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Maybe this will be it

166.205.136.250
Posted on January 22, 2012 at 10:25:14
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 I while ago I did a trade for some vintage guitar parts for some speaker cables that caused a paradigm shift in my thinking as the improvement was alarming. With that said, I have been researching analog interconnects and narrowed it down to Grover Huffman and Michael Morrow's.

Both garner nice reviews with some indicating the Huffman's to be a little on the lean side. With that, I originally opted for the Morrow MA3's, but some of the reviews indicated that the MA1's were the better than some over 1k IC's that they tried.

It will take about 3 or so weeks to have them made and burned in. I also opted for the 5 day burn in. I will report back once I have received them to give a report. If they do warrant the high praises, I will get another pair to complete the system.

Yes I know I should post this in the cable forum, but I feel that there are many here who would be interested.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

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Of course we're interested., posted on January 22, 2012 at 11:27:17
RickeyM
Audiophile

Posts: 2208
Location: East Coast
Joined: March 15, 2003
 Maggies are the speakers that faithfully report any change upstream in the system. Yesterday I switched to a Sony STR-DA5ES receiver, used as a pre. Before that I'd used modest Onkyo and Audio Source pre's. I don't know the how or why of it but my soundstage just raised up from the bottom of the speakers to solidly mid-panel.
So keep us posted on your findings. We might not all have some of the great gear we read about here, but one day we might ;^)

PS; You've got what looks to be a great system. I wonder how it would sound with some thin guage mag-wire for speaker wire in there? Ever considered it?

 

RE: Of course we're interested., posted on January 22, 2012 at 11:52:15
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Rickey:

Thanks for the kind words....I wire Mike uses might just be mag wire and is thinly insolated for better dialectic's and RF/IF rejection. I'm hoping that they will have a very black background and maybe more clarity in the mids. If I get a better soundstage and placement, that would be great as well.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Maybe this will be it, posted on January 22, 2012 at 11:17:13
Dawnrazor
Audiophile

Posts: 12592
Location: N. California
Joined: April 9, 2004
 Hey Jim,

I hope you like them, they are probably pretty good. Though I wish you could diy. You could make the same thing or better for maybe 10 minutes of work.

One of those designs just looks like twisted magwire. Probably a good sounding cable but I think you could do better. How long a cable are you buying?

Cut to razor sounding violins

 

RE: Maybe this will be it, posted on January 22, 2012 at 11:46:34
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 DR:

You know more about it than I do, so I suppose it could be magwire. Sure, I could have done the DIY thing, but with Morrow, you get a 60 day Money Back, hopefully I won't need it as most don't. Then there is Mike's trade up plan. The price was so good that it was a total no brainer...The price including 5 day burn in and the extra .5m and shipping was less than $125.00. To make my own, I would have to source the parts and in the end, I'm getting a tried and trued product that if I don't like, send them back, or sell them on the open market.

This set is 1.5m as my monoblocks are on a couple of isolation platforms on the floor and the pre is up from it.

They will be cooked to equal 240 hours of use to get them pretty close to total burn in.

The IC's they're replacing (maybe) are DIY solid silver core wire with a copper ground dump and are sleeved in aluminum and insulation foam with standard Silver RCA's. I didn't make this set, a friend did and I like them, but are a bit bright, but not to the point of being forward.

Jim




Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

Morrow, posted on January 23, 2012 at 16:53:00
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 1455
Joined: March 4, 2002
 Prior to getting some Morrows, I also wondered about Huffman, but went w/ Morrow.
I have the MA 3s & 4s and have heard the 2s. In my opinion:
I could not say that the 4s were better than the 3s in my system. I consider both to be my best ICs. A little better than Mapleshade excaliburs.
The MA2s did not seem any better than other similarly priced cables, but I'm not sure what burn-in state they were in.
My MA3s took extremely long to burn in and got pretty bad along the way as Mike has written.

My next order would therefore be for MA3s w/ Eichmann connectors. I have not heard that yet.

 

RE: Morrow, posted on January 23, 2012 at 21:47:01
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 sbrians:

Thanks for the detailed report on the Morrow cables. Today bought a used pair of Transparent Music Link Plus IC's that I will use between the pre and the cdp this will be replacing another pair of Transparent Music Link's. I like the Transparent's I was using, so hopefully these will be a step up.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

Transparent Musiclink Plus First Impressions, posted on January 24, 2012 at 19:08:48
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 I popped in a tried and true CD, John Scofield's Flatout and it was a bit dodgy for the first couple of minutes, but settled down and I liked what I was hearing. More forceful, especially in the drums and the bass was tighter (taught). The more I listened the more they settled and it stepped up even more...the (drum) brush strokes were so clear as was the amazing cymbal work.

The next selection was Derek Truck's 2nd offering, Out of the Madness, that also features Warren Haynes. I was so impressed as everything just seemed bigger and I was hearing things that I haven't before, like in one song, Death Letter that features Warren and Derek on Dobro's and I can now hear Warren tapping out the time with his foot.

Warren's vocals were also vastly improved in its presence and feel. I will have to do some Fiona Apple, and a few other female vocals to see on that end.

I'm both happy and mad that I failed to believe that one needed to spend serious cabbage on cables, and that it took so long to get on board.

I may need to email Mike Morrow and upgrade my order with him to MA3 as originally planned.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Transparent Musiclink Plus , posted on January 25, 2012 at 13:29:56
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 1455
Joined: March 4, 2002
 I've noticed that over the years a given model of Transparents has improved a lot. The point being that old plus' will not be as good as newer plus'.
But in my limited experience, the MA3s are the sweet spot for value in Morrow's line (as someone had suggested to me) in my system and also in comparison to others w/ the 1/2 price offer. But they need more break in by far and change more than anything else that I have ever heard. Do not judge them when they are at their bad point in break in.

 

RE: Transparent Musiclink Plus , posted on January 25, 2012 at 13:40:55
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 sbrians:

I've heard it both ways about the transparent. The dealer I got it from who is a long time transparent dealer, really likes what I got from him. This is from a dealer who routinely sells 100K+ reference systems and have no reason to not believe him.

My ears like it and I will toss some music in a little while.

BTW, I will have the MA1 within a reasonable time and will see if I like the signature of it, if so, I may just stay with it for the amp to pre run, or upgrade to the MA3. I have 60 days to decide.

I'm still eating some black bird pie for not believing that Cables were important and not a bunch of hooie and snake oil for all of these years.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Transparent Musiclink Plus , posted on January 26, 2012 at 07:41:50
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 1455
Joined: March 4, 2002
 You did good w/ the Transparent. In my main system I have Transparent, Morrow and Mapleshade as my best cables. I may also be using some Z-cable, but those are no longer made.

 

RE: Transparent Musiclink Plus , posted on January 26, 2012 at 07:52:04
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 sbrians:

Thanks and I agree. I did a couple hours of critical listening yesterday and my 1st impressions were validated. I listened to Dire Straights, Brothers in Arms, as well as Kenny Burrell, Live at the Vanguard.

Dire Straights was a full on digital recording and it presented itself nice and warm and with nice air on the top end. Kenny Burrell is a bit drier, but it too was very nice. What is unusual about the Kenny Burrell,.Live at the Vanguard is the the stage placement. While Mr. Burrell is mostly on the left channel and the drums on the right, the base instead of being in the middle is actually to the left of Kenny and makes for an interesting soundstage. The middle does get filled up in an interesting manner.

The best way to describe the difference between the lesser Transparent Cable and the the one I just got is that there is a little more air on the top and it is much punchier in a good way. More detail comes out too.

Can't wait to get the Morrow to see where it takes it.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Transparent Musiclink Plus , posted on January 27, 2012 at 02:42:25
tyu
Audiophile

Posts: 963
Joined: April 19, 2011
 Mr jim

I'm still eating some black bird pie for not believing that Cables were important and not a bunch of hooie and snake oil for all of these years.

Well this tell a lot ...you get a pr of speakers...2.5r put them on Amps no one can own..i can go buy your amps...well the new one made by Vac..for even more$$$.. you talk like youv found the cabel for YOU...an that do it...lost in space an loves to type jim
your one man o-pine is just that ...an yes pass on my post i dont care for you eather ...No one can here what jim hears!BS is what i see goodluck.

 

wow, did a tree just fall in the forrest? NT , posted on January 27, 2012 at 07:25:04
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 ;~}


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

Morrow IC's , posted on February 7, 2012 at 19:31:00
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 The Morrow Interconnects arrived yesterday and after 5 hours of listening to them I can honestly say they're real good. It is like the old BASF commerical, we don't make the music, we just make it better.

The biggest improvement was in the highs as they are more pinpoint and have an added element of sweetness. The bass is a bit less pronouced, but it feels right and is very fast and tight. The center is also a bit nicer and airy. I don't mean the midrange, I mean the center where the vocals and such lives...

If Dawnrazor is correct, in that they're from Magnet Wire, I'm a convert.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 8, 2012 at 18:57:13
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Under the category of stupid. I had them running in the wrong direction and even with that, they were superior to the DIY pure silver IC's they replaced.

Tonight with them in the correct path direction I listened to AJA, by Steely Dan, and Hot Rats, by Frank Zappa. These are two CD's that I'm very familiar with. Steely Dan was one of the best recorded bands in the 70's and this was very evident today. I wasn't hearing anything new, but in a better way. Same goes for Frank Zappa, i.e., well recorded and mastered.

Before, I noted that the bass was a bit shy, it is all there and very fast, taught and with ample weight. The highs are still sweet and with a nice roundness. What really came to life was the mids which are more dynamic and with increased depth. Much more pleasing and transparent. Everything just seems nicer with them.

Mike Morrow is a true gentleman who took the time to personally answer all of my questions, no matter how inane they were. This was on a purchase of a pair of highly discounted cables no less. I would recommend his Interconnects without hesitation.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 9, 2012 at 12:27:41
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 His ICs are not magwire but what seems to be multiple runs of wrap wire (probably 30 gauge) His Ma1 appear to be a version of the Jon Risch DIY cable - made from one run per channel.

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 9, 2012 at 12:42:29
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Satie:

Interesting, in any event, I really like them and at this moment, see no need to opt for more expensive IC's. I will have to check out the Jon Risch DIY's.

Thanks,
Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 9, 2012 at 13:14:22
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Okay, I googled Jon Risch DIY and see that he says to use Belden wire that has been prepped. The only way to know exactly what Mike Morrow is doing would be to dissect his cable.

Again, the MA1 sounds good in my system and is very dynamic and transparent.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 9, 2012 at 23:39:30
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 I was not talking about that Belden cable project but his 1" ribbon of 2 wires on a strip of tape, unless I am confusing him with someone else.

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 10, 2012 at 08:18:30
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Satie:

Didn't see that one, I can tell you, it isn't wire on tape though and it is more than one run, it is two runs of wire. I haven't bought in to the notion that more wraps of wire for IC's is necessary or will sound any better. I'm probably wrong and in due time will upgrade and see, but right now, I'm liking what the entry level MA-1's are giving me.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:20:34
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 More runs let you pass more deep bass, since you use a sub it is not important that you get minor attenuation of lower bass dynamics since you would just notch up your sub slightly.

I have never seen a Morrow cable opened up so I can't say with certainty.

 

RE: Morrow IC's , posted on February 10, 2012 at 13:50:52
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Satie:

I did notice them to be a bit bass light at first, but that was when I had them running from the amps to the pre. I do like the dynamics and the subtitles that they flesh out.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Maybe this will be it, posted on January 22, 2012 at 13:50:05
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
 Several comments
I have used the less expensive Morrow interconnects and speaker cables in my system. The sound was good but a little on the lean side. I never did hear much of a break-in with these cables. I have since replaced the Morrow interconnects with Silnote Audio Morpheous Reference cable and MIT AVT-2 speaker cable and have a much bigger richer sound then with the Morrow. Of course this is all very system dependent
Alan

 

RE: Maybe this will be it, posted on January 22, 2012 at 14:08:10
Medium Jim
Dealer

Posts: 1638
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 16, 2008
 Hi Alan:

I saw your post in the cable asylum. I guess you changed your thoughts a little on them. One of the reasons I went with them was the type of wire Mike uses, which some believe to be Magwire which is also said to be synergistic with Magnepan Speakers.

So much of what we do is trial and error and the cost is minimal with the 60 day return policy.

Interesting that you didn't hear much break in and I doubt I will as I'm having them cooked before I get them.

Jim


Nothing Sounds Better Than Tubes To My Ears! The Asylum where slander/libel is rampant...

 

RE: Maybe this will be it, posted on January 22, 2012 at 15:26:43
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
 As I said I liked them initially but never satisfied I found cables more to my liking. I am not sure if his wire is mag wire but it is small gauge solid core. By the way I gave a pair of my Morrow interconnects to a friend and he just loves them. Cables really need to be tried in your own system. Have fun
Alan

 

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