs
Gutwire G clef power cords
Wolff Source power cord
128x128tubemiser
I am sure everyone has dealt with big manufactures and companies that offer very little personal service and attention. There is alot to be said for the service and personal customer relations which Mike offers to his customers. Time after time Mike has impressed me with his efforts to assure me that I am not only getting his best cable, but has continued to make sure I have a listen to the latest cable from his lab.
I just had an opportunity to listen, and now pocess one of Michael Wolffs' latest interconnects. Mike has informed me that his new line of cables are labled Michael Wolff like his power cords.
The previous Empress cables, I thought were very balanced and detailed cables. Mike's latest interconnects has a totally different sound signature. The soundstage is huge and layers deep of detailed notes that extend in thier own pockets of space. I always felt everything was a give and take, if you gain some highs you'll have to sacrifice some lows, and so on. Mike's new ICs are as balanced throughout all ranges, the soundstage is huge and the vocals are sweet.
I really havn't gotten excited over an IC for a long time, and really felt I made a friend along the way. Thanks Mike....!
I can fully endorse the sentiments Tubemiser has shared with us above, on both the excellent product and the exceptional level of service provided. I too was an early adopter to the original Grover Wolff Empress cables (both interconnect and speaker) and Mike's latest offerings are in a completely different league. In fact, I've also ordered his latest power cables (both source and gain), which I understand are a sizeable jump up from the originals I'm currently trialing in my system. To give readers an idea of the performance of these cables, I lent a friend my Empress Dragon interconnect yesterday evening and he gave me a call early this morning. "You complete B**tard" were his exact words "you knew it'd beat my interconnect". His existing cable is a nordost valhalla. In the interests of full disclosure, I have no commercial dealings with Mike Wolff other than being a very happy customer.
I just posted this over at Audio Asylum, but felt inspired enough to post it here too:

I have been in this hobby for just about 30 years and the few of you who actually know me, know that I deeply love music. Music helped me beat cancer and I spent a small fortune "giving some of that back" producing live music while living in Chicago.

I have very much enjoyed mixing and matching equipment as we have moved 22 times over the past 25 years ... and finding the best sound in each space. Like some of you, I have owned several humdred pieces of equipment.

I do not often post, but have loved the good parts of what the Internet has brought to this hobby - an ability to quickly share information; a huge database of opinion and data; a chance to "try-on" equipment, cables, etc for fit; and a great sense of comeraderie - and to "meet" many of you! However, this hobby is to be fun ... and so often we lose sight of that.

I had recently completed some nice changes to my system. In a downsize of dollars, but not sound, added a pair of CIA D-100 Class D monos, a Sonic Euphoria PLC and Consonance Droplet CD player to my beloved Gallo Ref IIIs.

Well, I too had been very curious about this Oyaide - Acrolink thing.

As a fan of Michael Wolff's past Carbon Ribbon Source AC cords for my CD player and tuner, I went back to Michael and took a huge leap of faith by having him make me one of his new Silver Carbon Source AC cords with the Acrolink Carbon IEC and male plug connectors for use on the Droplet. I also added the wall receptical/frame/carbon plate (all palladium over gold.)

Now, I know some of the differences are attributable to the move from copper to silver ... and some to the wall outlet, frame and plate, but on my cd player, these differences were pretty astonishing. The background noise floor that I thought to be already quiet, seemed to drop even further. Very small details emerged from this background as never before. All the audiophile goodies were there, but most of all the music was just excellent and more enjoyable accross the board.

Because of this, I decided to take the next step and try a pair of Michael's new Silver Gold Carbon interconnects terminated with the Acrolink Carbon RCA plugs. Yes, I know, it is a disease.

STUNNING. Incredibly dynamic ... yes that PRAT thing is in very strong evidence. The "blat" of brass is very realistic, the "woodiness" of reeds is very present, you can so clearly hear (and almost feel) the differences in guitars and guitar strings and cello and bass just sound so right. Both male and female vocals have never sounded so right.

There is really a lot more to be learned and perhaps, later said here, but for now, I must say, the music has never been more enjoyable. The illusion of the recreation of studio or live music has never been so "real." This is a reminder of those reasons why that this hobby is so much fun!