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REVIEW: MAC Sound Pipes HC Cable

76.199.106.164

Posted on November 2, 2009 at 13:35:00
vickgeo@live.com
Audiophile

Posts: 48
Location: N.Cal.
Joined: March 14, 2008
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
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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.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

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


RE: REVIEW: MAC Sound Pipes HC Cable, posted on November 3, 2009 at 04:36:12
mt10425
Audiophile

Posts: 1210
Location: midwest
Joined: January 23, 2004
Contributor
  Since:
March 7, 2009
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."

RE: REVIEW: MAC Sound Pipes HC Cable, posted on November 2, 2009 at 22:06:55
RZCK
Audiophile

Posts: 28
Location: Pepper Pike,OH
Joined: October 3, 2009
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.

Yep, 16ga wire sounds like 16ga wire., posted on November 2, 2009 at 20:14:53
Bob Brines
Manufacturer

Posts: 85
Location: Central Arkansas
Joined: March 15, 2006
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

Something is missing here,, posted on November 2, 2009 at 21:25:38
QuadTodd
Audiophile

Posts: 232
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 22, 2004
"...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.

RE: REVIEW: MAC Sound Pipes HC Cable, posted on November 2, 2009 at 19:16:14
LarryK2
Industry Professional

Posts: 54
Location: New Hampshire
Joined: December 25, 2006
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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