Morrow MA1 Interconnect Review

Posted by jupiterboy (A) on April 30, 2010 at 08:44:09

Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect Cables Review

My discovery of Morrow Audio was an accident. I was looking at speaker cables, and noticed that many enthusiasts liked to compare the Morrow Audio products with a local manufacturer’s, whose products I had recently given a test listen. Although I had enjoyed testing the speaker cables, I also realized that I could not give them a fair shake in the week I had with them because they required a 300 hour break-in period. This was simply frustrating. What was confirmed, however, was that my experience with solid-core wires was spot on.

We have all read various opinions on wires, but for the purpose of this review I want to isolate one claim that has never made any sense to me—that certain frequency ranges of signals would make use of a particular gauge of wire to the exclusion of other gauges of wire when the gauges of wire were mixed. Grain structure I get. That certain gauges of wire would be more efficient carriers of certain frequency ranges, I get. Still, I was completely unprepared for the contrast between my current speaker wires and the solid-core wires. The solid core wires were made of an exotic alloy, and I did not give them enough time to show their best side. That said, the coherency and detail difference was not subtle. Something had to be done. I was aware that my system was much more capable than I realized.

I have had the core of my system in use since 1993. I don’t swap out or fool with things like many audiophiles. I probably wouldn’t even call myself an audiophile. The heart is an integrated amp—the AMC CVT3030a. The speakers are Vandersteen 1Bs. The primary source is a Sota Comet III, with an RB300 arm. The cartridge is the notorious AudioTechnica 150 MLX, which benefits from an Incognito rewire that utilizes solid-core high-quality copper wire. The phono amp is a Phonomena II, which Micheal Yee so generously modified to match the characteristics of my cartridge.

For those not familiar with this gear, the system is generally sweet and musical. The Phonomena II and the CVT 3030a are both Class A. The former is solid state, the later is a hybrid using EL34s to output the mids and highs. The tubes of choice at the moment are new Tung-Sols, which add a great refinement in detail and accuracy to the amp.

My next move was to take the collective knowledge on DIY speaker cables and put it to use. As this is not a review of those cables, I will make this brief and say I found a source for the highest quality solid-core copper wire available. I utilized a patented Litz weave to eliminate interference, and used solid copper connectors to assemble my own speaker wires. One word—revelation. I was taking giant steps forward. Now I was ready to start my DIY interconnects.

But wait. Somewhere along the way I had ventured onto Mike Morrows site. I had registered for a free contest, and now I was informed that I had won a set of MA1 interconnects.

When the MA1s arrived they looked just like the ones pictured on the web. I really had nothing to lose, but I had to face the break in. Mike seemed like a good guy so I hooked them up, warmed up the system and started spinning and counting hours. A few weeks in I got an email from Mike asking about the wires. I put him off, but assured him I would review them when I felt they had been broken in. What started off as an improvement had predictably deteriorated. I started to wonder if my cartridge was right. I tried to remember what it had sounded like before. The worst was that horns started to take on a compressed sound. This was not good, and I was not having fun.

Now, in early May, I calculate that I am approaching 300 hours. I am pleased to report that the last 50 or so hours have been some of the most enjoyable listening moments I have experienced so far.

To describe the sound of an interconnect is an odd job. The MA1s, in my humble system, are welcome. The strengths and weaknesses of the main components are not disguised. The MA1s sound tonally balanced and focused. The bass is tight and controlled. The lower mids are present and accounted for. The mid range is nuanced, warm, yet well defined. The separation and imaging are very precise, but the whole presentation is unified. The highs are extended to the point the valves roll off. Percussion sounds really good. Listening to well recorded drums you get an intimate feel for the sticks and brushes interacting with the skin.

I put on a Mercury Mono pressing of Johnny Mathis Sings. One of the better songs on this recording is his version of Sunny. Mathis’ interaction with the microphone on this recording is very intimate and revealing, and even more so through the MA1s.

Sonny Rollins Saxophone Colossus version of St. Thomas also makes a good example. The quivering attack and his embouchure, as well as his relation to the microphone, are well presented, revealing spatial cues that were previously hidden.

A sampling of a few favorite live recordings only secure my opinion of the MA1 as a classic overachiever. I was entranced listening to HRs vocal performance on Bad Brains Live. The recording volume on the record is hit and miss, but by the time he winds back up to punch out Coptic Times you can hear the physicality of the performance in a way that transcends the placement of sounds in a soundstage.

Now that I am past the break-in period, I really find no fault with the MA1s. I have taken the time to give an honest assessment of my personal playback equipment, and feel at this point that I am listening to my cartridge/amp/speakers with only the coloration of a slight warmth that copper brings. I do not feel that the silver coating on the MA1 wire makes them bright. I do not have interference issues even thought the MA1s are not shielded. I believe that a straight run of appropriately sized copper wire from the cart through to the speakers is of great benefit in general, and would like to thank Mike for his contribution to my listening experience.

The hallmark of the MA1s, in my opinion, is tonal balance from top to bottom and spatial veracity—not only in presenting a convincing soundstage but in sussing out the motion of the performer in relation to the microphone. In addition, lesser recordings do not suffer from an emphasis of what is lacking. All styles of music, from symphonic to rustic blues are well served.

If you are in the market for interconnects, by all means go to the Morrow Audio site and register. You will find alarmingly good deals on used cables, and a range new cables tailored to all levels of playback gear.

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Topic - Morrow MA1 Interconnect Review - jupiterboy 08:44:09 04/30/10 (1)

RE: Morrow MA1 Interconnect Review - Hiendmuse 14:12:24 04/30/10 (0)

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