Hi Tympani, your question on the source of carbon connectors will be best answered by Worldwide Wholesales... They are the North American distributors for Hidiamond.
G. |
Hello all, been busy and away from thread for awhile, in the meantime purchased another P4 to replace an existing P3 on my Isotek conditioner and took the whole system to a greater level. More separation between instruments, vocals are isolated, cleaner and blacker background. A well invested upgrade for sure. |
I too have recently joined the HiDiamond camp of believers with their P4 power cords. Recently replaced my two SR cords with P4's on my amp and dac, and to echo comments already posted, a very nice improvement, and no more wall warts. I had auditioned a PC by Enklein, the Taurus, which perhaps might be a tad clearer on my amp, but the price/benefit ratio was not there. I like the price/quality aspect of HiDiamond. Count me in. |
Nice to hear Mribob. Another smart person with a good ear noticing the difference of a better quality cable for less money. It's really that noticeable compared to the S.R cords which I've had in my system and turned around and sold every single one of them and jumped to the Hidiamond cables after researching and first trying one, then another, and many more....they are really special cords..... |
I've got a question about the HiDiamond P3's. I bought a 2m demo supposedly with 200 to 300 hours and have put in another 190 so far. I've now tried it in various positions and cord combinations in two sonically different systems (listed below), and no matter I put them I've noticed the same great things many others have except for one very big thing: they seem tonally/timbrally on the dry side. That is, they suck out all or most of the warmth, the human quality, from music and videos. With music, there's no feeling of "sing along" or being drawn into the melody itself, only the sound dynamics and drama. I also have the sense that the frequencies in the voice range, especially female, are a bit recessed, which I suppose could contribute to the effect I'm hearing.
So, to all of you who are using HiDiamonds on good quality systems - seems a bunch here - are these qualities that adjust with more burnin, are they the nature of the beast, or..? Robert, the salesman of course, says the P3 starts "flat," and also exposes the weaknesses of other cords. I'm not convinced about the latter, tho the cord certainly exposes poor recordings. I do know well that cord fit is system specific, but having tried two positions in one system and three in another, including mixing and matching cords, I have to wonder. Thanks,
Desktop Computer System:
i7, Ciunas Dac, Focal CMS 40 powered speakers, Teresonic Clarison Silver ICs, UberBuss, TWL Ten Plus power cords, JPlay
TV System (2.0)
Samsung HDTV, Grant Fidelity Tube-Dac 11, AE5+ speakers, Silflex Toslink, Teresonic Silver ICs, MajikBuss, and mix of TWL Ten Plus, WyWires Silver (Juice II) and Teresonic power cords |
I need to add that I wrote the previous post after a frustrating several hour session with the TV system. Upon return to the computer one, with the P3 between (Maestro) outlet and UberBuss, it didn't sound half bad, though still a touch dry. I neglected to list that the TV has a Patriot Media Box (USB stick), which is what I was primarily using to test because it's easier and used most often, plus a Philips DVD player. The Patriot is the weak link, on its own and because it has a transformer mid stream, which prevents a cord change. I've got two more P3s coming, so it will allow a better look at cord mix. |
2 things, real quick:
1- Both systems have silver Ic's - dryness built in.
2- What power cords are they replacing? My guess would be that they lean towards the "warm" side, to the extent that is possible. |
Replacing mainly TWLs. I haven't found the Teresonic ICs dry, tho not warm either, and neither did the reviewers awhile back (they're allegedly still the same):
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/teresonic_clarison.htm
http://dagogo.com/teresonic-clarison-speaker-and-interconnect-cables-review
My response is to absolute tonality, not just relative. |
(I posted a reply over 24 hrs ago with links to two Teresonic reviews, but it hasn't shown and there hasn't been a decline notice).
Unlike most silver ICs, the Teresonic Clarison IC is not dry - I would have returned it otherwise - tho it's not particularly warm either. The reviewers at P-F Online (#43) and Dagogo (July 2008) each said the same.
On the computer system, the ones being replaced are TWL Ten Plus. On the TV, it was Ten Plus and a WyWires silver being swapped in, out and around. |
Fplanner2000, suggestions for RCA ICs that would live better with HDs? This is dac to Focal powered speakers. |
Received two more P3s today, inserted them - so three P3s and 1 TWL 10+ - and the dryness disappeared, while lots more of other things appeared. |
Highstream,
I agreed with your findings... all of them. I too ended up with 3 P3s and a TWL (8+) in my rig and found that to be the happy medium.
I found P3s all around did have some dryness in my rig that I didn't enjoy, but I loved having them on my amps and pre.
The P3s are nice and better than most of whats out there in that range. |
@Highstream, just going to key in...Do you have a P4 power cord or have u tried one? |
@Bacardi, four P3s in the desktop system, along with a D8 pair.
In terms of presentation, i.e., sense of presence and tonality, are the P4s more refined - cleaner, more delicate, instruments more palpable - than the P3s? I assume the P4 is more in terms of various aspects of staging, but after playing around with some demo Sablon cables, I'm more curious about more central aspects of its presentation (at least to me). |
The P4 is really in a different league than the P3's. |
Of course it is, but how so? Is the P4 just a whole lot better of the same or are there some differences in tonality/timbre, sense of presence and such, i.e., in its central defining character? I don't have any idea, but was wondering if the P3 is jacked up in terms of sense of presence to appeal to a certain price point, where the P4 tones things down a bit as part of its refinement. |
To me, the P4 makes the music sound calmer and effortless. Sort of like when you hear a HI-Rez version of your favorite music. |
Thanks. My concern is that the P3 + D8 IC combo has been a little edgy (about 425 hrs in on the IC and much more on the others). |
@highstream, sorry for late response, I agree with Ozzy in that the P4 sounds calmer and effortless. I hear an inner delicacy with the P4 than a P3. The P4 is a few stairs up from the P3 in many many ways. But that's why it is what it is and demolishes many other cords 2-3 times it's price. |
Out of curiosity have any of you compared the P-4 to the CH Acoustic X-20 power cord?
(I recently received my HD D8 speaker cables, one P-3 and should soon have one pair of 3-XLR interconnects). |
Lak, No sorry I have not tried that power cord. |
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Currently I am using Audience powerChord e for my tube monoblocks and, planning ahead the upgrade, would anyone suggest that the P3 is better than Audience powerChord SE?
As for HD, having a full loom of CT1E High Fidelity, I miss some of the density I used to hear with PAD Venustas so may try out a pair of D8 speaker cables. In my main system, the HF CT1E digital was way better than the HD digital reference. I never had the D9 IC to compare with the CT1E IC (RCA). |
Anyone has experience with "settling time" of a used P4? I have full loom of P3s (all bought new) and just inserted a used P4 (main PC - wall to the power regenerator) for about 5 days now. The improvement is immediate but at the same time I could tell it's not fully "settled in" or "burned-in in my system". The P4 had already about 500 hr of playing time before I received it. And I haven't been playing music 24/7, but I do have my class A amp on 24/7, which is connected with a P3 to the power regenerator. |
I have some experience with the P3and P4 power cords.
I think if the P4 already has 500 hours on it and it's on your power regenerator and not being unplugged or moved around it might improve with an additional 50 hours of actual use of the entire system playing music.
Just my guess because I now use a Audiodharma Cable Cooker. |
Hi Lak,
Thanks for the info. The system starts to settle in last night after P4 has been in the system for about 6 days. I have no idea how much actual music playing time I had put on, but I do have my class A amp running 24/7. The system has never sounded better.
And thanks to someone (I forgot who) that suggested I need at least one P4 amongst my P3 loom. It's definitely worth while and much more. It's going to be hard to tame the desire to add more P4s.
Question for the upgrade path in the future. I currently have:
one P4 (from wall to power regenerator)
P3s (from power regenerator to amp, pre-amp, dac and sub)
HD digital reference (from clock to dac)
D5 IC (from dac to pre-amp)
XLR2 (from pre-amp to amp)
D5 SC (from amp to speakers)
What would you upgrade first? More P4s or IC/XLRs or SC? I'm eyeing on XLR3/D9 IC/D8 SC. |
Kzhtoo,
I use a 3XLR interconnect and the D8 speaker cables along with a P3 and P4 power cords. I have not heard what the XLR2 or D5 speaker cables or D9 interconnects sounds like so I have no real idea what upgrade would be best?
I'm guessing either the D8 speaker cables or another P4 power cord. You could try the P4 on different equipment to determine the best location for it.
Just a thought, it's all good :-) |
My thoughts - upgrade to P4 wherever you can. This provides the foundation for the HiDiamond sound. I realized that the full potential of all their other cables was only really revealed with that P4 foundation. I now have 7 P4's, one to each component, and 2 20A IEC P4's for my 2 Running Springs conditioners. On the Running Springs conditioners, the P4's blew away the vaunted HiZoot Running Springs cords. |
Kzhtoo, while I totally agree that power (cords) makes the biggest impact - always put the best one between the wall and the power conditioner - I would advice in your case to upgrade the HD dig ref to, e.g. High Fidelity Cable CT1E or CT1U digital (note HFC only has RCA jacks) as you can amplify only what comes from the source. I have had the HD dig ref but the HFC is in a different league for digital signal transmission.
The HD D8 SC is wonderful and as you can see in my system, displaced the HFC CT1E SC.
Can someone inform me if the 3m HD P4 sounds better than the 2m version? |
Thank you guys for the reply. Another P4 is on the way, I'm thinking it'd go to the pre-amp. I will also try it on the DAC or amp as well. But my system is 2-channel/HT and pre-amp is where everything meet, including the sub (I use RCA output for sub and XLR to the amp).
If it is on the DAC, it might only improve 2-channel. I'm also intrigued with the kind of improvement I'd see if it is on the amp. Any thoughts? Could be a good learning experience trying P4 on each equipment.
I now agree with you guys that P4 is at whole another level than P3. With all the effort and money spent for the last 2 years putting together this system, it seems P4 is the door to the real high fidelity sound. All the equipment seemed to be hindered previously and P4 is that last missing piece. My first P4 is now from the wall to the power regenerator. Without me mentioning anything, my gf asked if I bought new equipment because it sounds so much better now. (BTW, even my TV brings out the pictures better. This is the comment from family and friends). |
Kzhtoo, I would start with the P4 on the amp as it's gauge should be better for your amplification. I am awaiting my P4 20 amp to have the 15 amp connector put back on as I had sold my EAD Powermaster 2000(20amp) and now use a Hybrid tube Integrated(15amp). The P3 that was on it will move to my CEC belt drive player. As to the P4, it is a different league than a P3 for sure. I have 3 in my system and I've said in recent posts, my merry-go-round has stopped here......unless HD finds another realm that we aren't aware of.......Happy Listening.... |
I don't think the P4 preferentially improves hi-current components over low current or source devices. Beyond sheer current delivery, the P4 really excels at image solidity, nuance, and low noise. These traits yielded exceptional results with my Cary pre-amp, and Bryston digital components, as well as with my amps. Actually, I equipped my source components with P4's before my amps (which were on P3's) and without a doubt, the impact on the tube preamp and DAC were the most profound of all.
My suggestion is - P4 on highly resolving source components first, then on amps. But that's just with my system. Another option is to get 2 P4's, and try them around before deciding the best spot to start. Whichever way you go, you will quickly come to the realization that you'll need P4's all around!
And don't forget the long burn in. I invested in a Cable Cooker when I realized the path I was heading. It helps, but nothing replaces time. |
Kzhtoo, I think whichever position you place the P4, when all is said you may have P4's on everything as I do. Your soundstage will expand with greater detail and depth, quieter background, extension and isolation. I couldn't imagine if say a P5 was made what it could achieve more than this cord can......Happy listening. |
Thank you for all the info, guys. Second P4 is now on the Pass pre-amp (another P4 is from wall to power regenerator), the improvement is not subtle at all. Feel like a very worthwhile improvement. I ordered a set of D8 speaker cables also and will arrive in about 2 weeks. |
Kzhtoo,
Congratulations on the purchase od the D8 speaker cables. Just remember all of the HiDiamond products have a long break in time. |
This forum goes way back, but if still interested I would say with no doubt that the HiDiamond Power cable Diamon 4 is the best they have ever designed.
We are their dealers, this one we introduce and sell. Cable with 4VRC© proprietary technology, copper cooking four times in order to obtain a reduction of the values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. The best Carbon Fiber connectors and contacts in Plating Silver to ensure maximum energy transfer |
Kzhtoo, I am pretty sure the HD D8 is a big step up from the NordOst Frey (is that what you use currently?). Not familiar with the Frey but having (had) Valhalla IC, some mid range NordOst SC and still a bunch of Valhalla PC which is IME the fastest kid in town, the D8 will nicely complement the P4s.
Tympani, I am very tempted to buy more P4s but will do so after a shoot out with LessLoss DFPC Ref that I just bought and maybe a Silent Source Musical Ref. Did you try any of the above mentioned ones? |
I currently use HD D5 SC, which is preferable over Nordost Frey in my system. Can't wait for D8 to arrive. |
Jazz, I tried the original LessLoss power cable several years ago, long before my adventures with HiDiamond. I was not impressed, and after a few weeks I sold it. Who knows, maybe I never gave it a chance. I never tried another LessLoss product, so I can't comment on their newer offerings.
The peace that the P4 and other upper range HiDiamond cabling offers is the sense of reaching a goal. I don't doubt there are superior sounding products out there, but at what price of entry? Other than continuing to experiment with my AES/EBU digital links, I feel no urge to try new lines of cable. I'm hoping that peace lasts a while, Lord knows it's taken a while to get here!
By the way, I installed a custom set of 2' jumpers from my Maggie MG20 external crossovers to the panels, made from HiDiamond D5 speaker cable. Really nice complement to the D8 speaker cables. |
HD SC D8 arrived today. 500 hours to go. :( |
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Kzhtoo, what are your initial thoughts of the HD SC D8 realizing that there will be major break in time required? |
Hi Lak (and Ozzy),
D8's are now at about 150 hr. I haven't really had time to sit down and listen for long stretches but the reason I said "500 hours" to go is based on info from people on this post and my own experience with D5 SC's break in. D8's didn't blow D5's right out the gate but just more extension, details and lush. Bass is still come and go and top end also not as refined (sometimes sound a little worse than D5), but you could tell the potential once it fully breaks in. It may or may not meet my expectation but going from D5 to D8, I could feel a little easy that it will definitely be better. |
I just purchased a new 4K 85" Samsung TV and just for the heck, I replaced the cheapo power cord it came with with the HD P4 power cord.
My what an increase in detail! |
Kzhtoo, like you said the D8 will improve with time.
Ozzy, yes good power cords can and will do that ;-). |
Kzhtoo, at about 250-300 hours you should notice a huge increase in midrange to bass extension and volume. I remember saying to myself "where the heck did that come from". I was pretty amazed how they have the levels of increased quality jumps. Then up to 500 it was like full,natural and relaxed information flowing through the whole range....... |
Hi Bacardi, funny how you mentioned that. D8s are now at about 270 hr and I was just wondering earlier, before I read your post, where all this volume increase and bass extension coming from. lol It is much louder now for the same volume setting I have been listening for the past year. But at the same time, it is still quite noticeable that these D8s aren't fully broken in (mostly based on my experience with D5s). Can't wait to hit that 500 mark. |
Hi there,Im interested in buying a HiDiamond 3 powercord,If anyone has one, and is interested in posting to Western Australia,thanks |
Hi,
As the North American distributor for HiDiamond Cables we will be offering a 25% discount on all HiDiamond cables from Nov 25th to the 29th. This is a one time offer and as of Dec 7th all HiDiamond cables will have an additional 10% price increase on all current retail pricing due to the rise in the Euro dollar. All adjusted pricing will be on our new Worldwide Wholesales website as of Dec 7th. Please contact us for the discounted pricing or any questions through our info at worldwide wholesales email address. All sales after Dec 6 2014 will be done through our new E-commerce website and a few select stores across North America. All shipping and Paypal fees are paid by Worldwide Wholesales. Limited quantities.
Cheers, |
HiDiamond3-4 vs SR Element series vs Audience AU24 power cords? Pass labs and Audio Research ref5SE. I have the Hologram A Tesla SE on the amp now and SR speaker cables accelerator.
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