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ILLusion Liquid Air Umbilical for Modwright units

Guys,

I can tell you this without hesitation if you haven't already done so, upgrade your stock umbilical cord to an Audio Magic Liquid air or even an Illusion Liquid Air which I have and you'll be blown AWAY!

The results are like changing a component, this cable produces spooky pin-point imaging, 3D layering within the soundstage, low level detail never heard revealed with no brightness, pitch black background, extremely musical and truly a chameleon.

This cable is truly a revelation and must be heard to believe and I can say without question that you will be amazed...
128x128wig
rbbert
51 posts
 
As for my rectifier, I'm using a 1958 Dutch black base Mullard GZ34. I can't say how it compares to any 5U4G's because I haven't tried any yet. I do like it better than the Gold Lion; IMHO the sound is both smoother and more dynamic. As for the 5U4G, other Modwright owners have extolled the virtues of NOS TungSol.

I must say that my experience with both the 6SN7 and the 5AR4 (GZ34) mirrors that of many others, i.e. no current production tubes match the better tubes from the '40's, '50's and '60's.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,216 posts
 
Best tube combo I found for the MW 5400ES was 1966 Mullard (Hammond) 5AR4 rectifier with 1940's VT-231 RCA's (sourced from Brent Jessee Supply). Just sold my MW 5400ES for EAR Acute II CDP. Apples and oranges comparison... both very nice. The MW 5400ES having more bloom, warmth & color... and the Acute II being very fast, more neutral very detailed without being fatiguing at all, alowing you to hear deeper into the recordings.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Wig, I finally cleared enough time to get a good critical A/B in on the Illusion and Truth umbilicals with the ModWright HAPZ1. I posted a review which should appear shortly. Bottom line is that this was a very nice find, and my enthusiasm for this cord on the HAPZ1 matches your experience with the 5400. As you know, I also bought an Illusion for my 5400, but a serious A/B on that source will have to wait a while. Thanks for drawing our attention to the AM illusion!
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,274 posts
 
Brownsfan,

Thanks for the update! IMHO, Audio Magic should be the standard PC for MW units, the "Truth" umbilical is not in the same league...
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Wig, I agree. The Illusion is a substantial and very cost effective upgrade for the MW HAPZ1. Based on your comments, it is clear the same applies with the MW 5400.
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