PSU1 - Enigma

I think A/B comparisons are very good to get an idea of overall the characteristic of two components. A good example would be headphones or speakers, where the flavors can be very obviously different. You can literally listen to one minute of each and hear that they’re clearly making two very different sounds. 

However, as the possibility for variation diminishes (power amplifiers IME sound much more alike than speakers), so too does the worthiness of a “quick A/B”. The smaller the gap in sound produced, the longer it takes to get a handle on what the two components are doing differently. Perhaps a good example here is the difference between two $3,500 power amps that use the same tech. Different, yes, but less so than in the speaker example. Or, three headphones from one manufacturers line. At this point, you need longer to tell, and more music as well.

So, onto really subtle things like two very similar power supplies from the same manufacturer. If you know your system super well and the new supply is fully broken in, I suppose you should hear superficial differences without too much strain. However, it’s only through extended listening that you’ll discover far more important things than bass response, etc. Does the new supply let you listen longer without fatigue? Does it push you towards listening to a particular style of music, or does it let you enjoy a wider range? How does it deal with those not so great recordings? Does it let the music through and minimize the distraction from the poor recording quality? Or does it limit you to spinning only your best albums?

Once you’ve listened to a selection (over the course of two weeks) from your collection and go back to the first power supply, does your “experience” change? There are plenty of measurable things that sometimes don’t seem to matter. There are things we can develop important opinions and feelings about that don’t seem measurable. (I think I just misquoted Einstein...). 

I’ve not read the measurements for my Solo ULDE, Proprius or Accession MC, but I know they get me more involved than anything else I’ve purchased. Win. For me, hifi measurement stats, like in football, are only good post-match. “This is my impression, what are the measurements that back that up?” I’m sure measurements are far more important on the design bench than the listening room.

Cheers,

Mick.

Testing Enigma mostly on Reflex M at the moment. Have become more certain about differences emerging. As OP states, the bass is fuller. I'm not great with audiophile language (though I do count myself an audiophile if only because I love music AND sound and I spend enough that I have to be an audiophile). In any case, what I would say is that the presence of the music is heightened in a way that makes it more absorbing, and more tactile to my ears. Probably more realistic/live sounding too. I noticed earlier today while listening to Gillian Welch's Soul Journey that the sound was more coherent, or unified. With the PSU1 it was ever so slightly grainy, though i would never have thought that without the comparison.

I will add that it's still not a "night and day" scenario. But I do have a feeling that once I get used to Reflex M with Enigma, I will have trouble going back as something will be missing and I will feel that I just got booted from the front row to the fifth.

I'm still interested in testing more on the ULDE too but decided to focus my efforts for now.

I should add that I take your comments Mick and Ash. I have stopped "fast switching" the plugs as I don't think it works well. I also take your points that it will be over time and lots of listening that I will truly understand the differences. 

I started these posts so thought I might as well continue for a few days. If anyone else tries this, they can see that I'm going through a period of break in/adjustment.