AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Texas Audio Jam => Topic started by: arthurs on 24 Apr 2008, 03:31 pm
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Hello NTAJ'ers!
Sezai Saktanber of SilverFi Cables http://silverfi.blogspot.com/ (http://silverfi.blogspot.com/) has generously offered two sets of his RCA interconnects, the Shaman XI and the
Phrygian SE for a tour of Texas auditions.
I'll coordinate and per the approach used by the NYAR we could let anyone who signs up have the cables for a week, then ship them on to the next person via priority mail. In return for this opportunity, each auditioner will need to post his or her thoughts and experience of having these in their system.
Please post here if you are interested and I'll compile the list on a first post first served basis and coordinate with Sezai.
You can read up on Sezai and SilverFi in advance with these review in 6moons
http://6moons.com/audioreviews/silverfi2/silverfi.html (http://6moons.com/audioreviews/silverfi2/silverfi.html)
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/silverfi3/cables.html (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/silverfi3/cables.html)
Thanks!
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Anyway to slip in as the tour moves on a Northern OH guy can get in with Y'all aa
Mark
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No worries Mark, maybe Sezai can send them to you first!
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count me in art. just so it's not the week of may 11.
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No worries Marvin, we'll schedule accordingly!
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So far....
1 - Mark
2 - Marvin (depending on date)
3 - Guy
4 - Hugh
5 - Barry
6 - Jeff
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^
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Art please put me on the list as well.
Guy
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Done! List updated above.
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Come on Texas people? No one else???? :scratch:
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I just came back from TX so do I count as TX people? :wink: :)
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Art
Count me in...please... can't believe I've almost missed this thread... :duh:
Thanks
barry
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Hugh - You are an honorary Texan now, you meet the criteria!
List has been updated.
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Art,
I'd love to give them a spin as well.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Got it Jeff! List updated.
Can all of you guys PM me your contact info? Thanks.
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I would like to thank the folks down in TX and Art for the opportunity to audition these cables and most importantly Sezai for making such great products! The speed of shipping has increased two fold as one of the big DHL airport hubs is only 100 miles away so the cables from across the world,Turkey, were here in no time.
I wanted to wait until others have posted their findings regarding the cables but I will start off as I'm already a SilverFi cable owner. After reading the past threads from Earlmarc,Lonewolf and professional reviews from 6moons with Srajan Ebaen and Paul Candy it is hard to wax as romantically and prophetically as they can :wink:
The cables sent were the Phyrgian SE and the Shaman SE. Of the two cables I used the Phrgian SE between CDP and PreAmp and the Shaman between the PreAmp and Amp.
My system:http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=570&action=publish
I'm familiar with the delicate yet strong finely woven strands form the man from Ankarra, utmost care is to be taken when handling.I also noted that he has switched the plug terminations to Switchcraft.
One specific note to be taken is that attention must be paid to the Source and Destination as there are no arrows or indicators to make the user aware of the current direction. They are color coded blue and red with the Teflon shrinkwrap. "Please make sure to also check the pos and neg cable routing as one set was marked at pos to neg on the termination and I had to switch after I heard Muddy Waters haunting voice on SACD in the wrong channel.
I really enjoy PRAT, let's just say that some systems are more synergistic than others. These cables just provide that elusive toe tappin', musical and emotional feel that many seek to find. I have heard some very good rigs that just seem to miss the mark because of the lack of true harmony among the components, impedance mismatches or just plain issues with Solid State and Tube components or differences in sound. Let's just say I'm very happy with the cables and let others provide the romantic descriptions of the sound and subtle nuances that they have heard between X vs Y cable!
I will offer that the clarity of the New Phyrgian SE is just that, more clear. It produces better strikes of the notes,embellishes the tone and provides the decay. A much more complete picture has been painted and the Artist has switched to an even finer brush to touch upon the painting. There is a addictive sound that is produced and it makes you want more as it will reveal anything upstream or downstream in your component chain. This is not to the utterly thin, bass robbing,ultra clean bleached sound, but an effervescent, dynamic, emotional impact that we all want to recreate from your favorite live recording to the subtle bell, whistle, handclap that was in the studio recording. It helps the sound of the components really shine without any colorations or augmentation of any frequency.
The Shaman was more of a subtle affair. It produced the quality of evolution, things were just that much better. I would say that he simply tweaked the recipe and you hear more of the natural sounds with the new Switchcraft terminations. Makes me wonder what the Eichman Bullets will sound like as they are offered as an upgrade and are part of the more upscale line up from SilverFi. Please note that there are additional versions of the Shaman this is the base model.
I for one will be moving up the line to Sezai's more expensive creations as I can't stop thinking about what makes things sounds so good can only be better. Watch out these things are addictive!
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Arthurs- Hi. I'd really like to audtion them, too. However, my system requires that they be 2m in length. Does that pose a problem? And I would like to audition the Shaman IC's and have a price quote. Thanks.
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Thanks for your thoughts on the SilverFi Mark, heads up AliG/Barry, they should be on their way to you now!
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I received the Shaman and Phrygian ICs when I got back from work today. Immediately I put them to test in my system, which consists of:
Bolder Modified SB3 digital out -> Aberdeen Modified Tact 2.0S (as DAC) -> Dodd battery Preamp -> Moscode 401HR amp -> Salk HT3
I currently use Electra Cables from GR Research between Tact and Dodd, and Gabriel Gold Revelation IC between Dodd and Moscode. I also have a pair of VPI tonearm IC that I often swap out with the Electra cable depending on my mood.
I started by comparing the Shaman and Phrygian against the Electra and VPI, keeping the Gabriel Gold Revelation fixed between the Dodd and the Moscode.
My intent is not to tell people which IC is the best, rather I would just describe the RELATIVE tonal differences between each IC.
It is clear to me that the Phrygian is one step above the Shaman, the Phrygian has better clarity/transparency from top to bottom. If you are happy with the Shaman, you will be happier with the Phrygian.
Comparing the Phrygian with the VPI, the Phrygian sounded warmer/darker, the VPI is more "airy" and a little bit more detailed, one would describe the VPI as a "brighter" cable. The Electra cable on the other hand, is even "brighter" and more "detailed" than the VPI, to the point that if you like the "musicality" of the Phrygian, you will definitely find the Electra cable a little sterile. I think if you're like human vocals you would probably like the Phrygian, but if you like complicated instrumental music, you would prefer the VPI or the Electra.
If I have to choose one IC to use between the Tact and the Dodd, I would choose the VPI cable, it's not because it's "better", it's just that it synergizes better with the rest of my system.
I then keep the VPI cable between the Tact and Dodd, and then switch out the Gabriel Gold Revelation with the Phrygian between Dodd and Moscode. The Gabriel Gold is darker/warmer than the Phrygian, the Gabriel emphasizes more on the bass and lower midrange, songs that sounded good/magical with the Gabriel will sound a little light/thin on the Phrygian, and songs that sound good with the Phrygian would sound bloated/muddy with the Gabriel. I enjoy the Phrygian probably as much as the Gabriel; The Phrygian makes Diana Krall's "Live in Paris" sound better, the Gabriel makes Alison Krauss's "New Favourite" and Michael Buble sound better. Now keep in mind that the Gabriel is 5 times more expensive than Phrygian.
Will I buy a pair of Phrygian? Well, I am very close to pull out my wallet but not yet. .. because I'm now desparate to listen to a pair of Moonshadow, I hope Chris wouldn't mind sending me a pair for audition once he's done with the NY folks
I'll leaving the Phrygian in my system running over night, I'll give it a listen again tomorrow.
Barry
Houston, TX
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Hi All,
A small correction:)
The touring Shaman interconnect is the Shaman X1 version, not the SE version.
The red shrink sides of the cables is for the origin (source) and the blue sides for destination equipment.
Normally (of course this is not a ground rule), I suggest the use of the 2 SilverFi cables in tandem (in a pre-power combination) as:
Phrygian SE : source (DAC, CDP, phono amp etc.)
Shaman X1 : Between pre and power amps.
Naturally, I also invite all musiclovers experiment with the cables.
Regards.
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Sezai- Seems like there are several Texans appreciating what you are doing and this may come back to you in a nice way. I would like to be one of those Texans but I listen with self powered speakers and would need a 2 meter length. I would like to audition either your Shaman or the Phrygian SE if you can accommodate me. I will happily pay postage both ways. If there is a both way. Hope to hear from you.
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OK, am late to this party, and am not in North Texas but am in Austin :) I'd be happy to engage on this of there is still time. I also do occasional reviews for an online mag, if that matters.
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Never too late! PM me your info and it looks like there are 2 people in front of you!
Art
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Received the cables today, so far I like what I'm hearing.
After spending the week with the Silverfi interconnects, here are my thoughts.
Out of the "box" the appearance of the cables is good but not drop dead eye candy, but hey they are covered up behind your equipment. The quality seems good but make sure you hold them by the connector when changing them out. I placed the Phrygian se between my dac and preamp and the Shaman x1 between the preamp and amp as recommended by Silverfi and listened to them in tandem, also recommended by Silverfi.
Right away the sound was very smooth and easy to listen to. The highs were detailed and never harsh, the mids are neutral with instruments being tonally correct, great female vocals and good male vocals. The bass has good fullness and is fairly fast.
Overall they are well balanced with a relaxed, easy going presentation, good bass with a very black background.
Tempo and attack are good and again the tone is right on.
Soundstage has good height, width, and depth.
When compared to my reference cables I found that my ref. combo has:
1) Bass tad tighter.
2) More aggressive attack.
3) More extended on the extremes.
4) Soundstage a little wider.
5) Tempo a little faster.
All in all I would be very happy living with the Silverfi interconnects in my system, and if your system leans a little towards the bright side these would be a match made in heaven.
check out my system in the link below.
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Jeff has the cables now, kind of sad to see them go :cry:
posted my thoughts in my previous post.
Marvin
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First of all I want to thank silverfi for allowing us to audition his fine interconnects.
My system consists of the following:
Electra ICs purchased from Danny
Usher R-1.5 Amp
Dodd Battery Powered Preamp
Cambridge Audio Azure 840C CDP
Silent Source Power Cords on Amp and CDP
Everything runs through a Running Springs Haley power conditioner except the amp which is plugged directly into the wall.
A couple of years ago I took the position that if I have to squint and concentrate to hear a very subtle difference after a component or cable change I would just stand pat. Kind of like boxing, the contender has to BEAT the current champ or go home without the belt.
My most recent additions, the Silent Source power cords and the Cambridge CDP required no concentration to hear a significant improvement in my system and I was happy to write the check.
When I received the Silverfi ICs my Dodd preamp was at the top of the cabinet and my amp was at the very bottom of the stack. In this configuration the 1 meter Silverfi IC wouldn’t reach from the Dodd down to the Usher Amp. So I started with the Phrygian SE between the CDP and the Preamp. The Phrygian sounded good, but neither my wife nor I heard anything stand out as sounding better than what we have.
I then bit the bullet (my back is still not completely better) and swapped the positions of the Dodd (this is one heavy preamp due to the 4 large batteries) with the CDP so the 1 meter Silverfi would reach from the Preamp to the Amp. I then used the configuration that silverfi recommended in his post:
Phrygian SE : source (DAC, CDP, phono amp etc.)
Shaman X1: Between pre and power amps.
Unfortunately, when I powered up, I heard a buzzing sound coming from my speakers.
This is not a ground loop sound but more like interference of some sort. Since I had changed the position of the PRE and CDP, I replaced the Silverfi ICs with the Electra ICs to confirm that the buzz wasn’t the result of changing the position of the components. No problem with the Electra ICs.
After continued IC swapping I’ve confirmed that there is no problem using either silverfi IC between my CDP and PRE. However, both the Phrygian and the Shaman will cause a buzz when used to connect the PRE and AMP.
Due to the buzz, I didn’t run the Silverfi IC’s between my Preamp and Amp, but each saw duty between my CDP and PRE. While they are very nice ICs they didn’t blow my hair back compared to what I have so I’ll keep looking.
Now that I’ve been forced to change the position of my components, I can use a one meter IC as opposed to a 2 so I'll save some money on my next IC purchase. :dance:
Again, thanks to silverfi for letting me audition a couple of very nice ICs. :thumb:
And a special thanks to Art for coordinating the tour.
Who gets them next Art?
Jeff
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Jeff, i wonder what caused the buzz, as i didn't have a problem with whatever setup combination i tried. Did you try moving the connectors around especially the Dodd phono plugs as I found that the cardas (believe those are the ones he uses) sometimes fit losser than other connectors.
Marvin
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Jeff, i wonder what caused the buzz, as i didn't have a problem with whatever setup combination i tried. Did you try moving the connectors around especially the Dodd phono plugs as I found that the cardas (believe those are the ones he uses) sometimes fit losser than other connectors.
Marvin
Marvin, no I didn't try moving the connectors around. I'll give it a shot tomorrow.
Thanks.
Jeff
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Yesterday a friend and fellow AC member, no it wasn’t Arthurs, sent me a PM that started with:
sorry you didn't like them
I want to apologize to Silverfi and the rest of the community if I sent that message. :duh: :oops: :duh:
It certainly wasn’t my intent, but perception is reality, so in the interest of fairness to Silverfi and anyone that might be considering an IC purchase I feel compelled to try again.
First of all I wasn’t able to run the ICs in the configuration that Silverfi recommended due to the buzz I was getting. I was only able to use them between my pre and CDP. Had I been able to use both pair in the configuration silverfi recommended my wife and I may have come away with a different impression.
Secondly, I’m not bound by any loyalties that would cause me to make statements that require the reader to read between the lines, so please don’t interpret my earlier post as being negative toward Silverfi ICs in any way.
Both the Electra and the Silverfi ICs compared against other ICs I’ve used would be clear winners and out would come the check book. When compared to one another the evaluation becomes much more difficult as neither jumped out as a clear preference for us. Maybe hours and hours of very critical listening would reveal a clear preference but again if I have to concentrate that hard I think I’ve reached the point of diminishing returns and I opt to stand pat.
Please note that I have less experience experimenting with ICs than any other part of my system.
After my experience with Power Cords, I've become a believer in the difference cables can make and recognize that I should spend some time experimenting with ICs.
With that said, Michelle and I thought the Silverfi ICs sounded just as good as our current ICs and could happily live with either the Silverfi or Electra ICs. :thumb:
Sorry if there was any confusion and I hope this clears it up.
Jeff
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Jeff, i wonder what caused the buzz, as i didn't have a problem with whatever setup combination i tried. Did you try moving the connectors around especially the Dodd phono plugs as I found that the cardas (believe those are the ones he uses) sometimes fit losser than other connectors.
Marvin
Marvin,
The Dodd has two sets of outputs.
I have always used Output 1 to go to the amp.
Today I tried using Output 2.
It still buzzes.
As you recall, below my CDP and and Preamp there is a DVD player, a Dennon 3802 and then the amp.
Perhaps the ICs don't like passing that close to the Dennon. I really don't know but there is no buzz with either IC as long as they stay up top to connect pre to cdp. :scratch:
Art,
I'll ship the ICs out tomorrow.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Art,
Silverfi has contacted me via pm with suggestions for eliminating the buzz. :thumb:
With your permission, I would like to keep the ICs for a couple of more days.
If that's an issue for anyone let me know and I'll ship them out.
Thanks,
Jeff
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No worries Jeff, keep us posted! Maybe share in the thread if it "cures" the hum so others may avoid similar instances...
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If anything it sure is nice to hear from a truly concerned Audiophile and Vendor regarding his or her product :beer:
Good luck!
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Hi All,
Just a few thought on Jeff`s feedback:
Since SilverFi interconnects are not shielded, musiclovers with audio systems having combined TV&HT systems should be careful. TV`s, Cable TV and some satellite antenna systems may leak AC, thus causing hum. While using SilverFi interconnects with TV`s (when watching DVD`s) you should unplug the cable tv or dish antenna connection. Also your TV`s power plug should be in correct phase.
Another point we should be careful with power amps which has lower input sensitivity. 2.5V and higher values are better. I noted that Usher 1.5`s input sens. is 1.5V.
Since Usher mentions that their 1.5 power amp has a `tube like warmness` there is a higher possibility that Jeff might like my `Moonshadow` and `Moonshine AG` better.
Regards.
Sezai
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Hello Sezai, I've got the same amp (Usher R-1.5) as Jeff but a different preamp (Belles 21a).
Marvin
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Hello Sezai, I've got the same amp (Usher R-1.5) as Jeff but a different preamp (Belles 21a).
Marvin
Hi Marvin,
This is very interesting. Synergy of a system I guess. As you have indicated earlier, (and if it is not tv, cable or dish antenna ) then a loose rca round might be causing the problem. BTW, how `warm` (or is it warm?) is the 1.5 and how it gets along with the rest of the system, especially the Belles preamp? What tubes (brand and year) are you using with the preamp?
regards.
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Sezai, I find the Usher to be a couple of clicks on the warm side of neutral. It mates real well with the Belles pre, I am using at this time
CBS/Hytron 5814wa from the mid fifties. I also have on hand and find to sound great in the Belles, RCA command 5814a, Raytheon 12au7 triple mica blackplates, Brimar 13d5, RCA 5814a triple mica blackplates.
Here is a great review of the Usher amp. http://www.usheraudiousa.com/files/reviews/r-1-5-the-sensible-sound.pdf
Marvin
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Marvin,
Just read the review, thanks. Yes, 5814`s are very nice. I have used many of them in the past and now, mainly post II.WW. products. (circa late 40`s) They provide a relatively more richer lower end (especially the triple micas) and a great natural tone. I can say that you should also try RCA Cleartop`s (if I am not wrong circa 50`s). Richer harmonics and textures with a very transparent midrange may bring new pleasures to your balance.
Regards.
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I had the pleasure of these cables in my system for the last week and it's clear, a week is not enough. The problem is that I could not squeeze enough quiet, dedicated listening time into this working week to have total confidence in my impressions (which should tell you something about the level of difference we are dealing with here). Furthermore, since my set-up really does not work well with 1m lengths of single-ended cables, I could not hear the combined cable set up in the signal path as recommended. But here is what I did, and what I heard.
I read as little as possible about these cables beforehand to limit my biases and I installed the Phrygian between my Marantz SA-11S1 (SA)CD player and my PS Audio GCP 200 preamp. They replaced my reference, a pair of PS Audio Transcendents (~ $349 1m pair). Straight off, my impression is the SilverFis sounded very good but a little different and it was a case of spending the week, back and forth, trying to determine the nature of these differences. It's hard to make firm statements here, these cables make a subtle but noticeable difference, the importance of which depends on your components and your taste. I could happily live with either of these cables but the Silver Fi were not so much better that I would give up what I use to switch. Were I starting from scratch, that's another question....
Primary qualities -- the SilverFi Phrygian seemed to have slightly less upper range detail than the PS Audio in my set up, but offered instead a richer midrange that gives some instruments more body. Piano sounded richer, stronger, with greater emphasis on the keys than the accompanying instruments when listening to Tord Guastavson Trio's "Being There". In contrast, the PS Audio seemed to give a greater sense of the air around the various parts of the trio, putting more emphasis on the frequency extremes, particularly the drums, and in so doing, opening up the band so that it seemed to fill a larger space.
I thought maybe it was a matter of detail, that by lessening the resolution (somewhat) the SilverFi tended to sound warmer but it was not simply so. Repeated listening back and forth (I kept both cables connected to two inputs of the preamp with the volume setting matched, but switched the CD player's outputs between both cables as needed) I found it near impossible to say one or other had more 'detail' so to speak. More likely each seemed to provide a little more detail of a certain kind, more attack with one, more decay with the other, but never in a manner that allowed me to say one cable offered 'detail' and the other didn't. it was also recording-dependent. Over a week I gained the impression that if you imagined the soundstage as a large sphere created in your room by the speakers, the space drawn by the Ps Audios was large and open in width and height but perhaps a little more flat or disc like in the third dimension. The SilverFi took that space, squashed it a little so it was not so wide or high but compensated for this by pushing the sound forward so the sphere came out to meet the listener, like a smaller but rounder ball between the speakers. The result was greater air at the frequency extremes with the PS Audio, but more midrange emphasis with the SilverFi.
Though the differences were subtle, they were consistent. The SilverFi seemed to deliver great timbral qualities, rich in tone, and detailed. Then the PS Audio seemed to take that sound and inject a little greater air, as if the musicians were separated a little further, widening the sonic presentation. Better or worse? Truly, a matter of taste. I really liked the SIlver Fi's when installed but then I would switch to the PS audio and think I preferred them for the air they provided, which I know some people may take for 'detail' or resolution but for me seemed more a matter of emphasis than inclusion.
Bass was a tad richer on the Silver Fi, more trebly on the PS Audio. Cymbals and snares were more present on the PS Audio but drew less attention on the SilverFi. Patricia Barber's vocals were realistic with both and I could listen to either cable with pleasure on this recording.
I wish I could have had more time to truly compare the Phrygian and the Shaman but once I started seriously comparing the former with my reference, it seemed to only complicate matters to introduce a third. I did place the Shaman between my phono stage and my preamp, replacing my MAC Silver Braids and noticed nothing drastically different on a quick listen to vinyl, but this really was so brief as to be meaningless, other than to note the Shaman sounds fine, maybe a little softer than the potentially bright Silver Braids.
People have commented on the looks of the SilverFi, to me they are quite lovely, they feel well constructed, which is not to say robust and tough, but that they feel as if thought and quality parts have gone into their construction. They come delivered in a nice case and install so easily as to feel like a piece of quality audio jewely.
I could live with the Phrygian in my set up but I really would love to hear the top of the range product to see how far this design approach can be pushed. There is something 'right' about the sound of these cables, a sort of organic quality that reproduced acoustic instruments accurately, and I'd love to give them a chance on some other components of my rig. RIght now they are being tested on a set up involving a Class D power amp where they seem to provide a soothing balm. Ask me again when I get a chance to hear them with my BAT VK500...perhaps then they will sound too dark...or maybe their balance will provide synergy with the BAT.....I just did not have time to tell.
In sum, I like and could live with the Phrygian. I tend to prefer the PS Audio in my current set up but it's a close call and might be influenced by my familiarity as much as anything else .Change my set up slightly and all bets are off....the Silver Fi are real contenders.
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Great write up Andrew! Hugh they are on their way to you next!
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Art,
I won't be able to get to them until after I get back from overseas trip later in July.
Thanks,
Hugh
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Art,
I won't be able to get to them until after I get back from overseas trip later in July.
Thanks,
Hugh
Sezai, is this okay with you?
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Well, I am not in a hurry. :)
We can also send it to a third party (if there is another auditioner in the line) in the interim period, till Hugh returns home...
Warmest regards.
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Unfortunately they are already on the way to Hugh, I just found out about this. Hugh, would you have a chance to send them on before you leave the country?
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Art,
No problem, will do.
I should have told you prior to.
Didn't I let you in a few weeks back? :)
Tell me where to send to then it shall be done SA.
Just kidding Art. ;) :D
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here's some more detailed thoughts that i had on the silverfi cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/SilverFiCablesReview/SilverFiCablesReview.htm
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here's some more detailed thoughts that i had on the silverfi cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/SilverFiCablesReview/SilverFiCablesReview.htm
:roll:
Marvin, your signature needs to be updated to include your affilitation with the e-zine per AC policy...
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Done, how's that Art?
Marvin
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Great sir!
Thanks.
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Art,
All this talk about cables has me interested. Changed around my 2-channel system several months ago using both Tendon and Blue Jeans cable. Is it too late to be included in the tour?
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Let me talk to Sezai about this Ron, they are in California right now for the next couple of weeks (our tour expanded outside of Texas) and it will be up to him if he extends the time to have them sent back out here.
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I received the cables today.
I'll give them a spin this weekend then report back.
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Sounds great Hugh!
Ron, I sent you a PM, I need your info.
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Ron,
The cables are on their way to you to day.
Enjoy.
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I received the cables a few days ago but due to my schedule, I didn't have a chance to listen to them until last evening.
My setup consists of:
Joule Electra VZN-100 Monos.
Melody P1688 Sig. Pre
Lector CDP-7TL/MKIII
BPT SC-6L Speaker Cables
Onix Grand Master II ICs.
Kimber Select 1010 ICs.
Strata Mini Speakers (Mod.).
Various custom Power Cables.
First off, the Lector CDP got only 2 hours of play time prior to last night so the actual SQ is not optimal yet.
Nevertheless, I much prefer the Lector SQ (even at unbroken in) over the CEC TL51XR which I still have but will be gone soon.
The sound is more lush, liquid, more details than the CEC.
The cables, as others already noted, come in a very nice package and the cables themselves are not bad to look at either.
I connected the cables just as stated somewhere in this thread.
Prior to connect the SilverFi, I listened to my own cables for a few songs to familiarize myself once again to the Lector SQ.
Then I proceeded to listen to one of my favorite cds, Best Audiophile Voices I (XRCD), with the SilverFi.
At first sound, the SilverFi seemed to produce a more refined and somewhat smoother sound.
After a while, I realized the SilverFi midrange is a tad tighter overall.
However, the highs, while is still good, got a little loose (not harsh but not real tight either).
The bass is not as tight as my cables.
Please note that I had only listened to the SilverFi for less than 2 hours so my finding may or may not be totally accurate.
I wish I had more time so I could connect my Stereovox Firebird speaker cables to find out what a full silver setup would do.
So, to sum it up, in comparison to my reference cables, I found my cables to be:
1) High is more controlled and extended.
2) Soundstage is wider.
3) Midrange is a tad less refined.
4) Bass is tighter and punchier.
The SilverFi is a great combination but I just prefer the overall SQ presentation & synergy of my cables in my setup.
Also, I think the SilverFi would shine much more in a SS setup.
Thanks for a great opportunity.
Thank YOU SA :D
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Hi All,
Just to inform you that Jules Coleman of Superior Audio e-mag. (enjoythemusic.com), a highly sophisticated reviewer conveyed his concise assessment of SilverFi Cable, while describing his audio system. He also has another valuable recent `think piece` article on audio reviewing on the same link.
Regards.
The link: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/
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where's those reviews?
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Got the cables today. Giving them a good workout. :)
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As Marvin asked --- where are all those reviews?
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I'm the last and I'll have my thoughts up this weekend...
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I'm still working on mine :oops:.
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So SilverFi, what did you make of the evaluations and comments you received? Is this a viable method of getting products reviewed?
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So SilverFi, what did you make of the evaluations and comments you received? Is this a viable method of getting products reviewed?
Hi All,
Well, as I have said earlier synergy and taste are very important. Dedicated quality time for auditioning is also crucial and I must say a week or so is not enough for such an occasion/evaluation. If you felt 'closer to music' with SilverFi and extended your listening hours I feel the target is reached. I think that SilverFi cables guides the listener to a musically perceptive and illuminated stage which is higher than some of the rest... Getting the correct balance, the beauty of tone and the true intend of the musician is something indispensable for the listener. For tone we should re-create the textures, colors, hues and shadows. One last word to repeat a senior writer J. Coleman for a decent system for music 'balance, balance, balance' .
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Well really i want to say 'thanks' for putting your product out there for so many of us to try -- yes, I agree, a week in one's typical working life is not really enough to get a handle on all the nuances of a product but I hope you found the exercise useful also. Not clear how we could improve the process, giving everyone a month would make the process extremely lengthy, circulating more than one test set at a time would perhaps be unreasonable for the manufacturer, but I have to say, I love this kind of direct user input.
Best
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Well really i want to say 'thanks' for putting your product out there for so many of us to try -- yes, I agree, a week in one's typical working life is not really enough to get a handle on all the nuances of a product but I hope you found the exercise useful also. Not clear how we could improve the process, giving everyone a month would make the process extremely lengthy, circulating more than one test set at a time would perhaps be unreasonable for the manufacturer, but I have to say, I love this kind of direct user input.
Best
Delacroix, thanks.
In future, maybe we could repeat a similar auditioning with lesser (2-3 ?? auditioners) each taking longer periods. SilverFi Magician interconnect could be a good candidate. If I can arrange a 3m. Moonstar speaker cable could be included to the tour.
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Sounds good -- count me in, but you know there's going to be more than three of us :)
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silverfi,
Thank you for the opportunity to try your wonderful cables. I agree it would take more than a week to really hear the subtle nuances that the cables may provide.
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Hi Guys,
Here's the latest news about Silverfi:
6moons' reviewer Paul Candy recently reviewed Crystal Cable's 'the Bridge' apparatus to check its effect with his interconnect arsenal and comments on the SilverFi Samarkand:
"Most if not all cable manufacturers will tell you that all cables degrade the signal to some degree but that the best ones almost get out of the way completely. If that's true, then I don't believe I have ever heard a cable more benign to the musical event than the SilverFi Samarkand with the Bridge."