No arguments with any of the previously stated choices:
Just done with about a 2hr. listen. The new "cheap" Maze Audio power cables are the auditioned critique of my listening. I started with Stanley Clarke "I Wanna Play for You". I threw in Steely Dan "Can’t Buy a Thrill" (I have not listened to this for a long time so I cannot make a statement. It did sound good to listen to) Next, I put on Eric Johnson "Venus Isle". I finished with Eagles Hell Freezes Over for "Hotel California".
There were a couple of tunes I listened to in between, but don’t need to go into.
Stanley Clarke is my go to bass review CD. Since the amplifier cables are the only change, I can give observations as to improvements or not. There is a tremendous amount of new definition and punch. Bass is merely more there in presence. There is the background bass and then there is the up front bass when Stanley solos. The background bass is stronger, more defined, and the solo bass parts are amazing. There is all the other instruments/vocals going on and none suffer. They, too, are just more defined and individualized.
Next is "Song for Lynette" by Eric Johnson. Nylon string guitar and piano as the main instruments I critique. Again, there is an air of individuality and space around them. The rest of the music shines, I am just not stating any other observation. No complaints, though.
Eagles. I have the K2-HD mastering. It was Hotel California on the radio I always liked because of the nylon string guitar. I just feel this is the best rendition of this song. It is nothing less than me being in the hall as I listen and I love the guitar work. Great separation and definition. Don Henley vocal is excellent and the kick drum is superb. The rest of the performance is excellent, too.
I have not listened to a lot of cables and can easily say I am sure there would be improvements (with many other cables) from what all of you say about the experiments you are doing. I will give credit to improvements I observe on these low $$ cables I have put into my system. Maybe the more a cable cost does not equate to better bang for the buck is all I am saying at this time.
I probably have a very low $$ system compared to many of you. Some of you have more in your amp cables that I have in my complete system. Doesn’t make me jealous. For the dollar spent I have put together one very good system. Again, I am cheap. Maybe in the future I’ll do a cable upgrade, but for now cheap sounds pretty damn good tonight....just like last night....and the night before. As these power cables break in I feel they will only get better. My amp tubes now have about 300 hours on them. The other ICs/cables about 200. The Pangea 14XL MKII cable about 50 hours. the Maze Audio power cables may have 20 hours tops.
Long story and probably boring. Just wanted to put in 2 bucks instead of 2 cents tonight. Thought I would splurge! Not all shows cost a weeks pay or more to get in the door.