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Impressed by Pangea Audio AC-9SE

I have been using Lamm monoblocks with Kimber PK10 Palladian for years. The PK10 Palladian are great sounding power cable and can stand the test of time.

Lately I ran across some threads about the Pangea Audio AC-9 and AC-9SE power cables. Lots of folks raved about these cables here in Audiogon. The SE sells for $200/2m each at Audio Advisor with 30-day trial. I thought I got nothing to loose and want to find out what all the hypes about these cables. I ordered the SE version.

I was totally surprised that the AC-9SE sounded very close to the Kimber. The main difference is that the AC-9SE sounded a bit thicker and a tiny bit more punch in the bass than the KImber. The PK-10 Palladian was just a tad more air on top. The $200 AC-9SE competes toe-to-toe witht the $1000 Kimber. Amazing. In fact, the thicker sounding AC-9SE matches a bit better than the Kimber in my upgraded system. Talking about synergy here.

I recommend folks who have modest or even megabuck system should try out the AC-9SE. Don't let the low price fool you. You may be surprised.

Happy listening.
audiolui
audiolui OP
295 posts
 
Rhljazz,
Interesting. I got a total different experience than yours with the AC-9SE. Right out of the box, it was a bit rough and edgy on top. After two to three hours, it started mellowing out a bit. It was quite transaprent with good lows, mids and highs right out of the box. I need to break it in more. Wonder how long it would take to really break it in.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,977 posts
 
I bought the AC9SE on Elizabeth's recommendation at the regular Audio Advisor price. Loved it right away. More taut bass, and quieter. Also very well made. Then Audio Advisor put them all on sale at 75% off. I bought 2 AC14SE cords for my pre and DAC. My transport has a captive cord. Warning! At least in my system, the AC14SE cords sounded so terrible at first, I was ready to pack them up and return them the first day.
I am glad that I didn't. Within 2 days, they were good, and within a week, I was very happy. Again, improvements in bass, quietness.
So now, Elizabeth, I would like to return the favor with a recommendation that is also affordable. The Afterburner 8 wall outlet at $80.00 from Avatar Acoustics. I was so skeptical, but so curious. Long story short, the improvement is huge. far bigger and more dramatic than the cords, the AMR fuses, the EVS ground enhancers, even my Adona rack. Unreal. Like someone threw a bucket of water in your systems face and woke it up. What is better? I am not going to waste words. Everything!
Peter from PBN needs to include this outlet in his upcoming comparison. Without a doubt, (and I had plenty) it is the best $80.00 I ever spent on my rig.
mingles
796 posts
 
What are the physical differences between AC-9 and AC-9SE? Pangea website doesn't have any info about the 9SE. Has it been discontinued?
audiolui OP
295 posts
 
Pangea site doesn't have the latest information. You need to go to Audio Advisor. I believe both the AC-9 and AC-9SE have the same physical appearance. Both are stiff and heavy. The SE has differenct construction inside. Check Audio Advisor for detail.
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
Audiolui,
Perhaps the difference in break-in perception is due the type of amp it is first connected to. I purchased the 9SE when my summer system was set up. So, at that time it was connected to a W4S class D amp which likely presents a different load than a conventional amp or tube amp. Right now it is connected to the tube amp.
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