Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Silver Audio Power Burst with Deluxe WATTaGATE termination Cable by David Spear

Model:	Power Burst with Deluxe WATTaGATE termination
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$230 (1 meter)
Description:	power cord
Manufacturer URL:	Silver Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Silver Audio

Review by David Spear on August 11, 2001 at 08:16:35
IP Address: 210.230.171.103

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Background
My system is described in gory detail in "Inmate Systems", but to present a brief summary, all electronics are Accuphase (DP-75V CD player, DG-28 Digital Voicing Equalizer, C-265 preamp, and P-550 amp, all powered by a PS-1200 Clean Power Supply), all wires are Silver Audio (balanced Appassionata interconnects, Silver Stream digital cables, and dual runs of Silver Symphony 32 speaker wires), and speakers are Soundline SL2 ribbon hybrids mated with a REL Strata III subwoofer.
Several months ago, Max Kreifeldt of Silver Audio kindly offered to make me a custom prototype Power Burst power cord with Deluxe WATTaGATE termination at both ends (the ones with clear plastic bodies and gold-plated contacts). I ordered a 2-meter cord and placed it between the wall and the PS-1200 power supply. I was impressed with the construction and appearance of this power cord, but didn't hear much of a difference, which is understandable given that the PS-1200 generates a perfectly sinusoidal AC waveform, similar in concept to the PS Audio Power Plants.
Last week, I received four matching 1-meter Power Burst/Deluxe WATTaGATE cords to replace the Harmonic Technology Pro AC-11 power cords (with Hubbell termination) that were placed between the PS-1200 and each of the Accuphase components. These cords are the subject of this review.
Construction
The Power Burst power cords are not particularly impressive looking, especially compared with some of the 3-inch-thick monsters out there. They measure about 3/4 of an inch in diameter and are covered with a simple black mesh sheath. They are pretty heavy, but quite flexible and easy to route. The power cords are shielded against EMI, I believe with a full mu-metal sheath. The WATTaGATE plugs and IEC connectors are simply gorgeous, with knurled clear plastic bodies and gold contacts. They provide a nice firm connection to the AC/IEC sockets. There are a lot of sudden thunderstorms where I live, so I unplug my system every night. The gold plating on the first 2-meter cord has not shown any signs of wear in several months of daily plugging in and unplugging.
The Sound
My system has always tended toward the "refined" end of the spectrum: more cerebral than visceral, more dainty than rowdy, more yin than yang, more Venus than Mars (if you catch my drift). I guess that, taken to the extreme, these characteristics could be described as airy, transparent, pellucid, or even ethereal (if you like this kind of sound) or anemic, bleached, effete, or even disembodied (if you don't). I tend to prefer a more polite, restrained sound to an "in your face", aggressive sound, but definitely don't want to err too far from neutrality.
I didn't expect a simple power cord swap to make much of a difference, but was pleasantly surprised after installing the Power Bursts. With the new cords in place, there is a noticeable shift in the overall sonic character of my system. The music now sounds more vivid, involving, and palpable, sort of like the effect of turning up a television's color saturation control a tad. This is particularly true for vocals, which seem to have greater presence, a bit more "flesh on the bone". Rhythmic drive and dynamic impact are also improved, with the system sounding, for want of a better word, a little "ballsier". All in all, a welcome nudge toward greater emotional involvement, but not over the edge into fatiguing aggressiveness or syrupy congestion.
Conclusion
The Power Bursts seem to be doing good things in my system, infusing the music with a bit more energy, life, and punch. I would recommend them to anyone who is seeking to liven up a polite-sounding rig.
In closing, I would just like to add that Max at Silver Audio is a real pleasure to do business with. I have always been impressed with his honesty and "down to earth" advice, and consider him to be the antithesis of the "snake oil salesmen" that they are always going on about at Audio Review. If feel that he makes truly excellent products at a reasonable price and provides outstanding service and customer support. (I should mention that I have absolutely no financial relationship to Silver Audio. I am just an extremely satisfied customer.)

Product Weakness: I haven't heard any of the "super power cords" out there, so really can't say
Product Strengths: Improved dynamics and presence, reasonable price, flexible and easy to route, attractive appearance

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Accuphase P-550
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Accuphase C-265
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Accuphase DP-75V
Speakers:	Soundline SL2/REL Strata III
Cables/Interconnects:	Silver Audio Appassionata/Silver Stream/Silver Symphony 32
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, progressive rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 12 x Cathedral
Room Comments/Treatments:	See Inmate Systems
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months (1st cord), less than 1 week (next 4)
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Accuphase PS-1200
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	See Inmate Systems

Product Weakness:	I haven't heard any of the "super power cords" out there, so really can't say
Product Strengths:	Improved dynamics and presence, reasonable price, flexible and easy to route, attractive appearance