Ever review/use Wire World power cords?

jaynemo1962 February 22, 2010 16:07

Jay, I never say no offhand to a suggested component for review. Actually, I've got some great stuff lined up for the next 6-8 months, which is a good thing.

I spent some time last night in the room playing Peter White's newest CD. Track 7 is great, and has some funky deep bass effects. It's fun to catch all the LF power the Focus puts out. :)

douglas_schroeder February 20, 2010 17:16

Doug, good to hear from you again. Yes I remember your SE review. Regarding the Triode/Tetrode switch, I like both and frequently switch between them (not powered on of course!). When listening to laid back easy listening acoustic, jazz, female voice, when I'm not looking for full power, I prefer the triode. Boy does Anita Baker really shine thru the Focus HD. Tetrode usually when no one is home (wifey and three kids but not often!) for bombastic prog and guitar rock. The NEO's are finally settling in. I think I have the speaker placement almost there, the soundstage is almost dead on. Its fun listening to Roger Waters Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, that barking dog sounds like its right outside the basement window. Yes, always futzing with -DB switches on the back. Power cords are next on my list, I'm going to stick with the PS Audio lineup. VPI SDS as well. Damn ground loop between the NEO's & the PPP's, even Ground Zero couldnt solve. So I'm still tinkering with this. When I have a little more time, yes, I'm going to play around with more carpeting (on wall behind system and wherever needed), room treatments, etc. I'm also going to try out some of Alan Maher's EMI/RFI killers, I talked to a couple people who swear by them. Cheap enough to give a try. I think I'm with this system for the long haul. Maybe some minor changes, I've already got my eye on the new Fosgate Signature Phono Stage, why dont you give a whirl and do a review on it?

jaynemo1962 February 19, 2010 19:26

Jay, good job, nice selection of components. I don't see aftermarket power cords. You'll notice the difference if you get some.

Which do you prefer the amp to run, Tetrode or Triode mode? If you haven't yet futzed with that switch it'll make a difference for your sound. Also, the HD's have two switches on the back which are -2 dB attenuation for either bass or treble. Have tried them yet?

Also, you may want to slide the rug under the system and speakers, and possibly put the other rug out front. The difference will be as dramatic as any changes from burn in, and possibly much more so. You may get away without room treatments if you try that. Definitely work with the rug prior to doing other room treatments.

If you have multiple branded/model Interconnects, try switching them between the components. You might be very surprised at the result and could find a new favorite sound. If you don't have different brands, buy a couple different sets and play with their placement in the rig. It'll be very rewarding.

You may also be able to tube roll (swap out tubes) in the amps. It's not necessary, but it can be fun and profitable.

You've got a lot of options and lots of opportunities to get that rig sounding precisely as you wish. :)

(Disclaimer, I wrote the reviews of the HD and later the SE for Dagogo.com. I own the Focus SE.)

douglas_schroeder February 16, 2010 02:12

Thanks Zephyr. I'll check out the holographs. I was also looking into RealTraps, made one town over. What was the biggest 300+ change- bass response? Ribbon smooths out?

jaynemo1962 February 15, 2010 18:18

Once you hit the 300+ hour mark, you will be amazed at what starts to happen. I believe (owning them myself) that you are going to love those speakers! Shakti Hallographs are a worthwhile tweak to investigate. They simply work and allow tons of flexibility...

zephyr24069 February 12, 2010 20:58