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| Model: | HC |
| Category: | Cable |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $189 |
| Description: | power cable |
| Manufacturer URL: | MAC Sound Pipes |
| Review by vickgeo@live.com on November 02, 2009 at 13:35:01 IP Address: 76.199.106.164 | Add Your Review for the HC |
This is almost as much a fan letter as it is a review. A few years (not to mention tears) ago, I became aware power cords had at least as much effect on the sound of my system as interconnect and speaker cables, all other things being equal. And so began my hunt. It involved such trophies as SignalCable (Magic and Digital), Monarchy, ElementCables, BPT, Elf Audio Reference, Shunyata Diamondback, Neotech Tunami, Ultimate Cables C-4, and others I can no longer recall. Each had its strengths and weaknesses in varying degrees, With the winners perhaps being the ELF and the Tunami, with the Signal leading the budget catagory.
Note the "perhaps": The differences were noticeable, but were ones of degree, not kind. Even the quite inexpensive Monarchy cables were convincingly good, much better than stock. So, it was a revelation to me to hear an affordable power cable that brought me to say, "Yes! This is IT!" I experience the MAC HC Power Cable as doing it all, at a price I can afford. The backgound is black,empty of everything but the recording venue, instrumental timbre is accurate, leading edges are instant, and dynamics sound unrestricted.
I presently have these cables feeding my monoblock amps, but as I can arrange it, they will be also serving my power conditioner and preamp.
| Product Weakness: | None observed. |
| Product Strengths: | Sound! Cost, flexibility. |
| Amplifier: | 2 PS Audio Trio A100 biamped |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Stereo Knight Silverstone B&R |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Cambridge 840C CDP, Adcom FM Tuner |
| Speakers: | Mark & Daniels Diamond+ |
| Cables/Interconnects: | Neotech Tunami, MAC HC, Shunyata Diamondback, Element Power, MAC IC's, Speltz Anti-Cable |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Classical, jazz, a little 60's rock |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 15 x 12 x 8 |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | vrs |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 2 months |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | BPT conditioner, 2 Quantum Symphonies |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
I concur. I've have MAC HC power cords on all my equipment for a few years now. They beat out some much higher PC. I've also added his ICs and speaker cables with the same results- sold off higher $$ cables and the sound is more natural, easier, just better.
And to add- Steve's customer service is outstanding.
I've got one connecting my B&K AV receiver with good results, improved vocal clarity and a slight increase in volume.
"Apparently, people now believe that mental telepathy is the foundation of communication and magic is the source of daily events. Consequently, we no longer have to participate in our own lives."
Nice review. I find that the MAC HC is a great sounding power cord especially for the price.It is comparible sonically to the LessLoss power cords which are among my favorite power cords regardless of price.It seems that you think highly of Ernest's Reference power cords.I didn't know he made power cords he doesn't have any on his website .Anyway the MAC HC is one hell of a power cord for the money that is just as good or even better than more expensive power cords.
And 16ga wire has about as neutral a sound as you can get if you don't kwatts to get to your listening level. I've done CAT5 is 2-,4- and 8-wire configuration, WalMart 16ga zip cord, and the "White Lightning" extension cords. Except for the 2-wire on some low Q drivers, they all sound essentially identical.
BTW, my "White Lightning" uses white and white for hot, green for ground attached at the amp only.
Bob
"...my "White Lightning" uses white and white for hot, green for ground attached at the amp only."
Sounds like your green may act like an antenna and where the heck is your neutral/return connection for the AC?
The OP is talking about a power cable and, if you are too, you should try some higher priced cords to hear some real differences.
Thanks for the review. I'm very happy with mine - currently powering my Woo Audio 3 headphone amp, but previously powered a Linn Axis turntable to very good sonic results.
Cheers,
Larry
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