Absolute Power Cords ($49.95 each). Heres the scoop. My system consists of a Cary 306/200 CD, VAC Preamp, Spectron Musician II amp, Silverline Lafolia speakers, Stealth PGS interconnects, Kimber Monacle XL speaker cable. I have a dedicated 20 amp line with a FIM wall outlet that the Hydra plugs in to. Before the APCs, I used a Black Mamba on the CD, BMI Whale on the pre, and a Audio Magic Sorcerer on the amp. I fell for the hype on the APCs and figured what do I have to lose, could I possible do better at a ridiculously cheap price? To make a long story short, I kept the APCs and sold the others. The final test was to put the Black Mamba back on the Cary and see what happens. I was amazed at how the sound changed. The BM added more bass but it sounded like a bass boost effect that to me, sounded unnatural. The highs also seemed to roll off. When I put the APC back on the Cary, the bass wasnt as deep, but was tighter. The APCs also had more neutral mids, and highs that were more extended. This may sound crazy to some, and I know I can do better than the APCs, but the above mentioned cords didnt do it in this system. To prove I believe in the value of good cables, I went the opposite cost direction on the interconnects. I sold my Cardas Golden Reference cables and replaced them with Stealth PGS which retail for more. The Stealths were far superior in everything!
Jim
