New Turntable

For what should be my final Source upgrade (unless I look to replace the on-board caps at some stage) has now been auditioned.

I set about comparing the standard mains lead in to my new Source TT power supply in the wall socket with a spare but well regarded Copper cable as a start point; in to my power block.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect but had it set in my mind that the cable I was trying (or the more budget version) would represent a small but worthwhile improvement at reasonable cost since my PSU is tucked under my rack on the floor and would need maybe 70-80cm lead.

My Copper mains (into HUB) was noticeably more open with more body, natural with cleaner vocals.  On switching back to the std cable the sound was thinner, smaller, more forward and there was an increase is surface noise.  Vocals a little veiled/pinched/raw.  Switching between the two on mixed material confirmed the findings though remained a little uneasy that the bass appeared 'too full' which on some material was a step backwards despite the overall improvement, albeit the cable hasn't been used for a couple of years.

Ok, so do I try my pure silver mains cable CD player cable which I could not justify spending this on what would be quite a long lead for the TT.  I thought it should highlight any more significant changes and I could always take one or 2 steps down the range between this and the Copper cable.

The differences were greater than the changes between the standard cable and my Copper one, which I was very surprised by.  On trying further material my findings over four listening sessions were confirmed.

Reading from my notes the copper was undoubtedly fuller, less clean and slower sounding in the bass, vocals less open and slightly strained.  By comparison my Pure Silver lead removed the bass hump/bloom which remained faster, tighter, more controlled and more punchy and dynamic.  Mid and higher up the range the sound was more delicate, and open with more air around the vocals with a greater sense of fine detail, ultimately more natural, enjoyable and tuneful.

Now the dilemma.  I could not justify spending several hundred pounds on a quite lengthy cable to sit under my rack, but would feel short changed having heard what the new PSU could achieve with this cable.

With Graham's PSU I have one mounted vertically on a very short mains cable (very stiff around 11mm diameter); whilst my new PSU is heavier than Graham's the even thicker gauge cable should still hold the new PSU vertically on a very short run I thought whilst remaining in a good location which is what I have decided to do and have just placed an order.

Sitting here writing the more I listen the better it is getting and a sheer pleasure.  I did promise myself I would provide a final cable upgrade to Graham's PSU which I would have thought should provide a bigger level of increase to that than the TT PSU, but for now will await the delivery and enjoy.

Perhaps I may look at the Enigma before the other cables when the loan unit arrives...will also be interesting to try Graham's DC lead against my DC upgrade.  If there is a spare DC lead on loan before the Enigma I would be interested to try as a stand-alone (hint Jon!).

Alan Parsons now finished now for some Genesis!