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need warm and LAID BACK hi-rez/focused power cord

I posted several months ago seeking recommendations for hi-rez, highly focused power cords in the tradition of the TG Audio Silver but with greater warmth or body. I did acquire a pair of Fusion Audio Enchanters and a VD Nite Platinum from the responses to my inquiry. However, after changes in amps, cd player, interconnects, and new Porter Ports, I find myself in need of advice again on the same matter. My system presently is: A Consonance Droplet 5.0 run directly into a Wyred 4 Sound ST 500 driving a pair of custom Legacy Focus clones using Eton drivers/midbass, metal dome mids & tweeters/NHT woofers. Both components are plugged into a PS Audio P 600 equipped with Porter Ports.
I have an Enchanter plugged into both the power regenerator and the CDP and a Wolff Gain with Oyaide Palladium/Gold plugs on the amp. Interconnects (balanced) are either Sunny Cables 1000's or Jungson Golden Dragons.
Speaker cables are Anti-Cables which I run directly into the speakers/crossovers bypassing binding posts.

My system is very detailed with very good focus and staggering dynamics. With good recordings, all is well and I'm quite satisfied. However, on some (many) recordings, horns, piano, and some guitar can some across aggressively. It has been recommended I replace the Oyaide plugs. Perhaps I will. What I would like are some recommendations on hi-rez, highly focused power cords that are to the laid back and warm side. I really liked the VD Nite Platinum but, it was too upfront for my system. Price is a factor in that I would like to spend $600 or less on the used market. Thanks in advance.
lcherepkai
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
"My only complaint is some bite on midrange forward instruments like some horns and piano on SOME recordings. Do you feel the Kaplans would be a good choice to tame this effect?"

All I can tell you is what the Kaplan cords did for my system. As others have said, your mileage may vary. I found that on certain recordings my top end seemed a bit screechy and forward. It seemed to be very open and detailed otherwise, and was very good on good recordings. I put a Kaplan copper cord on my DAC and on my Amp and that screetchiness is now gone. The music is detailed and flowing and the bit of grunge that I heard is now gone.

As a bonus I also found there was more openness and air now than before. I thought it was open before, but the cords improved that aspect even more. It sounds cliche, but I now heard what I didn't know was missing before.

Good luck with your search, but you will never know for sure unless you try different cords in your rig and hear them for yourself.

Bob
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Sorry for the rant MR T, you have two people who's opinions I respect agreeing with you.
I think in this instance "laid back" is used to describe the soundstage presentation not the sound. Like I said if you haven't had this problem then it may seem like a contradiction but in real world experiences (bad) it makes perfect sense.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jgiacalo
446 posts
 
Lcherepkai,
I'm using the Superconductor 2 and FX ICs, Superconductor Petite bi-wire speaker cables and the AC and Digital power cords and have not noticed any loss of focus. Actually, I have quite a pit of focus without being overly analytical.
I've tried cables from Kimber, Tara, Synergistic, Silver Audio, Harmonic and a few others and find the JPS the best match for my all tube system.
The Kaptivators are a bit pricey for me.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,505 posts
 
An easy and cheap thing to try with low risk might be a DNM Reson IC between CD and amp.

I've used these effectively in the past to help take the edge off digital compared to Harmonic Technology Truth Link and MIT ICs, for example. They have that warmer, mellow, and refined "british" sound to them compared to most cables.

They can be had for well under $100 even new usually. If you didn't like them , you could sell them or hold them for future application if/when a change is needed without taking a big hit.

Might just be the inexpensive ingredient needed to add to the "soup" to make it taste just right!
sns
3,455 posts
 
While I still think finding one cable that is both maximally focused and detailed and consequently maximally warm and laid back an impossibility (this would be the perfect cable!), I do think you can achieve this system wide. A cable may be able to help you here.

I now understand Lcherepkai is trying to acheive this sonic signature system wise. I would second Samhar, the PAD cables are both warm and detailed, not so focused, the Dominus being the best I've tried in the line, the Ferox version would likely be your best choice, the Museus and Venustas could also work.

And yes, I've found the Oyaide's to be forward sounding in my system. The Porter Ports are more laid back, more distant soundstaging.
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