SR "Entry Level" Black UEF power cords


I thought it necessary to start a new thread in regard to these utterly amazing, yet affordable PC’s. While there is a thread started by Oregon papa, it is more centered on the more seriously expensive atmosphere cables. I thought it prudent that these inexpensive cables get their own spotlight, as not all of us are as well heeled as others, and while I am sure the atmosphere cables must be awe inspiring, they are prohibitively out of reach for many of us. Therefore, I applaud Synergistic for "remembering the little guy" and creating an offering that allows us to taste some of that magic without the threat of divorce.

I’ve managed to build a very good system, to my ears, over the years. Much of it second hand, and when it came time for any type of peripheral, it was examined with a strong glass. I had settled on my first quality interconnect, Morrow MA-5 XLR. They are excellent ic’s and gave me a true taste of what a well designed cable could do for my musical enjoyment. I was hooked on the improvement and began a mission to squeeze every last ounce of music out of my system-Fuses, feet, mats....voodoo.

Fast forward to about 2 years ago. I ordered some red fuses for my gear. My buddy and life long friend who has been on this audio journey with me from the start agreed with me that they gave the system a well received shot in the arm. All much improved.

Recently, my ARC power amp had been sent in for service due to an issue and unfortunately was not salvageable. Therefore a huge enexpected purhase was made in order to get the system back up and running...Still licking my wounds from that.

With a new ARC amplifier in place, but with a different fuse value from the last one, I needed a replacement. I learned that the new Black fuse was now king of the hill. So, a Black fuse was installed into my power amp. Even though this was admittantly a new, and different model amp, the upgrade from the stock fuse to black fuse, was more than what I recalled the red being able to accomplish. This became a slipperly slope, but one I have enjoyed navigating. Soon after the black fuses, SR released the black UEF Cables.

I had been contemplating new power cords for some time, and logically had been considering the Morrow cables considering my satisfaction with the IC’s. I had also considered the shunyata venom and Pangea cables as well. However, after seeing what the SR UEF Black fuse had done for my system, and given the fact that SR was running an introductory special offer, not to mention a risk free trial, resistance was futile.

Ultimately my system now has all SR BLACK power components and I am just thrilled with the outcome. There is something to be said about these very special cables. I’ve tried to cheat by building my own Belden recipes, utilizing furutech ends etc. and was never able to accomplish a cable like this, even with premium parts, ultimately bringing costs close to what these cables asking price are.

Improvements are not subtle and these power products equate to a sum greater than their parts. Noise floor, clarity, tonality, soundstage size and focus are all improved. But not to the extent one would expect from a simple cable swap. There is something "else" going on here. Something that many people don’t care to understand, myself included, but embrace nevertheless because life is too short to worry about demanding mathematical proof of cable effects. I would rather be swimming in music. Many people will scoff at even the price of these lower cost offerings. This is unfortunate, let them be happy with what they have, and wish them the best.

These cables range from 300-500 dollars folks. A far cry from the higher cost offerings, but raise the performance of your system supremely and represent a fantastic value given their achievement. I have no doubt SR’s atmosphere line is better, but some of us cannot, or simply will not spend that kind of money. God bless those who can. That’s why these cables are so amazing. For those of you who have looked over SR because you thought there offerings were out of your price range, you now have shot at sonic bliss on a budget. I recommend these cables without hesitation.

Think of these cables as sneaking in the back door after greasing the bouncer. Sure you can’t sit front row, but at least you get to be in the house to see the performance.

audiolover718

Showing 4 responses by oregonpapa

Audiolover ...

Excellent beginning of a new thread on the entry level SR PC's. Very well written on your part as well. Its going to be really interesting to see what the results of other's will be with these new PC's. They certainly are cost effective, no doubt about that. 

I tried unplugging my amp from the power conditioner last  night and going directly into the wall. I got a slightly annoying edginess to the sound, so I switched in back and enjoyed the return to a more relaxed realism. Just goes to show ya ... what works for one may not work for another. Weird hobby, eh?

OP 
audiolover ...

I'm really enjoying your evaluations on the SR power cords as they exactly parallel my own experiences. My friends who come over have the same reaction that your friend did ... and they heard the improvements immediately. 

On the break-in ... they seemed to continue to improve right through 300 hours or so. Just when I thought things couldn't get better, I'd get more tonal colors during the next sessions. At this point, the clarity and 3-D imaging is off the charts. 

Zowie ... 

OP
^^^ audiolover ... 

" At first listen however, I thought it sounded a little dull, and was worried.  Upon further listening I realized, that it wasn't dull at all. but finally the sound of real Instruments."

You've really nailed it with your assessment on the calming down effect as the power cords break in. The SR Black fuses do the same. I compare the improvements as being between the last vestiges the of HiFi sound left in the system and live music.

Whenever I listen to unamplified live music, either full symphonic or small jazz groups, I'm always struck by how relaxed the presentation is compared to most stereo systems I've heard in the past, including my own. Yes, live music can sound, as you said, "explosive and engaging," but it never seems to have that "cringe factor" distortion that resides in the vast majority of audio systems ... regardless of price. Massed strings, solo trumpets at full song and peaks in vocals are a prime examples. 

I've described the effect of the SR power cords and SR fuses before as bringing the system to a new level of  purity with lack of grain. But in  reality, these products bring an audio system closer to the sound of real music ... more relaxed like a live presentation, and way more enjoyable t listen to.  

The human voice is the instrument we are most familiar with as we listen to it during most of our waking hours. Vocals are so strikingly real in my system now that it really makes one sit up and take  notice.

I have a lot of well recorded vocals in my collection, including jazz singers on mono recordings. Oh my God ... Dinah Washington, June Christy, Julie London, Chris Connor and Jo Stafford are in the room in 3-D relief suspended right between the speakers with such realism they have me and my audiophile guests saying ... "who needs stereo?"  

In my opinion the mark of a great audio system is when you and your friends no longer say that "your audio system sounds great," and instead begin saying ... "Wow! Those guys sound great."  :-)

Happy listening ... 
My friend Robert and I frequently attend concerts at a church that features our city's professional symphony orchestra with local high school soloists in the spotlight.  We always sit in the front pew just to the left of the piano and right in front of the string section. No matter how loud the music gets, we just sit there bathed in the music ... no cringe factor at all.  

By the way, the kids range in age between 12 and 18 ...and they are amazing. My step-grandson played  bassoon as a soloist there when he was in high school. He earned a full ride scholarship at the University of Washington's school of music for his college training.  He's playing at the symphony level and in chamber groups around the Chicago area now.  He's a terrific bassoon player.  Whenever he's in town for the holidays, I love going over to my daughter's and her husband's home to hear him practice.