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
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 
Nonoise. You echo my own experience. I know exactly how you feel. Unplugging equipment from my conditioner shower my just how profound the effect of power is on a system. Truly eye popping. Anyone who doesn't accept that as fact is only fooling themselves.
I also stumbled on it years ago rolling PCs.   I've had balanced power, power re-generators ... .  Now I'm using 2 passive Weizhi PRS-6 line distributors that just removes noise and not soul and life out of the sound.

You should checkout HB Cable line distributors.   A friend is using 2 Marbles and it's fantastic.   Much better than my Weizhi and something I will upgrade to soon.
Thanks kingfi, I've been drooling over the Weizhi and the Marbles in my search for a clean power strip but they are way out of my price range. Pete, over at TWL, told me to check out the PI Uberbuss as it's the only one he's familiar with that doesn't degrade the sound but even that's too dear for me right now so I might check out their Minibuss after I try out Pete's Digital-American PCs.

All the best,
Nonoise
Excellent beginning to an informative thread. Anyone else want to weigh in on the sweet spot in the SR line of cabling?

From above- line/power conditioning is totally dependent upon location.
On the grid of a major U.S. city vs more in a rural area.
I just want to reiterate how much patience is key when auditioning these cables, or any cable for that matter. Don’t jump to conclusions to soon.

With these cables and fuses, they take at LEAST 100 hours to start to give you an inkling of their promise. At first listen, they have a large chance of sounding better than the cable you’re replacing, and you will most likely be very happy, but after letting them break in- and this requires not TOUCHING them, they will start to sound like music and and less like "sound".

You cant go back and forth with your old cable several times to compare while it’s breaking in. You must let it relax and settle into its new shape, relax into iec connectors and AC outlets, etc. you can’t keep frazzling it.

Once you allow them to go a couple of hundred hours with sound going through them, un messed with, you will also hear new harmonics as well as subtle spatial cues that weren't there before. The noise floor will be so low that your system will really start to do a disappearing act. 

I know it sounds crazy. But it’s true.