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Power cables and sharp dimensional imaging on a budget, Zu Audio and Furutech or Oyaide

Hi, I would like to create a sound that is highly realistic in the sense of 3d imaging and proportion, but on a budget. Unfortunately I cannot spend the amount of money it requires to buy a Purist Audio Design cable yet to reach that level of refinement.

I am searching for what @bo1972 has mentioned in earlier discussions:

• 3-Dimensional soundstage with proportional imaging (not oversized)
• A sharp individual focus of instruments and voices;
• Blacks;
• Resolution;
• Deep bass;
• Air;
• Articulation of voices

Right now I have a Silverline Clearer Audio powercord, but still feel some things are missing.

I have tried the Zu Event powercables MKI and like their technology for stereophonic realism.

Would an Oyaide F1 IEC help in this respect compared to a Furutech FI28 G or R?

Are gold or rhodium plugs better for 3d and sharp proportional imaging?




128x128richardhk
mechans
3,048 posts
 

In my experience overall, power cords or cables, have a relatively  minimal role in getting that 3D holographic soundstage you are hoping to achieve.   There is no harm in getting good PCs, but you might want to direct your interest and money on/to the best components you can get .  As stated above speakers are a critical element in any system.  I am old school and think get the speakers you like  first and build around them.

You may not want to hear my advice but I am convinced that tubes do the best job with sound stage, especially as the power amp. Good luck on the journey.

bloose
5 posts
 
The Oyaide Black Mamba power cord will give you what you are looking. If you pair it with an Oyaide SWO-GX outlet it will further enhance your sound.  
williewonka
3,067 posts
 
@richardhk Take a look at KLE Innovations power cables and IC's - they will give you exactly what you are looking for...

http://kleinnovations.com/

Don't be fooled by their appearance - with these cables you are definitely paying for performance - not that fancy advertising "fluff"

Or take a look at Wywires - not as good, but up there in performance.

Regards...

richardhk's avatar
richardhk OP
39 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your kind responses.

I agree with everything you say, but right now my focus goes out to cable investments and less so on electronics.

I have a pretty budget macbook based system, but I want to get the best sound out of it I can, until no improvements can be had.

The system is in the bedroom/ working room, and there is a bed inside for damping. I would say it is fairly small (living in Hong Kong). About 2,5 meters by 4,5 meters.

System:

Source: Macbook Pro Retina
USB cable in: Curious Cable
Power supply USB: IFI Nano iusb3.0 on Black Diamond Racing
USB cable out: Curious Cable
DAC: Korg DAC100 on Black Diamond Racing
XLR-interconnect: Zu Audio Mission upgraded with Furutech plugs
Amplifier: Rotel RA-1570 on Herbie's Iso-Cups and Ikea bamboo
Power cable: Zu Audio Event upgraded with Furutech plugs
Speaker cable: Clear Day Double Shotgun
Speakers: B&W CM1 S2 on IsoAcoustics and Ikea bamboo with Brass Isolators

I would so that until now, the best performance, cost component is the Curious USB at $120 per piece. Made by Rob Woodland who has formerly worked at KLE Innovations. So I am very interested to hear about the last post concerning the KLE cables and plugs.

Basically, what I am looking for is a sound that can be best described as a "dimensional hologram". That vocals are small in dimension, like real people. Same for instruments.

I had heard this kind of soundstage in a store here in Hong Kong, and it was an ear and eye opener. I could actually see the performers in front of me.

Did anyone have this experience before?
whoopycat
165 posts
 
Richard, after reading about your system, my advice would be to not go out and spend a bunch of money on cables. I mean no offense by this, and your system may sound fantastic, but it doesn’t appear to be the type of amp/speakers that are going to reflect upgrading your cables. I know because I used to have B&W speakers myself.

The things you are looking for would be more easily achieved IMO with a speaker upgrade. There are some well-reviewed bookshelf designs that will give you what you’re looking for if you are able to audition some.

To answer your actual question, I’ve found Zu Event speaker cables to have the sound characteristics you’re looking for. To my ears they are a bit too analytical (and I run Zu speakers), but you might prefer them for your tastes.  Good luck
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