Buying Synergistic Research ICs so difficult

Well.... I got half the cables today. 1pr each of AU79s, Accelerator and Acoustic reference. I was going to start with the AU79s and then move up the range but since I won't have the other pair of AUs and accels till tomorrow I couldn't help myself and jumped right in with the combo that Elliot at SR had suggested. Acoustic reference between the cd and pre and accelerator between the pre and amp.

First I listened to a few well known songs with the VDs, nice as always. Then I swapped the SRs in but did not hook up the active shielding. Bit less forward, a bit more clarity and ease, but not a huge difference. So I hooked up the MPCs and listened again. At first I didn't notice a difference.... but then details started to pop out at me... instruments that weren't there before, individual guitar strings, then more bass, beautiful midrange, beautiful natural vocals.

I had to turn things off because it was getting late and the room had heated up to almost 80 but first thing in the AM I'm going to do an extended listening session. I don't even know if I want to bother with the AU79s although I might give the double accelerator run a listen. I'll swap the VDs back in after a few days and see if things change.

Hi Adhaney, if you get a chance try some of Synergistic speaker cables as well, the effects are cumulative.

Since the Powercell came out last , that was my last purchase.
If I was starting out now, I would purchase the SE 10 Powercell first.
That one item will make the biggest change for your entire system.

Adhaney, sorry I just noticed this thread. I would have recommended that you carefully read the Synergistic Research web page on interconnects. I have found the information there and what I have heard talking with the Synergistic Research people corresponds and closely fits with my personal experiences. I would imagine that the Cable Company replicates this also.

I would also hasten to say that you should not expect to hear the real benefits of these cables for about three days of settling in, even if they were already broken in by other's use.

I love the Accelerator ics and the much more expensive Apex, but not the Precision Reference, but would again strongly suggest that this is in my system.

Ozzy, I would certainly agree with what you say about the Powercell, but I think Adhaney is taking care of first things first.

Adhaney-
One thing you should notice in your comparison is that there will be a number of subtle audio cues that the VD cables don't reveal due to their "sizzle" that you will be able to hear with the SR cables. It sounds like this is already starting to happen.

It is also important to always use the MPCs - without them, you are not getting the benefit of the active shielding, which is critical and what separates the SR cables from most others out there.

Another important point is to leave the SRs in your system for at least a week, without messing with them. They need to "settle in" before you make any comparisons. I realize the cable company doesn't give you forever to audition, but you should already have a pretty good idea of what your VD cables sound like by now anyhow. The SRs will either be better to your ears or worse - they will definitely not be "the same" as they are using totally different technologies.

Good luck!! Also, don't be confused about what you should address first - everyone's system is different and you need to find out for yourself what gives you the biggest bang for your buck. I would agree that the cable change is probably the best place to start for you. I'm glad you've been communicating with Elliot - he will be one of your best advisors for what to do next, if anything...