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Synergistic Research Foundation PC on Pass Labs amp

Hi All, anyone have experience with a Synergistic Research power cords on Pass Labs amp? I just got a brand new X250.8 amp (about 100 hours so far) and purchased via trade through TMR a new Synergistic Research Foundation XL high current (10 awg) power cable. I let it play for about 24 hours on an integrated amp I have before I installed on the new Pass. I was using the stock PC on the Pass since I got it. First thing I noticed on the Foundation is the IEC connector does not make a sold connection, and it's not just on the Pass, it's on any of the components. It is not firm like my other power cables (Shunyata Venom NR). It feels like a bump could cause it to fall out. Second is the sound. It is thin, no body or loss of bass, even compared to the stock cord. It is quiet and open and detailed, maybe the extra detail is taking away from the body, but it just feels thin. Soundstage is nice and big, but I am just stunned at how thin it sounds. Am I missing something? Is it just not a good match for this amp. All my speaker cables and IC's are Purist Audio (Corvus and Venustas) and other PC's are Shunyata Venon NR V10. I bought this one because TMR Audio gave me a deal on a trade for the new Synergistic. 

jmphotography
kingbr's avatar
kingbr
489 posts
 

I also had a very similar experience with Synergistic PC’s. They just don’t grip like other PC’s. Very disappointed…I also have Shunyata PC’s, better grip for sure, but by far I have found DH Labs PC’s to have the most solid grip of any. Plus they’re amazing cables!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,175 posts
 

I tried Purist power cords. To me they sound dull on Pass gear. And yes, Shunyata was not great. Better than synergistic but still tipped up and harsh. 
I tried Synergistic USB cable and it was ok but there’s something about the treble. Used gold bullet and silver bullet with it. Both work! But neither succeeded in bringing the tonal balance to normal. I feel the more synergistic cables you add the more you will hear that effect coming thru. I haven’t tried their TOL models. May be they’re better. But to me Nordost Frey 2 and even Heimdall 2 power cables sound more natural and more relaxed. They’re ever so slightly lean in the bass to favor speed and precision which works with Pass well. 
Kimber PK10 Ascent is more of a matter of fact presentation and are bigger and fuller sounding than the Nordost. It comes down to preference. Kimber is significantly cheaper though. 

 

jonwolfpell
540 posts
 

I think the loose grip issue w/ some power cords w/ some components is more due the overall plug itself not fitting tightly in the receptacle & not the conductor connections themselves. I had a similar issue & using black electrical tape that isn’t very sticky & easily removable, wrapped 1 or two revolutions around the outside of the plug & bingo! Tight & secure. Worth a try. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,175 posts
 

Had to go dig this up in my email. 
Purist Audio Design Diamond Revision Neptune Power Cable

Bought it from TMR and back to TMR it went. Didn’t work out for me. I also ttied Aqueous cord. Not great with Pass. 

jl35
4,475 posts
 

I used Cerious Matrix on Pass X250.8 and XA160.8 with great results...

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