Spencer,

You asked earlier, about the most expensive power cord, which I responded to, but... above you can see I have been experimenting with some Virtual Dynamics type DIY cords.

I just finished the 1st Genesis($2,600)like 6 awg power cord (under $75). I will be listening tonight to see how it compares to the David Series like 10 awg I built last week and have been using since then.

Thanks for the info on the acoustic material.

Bruce

bruce_weiland April 12, 2009 23:38

Hi Bruce,

Sorry, just saw your question about the fabric. I used sonically transparent stuff from the same company that does it for many high priced manufacturers; Guilford of Maine. http://www.guilfordofmaine.com/ They don't sell directly to consumers normally. At least they didn't went I ordered through a guy who does acoustic design & custom install work. I'm glad I went through a few hoops to do it. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank April 12, 2009 16:39

System edited: I have added three Virtual Dynamics like power cords. I followed their online Power 3 formula, except for the 10 awg and 12 awg I used. Then I went on to a "David Series 2.0" like, three leg 10 awg. I am now getting together the parts to build, as close as I can come, their Genesis. The differences in system background silence/blackness and system purity/sweetness are truly amazing. It is difficult to fathom what $30 or so worth of parts per cord and a few hours each of fabricating can do.

bruce_weiland April 11, 2009 04:31

System edited: New arrangement of system in bridged configuration.

bruce_weiland March 15, 2009 23:45

System edited: New H-CAT preamp and one picture. More to come.

bruce_weiland February 22, 2009 21:31

System edited: System edit. Phase Linear 1000, Carver DTL, Behringer Tube Ultra T1953, and Sonic Euphoria PLC all replaced with a new $5k active preamp. Details and pictures to come. C Currently also using Audioquest Volcano speaker wire.

bruce_weiland February 19, 2009 05:10

Hi Shadorne,

I don't listen to any cans. I do have some old AKG. Last year at a good friend's house we listened to his older Stax.

They sure were not as good as either of us remembered. He has ARC and Martin Logan and a really, really good vinyl setup.

So, I have my huge four way "body" (as opposed to head) phones and really love them.

In the very near future my speaker wire will be Audioquest Volcano. I have some in the system right now. Very, very nice.

Bruce

bruce_weiland January 21, 2009 16:34

I really enjoyed reading about your journey in audio. Impressive choice of gear! The way you listen you are getting very little room reflections - almost like giant headphones. What cans do you prefer?

shadorne January 20, 2009 16:47

Spencer,

I forgot my most expensive power cords. The Blue Circle BC68 Power Cord with In-Line Filter. They are $465 Canadian. Because of the exchange rate they are currently 20% less than they were 6 months ago.

Designed specifically for electrostatic speakers. I did try putting them on the amps and the Elements on the speakers. The result was decidedly worse.

My system setup has changed quite a bit since then. I may try that switch again.

On my ML Prodigy, the effect of the BC cords was exactly as intended. They make a sizable improvement to the sound.

Bruce

bruce_weiland January 20, 2009 15:27

Spencer,

Here is my review from the Element website.

http://www.elementcable.com/catalog/customer_testimonials.php

I ordered a pair of power cords that all offered a 30 day money back guarantee for four different suppliers on November 19th. Your cords arrived a week before any of the others.

I had two pieces of equipment that would accept IEC, a DAC and a power amp (highly modified Moscode 600 tube hybrid). I only had one rather high quality power cord, an Eichmann eXpress ($300 retail). It was on the DAC. I pulled it and plugged in the Element Cord. The improvement (right out of the box) was not subtle. Much, much quieter back ground, blacker. Wider, deeper, more ambient sound stage. More fleshed out image. More intricate middle range texture. More dynamic. Bass to die for. But just a little dull on the top, less air.

So, I decided to give the power cord 5 days to break in. By the way, I left the 1st Element in place on the DAC and put the Eichmann on the amp. After some listening I pulled the Eichmann and put the second Element on the amp. To my amazement, the differences I had heard on the DAC were the same on the amp, but even bigger!!

By the ended of the first 24 hours of break in more highs had appeared, in fact too many. The system sounded too bright, but I figured another 4 days of break in just might tame those highs. Well I was right. By the next day the "brightness" was gone and the system sounded that best I have heard it. I really did not see how any of the other three brands that were coming could unseat the Element.

When the next two sets of power cords arrived, I did a quick comparison. The Signal Cable Company's Magic sounded like it could be a real contender (I liked the heat shrink on the Magic and thought it would make the Element look better). The GTT Group Absolute would have to change a lot during break in to come close to the Element. I pulled both Elements and gave the Magic a full 5 days of break in. While the Magic was very good and comes in a close second, it is not as quiet, have as deep bass, ambient, dynamic or harmonically richness. It was sweeter, but not enough to unseat the Element.

The Absolute has much less bottom and top, smaller sound stage with a bloated center image, very midrangey without the harmonic texture.

Finally the Black Mountain Peak Gold arrived. While it was more dynamic, like the Element, it was a bit too bright and without the bottom of the Element or the Magic.

All the other cords will be going back. Once I have received my refunds I will be ordering more Elements, at least four more, possibly five.

Spencer I did later order the Red Storm which is specifically designed for digital equipment. But..... in my system the TriVista sounded much better with the Element Basic cable.

Bruce

bruce_weiland January 20, 2009 05:50

Spencer,

I just took a look at your system. Really nice. Of course the most impressive piece to me was the "woofer" on the sofa. I really love dogs.

I like what you have put together. I need to cover my tube traps with something nice. Where did you get the acoustic fabric?

To answer your question on power cords, the most expensive PC I have had was only $300 retail/Eichmann Express which was reviewed against more expensive cords and did well, but ultimately was easily unseated by the Element in my system.

I did compare three other cords against the Element basic cord. I will copy my review into the next response for your to read.

The bottom line IS you HAVE to hear them in your system to see what is synergistic with your equipment. THERE IS NO BEST. Only a best for you.

Bruce

bruce_weiland January 20, 2009 05:46

Hi Bruce,

Cool system. I like your combination of old and new; it's obvious you aren't influenced by "flavor-of-the-month" thinking.

As a recent purchaser of a TriVista 21 dac, curious to hear if you've tried any higher priced power cables on that and what you'd suggest I try. I've messed with Audience, VH Flavor2, Signal Magic and Absolute Power Cord thus far. My rig is posted as "Goosebump Factory". Thanks,
Spencer

sbank January 14, 2009 13:35

System edited: Picture updates

bruce_weiland January 14, 2009 04:35

System edited: Edits to the system description.

bruce_weiland December 27, 2008 16:06

System edited: I have 2BH7 NOS tubes, but the biggest change has been the Mundorfs Silver in Oil that were put in my amps.

bruce_weiland December 07, 2008 23:17

System edited: The system description did not save last edit. Here it is, but some updated pictures to follow.

bruce_weiland November 21, 2008 17:21

System edited: Updated pictures to come. New caps in amps and Phase 1000. New mod to phono.

bruce_weiland November 21, 2008 15:32

Ive owned a ton of speakers since my Martin Logan days(owned several logans as well) and I must say they a great speaker manufacture for the money.Anything from the aeon i's up!

sthomas12321 July 18, 2008 14:58

That was, I just "sent" you an.....

bruce_weiland July 17, 2008 18:31

Jim.

Similar musical tastes. So, yes absolutely. However, ML and Lowthers are quit different and as you indicate a SET is not going to work for the ML because you will not have the dynamic headroom.

I am assuming you are no where close to the LA area. If you were, you could come over for a listen with some of your favorite recording and get a sense of what you would be creating in your location.

I just send you an email for longer discussions outside this listing, if you are interested.

Bruce

bruce_weiland July 17, 2008 13:53

Hello Bruce,

System is SET amps driving Lowthers in Cain and Cain cabinets. Main source is Wadia 850 although I have some vinyl. System is fast, dynamic and with major slam. I would obviously need to swap power amps to go the ML route.

Room has extensive acoustic treatments. DIY bass trap in each front corner with the majority of the walls covered with and the cieling first reflection point treated with Auralex diffusors.

Music is varied -- rock and roll -- Doors, Eagles; some jazz -- MJQ; some classic; female vocals -- Christy McVie, Celine Dion, Sade.

Thanks,
Jim Bailey

j_bailey July 15, 2008 07:15

JimB

It all depends on how you like to listen. But probably, YES.

Please give me some details of your systm, room, and listening habits.

Bruce

bruce_weiland July 04, 2008 15:08

Hello Bruce,

Your system has stopped me right in my tracks. I have been lusting after Martin Logans for some time. I considered them for my listening room, but decided not to go that way thinking my room was too small. It is W=10.5' by L=12.5'. I have the speakers on the short wall.

Your room is longer than mine, but the width is the same. Do you think I could use Martin Logans?

Thanks in advance for your help.
JimB.

j_bailey July 01, 2008 00:01

Jloveys,

Well you have quite an impressive vinyl setup.

I find your ML maggie combo very interesting. I would love to hear how they sound.

My email is in my last post above.

Bruce

bruce_weiland June 27, 2008 00:16

Hey Scott. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had not been checking the site and there was no notice in my email.

My room is an "L". The picture you see it the top of the L. The room is 10.5 feet wide and 21 feet long. The leg of the L goes off to the right behind me and extends about 5 feet. That area is 7x5. The ceiling is 7'10". Wood stud and drywall construction. The floor is travertine over cement slab.

The bottom end is tight, full, articulate, and deep. There is no bloat or overhang.

I took a quick look at your system. We can discuss what might work for you. My email is [email protected].

Are both your subs to the left because of convenient placement?

Bruce

bruce_weiland June 27, 2008 00:05