Buying Synergistic Research ICs so difficult


I've put in a request with the cable co for a recommendation so I can audition different SRs in my system. I've done the same with their used cable dept because I want to trade my VDs in towards them. I've filled out the tesla challenge form and I've emailed Ted Denney even.

Other than a few questions about my old VD cables from usedcable.com I've gotten no response from anyone.

I'd just buy the dang things but I don't know which ones will work best with my system within my budget. I don't even know what my budget is given that I haven't received a quote yet.

I know I don't want to go any lower than the AU79 and I probably can't go any higher than accelerators. Do I do full AU79 though? mix with magnetic tricon? do full mag tricon? full accelerator? accelerator mixed with something else? Link to my system should be there next to my username.

I have no idea how any of those compare to my VDs... they are original master series.

*sigh*
adhaney
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...
I had good luck with the cable co. when I ordered Synergistic Tricon Analog phono IC and after two weeks it still wasnt delivered. A customer service rep from cable co. called Synergistic and got back to me within 5 minutes, explaining that Synergistic's Tesla coil that they burn their cables with had been down and that they had just gotten it fixed. She called me back two days later to say it had just been shipped direct to me and I got it the day after that. By the way, the Tricon Analog, which I put on my TW Acustic Raven One, is absolutely fantastic, sounded good out of the box, terrific after about 3 days.--Mrmitch