I'm awaiting my IeGo 8055 pure copper (non-plated) IEC and Schuko plugs early next week, and am excited to see whether they'll sonically improve over a my Home Depot-style plugs (with brass connectors). The IeGo plugs are to be used with Viablue's X-40 bulk power cable (11 AWG), which arrived yesterday, and I'm actually trying it out right now with the current plugs to my Belles SA-30 power amp . My earlier power cable used here is twisted 15 AWG solid-core installation wire, and the Viablue bulk cable makes for an interesting sonic change. Even though they're now brand new and burn-in will likely have some say on their further development, for which reason I should perhaps be cautious with descriptions on their sound as is, the first impressions pointed to a "flatter" and more ripped/clear bass respons, meaning the earlier power cords by comparison showed some "tummy" in the upper bass region, making deeper male vocals and lower piano notes sound somewhat wooly/fat and undefined. In a sense this tendency continues up through the midrange, which through the Viablue's is now more focused, and yet relaxed and freely presented - indeed quite impressive. The high frequencies seem differently illuminated, and appear more resolved and open. Combined this makes for a more insightful and revealing presentation. Another sonic feature with the Viablue cables I noticed rather quickly is that they sound less congested, and seem to have a very firm grip on the sound; complex and highly energetic music like Jon Hopkins' The Vessel now sounds more effortless, coherent and stable/in-place, as if the sonic sphere in front of you is smoother in shape and more of-a-whole - a thrilling experience, to say the least.
Downsides with the implementation of the Viablue's? Difficult to say. Very first impressions had the sound somewhat monochromatic and slightly "stiff," and at present they don't quite seem to loosen up fully - perhaps this will change over time as they have more hours (and the IeGo plugs) on them. Importantly they don't in any way sound lean, edged or tipped-up. Where my old installation wires were subjectively a bit warmer/comfier but also more fuzzy around the edges and flatter sounding (i.e.: 2D-like), the Viablue's are less smeared, more balanced and more insightful, and with a sense of depth in the soundstage (where it occurs) that is beguiling. So, while the Viablue's could be said to be tighter sounding, they're actually fuller (i.e.: again, less congested) and more relaxed in their presentation. I could want for a slightly more colorful and a wee bit less dry sound as is, but later next week the IeGo pure cupper plugs will be added, and combined with more burn-in we'll see where this leads.
