Synergistic Research - NEW Element Cables

Joeyboynj, just curious if you had any thoughts on the difference between the Tesla SE ac cords versus the new Elements? I am thinking of picking up some used SE T3 ac cords. Also very interested in your opinion of the Tungsten interconnect. I must admit the description of the Tungsten on the SR site is precisely what I am looking for.

Thank you n

Thanks for the update Joeyboynj. In addition to your new Element sub interconnect, please also comment on your Element power cord for your Rel sub. Looking forward to your review.

Hey, if anyone wants to take their Synergistic cables to another level, do yourself a favor and get the Michael Spallone MPC mod. This mod will take the stock crappy MPC to the Galileo's level of performance. Michael uses better parts than what's inside the Galileo MPC. He replaces the Synergistic MPC's four cheap, general purpose 1 amp rectifier diodes with four ultra fast, soft recovery IXYS rectifier diodes and the 470uf 50 volt dirt cheap chinese electrolytic cap with a 680uf Panasonic FM extremely low impedance, high ripple current, long life (7000 hrs). It is now a super low noise power supply.

I loved my Synergistic cables before Mike's mod but at his price point I figured what the hell, I'll send him my MPCs. WOW! More transparency, blacker backgrounds, increased detail and warmth with even lower noise floor than stock MPCs. Mike's mod made me a believer and I can't recommend him highly enough.

Devilboy, very timely post. I am seriously considering getting some Tungsten power cables and was about to get the Gallileo Mpc. I also like the 2 leads of the Gallielo. I wonder if Michael Spallone can do that too with his mod? So how do we get in touch with him? I tried a search on Google but didn't come up with anything.

Tboooe, look up his username: Michaelspallone, then send him a message. You better be sitting down when you find out how little he charges to bring an MPC to Galileo level.

Thank you Devilboy. I contacted Michael. Looking forward to this.

I have been looking for a decent pair of speaker cables and against my better judgment I tried some SR from the cable company as well as Kimber. I've now tried some DH labs stuff including some interconnects, Stereovox interconnects borrowed from a friend. It went against my better judgment to try to the SR because I just can't go with the whole tuning bowls thing, etc. Having said all that - and six months if somebody told me I was going to spend as much as I'm about to spend on cables as I'm about to spend I would have told them they're crazy, I'm running element copper between my DAC and Calypso preamp and Atlas amp, then the element copper speaker cables. I'm getting one of the tungsten interconnects to try to before I decide to make the purchase. It just makes that much of a difference in my system. It IS like night and day against other products I've tried. There is a focus and dimensionality with the products that nothing else I've tried approaches. The all important timbre of instruments is spot on, dynamically good, could use a tiny bit tighter bass for my tastes but the cables are just flat out great. I guess I'm a convert.

Pwhinson, demo one Element Tungsten interconnect between DAC and preamp and you will get the tighter bass your looking for plus a litter more everything else all around. You will know when you demo it in your system and then let us know how it sounds. Thanks! ;-)

I'm hoping to hear the Element Tungsten speaker cables and ICs in my system and I will report on them if that happens.

I am all ears

Element Copper vs. Tungsten?

We have been listening to Element copper power cords and they are the best we have heard so far especially with the enigma bullets you can fine tune the sound to your tastes. We will be getting the tungsten power cord soon I will be updating soon, but so far element copper is fantastic in Cary preamp and Cj Phono stage!

Just my 2 cents: Element Tungsten power cord sounds amazing with my amp.

Listening to element copper power cords I thought were impressive, but element tungsten brings it to a whole new level WOW!

Get your MPC mod done; a transformation for sure...

Michael Spallone has modded both of my Synergistic power cords.

Hasse tungsten definetly better than copper from top to bottom in power cords.

Thanks, what about the speaker cables and IC´s?

Haven't heard those yet, but coming soon!

In my system and too my ears, the SR Element Tungsten cables didn't work out. They throw a huge soundstage and do many impressive things but regardless of which tuning bullets I used, my system became slightly fatiguing with long-term listening.
I can see the appeal of the sound and in a different system and room I might actually love it.

They are system dependent my friends cary preamp the element tungsten is best, but in my music reference rm-5 element copper power cords are best.

The stock MPC is forward in its overall sound but Michaels modded MPC eliminated that on my PC; much more relaxed, much wider/deeper soundstage, more air and more refinement...

I'm using the Tungsten PC on my Modwright Sony 5400 CD Player and it excells there along with the modded MPC.

Wig, The Sony Modwright 5400 has two power cords to power the CD playback system. One for the PS 9 power supply that powers certain components of the CD player and the other PC directly on the Sony 5400 unit itself. So where are you using the Tungsten PC? And why to you like it where you are using it and have you ever have switched it to the other power supply. Modwright suggests to use the best power cord you have on the PS 9 power supply unit first. I did and noticed the better cord benefited the entire system while on the PS 9 power supply and a cheapest cable I have worked best on the Sony 5400 unit itself.

Thanks, Joe

Joeyboynj,

Ch Acoustic X20 provided outstanding results on my PS 9.9 and the Tungsten is on my cd player and does a good jobs there. The X20 lower the power supply noise much better than the Tungsten, so it made sense to put it on the player.

I owned the whole deal all power cords 3 ft power strip ,plus another strip to
Plus in 12outlets with live shielding.the Copper Element cables and one Tungston intern connect sounded very good ,but I tried after Ihad already purchased the Synergistic Element cables with the 3 bullets to change the balance. I auditioned The MIT - HD cables ,they were a slightly less moneys ,adjustable impedance matching to your equipment.the realism was apparent right away,and just got better over 200 hrs.I sold the whole lot of Synergistic
And never looked back ,and also got rid of all those spaghetti wires.
And the hidden what I call scams, the live shielding has wall warts.
If you want your system to sound better you have to spend another $300 each for the
Deluxe wall warts .i bought a couple it did improve everythjng but these without question should be standard,especially after seeing what was inside,one of my friends deluxe units stopped working he dremmeled
It open a little board resistors and a maybe $10 worth of parts.
They are quantum tunneled-So What it is a ripoff to charge the faithfull
Buyers ,.myself and other guy bought the MIT cables and never looked back,and with the adjustable impedance,no matter what you change in your system it locks in the signal .a much deeper soundstage and imaging.

Audioman58,
Here is a quote from you on SR from a couple of years ago -
"I can tell you that Synergistic Research is one of the best in research And their new products are getting better and better per value. After the CES in Jan they have a true high value cable coming out For people who cannot afford the new Element series. I love the active shielding it makes a Big difference in keeping the performance locked on"
I assume from the quote above you thought SR were very good cords at one time. Now you have found better cords to your liking, does this mean SR was a ripoff? If so, your post perpetuated the 'rip-off' for SR.

Audioman58,

I also sold off all my SR cables -- and never looked back. And I am glad to be rid of that tangle of MPC wires that made things so difficult to get a handle on behind my components.

I was an avid MIT user for over 15 years and after going back to traditional cables, I found out that MIT was not my cup of tea and like my British counter-parts say, they're Hi-Fi sounding cables...

Davea33,

The active shielding is an expensive and entangling problem that other cable makers have solved -- while providing superior SQ.

Audioman and Sabai, what did you switch to?

This thread is about Synergistic products and how we like their products and the ways we use them. Go start another topic discussion somewhere else if you don't like em. This forum thread is for people who like Synergistic and help other people who prefer Synergistic products. Thank you. Sabai please take your useless posts elsewhere like to the hifi Diamond waste of a page.

Also, if you have not heard the CTS Element Digital and Analogue power Cables, then don't even comment here because these are better many current line PC's out today. I have both these PC's in my system and they blow everything out of the water. And I'd demo'ed many and many PC's form The Cable Company.

Hasse,

David Elrod cables.

Joeyboynj,

Thanks for your informative post. If you have been designated as the moderator kindly make a full disclosure.

Joeyboynj,

By the way, have you auditioned David Elrod cables?

Anyway, bad energy is wasted energy.

Has any Synergistic Research fans here tested or heard the new Synergistic Research High Frequency transducer and Frequency Equalizer??

There are some great reviews from RMAF 2014 and The Audiostream website. And I found a few other VERY positive reviews. Here is the article to check out:

http://www.audiostream.com/content/synergistic-research-high-frequency-transducer-and-frequency-equalizer

And here is another VERY positive review of the NEW Element CTS Power cords and cables. This explains more exactly how I feel and find these new cables. This articles puts into words for me. As I totally agree with the review.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue70/synergistic_cts.htm

Joeyboynj,

The article you are referring to by Robert S. Youman states, "Most importantly, over all sound quality surpasses every other wire offering that I have auditioned in my system." I wonder why he does not mention the name of even one other wire "offering" he is comparing the CTS to.

I have an innate suspicion of reviews. It is well known that the so-called audio review network is corrupted by advertisers. And it is also well-known that Ted Denney is not shy about hyping every new product that he brings out. You may remember that the Master Coupler was God's gift to the audio world. And, in the past, he has never been shy about trying to suppress any "overly" negative comments on Audiogon about his products.

All this goes a long way to explaining the Synergistic Research buyer-fatigue comments one read on the forums. Wait till the next line of SR cables comes out -- with superlatives heaped upon superlatives. The steady flow of CTS offerings on Audiogon will increase. So, caveat emptor.

Talking about reviews, here are excerpts of Brian Damkroger's The Absolute Sound review that appears on the Synergistic Research site. Here is the link:

http://www.synergisticresearch.com/reviews/ac-master-coupler/

"How big a difference [do these power cords make]?... To put it in perspective, the difference is akin to replacing an undistinguished MOSFET stereo amp with a pair of absolutely top-flight mono tube amps — or replacing a midfi direct-drive turntable with a well set up Linn, Sota, or VPI. To say I was unprepared for the difference these power cords made would be a big, big understatement ... The differences wrought in my system by the additions of these power cords were positive, dramatic, and immediately apparent. However, unlike some immediate, drastic changes, the differences brought about by the cords didn't wear on me with time. In fact, the more I listened to my system with [these power cords] in place, the more difficult I found it to believe I had tolerated my system without them. Whenever I removed [them] from my systems, I found myself shaking my head and wondering, "Have I been listening to this?"

To say that [they] moved my system toward the absolute sound is true, but doesn't really capture the magnitude or sense of that movement. Suppose, for example, that you went from having one penny to having two. One way to describe this is to say that you went from 99 cents short of a dollar to 98 cents short, not a big change with respect to the dollar. However, another way to describe the change is to say that you doubled your wealth — a big change from where you were. The absolute sound is a long way out there ... But oh what those things do for a system! The only way to capture [their] impact is to concentrate on the doubling of wealth, to describe the differences themselves.

These differences, in decreasing order of apparent magnitude, were an increase in the dimensionally of individual instruments in the soundstage; an opening up of the soundstage, or increase in air between individual instruments; replacement of the smog between images in the soundstage with crystal clear air; an increase in the sharpness of the leading edge of transients, both spatially and temporally; and increase in bass extension and precision; and a decrease in high-frequency garbage.

Although all of these changes are inter-related, first I'll try to describe each individually and give examples I noted during my listening sessions. The most immediate and noticeable effect of [these power cords] was an increase in the dimensionally [sic] and body of individual images. This was most apparent with vocals, solo instruments, or small groups ... the vocals took on palpable dimensionally [sic] and body, whereas with the standard cords in place, they were somewhat twodimensional [sic], layered on the front edge of the soundfield [sic] ... With [these power cords], the voices became three-dimensional, surrounded by a cushion of air ...

... In this case, the added dimensionally [sic]seems to result from an increase in inner detail — intricacies of the sound of the air moving through the horn give it size and presence ... With [these power cords] in place, subtle shifts in the instruments’ position are clearly evident as such. With the standard cords in place, the shifts are barely perceptible, and then only as changes in tonal character. With record after record, the added dimensionally [sic] and detail were nothing short of dramatic.

[These power cords] also opened up the soundstage. I don’t mean to say that the outer boundaries of the soundstage moved outward — they did, particularly in terms of depth — but that’s not what I’m getting at here. The difference was more an increased perception of separation between, or distinction of, individual images in the soundstage. With [these power cords], the image centers weren't significantly farther apart, but the edges, of the images and spaces between them were now real, distinct, and three-dimensional ... this resulted in the instruments having more body, and the space between becoming more obvious as a separate entity, filled with the mixed resonance and decay of not only the solo instrument, but also the surrounding instruments and hall ... Here, the combination of dimensionally [sic], detail, and the soundstage opening made some of the denser passages seem more like individual instruments combined, rather than simply a canned, congealed sound.

The heightened awareness of the space added a bit of the charged excitement of a live performance. On multi-miked rock, the empty space between images was just that — – empty, really empty. Further, the emptiness had a clarity and sharpness that made it apparent that, with the standard cords, the space had actually been filled with a cloudy film. This is the third wonder wrought by [these power cords], the removal of not a veil or film over the soundstage, but rather the greasy, cloudy, grungy matrix that the images were suspended in. I know, I know — your system doesn’t suspend images in a grungy matrix. Well, neither did mine, until [these power cords] showed me what the soundstage could be like without the grungy matrix! ... imagine ... crystal clear air, like a window you have to touch to make sure it’s there, or for we westerners, a crisp, clear morning at about 8,500 feet when you’d swear you could see someone in Kansas if they stood on their roof.

This clarity is further augmented, or more likely supported, by the fourth difference I attributed to [these power cords] — an increase in the sharpness of the leading edge of transients. This increase had two aspects. The first is temporal, meaning that the transients sound faster. The second is spatial, in that transients seem to arise from a more specific, and rigidly fixed, point in space. One of the major shortfalls of recorded music is an incorrect handling of transients. It's easy to identify a live band down the hall, around the corner, and at the other end of a bar. One rim shot is all it takes. Why? I think a big part of it has to do with transient performance. Maybe it's micro-dynamics, maybe absolute rise time, or maybe phase coherence at the leading edge of the transient ...

Additionally present, however, was a significant increase in bass extension, definition, and power ... which brings me to the last effect of [these popwer cords], a reduction in high frequency garbage ... To me, the decrease in grunge was most apparent in the increased clarity, dimensionally [sic], and body ... For whatever reason, [these power cords] allow a system to better preserve the fine detail and phase integrity of a signal, simultaneously reducing spurious noise that results from either external sources or internal interactions.

The result is a huge — I repeat, huge — leap forward in the realism of the sound coming out of a system. The difference between, say, the sharper ring and decay of an Ovation guitar and the deeper body and resonance of a Martin take on a new level of prominence. With the Master Couplers, you get a much better sense of hearing the body of the guitar, rather than just a sound emanating from an area in space. Similarly, the spatial dimensionally [sic] and layering of multiple images within a soundfield are more apparent. With a densely orchestrated work, the effect is an increase in both the body and overall acoustic envelope and the ability to distinguish individual voices or edges of the soundfield. The effect is sort of a "virtual reality" spatial and temporal interplay of the voices ... To summarize, I can't possibly recommend [these] Synergistic Research [power cords] more highly ... for what they do, they represent the biggest bang for the audio buck I have seen ..."

WOW! I'm glad I found this review. These power cords sound absolutely amazing. I can't wait to audition them in my system. Brian Damkroger must be talking about the game-changing Element series. No? Then he must be talking about the game-changing Tesla series? No? Then what?

This is a review of the game-changing Master Coupler. The moral of the story is not to be enticed by reviews -- or by manufacturers who publish these reviews on their sites and who mirror what reviewers say in their own sales promotional material. Trust your own ears -- unless you need someone else to tell you what you are supposed to hear.

I have now installed the Synergistic Research HFT + Frequency Equalizer in two different systems that are in different rooms. The improvement is remarkable and after 6 weeks of listening still imensely enjoyable.

Now that Synergistic Research has published good information on where to locate the HRT's in a room, installation is quite easy. Since they are afixed with Blue Tac they can be easily moved and do not damage the surfaces they are attached to.

Unlike cables there is no breakin time. Spend one hour putting the HRT's in the room as per SR's diagram, plug the Frequency Energizer into the wall plug and listen to your music system and the room's accoustic qualities mesh in a greatly improved manner.

With their money back policy on this system and the fact that shipping them is low cost makes this the next upgrade for most audiophiles to consider.

I think most will be pleased with the improvement.

David Pritchard

I have a copper power cable for my preamp and a tungsten that I am currently using for my Amp. My Tube preamp is powered with a Cardas Golden reference power cable. I would assume the Tungsten is the best of the 3. Should it be used on the preamp instead of the Amp? I know , the easy answer is to just experiment and listen for yourself. I just picked up on this thread so figured I would pose the question. Is there a rule of thumb as to where these cables should be used? I figured the Power amp would be the most critical so i just hooked the Tungsten by default to the amp. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks

Hey everyone, (excluding useless posters)

Has anyone tried the new Synergistic Research XOT transducers? I'm looking for people that own them and could provide a review here.

I'm looking to pick up a set but always value the opinions of my fellow S.R. fans to see how they like them and any tips on how to use them and what improvements were achieved.

Thanks,
Joe

David Pritchard, Have you compared the ART system to the newer HFT + Frequency Equalizer??

I was wondering if I should sell my ART system and get the newer HFT + Frequency Equalizer system.

Or have anyone else have done the similar...

Thanks!

My primary system uses both Synergistic Research Arts System and the HFT + FEQ System. Together they simply make the room- speaker interaction wonderful. They work in different ways and so having the two systems is not redundent. Highly satisfied.

I just borrowed a pair of the XOT's from the Cable Company.I was already using a pair of the Stein Music speaker match pluses(SMP's) so I was able to compare them. I have electrostats that are set up for bi-wiring and I had the Stein Music SMP's on the top pair the of speaker posts which are for the panel.I liked what the SMP's did which was provide a little more musical detail with a slightly deeper soundstage. My wife who really doesn't listen much to my stereo immediately noticed the improvement as they are very easy to connect or disconnect as I was using banana connections. The Synergistic Research XOT is very similar in the improvements it provides but I think they are a little bit better in resolving detail but please remember that I only used these on the panels input not the woofer connection. I decided to keep the XOT's and I dropped the SMP's down to the woofer inputs and I was shocked at how much they tightened up the bass.You can try the XOT's for 30 days free but if you have the SMP's I wouldn't bother unless you have speakers that are set up for bi-wiring and might want to try what I did.

Vinylmad814, Try your best cord on your source. Then second best cord on your Pre-amp. The exchange the power cable that is on the amp to the pre-amp and back again and keep what you think which sounds best. And don't forget to have fun! Its only a fun enjoyable hobby. Enjoy! ;-)

Joeyboynj is absolutely correct. Have fun or at least satisfaction when switching cables around. I find it interesting how much the sound changes. Best to keep some simple notes and make one change at a time.

Well two sets of Synergistic Research XOT's are on the way. The horn speakers are biwired so I will try high, low and both. The 30 day trial is great for allowing proper evaluation.

With the Synergistic Research Acoustic Arts System and the Synergistic Research HFT+ FEQ system already in place, this could get seriously good.

Davidpritchard,

Did you get the XOT's yet? If so, what is your impression?

I placed an order for a pair, I hope to get them next week.

Thanks, Joe

Davidpritchard,

You have a review in the XOT's yet?

I got the XOT's today. Simply stunning right out of the box! WOW! More to come...

I installed a set of Synergistic Research's XOT's in my system. One word...Incredible! Soundstage more liquid, transients just flow like water. The black background is stunning. These just makes the stereo sound so much more real. Top to bottom. Like I'm at the event itself. What a surprise. These are amazing!!!!

Joyeyboynj is a much faster adapter than I am. His description is still good. Blacker background, deeper and wider soundstage. Music notes have a purer- "you are there live quality". It is important to give them a good 75+ hour breakin to reach their final effect.