As you may have noticed, the audiophile portion of the A/V industry is VERY fragmented. There’s an almost infinite number of speaker, DAC, amp, pre-amp, cable, etc. providers, all claiming technological or outright superiority over their competition. The overwhelming number of choices, with few objective comparators, greatly complicates the purchase decisions of any aspiring audiophile, let alone the pursuit of a “better than good” system.
Earlier this year, I shared in “Aesthetics: Should they matter to the Audiophile” a somewhat cursory description of how I acquired my first audiophile system. In Chicago (where I lived at the time), there were several audiophile stores, with a variety of products to audition and purchase. In this purchase process, I was a “taker” of recommendations provided by the various salespersons.
A decade after this initial purchase, I was ready to pursue BETTER. During this period, I was living in the twin cities of Champaign & Urbana (home of the University of Illinois). Fortunately, there were a couple of A/V stores where I could audition products for a potential purchase. After several auditions, I was able to discern DIFFERENCES in the available components (and relative to my Naim “Olive” system). However, I wasn’t able to discern that these perceived differences indicated superiority. Confused…I studied the A/V magazines, specifically their reviews and recommendations…and found myself even more confused and FRUSTRATED!
Then, I happened upon an advertisement for “The Audio Perfectionist Journal”. I contacted the Editor-In-Chief, Richard L. “Dick” Hardesty via email, sent off a check (still used frequently back then) and received my first journal, Issue #9. After “devouring” the issue, I sent Dick another check and received the back issues (i.e. #1, #2,… #8). Now, I had knowledge of….
Now, I could identify purchase targets INDEPENDENTLY. I was no longer a “taker” of recommendations from salespersons and/or the A/V magazines.
After reading Issue #11, I acquired a VSEI modified Sony SCD-777es SACD player and a pair of Meadowlark Audio Swifts. These were the first of almost a hundred incremental steps toward “better than good” sound and high fidelity!
Richard L. Hardesty called out to me in the audiophile wilderness, empowering me with wisdom on my audiophile journey. Similarly, I hope to empower audiophiles through The Audio Dork’s offerings and The Truth Hertz Blog. And though Dick passed away years ago, his Audio Perfectionist Journals can be found on the Vandersteen Audio website. These Journals still contain valuable information and wisdom for the audiophile pursuing “better than good sound”.
Stay Dangerous
The Audio Dork
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Years later, when searching for my first audiophile system, I was “educated” by various salespeople that audiophiles should COUPLE their speakers to the floor with SPIKES! For the next fifteen years, I told my wife that the speakers’ spikes WOULD NOT damage our expensive carpets and/or hardwood floors. J
Eventually, I purchased a few speakers that did not encourage the use of spikes. A few years later…and once again…I owned speakers that encouraged the use of spikes. When I began exploring the world of tweaks, I purchased SPECIAL spikes and coupling mechanisms (e.g. Mapleshade, IsoAcoustics, etc.) with mixed/ somewhat unremarkable results. Finally, I made it back to speakers that didn’t encourage the use of spikes…. Dunlavy SCIVs.
Over the years, as I teeter-tottered back and forth between “couple” or “not to couple”, I never noticed a significant performance improvement that I could attribute to spikes vs. no spikes. So…I refrained from recommending either speaker installation method. In general, I just chose to ALWAYS be obedient to the recommendation of the speaker manufacturer…who should know which configuration maximizes their product’s performance….right?
This Summer, I dedicated myself toward finding superior vibration control mechanisms. As part of this process, I came across Townshend Audio. In addition to vibration control mechanisms for components, Townshend Audio offers DE- COUPLING mechanisms for speakers and subwoofers….called Seismic Isolation Podiums.
The goal of the Podiums is to isolate the speaker from the floor throughout the audible frequency range and beyond…all the way down to 3 Hertz. On the website, Max Townshend himself, does a good job of explaining his product, how it works, and how it benefits the user.
I’m NOT a band-wagon fan. Actually, I try to avoid products that are receiving positive “hype” from audiophile reviewers. In the case of Townshend Audio, they deserve acknowledgement, as the Seismic Isolation Podiums perform as described and over deliver the goods. This product is SO GOOD that I’m disappointed I haven’t ALWAYS had them in service. Likely, I would have enjoyed using the Seismic Isolation Podiums…all the way back to my college days. Truly, I believe the Podiums would have increased my audiophile pleasure at EVERY step….potentially eliminating a few purchases…making them unnecessary.
Recommendation:
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I fell in love with a 1st generation REX preamplifier by Balanced Audio Technology (BAT). In addition, my son said the unthinkable, “Dad…I don’t know if it can get any better. You may want to concentrate on improving other parts of your system. The REX may be it….for now.”
So…I began to get comfortable with the idea that the REX would be in my possession for a LONG time. I began to think about placement, vibration control mechanisms, media furniture, tube replacement, etc. Then, I took a peak at the two (2) umbilical cords connecting the modules….umbilical cords???
Background: The Rex is a two box deal (i.e. control module & power module), with two (2) umbilical cords connecting the “modules”. In addition, the modules each contain a complete power supply for a portion of the overall circuit (i.e. control module: + polarity, power module: - polarity). Hence, the two umbilical cords act like part of the overall circuit board, rather than just interconnects or power cords.
Idea: I called my business partner, CH Acoustic. I commissioned them to create a pair of high performance umbilical cords for my REX…if possible??? Now, here is where providence (or serendipity if you prefer) took over.
Over a decade ago, CH Acoustic (also BAT fans) “explored” creating a high performance pair of umbilical cords for the 1st generation REX. However, they abandoned the project due to the many competing priorities of a young business….not the least of which were time and money. Considering our partnership and my “funding” this new effort, we were hopeful that a positive outcome could be achieved…the second time around.
After dusting off their earlier project notes, CH Acoustic delivered prototype umbilical cords a few days later. I plugged the prototypes in, turned everything on….and POW! This was REALLY SPECIAL…..so special, that I decided to spend the evening listening, deferring a serious A/B comparison until later.
The following day, I started my serious A/B comparison between the prototypes and the stock umbilical cords. I concentrated on approximately six (6) musical traits. The prototype umbilical cords performed markedly better in each of the six (6) categories, relative to the stock umbilical cords. This was a home run.
Over the next couple of weeks, I auditioned the prototypes on a few different REX(s), including a REX 3 (3rd generation). The performance improvement was present, persistent, and consistent with each Rex, when compared to the stock umbilical cords. So…we made the decision to create a production model, the new Rubi “T” High Performance umbilical cords.
Let me get straight to the point….I’m not a reviewer. I don’t have the “flowery” vocabulary to truly describe a musical event…so following are the facts as I see them….or In My Humble Opinion….
As a result, following are my recommendations for ALL REX preamp owners.
Stay dangerous REX preamp owners…this is WAY BETTER than GOOD!
]]>As an audiophile, I’ve pursued world class sound reproduction for almost my entire adult life. First, I focused on CDs as my music source. Then, when I inherited my father’s LP collection, I added LPs to the mix. My path to facilitate LPs as a music source was pretty simple. I purchased a Rega Planar 25, with a Super Elys cartridge. Also, I added a phono card to my Naim Audio "Olive" system. As it was my Father’s collection, the LPs constantly brought back memories from childhood…when I spent a significant amount of time with my Father. In a way, the Planar 25 was a time machine for me. The destination was good.
Contemporaneously, my young children were the primary driver in my life. As such, system improvements (or changes) were relatively non-existent for a decade or so. When the kids got older, system improvements became my primary (maybe only) hobby. Though I began buying and selling equipment at an alarming rate (especially if you asked my wife), I made very few changes to my vinyl “system”. I added a Dynavector 20X2 HO cartridge to my Planar 25. A couple of years later, the path became a little more complex, as I added many GrooveTracer modifications, with additional modification from Funk Firm, J.A. Michell, and Harmonic Resolution Systems for good measure. The sound improved….the destination was still good…but LPs DID NOT became my primary music source.
Fast forward a few years... and a Rega RP8 "fell into my lap" (refer to my definition in this earlier blog "The REX...That BAT Built"). The sound took a nice step forward. Also, I spent some time trying phono stages from LFD, Emotiva, Musical Surroundings, Graham Slee, Shiit, etc. Once again, the path was a little more complex than my initial investment in vinyl playback. And once again, the destination was good.
Hot tip: The owner of CH Acoustic, my business partner, with decades of industry experience, engineering know how, and turntable setup experience, is selling his END GAME turntable. Wow! Following is a brief description:
I TURNED DOWN an opportunity to purchase this END GAME turntable. Am I correct? Am I wrong?
Pros (or Purchase scenario): END GAME – I can spend the next few years auditioning phono stages in an attempt to take full advantage of the turntable. As the Clearaudio turntable IS NOT the weak link (and assuming my phono stage purchases are iterative improvements), I can enjoy years of vinyl bliss…with occasional performance improvements.
Cons (or Pass scenario): The Clearaudio Innovation Wood table is a big step forward. As vinyl has never been my primary music source, I may be overinvesting ($$$). Also, since I’m skipping SO MANY steps, do I deserve the reward? I didn’t pay for the END GAME turntable with countless purchases in search of audio perfection. Will I have confidence that Clearaudio is the prince…when I haven’t kissed any frogs? Finally, will the lack of an END GAME phono stage hamper my enjoyment? Will I truly enjoy the iterative process of phono stage exploration?
If the path is uniquely important, I’m correct. Purchasing the Clearaudio now, without having made the purchases that facilitate incremental performance and knowledge, damages the path. If the path is the most important, the purchase shouldn’t happen.
If the destination is all that’s important, I’m wrong. I should make the purchase immediately and keep looking for enhancement possibilities elsewhere in my system. Purchase the END GAME turntable and move on.
Personally, I believe the path and the destination are equally important. As such, I don’t have a clear “correct answer” for this dilemma. Purchasing the Clearaudio table fixes one variable in the system, so I can concentrate on phono-stages. Skipping the Clearaudio opportunity allows me to take incremental steps on the path, but likely defers the END GAME for a time.
Thoughts?
]]>Okay, I’m an insufferable audiophile. I love listening to my music. I love listening to live music. I love listening to new music. I love listening to new (or just new to me) equipment. I love comparing equipment. In my years of audio-philia, I’ve auditioned DOZENS of pre-amplifiers. I may have found my END GAME pre-amplifier….The REX by Balanced Audio Technology.
In its simplest form, a pre-amplifier allows you to switch between music sources and control volume. In a more complex form (i.e. home theater), pre-amplifiers can facilitate sending sound to separate rooms & speakers, inserting subwoofers, inserting and controlling crossovers, etc. As mainly a 2-channel guy, I generally utilize a pre-amplifier in its simplest form.
Secretly, I’ve always “rooted” for Balanced Audio Technology (BAT), as sort of “homegrown”. Geoff Poor is one of the three (3) founders of Balanced Audio Technology in 1995. In addition, Geoff owns Glenn Poor’s Audio Video in Champaign, IL. As I live in close proximity to Champaign, and know Geoff personally, I’ve always wanted to see BAT do well.
Recently, I purchased and enjoyed a VK-52SE, which was (& is in it’s newest iteration: the VK-90) BAT’s top of the line single chassis pre-amp. Truly, I enjoyed the VK-52SE. It portrayed music with a dynamic contrast and “umph” that reminded me of a live musical event. However, as an insufferable audiophile, I eventually moved on to other pre-amps.
Then, a REX…fell into my lap. In audiophile speak, “fell into my lap” means:
The REX (now in it’s 3rd iteration…I own the 1st iteration) holds BAT’s top spot as a preamplifier. It’s a dual-chassis deal (i.e. control module & power module), with two (2) umbilical cords connecting the “modules”.
Anyway, I plugged in the REX…and my jaw dropped to the ground. I’ve NEVER heard such separation of instruments, quiet in between notes, and soft sounds CLEARLY presented within moderate and loud passages. It reminded me of the “Is it live or is it Memorex” commercials of yesteryear. WOW!!!!
Last night, after a few days of ownership, I invited my son to listen with me. Literally, we ‘GIGGLED’ during songs…completely enamored with the REX. Then my son said the unthinkable, “Dad…I don’t know if it can get any better. You may want to concentrate on improving other parts of your system. The REX may be IT….for now.”
Okay, I’m not ready to accept my son’s statement as fact. But Damn…. I’m REALLY struggling to refute it. I thought you should know.
Stay Dangerous,
Audio Dork
]]>Like many of you, I spent the ENTIRE weekend watching college basketball. Also like many of you, I had food, snacks, a well positioned chair, and remote to switch back and forth between the games that interested me. However, UNLIKE many of you, I also spent the entire weekend burning/ripping CDs from my personal collection. ROON broke me. From now on, my digital music will be played from a computer, in combination with a streaming service...presently TIDAL. So…how did I get here?
In college, I purchased my first CD player and began to collect the little silver discs for the next few decades. As an audiophile, my joy from these little silver discs increased with every improvement in my system…Win/Win. Admittedly, I started a burgeoning affair with Vinyl when I inherited my father’s LPs. Otherwise, my appreciation of the little silver discs grew undeterred.
With the development of the iPod, my kids started purchasing digital music files and streaming. To my “golden ears”, their music sounded horrible. As such, I was COMPLETELY uninterested in purchasing digital files, streaming, or wasting my time burning CDs. At the same time, digital players continued to grow in number and quality…giving me a continuous stream of upgrade opportunities for silver disc playback…Win/Win.
A couple of years ago, my son streamed TIDAL over my system. Surprise, Surprise! It sounded pretty good…not replace my silver discs good, but pretty good. Within a couple of weeks, I acquired my own TIDAL account. Much of my TIDAL time has been spent searching for and playing music from my childhood and early adult life. It was my musical equivalent of “going antiquing”. One problem: the TIDAL app “glitched” a LOT. Just when I was having fun…something would go wrong….not cool.
A month ago, while visiting a friend, I was force fed ROON. During the ensuing discussion, I heard, “…outstanding metadata…integrates streaming services…auto generated playlists…blah, blah, blah… and you need to purchase a ROON Nucleus”.
When sharing this conversation with my son, he said, “Don’t buy a Nucleus, I can BUILD a computer that runs ROON”. One week later, my son walks in with a 5”x 5” x 2” Intel NUC. Thirty minutes later, he has it connected to my system, my TIDAL account, integrated, and one of my CDs burned onto the NUC. So…here comes my stream of consciousness…
Observations #1, #2, & #3 aren’t possible by spinning the little silver disks differently. ROON makes them possible in an extraordinary fashion. Even if Observation #4 is a “draw” for you, the other benefits make ROON more than compelling.
RECOMMENDATION:
Enough said. I have another weekend of college basketball and CD ripping. ☺
Stay Dangerous,
Audio Dork
]]>Early in my career, I drove automobiles made by Toyota, Honda and other quality manufacturers. Back then, the goal was comfort, reliability and roadway effectiveness on a budget. If I could get all of that in one car -- it quickly added up to customer satisfaction.
Now, fast forward a few decades, a friend drives up in a Italian automobile. We stood, stared, admired, and after a life-changing test drive, I understood it all. The performance was amazing. From the engine’s roar to the smoothness of the ride, it was extraordinary. While my car purchases have progressed from need-based satisfaction to more luxurious experiences, I’ve stopped short of the extremely high-dollar rides like his. My audiophile obsession is where I choose to indulge. Bottom line - I can’t afford to do both, but one thing I didn’t do is question the car’s worth.
At The Audio Dork, I want to make it clear…I cut through the clutter to offer STATE OF THE ART products for discerning audiophiles, not those looking for basic, budget conscious satisfaction. Currently, you can come our way for high end power cords, cables, and interconnects by CH Acoustic which are among the best in the business. Soon, there will be other offerings.
Here’s how you’ll know whether The Audio Dork is for you...
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the statements above, swipe left. Every product isn’t for everybody. That’s why there’s such a thing as a target market. For everyone else, we’re here for you to:
Now that we have the right players in place, let’s get back to business!
Stay Dangerous,
The Audio Dork
]]>No surprise to anyone who knows me (or follows this blog), I’ve dedicated SIGNIFICANT time, energy, and financial resources to “reproduce the sound of a live musical performance” within my living space. My FIRST priority when selecting audio components is fidelity. My SECOND priority is fidelity, and my THIRD priority, yep, fidelity. Whether it’s fidelity to the original live performance, fidelity to an overly-engineered recording or fidelity to the digital or analog signal traveling through the system, I want the sound I was meant to hear. I choose FIDELITY. Ok, boys and girls, AFTER achieving fidelity, then it’s time to get a little fancy with it and focus on system aesthetics.
Looking back:
My first audiophile system was the centerpiece of my 900 square foot, one bedroom, high rise apartment on Marine Drive in Chicago. Despite wall-to-wall windows displaying the city skyline and Lake Michigan, the system was THE conversation piece of any person lucky enough to be invited into our ‘great room.’ It consisted of (the then new) Naim Audio “Olive” separates with ProAc Studio 150 floor-standers in cherry wood veneer. Sure, the wonderful audiophile sound was the main attraction, but the sleek look of the black and olive Naim separates was quite metropolitan. In addition, the wood finish of the ProAcs alluded to craftsmanship that befit the abode of Mr. and Mrs. Audio Dork.
My four weekend selection process for this ONE system was all about purchasing components with comparatively superior fidelity. Yep, no sports, no TV, no date night, just a focus on creating the attractive aesthetics and function of this system. When done, it accomplished the following:
The centerpiece point can’t be overstated. At a time when I couldn’t afford a dedicated listening room, my system could have been relegated to a bedroom or closet. Either choice would have made future investments highly unlikely or at least very contentious between the wife and I.
Now in my fifth home, I have a dedicated two-channel room AND a home theater room. The two-channel room is invite only, but it still achieves FIDELITY and looks amazingly good! Everyone, including the world’s snarkiest audiophile, knows the importance of appreciating the beauty of life.
Stay dangerous,
Audio Dork
]]>In college, like most, I acquired a sound system capable of “winning” the stereo wars in my dorm. Afterall -- this is where loud belongs. The only sound I cared about back then was obnoxiously loud. Post graduation, that transferred to trading in a fifth of my salary for my first, true audiophile system.
A mature audiophile with a hint of sarcasm.
]]>I’m an Audiophile and VERY comfortable with that label. I’ve dedicated significant time, energy and money to feed my enthusiasm for “high-fidelity sound reproduction.” Or better yet, when I turn on my audio equipment, I want the sound of a live music performance EVERY time.
The truth is, I believe ANY audiophile definition, including the definition above from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is limiting and not FULLY inclusive of the sound loving thoughts of audio superfans like us. In addition, I believe fellow audiophiles and to an extent non-audiophiles have helped me on this journey toward better than good sound.
An audiophile is born.
For a little background, my grandfather and father LOVED jazz and music was always playing in their homes and cars. My mother is a classically trained pianist, so like it or not, I knew the sound of that instrument from birth. And, in addition to being voluntold (told that I would volunteer) to play piano as a kid, I also learned to play saxophone and participated in many Jazz, Marching, & Symphonic bands. Shockingly, I even sang and participated in a variety of choirs. Ok, I’ll be honest, my original intent for singing was more about who was in the choir than the music we were producing. LOL! However, all of those experiences played a role in my early appreciation for LIVE MUSIC!
Head-banging music.
In college, like most, I acquired a sound system capable of “winning” the stereo wars in my dorm. Afterall -- this is where loud belongs. The only sound I cared about back then was obnoxiously loud. Post graduation, that transferred to trading in a fifth of my salary for my first, true audiophile system.
A mature audiophile with a hint of sarcasm.
During the next decade or so, my family, size and love for sound all grew. My secret loves are now late nights with lights off and uninterrupted listening sessions. Those are the rare times I take off my snarky daytime hat in exchange for losing myself in music and memories, without cares or concerns.
If you’re looking for the same serenity in 2021, it all comes down to choosing a system that reproduces better than good sound!
Stay Dangerous My Friends,
AudioDork
]]>As the Audio Dork, I don’t waste your time or mine with such ”fluff.” In fact, this one rare time, I’m going to go behind-the-curtain and give you a brief description of the CH Acoustic cables’ secret sauce. Like that sexual connection between you and a new lover, if the magnetic attraction is stronger than your compatibility in other areas, then it could cloud your judgment. In this case, your audio sound.
We contain and practically eliminate Magnetic Hysteresis. Don’t know what that is? Skip straight to buying cables and cords from the ONIX Collection and enjoy.
For our advanced folks, a power cord (even audiophile quality), running at normal US household 120v, has a magnetic field that can be easily detected at five feet (5’) or further.
Depending on the wattage, all that negative crap can come through your interconnects and speaker cables. Considering the compact nature of the back end of your components (w/ closely placed inputs, outputs, etc.,), system complexity and the listening environment -- it’s almost impossible to obtain consistent performance or anything close to the ‘original event.’ GOOD…is as good as it gets with most cable looms.
You guessed it….the ONIX cable and cord collection is designed to have NO DETECTABLE MAGNETIC FIELD, with a Gauss meter touching the cable and over 100 watts of continuous power. This GREATLY LESSENS the impact of the many variables that could reduce our cables’ performance to simply GOOD. As you move up the CH Acoustic line, there is a significant increase in the amount of continuous power at which there’s NO DETECTABLE MAGNETIC FIELD.
So…simply put...The Audio Dork is the way to go for better than good, no BS.
Stay Dangerous!
Yep, it’s come that time for audio deets from the one and only, Audio Dork!
If you want to truly forget Good Sound, make sure you’re buying products with GREAT design. We’re not talking about your 6th grader’s science project here but well made audio products.
Here are the facts, as I know them:
So what’s the takeaway? Listen, learn and compare. Start with this video.
Once you do that well, it’ll lead you to my site - theaudiodork.com. I don’t believe in shoveling you a load of bs, I’ll just say try them and hear for yourself.
Until next time, ladies and gents.
Stay Dangerous,
Audio Dork
]]>So here it goes...
#1. Buy an integrated amplifier - It contains both the pre-amplifier/line stage function AND the amplifier function. Yep, it’s like a combo meal but MUCH better! There are quality, integrated offerings at every price point, but if you're smart, you’ll purchase one that contains a DAC and/or a quality phono stage, depending on your music vibe. If you already have separates (i.e. amp, pre-amp, headphone amplifier, DAC, & phono stage) that you enjoy, you probably spent more money -- but hey, at least you’re happy. Either way, you’re ready for Step 2.
#2. Buy a ONIX cable loom - This is the only way a true Audiophile connects components to the power outlets, speakers and each other. Simply stated - they don’t distort the signal!!! If you disagree, continue enjoying your ‘good’ sound and discontinue reading further. Real Audiophiles---ONIX is the way!
#3. Buy Transducers (speakers) - This turns the clear and uninterrupted signal into sound. The goal here is finding a pair that ACCURATELY reproduces the analog signal your system produces. Four of the Audio Dork’s traditional top picks can only be found used - Dunlavy Audio Laboratories, Green Mountain Audio, Meadowlark Audio and Thiel. Others that get my nod, are still in business, and one is actually a non-traditional design - Dynaudio, Omega Speaker Systems, Quad, Reference 3A, and Zu Audio. I’m sure there are others, but these are Audio Dork’s favs. In other words, they come highly recommended! If you know of others that fit the bill, please share, and we’ll see…[insert open mind mixed with a sprinkle of skepticism]
#4. Buy Source Components (i.e. CD/DVD/Blu-ray/SACD disc players, DAC, Reel to Reel tape players, Turntables, etc.) - After completing Steps 1-3, you finally have a system that can deliver BETTER THAN GOOD sound. Step 4 is only for folks, like me, with a large, old school music/video library. You know the drill from here -- seek quality components. Smart people know cheap gives you exactly what you paid for. Now, if you’re into streaming, focus on a great DAC. Don’t waste time and money searching for other source components - they’re not necessary.
Alright kiddies, class is over for now. Get online and buy the right stuff and get beyond ‘good’ sound.
Stay Dangerous,
AudioDork
]]>Why choosing the right hi-fi product COULD provide instant gratification. Break-In is often essential, but also a potentially dangerous part of the Audiophile journey. Why? Three reasons...Delayed gratification, Impaired selection, and Diminished performance.
]]>I want my audio equipment to provide FULL performance, and I want it now! Call me a complainer if you want to, or heck, don’t call me at all if you can’t deliver what my fellow Audiophiles and I are asking for!
Let's begin with a basic definition that can help TRUE Audiophiles. Break-In -- it's the manufacturer's suggested (or required) usage time for the component to achieve FULL performance. I've seen a few recommended Break-in periods as high as 400hrs. Are you kidding me? I need to wait up to 400hrs or 17 straight days before I can hear what I’m supposed to on equipment that I paid for? Get the heck out of here!
True Audiophiles seek maximum performance within our systems or ANY components we select for audition or inclusion. We don’t want to spend significant time and energy selecting SUSPECTS, then PROSPECTS before making a final PURCHASE just to ‘audition’ it and make a impaired/ poor selection.
Why a poor selection?
- False negative:
You perform your critical listening/ audition before the break-in period expires. You don't like the sound and move on. This isn't overtly painful because "you don't know what your missing." Regardless, you miss out on a wonderful component because it didn't display it's full performance during your audition period.
- False positive:
After 300+ hours of audition/ critical listening, you become ACCUSTOMED to or ENAMORED with the component in your system and keep it. Later, if you haven't sold off the component it replaced, you swap the old component back in and...Wham! You realize you shouldn't have made the purchase. You were "snookered". Then REGRET sets in...for the time, money, and listening pleasure wasted.....
And if you already sold off the older component, you may have expended significant resources going in the WRONG direction (i.e. more poor, but complimentary equipment purchases). I've seen audiophiles spend YEARS trying to back-track and figure out where they went wrong. Ugh!
Fellow Audiophiles, I have a fix for you.
By design, ALL CH Acoustic products deliver 100% of their designed performance at first use. There's no delayed gratification and no diminished performance while waiting for the Break-In period to expire. That’s why I have these cables and cords listed on my site. You connect the CH Acoustic cables and cords, press play, and listen -- no need to wait 10 seconds, let alone 400 hours!!!
If you are a TRUE Audiophile (no phoneys are welcomed here), please recommend other equipment for me to check out. If I like it, I’ll also consider adding it at theaudiodork.com. For now, CH Acoustic products ONLY! LOL!
Alright, this week’s lesson is over for now…
Stay Dangerous,
AudioDork
An Audiophile’s cable loom (a true system component) has three, very straightforward responsibilities. Supply power to your components, transmit signal between components, and most importantly, Do no harm to the system. Unfortunately, most cable looms, not only poorly execute responsibilities #1 & #2, but consistently harm the performance of audiophile quality systems. They FAIL!
]]>Unfortunately, most cable looms, not only poorly execute responsibilities #1 & #2, but consistently harm the performance of audiophile quality systems. They FAIL!
Why? What’s the problem???
What’s the solution - ZAFIRO by CH Acoustic
Let me explain. Within 10 seconds of utilizing the ZAFIRO cable loom, I was sold. The improvement (i.e. lack of design flaws and FULL achievement of cable loom responsibilities) was clearly AUDIBLE and PERSISTENT in EVERY system iteration.
Value is a subjective concept that differs for each and every audiophile. However, a system with a ZAFIRO cable loom as the foundational component (i.e. the cable loom SHOULD be treated as a system component) is compelling. I’ve been amazed at the performance of various system configurations (even BUDGET systems), when they’re not constrained by the persistent flaws of many competing cable looms. The ZAFIRO cable loom is the gateway to higher audiophile enjoyment. Take it!
UPDATE Summer '22 - We now offer the lower cost ONIX cable loom, which dellivers a significant portion of the ZAFIRO cable loom at a much reduced cost.