Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Harmonic Technology Fantasy AC 10 Cable by RandyB&W

Model:	Fantasy AC 10
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$420
Description:	10 guage single crystal power cord
Manufacturer URL:	Harmonic Technology
Manufacturer URL:	Harmonic Technology

Review by RandyB&W ( A ) on December 30, 2002 at 06:56:59
IP Address: 65.119.209.146

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for the Fantasy AC 10

My rig uses all HT Pro-AC 11 Power Cords and I've found them to be great performers. When visiting my local dealer the other day, I asked to audition a HT Fantasy AC 10 power cord (with Furutech terminations on both ends) in my system. My dealer said "no problem" and off I went to spend some audition time with the Fantasy PC.
When I hooked it up to my CD player (a MF Nu-Vista), I was floored. The Fantasy increased soudstage depth and three dimensionality by a wide margin. Bass slam, top-end air, and low level detail out of the Nu-Vista (which I always thought were very good) increased substantially. The Fantasy (like the Pro-AC 11) is extremely neutral and transparent (trite expressions, I know, but accurate descriptions nevertheless), and doesn't impart any sonic signature of its own. Listening to the Fantasy on digital was a revelation and represents a significant upgrade to the digital source. The Fantasy is staying in my rig as I'm trading in my old Pro-AC 11.
I also tried the Fantasy on my pre-amp and tuner. I'd previously done an A/B test of the Fantasy and Pro-AC 11 with a friend's power amp (mine is a 20A IEC and the Fantasy auditioned in my system had a 15A connector). I did not find much of a difference between the Fantasy and the Pro-AC 11 on these components. Certainly not enough to justify a doubling in price.
Highly recommended for any digital source.

Product Weakness: High price for little improvement on analog sources over HT Pro-AC 11.
Product Strengths: Increase in soundstage, three-dimensionality, bass slam, top-end air and retrieval of low level detail. Great on digital source.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Musical Fidelity A300cr (225 wpc)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Musical Fidelity A3cr
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 3D CD/Magnum Dynalab MD 102 Tuner/Nakamichi DR-8 Tape Deck
Speakers:	B&W N804s
Cables/Interconnects:	Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista ICs (CD to pre/pre to power amp)/DH Labs Air Matrix (tape deck and tuner)/HT Pro-AC 11 PCs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Blues
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (15A HC) with Mini Lab Cable to wall/PS Audio Juice Bar
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	High price for little improvement on analog sources over HT Pro-AC 11.
Product Strengths:	Increase in soundstage, three-dimensionality, bass slam, top-end air and retrieval of low level detail. Great on digital source.