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REVIEW: Audience Cable Driver Amplifier (SS)

66.35.72.131


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Model: Cable Driver
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $1,599
Description: amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Audience
Manufacturer URL: Audience

Review by westerman@cave.net on October 12, 2001 at 10:39:42
IP Address: 66.35.72.131
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for the Cable Driver


In 1999 I purchased my Audience CableDriver. It was the most significant upgrade or improvement I have made in my home audio system. I would say very similar to upgrading my speaker system!

Before I purchased my CableDriver, I was in a local retail store listening to speakers and they had a top rated, neutral sounding front-end setup. The amplifier being used in that demo was from a very highly regarded company well known over many years known for their preamplifiers and amplifiers, both tube and transistor. I too was quite impressed with that $8,500 reference preamplifier and still am. It is just amazing how much of difference a reference preamplifier made compared to my well made, but unrated line stage even in passive mode.

Later I decided to try the CableDriver between my passive and main amps as Richard Smith explained that an impedance mismatch was causing a serious feedback distortion. I installed the CableDriver and gave it a serious
listening. Instantly, the focus and space around instruments in the orchestra sounded so much more focussed, clearer, and believable...this is not an easy or cheap feat. My second reaction was whoever designed this box
without any controls sure is a genius.

I am happy to hear so much detail but without any hint of that fatiguing glare now. One thing is for sure - CableDriver solved a definite problem and I highly recommend it if you have separate amplifiers.

In 2001, I upgraded my passive unit that feeds the CableDriver with a Danish precision potentiometer. This alone was another major advancement, because I can know listen to music at any volume level and it sounds equally good.


Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: Focus


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: PS Audio 250D
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): audience
Sources (CDP/Turntable): CD/Theta
Speakers: Sonus Faber Elector Amator
Cables/Interconnects: Audience
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 17 x 8
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Audience Cable Driver Amplifier (SS) - westerman@cave.net 10:39:42 10/12/01 ( 1)