hifi-advice.com - Reviews

IEC connectors compared part 2

Furutech Fl-15 (rhodium)

It is immediately clear that this connector is a lot more lively than the Fl11G. Tempo is also up now but compared to AA-IEC-gold and also IeGO it still sounds a little too controlled. The sound is very fluid, neutral, not processed and even more finely detailed than Fl11G but dynamics are still compressed compared to the other connectors. IeGO also has more natural mids and sounds altogether more real.

-Schuko connectors compared

Kupp rubber schuko connector

This connector is sturdy, looks good and comes cheap. But it has some characteristics that you should definitely take into account if you consider using it. It adds a lot of hard brightness to the sound that for example the Bals does not. Although in some setups this is actually a good thing, in most balanced setups this will be too much of a good thing. Also it is a lot less natural than Bals. I'd advise not using the Kupp at all and at least use Bals as the cheapest alternative.

Extensive Review:

Bals schuko connector

When we swapped from the cable with Kupp to the cable with the Bals connector there were major differences. The difference was very obvious. A fat layer of metallicness was removed, revealing a much more natural, organic sound. Everything was a lot more supple but not at the expense of openness, speed or detail. The highs were still very open and airy, just way more natural and less brittle. And never was this connector boring. A very fine connector at a very reasonable price.

Extensive Review:

-Schuko connectors compared (HT Gold, Bals, Kupp)

-Schuko Connectors compared part 2 (HT gold and IeGO gold)

HiFi Tuning 24k Gold plated schuko connector

When swapping from the regular Bals to the Hifi Tuning Gold II schuko, the high frequencies become more natural, better differenciated, and so does the midband. There is more room for tiny sounds to develop instead of them being crammed against each other. This connector is even more natural and less electronic than the Bals, on which it is based. Apparently the gold coating does have a large effect. But the sound is also less spectacular, and a little less airy in the highest highs. So apply only if your system has enough openness to begin with.

Extensive Review:

-Schuko connectors compared (HT Gold, Bals, Kupp)

-Schuko Connectors compared part 2 (HT gold and IeGO gold)

HiFi Tuning Ultimate2 Silver Ceramic Fuse

Even though I realise that some people might find this hard to believe but the fuse actually makes a remarkable difference to the sound. In the case of Hifi Tuning, this results in more differenciated detailing, less hard and glassy highs and instead very fluid and somewhat more relaxed and full sound. AHP fuses have a different balance, they are tighter, drier and are more dark sounding. In contrast, regular fuses are fast and dynamic but can sound relentless and can in fact be responsible for a harsh treble.

Extensive Review:

-Hifi Tuning, AHP and standard fuses compared

Finite Elemente Spider Cerapuc (for universal heavy use)

Cerapucs are essentially larger versions of the Ceraball. They too have a ceramic ball and a rubber damping ring. But they can take a heavier load, are heavier and look better. Instead of the lighter aluminum they are now made from highly polished metal. They sound different too. Compared to universal ceraballs, the cerapucs lend more weight to the midbass and lower mids but are less well-articulated. Ceraballs are very nuanced and articulate but thinner and perhaps more analytical than the cerapucs. Overall I would say the pucs are more relaxed and full and the ceraballs are more articulate and analytical.

Extensive Reviews:

-Ceraball Spider - Ceraball Universal - Cerapuc compared

IEC-Gold (OEM product)

Cheaper but much better than Wattgates due to gold plating and a much tighter grip. This connector always brings more excitement to the mix making detail stand out better and giving moe focus to the soundstage. Its highs are very open but free from harshness but the very open nature of this connector can make mismatches in the system stand out. If you're seeking a more fluid, gentle, forgiving sound, consider Furutechs or even better, IeGO's

Extensive Review:

-IEC connectors compared part 1

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Extensionblocks - various types tested

A short conclusion is difficult to make but overall you could say that brass strips, while providing a subjectively more open and dynamic sound, are also shouty, bright and unnatural sounding. Starwiring with Lapp cable rids the sound completely from these effects but makes the sound so natural and relaxed that some people might miss the artificial brightness that these strips provide. Read more in the review.

Extensive Review:

-4 extensionblock reviewed

IeGo Cryo treated Gold plated IEC connector

The highs are extremely fluid and supple, very open and fresh and even more airy than our long time reference standard IEC-Gold. The IeGO mids are much more natural and somehow more "analogue" than almost any other connector. Compared to the very enthusiastic IEC-Gold, the IeGO has a skightly more rounded bass and is ever so slightly less tight. If your system is neutral, the IeGO will probably stun you with its natural portrayal in combination with extreme resolution. If your system tends toward the dark and dull and needs a boost, then IEC-Gold may be the better bet as it livens up the sound with its unbridled enthusiasm.

IEC Connectors compared part 2

Furutech Rhodium plated versus IeGO gold plated schuko and IEC

Harmonix RF-909X Spike Base

These feet came in after I tried the RF-900's (shown above). They not only look the part but they also make for a much more engaging sound. First, they relax the highs, buit importantly, without taking away air, openness or fluidity. In fact, I feel that they add to the sense of relaxation. But they also bring colour to the mids and make the bass more rich, if slightly less fast than with the standard stailness steel discs. But the standard disks make the treble sound incredibly brittle and hard so this tiny sacrifice is well worth it. Okay, they are expensive, but if you have a top-system, you owe it to yourself to give these little buggers a listen. Very Highly Recomended!

Extensive Reviews:

Harmonix TU-210ZX Tuning Feet

These nicely finished Tuning Feet sure make your components look the business when you place them onto them. They provide solid placement and in effect are much like cones but tuned with the large wood/metal body. The resulting sound (placed under any component) is that of a lot more speed and livelyness but at the expense of fluidity. They actually made my Rowlands sound a lot more dry as well as taking away from the airyness of the treble. This effect was also noticeable under the Levinson no.390s cd player. Although they do provide an overall better sense of timing (PRAT) I feel that they simply do too much to the sound to make them useful in an already balanced system. I know that I am fanatical about the airiness in the treble and that most people are much more forgiving than I so the results may vary but I would rather go for the Sun Mook Ultra Diamond Resonators instead. Only recommended for very warm sounding systems that need livening up.

Extensive Reviews:

Harmonix RFA-78i Room Tuning Discs

These tiny thingies are just incredible. They make people laugh in disbelief. Me too. I bought them because I wanted to hear for myself if they did or did not make a difference and consequently, if reviewers worldwide were crazy or paid by Harmonix to write favourably about them. Well, I wanted to know for sure so when I had the chance to buy them at a reduced price I decided to give them a try. At first I did not pay attention to the instructions and just laid them out in the room. Like this, the altered the tonal balance and made for a friendlier, warmer and smoother presentation. But it wasn't until I was preparing to sell them and decided to give them another go in my new house. This time I made sure to follow the instructions carefully and attach the disks to the walls in just the right places. You wonder what happened? In a word: disbelief. The effect was so large that I started doubting myself. But the good thing was that I did not need to hear a positive effect. After all, I wanted to sell them and even had a bidder waiting. But the combined effect was so large that I wasn't going to sell anymore. When carefully and precisely placed, the disks transform the sound. They provide more colour, more fluidity, a wider and deeper soundstage and an overall more "analogue" feeling. So, it is absolutely not understandable how they work but they definitely do work. Yes, they are incredibly expensive but considering their effect I would still recommend them.

Extensive Reviews:

-Vibex and Fadel Art power conditioners

Shun Mook Ultra Diamond Resonators

These feet not only look beautiful; they also do beautiful things for the sound. They belong to a friend who uses them under his Nottingham Analogue turntable to great effect. I tried them under my Mark Levinson no.390s cd player as well as under the Coherence II preamp. In both cases the inprovements were clear: more open mids with more liveliness, but importantly, without added aggressiveness or loss of fluidity. The treble became more open and airy but remained absolutely fluid and stress-free. I definitely liked them better under the Levinson than under the Coherence because they made the latter sound less relaxed. For sure, the Shun Mooks made for better speed, detail and dynamics but I kind of like the Coherence (and any Rowland for that matter) for their relaxed nature and I felt that these feet changed that character too much. With the Levinson it was much more a matter of decision. The 390s sounded good with or wiothout them so it really came down to taste. My system is already very open and revealing. I found that they made good cd's sound even better while bad cd's sounded worse so I decided not to use them because the player is more forgiving without them. Nevertheless: highly recommended!

Finite Elemente Pagode Signature Rack

The Pagode is a bit of a mixed bag. The results are not universal. In my system it sounded much like the Spiders had sounded before but in a friend's system it was exactly not what the system needed. Compared to Spider, it added a nasality, a certain colouration to the sound as well as being rhytmically restrained and less airy in the highs. I know that it becomes boring to hear my say it all the time but again here is proof that in matters audio, all is relative. A beautiful Pagode doesn't have to beat Spider at twice the cost. So, should I rate the Pagode? Give it a final score? I think I'll refrain for the moment. I need to hear it in more systems before I can make such a judgement. But I can say that although the same company made it, and it costs double what the Spider costs, it is in my opinion not better than Spider. Just different.

Extensive Review:

Pagode versus Spider

Sign Audio Technologies extensionblock

Alas, this extensionblock was a letdown. Differences between various cables appeared smaller and it was soon clear why: this block smooths everything down. Rhythms are more vague, dynamics are compressed and colour and contrast are diminished. A comparison with the netkabels.nl starwired extensionblock, which itself is pretty full and warm, it turned out that the Sign was even more mellow and witheld, to the point of being lacklustre. I can't think of a setup in which this block would be a welcome addition.

Supra Extensionblock

A nice looking extensionblock at a decent price. I tried it with the same cable as I use with my own extensionblocks to rule out those differences and make sure that only the block itself is listened to. The Supra's character is fast, open, fairly detailed and quite neutral. But it is also slightly tinny and lacking body and colour. A comparison with the most open extensionblock from netkabels.nl made clear that you can get more colour and substance while not losing anything in the PRAT department. Overall, it sounds like a good basic extensionblock. But it looks better, and doesn't cost a fortune.

Fadel Art PC800 transformer-based power filter

This power conditioner makes for a beautifully smooth and fluid delivery that's full of colour, is very relaxed and has ripe bass. But it also robs dynamics and makes for less PRAT.

Extensive Review:

Vibex Reference power filter Copper

This filter sure looks very nice but soundwise I found it to be a letdown. It made for less stark dynamic contrasts, slowing of rhythm, shrinking of the soundstage and on top of it all it robbed colour and substance, taking away from the natural delivery, making everything sound more artificial.

Extensive Review:

-Vibex and Fadel Art power conditioners

PS Audio Power Plant Premier

This compact device is actually a power regenerator: it takes raw power from the mains, breaks it down and rebuilds it in a perfect AC waveform. It also keeps a user-defined specific voltage, no matter if power drops or rises. And it is very efficient: no heat while still being able to supply 1500 watts. This all makes for a presumably technically perfect product. And in a way it does sound perfect: bass is tighter, there's more drive and better focus. But it comes at a price: you lose a lot of fluidity, as well as air and colour. You could say that the PPP makes music technically better but emotionally less appealing. Read the entire review for more detailed information.

Extensive Review:

-PS Audio PPP

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Vibex Reference Extensionblock Rhodium

A highly neutral and transparent extensionblock of reference class. Neither warm nor cool, analytical nor velvety, ultra-dynamic nor compressed and rounded off and fast nor slow. But despite its neutrality it can come across as slightly unexciting due to a certain projection and dryness in the midband. Also, PRAT, resolution and HF extension can be bettered by certain alternatives.

Extensive Review:

-Vibex versus CP-Audio Ultimate Clarity

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CP-Audio Ultimate Clarity extensionblock

At once highly detailed and ultra-refined. Extremely open yet effortlessly grainless. Its treble is extended and airy, the midband is glorious: open and communicative but also colourful and smooth and the bass is articulate, fast and dynamic, albeit slightly thin in a way reminiscent of some Nordost cables. Despite this, it is one of the best extensionblocks that I have heard, even beating the Vibex Reference Rhodium at its own game.

Extensive Review:

-CP-Audio Ultimate Clarity verus Vibex Reference Rhodium

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Furutech FI-E30 Rhodium

This connector certainly looks the business but soundwise I found it to be disappointing. It sounded a nicely detailed, but a little slow, and dynamically compressed. Even without comparing to the other connectores these characteristics stand out. This connector simply sounds uninspiring. Neutral but somehow synthetic. Compared to its golden brother, it is dry, thin and has poor communication skills. Rhodium or no, it doesn't have good PRAT.

Extensive Review:

-HifiTuning and Furutech schuko outlets compared

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Furutech FI-E30 Gold

The gold plated connector sounds better than its rhodium counterpart in that it is more involving, has more color and warmth and richness and has a little more speed. Although it sounds dynamic at first, with time you start to notice how everything still sounds a little too smooth and too compressed, compared to regular outlets. The Furutech however, is much more refined, fluid and detailed than regular outlets.

Extensive Review:

-HifiTuning and Furutech schuko outlets compared

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Hifi-Tuning Schuko outlet

While the Furutech connectors I compared it with manage a little bit more air at the extreme HF and are even smoother, the Hifi-Tuning simply sounds more real. It is at once more acoustic, more dynamic, more engaging, fuller and richer and not at all dry, synthetic or sterile. This would be my pick of the bunch.

Extensive Review:

-HifiTuning and Furutech schuko outlets compared

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KingRex UC192 USB-SPDIF converter

Max 24/192. In: USB 2,0, Out: cinch, AES/EBU (on mini XLR), IIS (only one output active at a time). This compact and pretty interface performed well above my expectations. I cannot express in few words the impact that this device had, even compared to my excellent resident HiFace EVO. Under Windows it is neccesary to install ASIO4ALL and it is recommended to use Foobar2000 but suffice to say that this combination beat my previous solution on many areas. Read the full review for a detailed explanation.

Furutech Rhodium plated versus IeGO gold plated schuko and IEC

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Reference Tweaks Miracle Wraps

After having the Wraps in place for a couple of days and upon removal I already feel that the sound is less luxurious and that feeling was only substantiated during further tests. I feel that the Wraps make for a more intimate, more emotional sound that is at once more relaxed and more focused. The soundstage gains size in all dimansions and presents musical instruments in it with more air and so provides a more entertaining, more holographic presentation. For me, the Wraps are a keeper.

Extensive Review:

-Miracle Wraps

Furutech Ceramic Fuse

Simply amazing little tweak. More open and lively than Hifi Tuning Ultimate 2 or 3 but without any agression. Fast and articulate bass with open midrange and airy highs, combined with a polished sound.

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Furutech Fl-E35/Fl-25 (gold)

Listened to on Alpha 3 powercable. Very well-balanced, adding refinement and subtle fluidity while not tipping over into restraint. While less microscopically refined than the Rhodium counterparts, much more engaging, live and dynamic. Comparison with the Fl-11 still to follow.

Furutech Rhodium plated versus IeGO gold plated schuko and IEC

Furutech Fl-35/Fl-25 (rhodium)

Listened to on Alpha 3 powercable. Highly refined, bringing the setup to a higher level in matters of refinement, resolution, articulation and neutrality, however, also lacking some enthusiasm, colour and drive compared to the gold versions. This effect is double checked with the connectors mounted to a Lapp cable versus the same cable with IeGO connectors, also see the extensive review.

Finite Elemente versus fake Chinese Spider racks

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E&T fake Chinese Spider Rack

My advice is to stay away from these fake racks. I agree that the real Finite Elemente racks are pricey but now that they are no longer made, they should appear even more often on the second hand market. If you buy the fake ones, you won't be doing yourself a favour: the wooden struts have been cut so inaccurately that it takes a lot of effort to get them even to stand level and straight. The fit and finish is surprisingly fine considering the price but it pales compared to the real Finite Elemente rack. Lastly: don't expect them to sound the same - they don't.

Extensive Review:

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Akiko Audio GEM1 Gold

There's no denying that these tweaks really do work. The effect isn't even subtle: it is easy to hear and mostly entirely positive. The GEM1's add soundstage width and depth, harmonics and luxuriousness while taking away only little in terms of absolute transparency. I found that their contribution can either be a good thing or not such a good thing, depending on the overall soundbalance of the system. In a well-tweaked, warm sounding system their addition can be a little too much of a good thing. character.

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Akiko Audio E-Power Gold

The effect of these wraps is even larger than that of the GEM1's. They do exactly as advertised: to take away sharpness and add warmth. But in my system their contribution was simply too big. They're probably just what the doctor ordered in many other systems that suffer from a slightly clinical character.

Find out all about classic and current Jeff Rowland equipment

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Harmonix RF-900 Tuning Spike Base

So you thought that these little buggers couldn't possibly make a worthwile difference to the sound? So did I. I chose them for their looks. After all, if you have a beautiful system, you want beautiful feet as well. Boy was I in for a surprise! Not only do they make a difference: the difference is HUGE! I kid you not. Going from regular stainless steel disks to these made me realise how grainy and hard my treble had been until now. Also, the bass became fuller and more tuneful and the mids more communicative. Sadly there is bad news as well and I'm not talking about the price. The treble, most important to me, was indeed a lot less hard and brittle but it also lost air, openness and fluidity. Regular readers know that I cannot live without this. So out they went again. But going back to the regular saucers was no option, so in came the RF-909x. Much to my relief, these luxury discs exhibited the same positive effects as the RF-900's but without the downsides. Overall, I'd recommend the RF-900's as long as you aren't focussed on that airy top like I am.

Extensive Reviews:

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A&B SYSTEMS ABS-02 Steel Balls Aluminum Isolation Cones

The other day a friend came by carrying what looked like Finite Elemente's Ceraballs, only slightly differently shaped. He had them off Ebay for 15 euro/3 pc. The real thing starts from 100 usd! Naturally I had to compare them to real Ceraballs, read on!

Extensive Review:

Ceraballs on the cheap

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Master Base

Purposeful, arguably ugly looking sandwich construction that is fortunately also cheap to buy (around 43 euro for a set of 4). In use their influence is easily noticeable but my tests were inconclusive. Sometimes there was an improvement in clarity and bass articulation, other times the dynamics were too much flattened and the sound became boring. Their effect is largest when used directly under the bottom of the equipment, ie not under the component feet. At their price though I would recommend you just try them out for yourself.

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Artesania Exoteryc Audio Rack

Not only is this rack flawless in design and adjustability; soundwise it is also perfect and a massive improvement over any rack that I have used. The rack doesn't hide its highly technical nature, but I perceive it as a classic case of "Form Follows Function". It is just really well thought out and I personally think it looks spectacular. But more importantly, the added emotionality that this rack is able to squeeze out of my system is quite simply staggering.