Cable Asylum: REVIEW: NEAR SOTA Cables Single wire Teflon tubing Cable by arevz

Model:	Single wire Teflon tubing
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$~80
Description:	Near Sota Interconnect cables
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by arevz ( A ) on November 13, 2003 at 13:51:28
IP Address: 4.46.1.247

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for the Single wire Teflon tubing

I first encountered 47 Labs OTA cables a few months ago when I decided the DIY route as the best alternative, and the cheapest, to find the ICâ€™s which gives the optimum synergy to the components I currently have. Although the OTA is a revelation in terms of transparency and vocal presentation in my system, I confirmed the biggest drawback that others before me noticed about this cable. The bass is somewhat on the lean side!
Not wanting to let go of the high points of the OTAâ€™s, I began my research to find out if thereâ€™s a solution to the bass deficiency of the cable.
Enter NEAR SOTA cables
Mr. Larry Grac, proprietor of NEAR SOTA cables, had done a lot of testing and listening in order to improve the positives of the OTA design. Rumor has it that he makes a cable wire that bested all the positives of the OTA cable without sacrificing the bass response. I contacted Mr. Grac to inquire about the cables. To make a long story short, I made two ICâ€™s (a 4 foot pair for my amp, and a 3 foot pair for my preamp-to-phono preamp connection) out of his cable (which is pre burned in by him using Jim Hagermanâ€™s Fry Cleaner, I think) and tried it in my system.
It Is Not A Humor!
In my system, the cable performs very well. I compared the new and improve (if I can call it that) OTA to the original in my system side by side. After three weeks, a conclusion was made. The positive attributes of the OTAâ€™s are intact and magnified with the new cable, and the bass is nowhere â€œleanâ€ in my judgment as compared to the original OTAâ€™s before. In fact, it becomes tuneful and deep (sorry, but I can only described it by those words). Soundstage, as a result, weighs and extends much better than it used to be in my system. The attack improved in realism and speed compared to other cables that I used before. Low level listening at night, as well, becomes more enjoyable with this cable. Both formats (CD and TT), especially vinyl, improves tremendously for my taste using this cables.
Hello EBAY!
Iâ€™ve sold 4 pairs of interconnects as a result. I made 5 pairs of the ICâ€™s so far. For a single 3 feet IC pair, Iâ€™ve spent ~ $80 (including solder, shrink wraps, and Eichmann Bullets) using Mr. Gracâ€™s cable. Also, Iâ€™ve sold my speaker cables ($400 for 8 foot pair) because bi-wire is no longer needed as my solution before to the lack of bass using the original OTAâ€™s. To me and in my set up, I can say â€œEurekaâ€ finally.
Postscript
I have ordered more cables from Mr. Grac, who was very nice to deal with and even gave me a background of what to expect on his cable during and after it settles. I have wired my preamp and my step up transformer with it and I am very happy with the results as well. In my recollection, there was no claim whatsoever coming from him how his cable will be superior to others Iâ€™ve tried in my system during my conversation with Mr. Grac. He just mentioned to try it and listen for yourself, and maybe you will like it. Indeed! Thanks Larry!
MY SYSTEM
Teres 255 (the best!) w/ battery option, motor and pulley upgrade, OL Silver Arm, Benz Ace cart
Wright Sound WP100C Phono preamp
Mapletree Audio Design Octal 6A Triplex preamp using Jensen copper foil, Blackgates, and Hovland caps, Riken and Audionote resistors, in all signal path.
Jolida JD100 ,modified by Parts Connexion, cd player
Odyssey Audio Monoblocks with caps upgrade
Acoustic Zen Holograms MKII and Hologram Jumpers
Martin Logan Ascents
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to any manufacturer mentioned on this review.

Product Weakness: none
Product Strengths: cost and performance. Neutrality and balance.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Odyssey Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	MAD Octal6A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Jolida JD 100A
Speakers:	Martin Logan Ascents
Cables/Interconnects:	NEAR SOTA/Acoustic Zen
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	none
Product Strengths:	cost and performance. Neutrality and balance.