2. cables
  3. 1339181977

The Problem with Synergistic Research

The problem is one that a number of cable makers suffer from. I preface my remarks by noting this not a problem that is exclusive to Synergistic Research. I use SR as an example because I am more familiar with their cables than with the cables of other companies that have the same problem.

The problem is the cost of incremental improvements. SR makes some great products. But, in spite of their copy writing, not all SR products are great, IMO. Some SR products have made great improvements in my system -- like the Tesla SE Hologram D power cord. That having been said, in retrospect, despite the bally-hoo that surrounds SR product launches, most of their products have brought no more than incremental improvements to my system. Products from other cable companies have brought equal or greater improvements for me -- often at much lower cost.

The problem is that SR has such fast-paced marketing with products coming out at a gallop supplanting recently released products -- such as the SR line of PowerCell conditioners -- that I sometimes feel I have been left in the dust.

We cannot stop the relentless march of technology. But at the high price of most of SR's offerings one is often left with sense of being left out instead of left in when new products come on the heels of products one has just purchased. The SR trade-up program does not remedy this problem at all, IMO.

There are many other cable companies without fast-paced marketing that provide equal or better value for the money, IMO. Companies like Bybee, HiDiamond and Cardas. I am probably not the only one who feels as I do about SR and other companies with fast-paced marketing.
sabai

Showing 9 responses by knghifi

knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I don't feel that way, it's how a commodity base business work in a free market and the market will take care of itself if government get out of the way.

Companies have to release new products or updates to generate interest. If the market (consumers) don't like the tactics or products, the company will go out of business.

As a consumer, always practice CAVEAT EMPTOR.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
If one feels the need to chase the latest and GREATEST(?), then a price has be paid. This is NOT limited to Audio.

I wish Porsche has a upgrade program. Every year they manage to tweak out a few extra hp, lbs of torques and raise the top speed. I wonder if these are scheduled releases to stay profitable and in business or just a marketing scheme? Sure wish they can build a PERFECT car with no more improvements. Does anyone really need to top out @195 instead of @194 mph? LOL!!!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Porsche is just an example. It applies to boats, clothes, women ... Not all new are created equal. Some are just different and not better. Companies have to walk a fine line from alienating customers in releasing garbage just for the sake of revenue.

I like to improve international relations whenever possible. Sabai, here's an idea. If you can decrease the number of ICs, SCs and PCs that you run in a series from 100 to something more manageable, you got plenty of money for upgrades.

That's my contribution to world peace today and I would appreciate a fellow Agon member nominate me for the Nobel Peace Prize.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Ones that feel like Sabai just don't understand how Capitalism works and the challenges in operating a business that doesn't have a staff of lobbyists in DC.

Sabai, what country do you live in?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
06-19-12: Fplanner2010
John - I totally see their point. Your comment:

"This is a high-end business with cables that cost up to 10 of thousands, I thought they’d do more critical testing and verifying before shipping them out rather than just ohm out for continuity check."

You have no idea at all what was done to these cables, nor probably does Mike, who's a pretty sharp guy. His points are all totally valid and if you choose to make this a reason for not using SR cables, that's of course your right, but in this case, it seems like it is also your loss.

Nobody is perfect and the fact that both you and the prior owner(s) were happy for 6 years pretty much kills your argument. Nobody was "cheated" here - you got the performance you paid for on the secondhand market. The fact you wouldn't spend only $50. to have the cable "repaired" also speaks volumes. Sorry - I side with them.
Fplanner2010 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I TOTALLY agree. We are human so the BEST QC will not catch all the problems. I had a bad XLR IC connector and PC with a short that trip the circuit breaker once plug into the wall outlet. Both from different excellent manufacturers and bought new so repaired under warranty.

I can understand why most manufacturers only honer warranty for orig owner. Who knows how many prior owners and how it was used. If both + and - are NEVER soldered, how did it worked consistently for 6+ years?

IMO, it's a bargain if they're willing to fix it for $50. Nasaman, I guess you got what you paid for.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Sabai, You've gotta be kidding me. Nasaman buys a 6+ years old IC off Ebay with UNDOCUMENTED number of owners, history, traveled the world several times and probably the IC you used in a SERIES with your bungee cord and jump rope and you want it repair under warranty??

There's an inherent danger in purchasing used to save a few bucks. I think it's REASONABLE that SR will only charge $50 for the repair.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I believe VAC 450 Statement has built power conditioner so should plug direct into wall outlet. If plug into Powercell, you are choking/limiting performance of the amps.

Also once your HD Power 3s are broken in, try it on your VAC system. It's FANTASTIC on my Sig MKIIa.

I ONLY use my PCs in an audio system so my ONLY concern is SOUND. Frankly I'm never interested in company marketing hype, type of conductor, connectors ... like some Agon members.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Fplanner2000, both Dev and Ozy plug their 450's direct into wall outlets. Dev has 2 big Torus for his Bryston 28BSST2 but found choking the 450's. You can contact him for more info.

I had a PPP and found it limit dynamics with my old tube mono amps. Just plugging one amp, PPP would heat up and fan screaming. Hope P-10 is better ... not a fan of PS Audio except for the PWD.

The best active conditioner I used is EquiTech 2Q. They also make wall panels that might work for you so check it out. I was considering a wall panel but liking my Weizhi PRS-6s too much.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Joeyboynj, I agree with you on PS Audio Passive and Power re-generators. I would never use them for any current hungry components. With low current, there are much much superior alternatives.

Probably the only active I would use is an EquiTech wall unit.
More to discover