For your priorities probably not SR. They will give you great bass slam but maybe too balanced a presentation. Usually when people talk transient speed its code for they like things tipped up and/or with attack transients hyped out of proportion to harmonic development. You may find them too big and deep and liquid, full and naturally smooth for your taste.
Synergistic UEF Blue v. Cerious Graphene Matrix Power v. Mad Scientist Audio Nitro Nano
Hi everyone,
I am debating between 3 power cables for use on my Pass XA30.8: Synergistic Research UEF Blue High Current, Cerious Technologies Graphene Matrix, and Mad Scientist Audio Nitro Nano. I am primarily seeking increased transient speed, detail resolution, and bass slam. I like the effects of graphene in my system: I use Cerious Graphene Extreme speaker cables, a Synergistic UEF blue fuse in the XA30.8, and Mad Scientist Audio graphene contact enhancer on connections/Black Discus Nano on power cords, all producing apparent improvements.
The rest of my system: Bluesound Node 2 streamer > Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC > Krell KRC-3 preamp > Pass XA30.8 power amp > Klipsch Epic CF3 (rebuilt). Current power cables are Audience Powerchord-e. Interconnects are Audioquest Colorado Xlr w/72v DBS.
Which power cord do you think would be best? If you have experience with any of these options, I’d love to hear your thoughts/experiences.
Thanks!
I am debating between 3 power cables for use on my Pass XA30.8: Synergistic Research UEF Blue High Current, Cerious Technologies Graphene Matrix, and Mad Scientist Audio Nitro Nano. I am primarily seeking increased transient speed, detail resolution, and bass slam. I like the effects of graphene in my system: I use Cerious Graphene Extreme speaker cables, a Synergistic UEF blue fuse in the XA30.8, and Mad Scientist Audio graphene contact enhancer on connections/Black Discus Nano on power cords, all producing apparent improvements.
The rest of my system: Bluesound Node 2 streamer > Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC > Krell KRC-3 preamp > Pass XA30.8 power amp > Klipsch Epic CF3 (rebuilt). Current power cables are Audience Powerchord-e. Interconnects are Audioquest Colorado Xlr w/72v DBS.
Which power cord do you think would be best? If you have experience with any of these options, I’d love to hear your thoughts/experiences.
Thanks!
25 responses Add your response
Thanks for the information. I probably misdescribed my priorities a bit. It should be increased bass slam without compromising the speed or resolution that my system currently has. Balanced is likely best. The Klipsch have horns/compression drivers which can sound hot with the wrong equipment. I would definitely not want skewed treble emphasis. |
While I haven't tried any of the PC's you're contemplating, I do run a Pass XA30.8 and recently changed the stock cord for a Purist Audio Corvus Luminist. Within 48 hrs I was noting substantial improvements in smoothness, clarity, detail, and liquidity. After researching options for this amp the Purist and the Silent Source PC's appeared to have the most consistent reviews of making substantial improvements. |
OP This might be useful to read https://audiobacon.net/2019/08/17/27-audiophile-power-cables-reviewed/ My best MC to date has been the Sablon Elite. I have Gutwire on test atm, they are good but mucho expensive and unwieldy. Davids suggestion of TWL sounds good as well especially considering the price. |
"@ozzy Do you mind elaborating on your impressions on all three manufacturers’ products? " The Mad are good but not up there with the better cables. Soundstage is lacking. The SR as always are very goo , but once I inserted the Cerious Matrix everything locked into place. I knew it was right, right away. It was a total cohesiveness. Of course all my cables are the Cerious Matrix so that probably matters. ozzy |
Hi OP, Your system sounds excellent. I want to push back to say that the next bang-for-the-buck purchase for your system may not be power cables for your downstream gear. Consider placing a reclocker between your streamer and DAC. Upgrade the PC into the Node if you haven't already. And if you're running ethernet into the streamer, consider placing power supplies on your modem and router, if you haven't done so already. For streaming, I've found that the modem and router are part of the chain. I used the iFi power components because they were most affordable. In my experience, I added those LPS's over time, and can say that the sound went from raw to refined when I replaced the streamer PSU. The modem was slight, but it added resolution and body. Then the router PSU changed the sound from edgy/fatiguing to relaxed. Best |
This is the first time I've heard of cerious. Thanks for mentioning them. Im looking at their matrix xlr interconnects. They're priced similarly to Transparent Ultra xlr (second hand). Has anyone tried these cables? By the way sorry for the thread hijack... Im using a full loom of Triode Wire Labs cables and one of his Digital power cords (and this cord was a really nice addition to my headphone setup). |
I recently bought the Matrix XLR interconnects. I put them between by Esoteric CD player and the preamp. They did exactly what people report. Quite background, good dynamics and layering of the soundstage, bass increased and is controlled. The single interconnect made a big improvement. The 2 matrix power cables I added as well for the amps had a much smaller impact in comparison, but still contributed. |