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PS Audio Xstream Statements vs. RSA Poeima

Interesting. I've run Poeima! (original version) in my system for about 5 months. I've been happy with it, but always felt like it was a little "smoother" than I might like. So last week I bought a used set of PS Audio Xstream Statement speaker cables to see what would happen.

I've only listened for an hour or so of each cable, but the very first thing I noticed is a 2dB gain when the PS Audio cables are in. I'm guessing this is due to the Poeima having higher impedence, and I'm also guessing Robert at RSA designed the cable to have higher impedence to help "smooth out" the sound of silver. (Any thoughts on either of these two points is greatly appreciated!)

Anyway, the PS Audio cables seem to be "livelier" without being "brighter." Not sure how that can be, but it's the only way I can think to describe the difference. There is an annoying edge to certain female vocals with the PS Audio, but it seems to image better than the Poeima.

I've listening to each for an hour, comparing the two by listening to a song or two with one cable, then listening to the same song(s) with the other cable. My hands are getting tired of changing the cables!

I still can't figure out which one I'm going to keep. My IC's are all Poeima. Would buying PS Audio IC's likely help me make a decision on which way to go, or am I just spending more money?

Thanks,
Howard
aggielaw
oldpet
295 posts
 
Howard
I feel your pain. I HATE trying cables. If I may say; It doesn't seem as though you've found 'the' cable for your system yet. (Is it too late to return the cables you now have?) You like some aspects of both cables, yet you feel as though you have to compromise. It's enough to make you wonder if you're missing something. I know I find myself wondering that. I know I also wonder, how far up the $$ ladder I have to climb to find "The" cable. I've given up for a while. Right now, I think what i have, is a pretty good compromise - for me.
My rules for me:
I will not buy new cables without a 100% return policy - minus shipping, of course. If there is a cable that i want to try, but the mfgr. has a flawed return policy - I just have to be patient, and wait for the particular cables, to show up used here on A'gon. This way, the dollar pain won't be quite as great, as when anything new is bought. Sorry I'm not offering much help. But, I really do feel your pain. Hope you can find 'the' cable soon.
best

paul
aggielaw OP
267 posts
 
Thanks for your thoughts, guys. Paul, I'm of the same mind as you. I think I'm going to stick with what I have now, and when I move this summer I'll renew my search, starting witht the cable loan program from usedcable.com.

Thorman, I will surely try the new Poeima as well, not only because of the cable issue, but also because I've read great things about the RSA Sason speakers, and will consider purchasing them when/if I get in to a permanent home and save up enough money to buy them. Purchasing the Sason is contingent on my leaving the military, however. I'm not about to lug 140-pound speakers from duty station to duty station! :O

Thanks again for your thoughts. I'll post more to this thread this summer or fall when I start trying more cables.
oldpet
295 posts
 
Howard -

Thank you for your service. My best to you.

Sincerely

paul
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Howard :Your welcome, wish I had a real answer for ya. If nothing else I would at least call Robert at Ridge Street and expain as best you can. He will do everything in his power to satisfy you. I have been in you exact situation and he helped me big time! Good Luck
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