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Synergistic Research Powercell 12UEF

I've just taken delivery of a pair of these latest models from SR and as one of the early customers and given the interest in SR graphene technology I thought I would share some first impressions. The 12UEFs (the glass top model) replace a pair of 10UEFs in my system. One powers the sources (phono, preamp, turntable and my 4 part DCS stack) while the other powers my two monoblocks. I had been very pleased with the 10UEFs and have several years experience with them finding that they did a good job of getting out of the way and letting each component perform.

Anyway after a day or so of listening (so given past SR black experience expect more burn in) I am surprised to relate that the impact of the 12UEFs is almost transformative. The best way of describing the effect is to say that with the 12s its as if a) all the musicians are now performing together in the same room and b) you are in the room with them. Across an array of my test discs I found the same effect. The normal indicators of frequency extreme performance, dynamics etc all somehow seem irrelevant. A couple of examples. On "Bye Bye Blackbird" by Nancy Harms yes the bass is very clear but also superbly dimensioned, this then becomes a busy and congested recording as the full band enters but with the 12UEFs it's easy to sort the parts out and hear all of the musicians playing off one another. Another simple recording is Canen "I've got a guy in Kalamazoo" -- this is almost a mono recording and frankly I thought it sounded a bit muffled but with the 12UEFs again everyone is playing together, you can't help your toes from tapping and really engage with the bass players moves

One odd manifestation of the effect of these components is with any strong central vocal when you move your head forward and back it seems as if you are in the room with the vocalist and are moving away and towards him or her -- all the other instruments stay relatively in proportion and it's as if you can walk around the room

I can only surmise that by taking away low level noise from the power supply the 12UEFs are letting through more of the recorded acoustic - others have noted similar effects with other SR Atmosphere and black series components

Anyway for those already using SR Powercells or in the market for some sort of conditioner I can highly recommend them
128x128folkfreak
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak OP
1,349 posts
 
mtseymour

Thanks for the question. As far as how the SE edition differs from the others I’m afraid I cannot say as I never compared them head to head. In fact in my opinion the glass top is a disadvantage as it a) allows a very annoying flickering blue LED to be visible and b) creates a resonant surface. I cover the glass tops on my two 12UEFs with a rug and some acoustic foam thus solving both problems. All I can say is that they sound fantastic

Surprisingly the one piece of SR kit that I did not like was the Tranquility base -- I tried one in the system under my old PowerCell and it thinned out the sound noticeably adding an edge that I did not like -- that was quickly sold on. I want to try the ground block at some stage (however all those extra wires kind of puts me off 😉
mtseymour's avatar
mtseymour
22 posts
 
It just goes to show that system synergy is important.  My dealer reluctantly carries SR because the Tranquility base and ART acoustic treatment were too popular, even among customers who didn't use SR cables and conditioners.  I say reluctantly because SR launches a lot of new products, and they don't always give enough support or advance notice to the dealers.

My dealer was also not keen to try SR Ground Blocks.  He carries the Entreq ground boxes, which are very effective but bulky with only 3-6 connections per chassis.  The Entreq cables are also very expensive and not particularly well-made.  Since the SR Ground Block is very small with flexible wires, my dealer found it easier to use in a variety of systems.   Having heard the Entreq and Ground Block in two high-end systems ($200K+), I can attest that they improved already great systems (less noise floor and electronic haze).  The ground blocks also improved my more modest system (PS Audio BHK pre/amp, Revel Studio2, SR cables & accessories, dedicated AC lines).  I'm quite happy that I sold the Entreq Silver Tellus and replaced it with the SR Ground Block.

If you plan to try the SR Atmosphere Level 2-4 IC or power cables, you can connect their ground wires to the Ground Block rather than to the wall plug.  In other words, one Ground Block has 18 connections for your components (DAC, pre, amp, etc) plus any Atmosphere cables.
karmapolice's avatar
karmapolice
256 posts
 
A week ago upgraded to powercell12 and midrange much better now but bass little leaner 

I was advised bass will improve after burn in......
debjit_g
282 posts
 
which power cords are you guys using with Powercell 12 UEF ?
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Hi debjit_g,

From the SR website:

"Top tier models come standard with a special 10-gauge Atmosphere Level 3 Active power cord that does not require a separate MPC, just plug and play like standard non-active power cords- no extra wires!"

It also comes with one SR Black UEF receptacle.

The Powercell 10 and 12 models have a female 32 amp Powercon connector for use exclusively with a power cord with a 32 amp Powercon male connector on the Powercell end, so interchanging power cords from the wall receptable to the unit is pretty much limited to the SR power cords with this connector, thus one is included with the Powercell. Any cord can be used from Powercell to components.

Best to you debjit,
Dave
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