quote]During the last several weeks, I have the opportunity to listen to Kaplan Cables H.E. power cords in my system. The cords have proven to be the single most significant and effective upgrade I have made to my system in more than 25 years of listening
, more to come but first a little background on my system and listening room.
My audio system sonic goal is to recreate live recording events realistically to my ears. I use vocal recordings, small jazz and folk ensemble's, piano and acoustic recordings as a basis for evaluating my system. About a year ago, I made a significant change in my two-channel system moving from a solid state amplifier and Vandersteen 2CE signature speakers to a flea powered SET amplifier (Decware SE84CS w/ EX Mod) and a pair of Hornshoppe Horns in my relatively small listening room 17.5' x 13.5' x 7'.
Here is a link to my system components: http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=47. All my source equipment and preamp are plugged into a Felix power conditioner, built by Gordy.
The SET amp and single-drive horns combination provides an utterly revealing and very dynamic system as opposed to my previous combination. After some initial listening to the Decware amp I did some tube rolling and settled in on the following combination - a Mullard GZ32 rectifier, Genalex Gold Lion EL84's (New Sensor reissues) & Amperex 6922, preferring a warm, engaging presentation of vocals and string instruments.
Everything sounded good, but a couple things nagged me about the sound, some glare in the treble and a shallow depth of soundstage. I was missing a realistic 3D holographic soundstage provided by the Vandy's.
After consulting with a few AC members and friends, I finally decided to put some new copper Kaplan Cable H.E. power cords on my amplifier and CDP. I must confess, I haven't listened to a lot of high end cords before. My system has included several VH Audio flavor 4 cords (on my CDP and preamp), a Cable Research Lab (now FIM) cord on my solid state amplifier.
To be perfectly frank, I simply wasn't prepared for the changes the Kaplan cords imparted to my system. First, the music just sounded so much more natural and there was a tremendous level of microdynamic detail that I have never heard. Vocals became more relaxed, there is a roundness to plucked nylon guitar strings, attack and decay of piano notes were simply incredible, and the level of realism simply shot through roof. It's really quite hard to put it all into words and it was simply far more than I ever expected from simply changing out the wires. The treble glare was gone and I had a 3 dimensional soundstage in spades. But could I do even better I wondered?
I was so impressed with the cords, I contacted Paul Kaplan. Paul suggested swapping out my ACME 15amp AC receptacles on my dedicated lines (one for amp and one for source equipment & preamp) with Hubbell 5262 or 5362 receptacles and replacing the Volex cord on my Felix power conditioner for even added improvement. Well, I took Paul's advice, at least in part. I replaced the Volex cord on the Felix with a Kaplan cord, this time with a rhodium termination. I also installed a pair of JENA Labs 20 amp receptacles in on my dedicated AC lines, instead of the Hubbell's.
Can anyone say sonic nirvana? Well I am happy to report that I have finally found the kingdom of sonic nirvana and it is truly a blissful place.
I try to do my best to avoid hyperbole in describing any consumer products, but I am just so damn happy with the improvements the Kaplan Cables power cords have made in my system. Being the audio cheapskate I am, I just never thought an investment in wires would make such a big difference. Well, you can now count me in the camp of the converted.
There is also a tremendous synergy of Kaplan cables with the Jena Labs & Hubbell outlets noted above, I understand that Paul voiced his cables with the Hubbell 5262 AC outlets. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in trying Kaplan cords to swap out their outlets with the recommended Hubbell's or Jena Lab outlets.
The Kaplan Cable cords are 10 AWG copper, a bit thick and heavy but very flexible. They are well constructed wrapped in a black techflex cable sheething with black shrink wrapping around the male and female terminations. Terminations provide tight, solid connections to AC receptacles and IEC inlets on all my equipment.
Tweak Geeks (http://www.tweekgeek.com) offers Kaplan Cable H.E. 15 amp cords, both with in-line power conditioners and without, also with copper or rhodium terminations. Since I have a Felix power conditioner I opted for the regular cords. If you don't use a power conditioner, particularly for your CDP player, I highly encourage you try one of the cords with an in-line conditioner.
Tweak Geeks offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all its products, including the Kaplan Cable cords.
Something tells me that if you try the Kaplan Cable cords you won't be returning yours. I've told my wife I want to be buried with my Kaplan cords.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability. I will be traveling during the middle of this upcoming week and without internet connectivity. In closing this one of the best audio equipment purchases I have made, which to be honest simply shocked the hell out of me.
NB
