AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Critic's Circle (Equipment Reviews) => Cable Reviews => Topic started by: zybar on 5 Apr 2005, 02:09 am
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As many of you know, I am a big fan of Chris' power cords and interconnects. I think they offer excellent performance and extremely good value.
Chris just launched a "top of the line" series in order to see what he could accomplish if he wasn't building to a particular price point.
The AirSine power cord is the first in this series and I have spent some considerable time with it in my system and I am happy to report that Chris has yet another winner.
As with ANY component, I suggest you try the product in your system and let your ears be the judge. Chris offers a 60 day trial period, so there is no excuse not to take advantage of it.
Just like in the past, I used a select few songs for the critical comments. Here they are:
Ben Harper – Fight For Your Mind (tracks 4, 5, 6, 9)
The Bad Plus – These Are The Vistas (track 2)
Sam Cooke – Night Beat (track 2)
Natalie Merchant – Tigerliliy (tracks 5, 7,8)
AirSine vs. Flavor 4 with Gold Option + Siliclear (I prefer the Gold on the Tact over the Rhodium) on Tact RCS 2.2X preamp plugged into Haley
Ben Harper
* Track 4 opens with acoustic guitar and the weight on each sting pluck is greater with the AirSine as is the texture of each note.
* Track 5 shows off the greater extension of the AirSine in both directions. This track has a lot of cymbals, bells, and percussion instruments as well as a very strong baseline. The AirSine has an airy, more extended treble as well as being more solid in the bass. The bass line was solid and clearly defined. Very well balanced presentation. By comparison, the Flavor 4 seems slightly out of balance (better bass than treble).
* Track 6 starts with great bongos and bass guitar. The AirSine gives greater attack or bite to each hit. The instruments also seem more fleshed out and three dimensional.
The Bad Plus
* Track 2 is quite simply bass to the right, piano to the left, and drums in the middle. The AirSine continued to show off its better dynamic range. The piano had a weight and body to it that was never there before. The bass line in the middle of the track with added punch and speed was sooooo engaging!! The Flavor 4 was slower and lacking in detail by comparison. With the Flavor 4, I felt like maybe I was listening when I was tired and just couldn’t fully appreciate things…
Sam Cooke
* Track 2 is Sam singing with a stand-up bass and simple drum kit. The AirSine lent a presence to his voice that made it more natural and realistic. It was also a touch cleaner sounding. Both these properties translated into a feeling of being there vs. just hearing it.
Natalie Merchant
* Track 5 opens with some great percussion and yet again the AirSine shined. Same as before…the greater weight, speed, and texture made it just jump up and grab me. At the end of the song, there is a horse clopping with people talking – I was able to hear things more clearly and easily. The Flavor 4 sounded a little bloated in the bass and little flat in the soundstage.
* Track 7 is a simple piano and female vocal. Having seen Natalie many times live, this was as close to live as I have heard her! I closed my eyes and felt like I was getting a special concert just for me. Her voice was more silky and seductive. I never thought there was any graininess with the Flavor 4, but I heard it when doing an A/B comparison. It was like going from an A to an A+ Also, the piano notes seemed a little soft and rounded on the Flavor 4.
* Track 8 is also fairly simple – guitar left, vocals/piano center, violin right. Same spooky realism as on track 7. The instruments has more air around them and really seemed to float in their own space. The violin had just the right amount of edge to it to make it sound more true. With the Flavor 4, it was slightly less detailed and also not as 3-D.
So overall the AirSine simply bettered the Flavor 4 in every area. It also showed some shortcomings in the Flavor 4 that I hadn’t really noticed previously. In areas of dynamics, extension, and presence I didn’t need extensive A/B tests. To notice the slight grain and improvement in detail it was easier to hear it at first doing A/B tests. Once you hear it though, it was more obvious and easy to spot.
Also, I can’t stress enough how nice it is dealing with a pc that bends and can’t actual lift the component off the cones or platform it is on!!
For the other comparisons, I will just give you general summaries:
AirSine vs. Flavor 4 with Furutech Rhodium + Siliclear on Haley (Flavor 4 with Gold option on Tact)
* Image size increased
* Highlighted that the Flavor 4 Gold isn’t as balanced as AirSine
* Made the Flavor 4 Gold a little less rounded and coaxed a little more life into the music
* Not as big an impact as on the Tact preamp
* Would have really loved to have a second 15amp AirSine to hear how things improved…
AirSine vs. BPT L-9 on McCormack DNA-500
*This really was no comparison as the AirSine’s were significantly better, but I didn’t have anything else to compare it against…
The AirSine was:
*More dynamic with better weight and authority
*Had a deeper and more three dimensional soundstage
*Significantly more detailed and produced a blacker background
*More extended on the top end - the BPT was compressed and shut in by comparison
*Able to get the texture and nuances of the music – the BPT homogenized it.
*Kept me interested in the music (I found myself wanting to surf the net with the BPT cord in place)
AirSine on Duke
* Really tough to say since the BPT did so poorly on the DNA-500. Accordingly, I don’t feel like I can add much value here. After doing these swaps/tests, I am now convinced that I haven’t really truly heard what the Duke is capable of doing without getting at least a Flavor 4 or preferably an AirSine on it.
George
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Great review. Although I'm sure it represents great value, if one could only afford one AirSine where is the optimal placement? I suspect in the transport but thought I'd ask.
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Great review. Although I'm sure it represents great value, if one could only afford one AirSine where is the optimal placement? I suspect in the transport but thought I'd ask.
Right now, the biggest improvement is on the amp and power conditioner. My transport doesn't have an IEC socket. A friend will be trying the AirSine connected to his Meitner transport and let me know how it does.
George
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To give a little more context to my review, I had previously compared the following power cords to the Flavor 4 cords:
Audience
BPT L-9/L12
Acoustic Zen Krakatoa/Tsnuami
Sahuaro Ampthrilla
Coincident
Bolder Cables Nitro
Shunyata Python/Diamond/Sidewinder
WireWorld (can’t remember the model number)
Mapleshade DoubleHelix
Sonoran Plateau Lightning
Argent Audio Brujo
DIY Cable Asylum
Cardas Golden Power
Really expensive Purist (can’t remember the model)
I preferred the Flavor 4 over all but the Pursit (which listed for somewhere between $2-3K).
George
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Great write up George! I've currently got the BPT L9 running from the wall to my 3.5 Signature plus. While I'd love to do two of these to my Mono Extremes I don't think that's in the cards $$ wise! You're under the impression that the airsine will provide significant upgrade over the BPT PC currently in use?
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Great write up George! I've currently got the BPT L9 running from the wall to my 3.5 Signature plus. While I'd love to do two of these to my Mono Extremes I don't think that's in the cards $$ wise! You're under the impression that the airsine will provide significant upgrade over the BPT PC currently in use?
Since I now have two 20amp AirSine cords, I was able to properly A/B test vs. L-9.
I put the AirSine on the BPT 3.5 Sig and it is absolutely a noticeable improvement over the L-9 cord (as stated above).
Frankly, I am not that impressed with the L-9. Besides the VH Audio cords being better, I also thought the Argent Audio Brujo and Bolder Cable Nitro outperformed the the L-9.
Not sure what you are using on the Extremes, but if you can't afford the AirSine, the Flavor 4's are a very good pc. I would offer to sell you mine, but I already have multiple buyers lined up.
I am guessing that many of Chris' Flavor 4 owners will upgrade to the AirSine. Accordingly, you might see some on the used market.
George
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Since I now have two 20amp AirSine cords, I was able to properly A/B test vs. L-9.
I put the AirSine on the BPT 3.5 Sig and it is absolutely a noticeable improvement over the L-9 cord (as stated above).
Frankly, I am not that impressed with the L-9. Besides the VH Audio cords being better, I also thought the Argent Audio Brujo and Bolder Cable Nitro outperformed the the L-9.
Not sure what you are using on the Extremes, but if you can't afford the AirSine, the Flavor 4's are a very good pc. I w ...
Mono's are run with Groneberg Quattro Reference PC's. I'll have to pick up an AirSine for the BPT and maybe sniff around for a couple 3' flavor 4's for the mono's - which are right into the wall not via the BPT.
On a side note George, are you running amps via the BPT or straight to the wall?
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Zybar is right on. the Flavor 4 is an excellent PC. one of the best i've tried so far.
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Very interesting write-up. I was hoping for some feedback on this PC. I quess I will have to try a pair out with my new Musica Bella mono blocs. I did some initial test runs today using the Flavor 4 with very favorable results.
Expensive? To some yes. My thought is that if someone is spending several thousands of dollars on amplification, why not have a power cord that will bring out its fullest potential.
I'll try to pick up a pair of these new cables and post my personal findings when they (and the new amps) are fully broken in.
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Zybar, How long are the power cords that you are using and how much did they cost? Thanks Neil
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Zybar, How long are the power cords that you are using and how much did they cost? Thanks Neil
They are 6' in length (I will need a longer length for one of them).
The current introductory pricing is:
$699 - 4' cord
$799 - 6' cord
George
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Nice write up George !! Of all the reviews posted by others on the VH Audio site....your's is the most thorough one. Thanks !! :)
Now a question. Percentage wise, from 1 to 100%, the AirSine PC is ____% better than the Flavor 4 PC ?? 10% better, 25% better ? What would you say ? Thanks !![/list:u]
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George,
Thanks for sharing another great Chris VH product with us and for your observations.
NB
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George,
Very informative review!
Thanks, I really enjoyed reading it!
Best regards…
Lak
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Hello everybody,
Just wanted to add my two cents about the Airsine...I don't usually post reviews, but these cords produced a significant level of improvement in my system versus PS Audio xStream Statements.
My system: Marantz SA-14 Sacd player-->McIntosh MA2275 Integrated-->Coincident Partial Eclipses. I'm using the Airsine on both the cd player and the amp, Balanced Pulsars as interconnects, and Audience Au24 speaker cables. I also have a compliment of NOS and aftermarket tubes in the MA2275--an absolute necessity for top performance, as the stock tubes sound mediocre to my ears (unfocused/hazy, and unbalanced in their frequency response).
Thoughts on the Airsine:
Objective differences: The background noise level (audible hiss heard when no signal is being produced) is much lower with the Airsines in place. I have to be within inches of the tweeter to hear anything at all. Also, with the xStreams my Tube integrated used to produce what I guess is termed "filament hum" from the power tubes (the tubes had a slight buzz, like a misbehaving light bulb). This noise is no longer an issue--the tubes are dead silent.
Subjective impressions: The music seems to have greater dynamic range, textural nuance, detail, and be better balanced in terms of frequency response. More specifically, it seems like the PS Audio cords rolled of the highs, leading to an impression of greater bass. Installing the Airsine led to better overall balance across the frequency spectrum, the highs are extended, and the bass is similarly extended and tight.
This is what I heard in my system, YMMV.
Jason
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Thank you for posting your early impressions, Jason. How many hours do you have on the AirSine?
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The differences between the cables were immediately apparent. I'll update everybody should the sound change over time.
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I also have a compliment of NOS and aftermarket tubes in the MA2275--an absolute necessity for top performance, as the stock tubes sound mediocre to my ears (unfocused/hazy, and unbalanced in their frequency response)....
Jason:
Thanks for the review. Not surprising to me since I have never liked a PS Audio power cord I've heard.
I have a question about your 2275. What tubes did you switch to? Talking to the guys from McIntosh, they discourage this b/c of the added noise from most NOS tubes. So which ones did you change, and with what?
Thanks!
B
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I'm using Tung Sol 6550 reissues, NOS Mullard 12at7 and Electro-harmonix 12ax7. I purchased these on the recommendation of another MA2275 owner, who liked Telefunken for the 12ax7, but I couldn't justify the cost. *Huge* improvement in the sound (to my ears). Much more balanced across the frequency spectrum, and much more natural sounding.
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I'm using Tung Sol 6550 reissues, NOS Mullard 12at7 and Electro-harmonix 12ax7. I purchased these on the recommendation of another MA2275 owner, who liked Telefunken for the 12ax7, but I couldn't justify the cost. *Huge* improvement in the sound (to my ears). Much more balanced across the frequency spectrum, and much more natural sounding.
Thanks man! If this thing would even attempt to drive my speakers, I'd own it.
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To give a little more context to my review, I had previously compared the following power cords to the Flavor 4 cords:
Argent Audio Brujo
George
That strikes me as a very appropriate name - Witch Doctor. :lol:
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Nice write up George !! Of all the reviews posted by others on the VH Audio site....your's is the most thorough one. Thanks !! :) Now a question. Percentage wise, from 1 to 100%, the AirSine PC is ____% better than the Flavor 4 PC ?? 10% better, 25% better ? What would you say ? Thanks !![/list:u]
Hmmm....
It's always tough to do something like this, but I will give it a shot:
Let's say 30-35% better. Yup, it was that good when compared to the Flavor 4 (an excellent cord in its own right)
George
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Now a question. Percentage wise, from 1 to 100%, the AirSine PC is ____% better than the Flavor 4 PC ?? 10% better, 25% better ? What would you say ? Thanks !![/list:u]
i just received the AirSine earlier this week so it's still breaking in...i'm quite impressed with it...so far i've found it to be a better PC than the Super Yummy Flavor 4...more than 10% but less than 25%...i was expecting a much more significant difference, but i think the Flavor 4 brings you right up to that edge of the point of diminishing returns so getting more performance becomes increasingly difficult...of course this might change w/ some more burn in time though...
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Thanks George and Fo for the percentage's... :thumb:
I've been pretty happy with Chris' products....power cords and IC's. Good value all around.[/list:u]
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Mad Dog,
Do you still have the purple percept cord? I know we tried it on the UDP-1, which leaned out the midbass vs. flavor 4, just curious if you tried it on your Rowland vs. Airsine.
Glenn
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i just received the AirSine earlier this week so it's still breaking in...i'm quite impressed with it...so far i've found it to be a better PC than the Super Yummy Flavor 4...more than 10% but less than 25%...i was expecting a much more significant difference, but i think the Flavor 4 brings you right up to that edge of the point of diminishing returns so getting more performance becomes increasingly difficult...of course this might change w/ some more burn in time though...
Fo,
It will keep getting better as it breaks in.
For the money, the Flavor 4 is a tremendous value.
George
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Mad Dog,
Do you still have the purple percept cord? I know we tried it on the UDP-1, which leaned out the midbass vs. flavor 4, just curious if you tried it on your Rowland vs. Airsine.
Glenn
Glenn,
Funny that you mention the Revelation Audio Labs Precept cord...I will hopefully have a few to try in the system next week.
Stay tuned...
George
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Glenn,
Funny that you mention the Revelation Audio Labs Precept cord...I will hopefully have a few to try in the system next week.
Stay tuned...
George
Yep, George, that would be great if you could....I've been so impressed with the 1/2 mtr. Revelation 'umbilical' between my DAC and Power Base.
Do you have the $399 or $899 model? I'm thinking about maybe stepping up to one into my BPT 2+ over the L-9.
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Mad Dog,
Do you still have the purple percept cord? I know we tried it on the UDP-1, which leaned out the midbass vs. flavor 4, just curious if you tried it on your Rowland vs. Airsine.
Glenn
Glenn, the Rowland has a 20A IEC inlet...
i can only compare the PCs on my linestage and digital source...
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It will keep getting better as it breaks in.
For the money, the Flavor 4 is a tremendous value...
i'm still waiting for it to break in further...you're right about the Flavor 4 being a tremendous value. and i honestly think that once at this level, getting another 10% more performance out of anything is a difficult proposition let alone 20% or more...
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Glenn,
Funny that you mention the Revelation Audio Labs Precept cord...I will hopefully have a few to try in the system next week.
Stay tuned...
George
Yep, George, that would be great if you could....I've been so impressed with the 1/2 mtr. Revelation 'umbilical' between my DAC and Power Base.
Do you have the $399 or $899 model? I'm thinking about maybe stepping up to one into my BPT 2+ over the L-9.
I am getting the $900 model in.
I can personally tell you from experience to get rid of the L-9 and replace it with a Flavor 4, AirSine, Bolder Nitro, or Argent Audio Brujo. All of these cords have sounded substantially better than the L-9 in direct comparisons in my systems.
George
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Do you have the $399 or $899 model?
i have the $799 model...don't think there is a $899 model...
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Do you have the $399 or $899 model?
i have the $799 model...don't think there is a $899 model...
On Audiogon the price is listed as $899, while the RAL website states $799.
Same cord.
George
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Do you have the $399 or $899 model?
i have the $799 model...don't think there is a $899 model...
On Audiogon the price is listed as $899, while the RAL website states $799.
Same cord.
George
ah! :idea:
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ah, indeed :idea: . I think I'll email Brad and let him know the two are not the same. Maybe he would appreciate the extra set of eyes...he's probably a one man shop.