Thread: Ansuz Cables & Accessories

Hi All,

An intensive demo VIP evening with lots of news….

Where to begin, well, Lars and Frits are as always at/on/in their game and put up their high quality, very pedagogic and eye opening demo.

The new ‘2’ series where on display. System used from start was a full wired A system with their new U-150 amp and a Primare CD as transport transduced by a pair of Raidho D1.1. The equipment was supplied from a D distribution box and all units resting on DTC Darkz.

And off we go, first change was from A Mainz to A2 mainz from the ‘wall’ to the box. Everything snapped into focus, less background and the feeling was more analogue, kind of more effortless dynamics. My demo/music memory tells me it’s a nose ahead of a C mainz.
More things happened in between but then we moved to the C2 series of Mainz, and again a jump up in all parameters, and for me this was even bigger than the previous A to A2 and it reminded me about when you go from C to D mainz but for me it had a different voicing than a D Mainz and again there is an analogue feeling to it or perhaps call it homogeneous meaning more musical. I am not sure this character would fit my Guarneris but with the Raidho it was a welcome addition. In conclusion, this new 2 series add more space, blacker background, better dynamics and sound more effortless. Some have described it as work in this forum, could be, though without loss of anything.
On the technical side, you can see that there is a new technology deployed where Michael B evolved his first ideas into a supercharged application like on the D2 Mainz. There is no longer a ‘diamond’ coating on the connector housings but the new technology is so much better that the good effect from the coating kind of was reduced to nothing. Not to mention how expensive they were to manufacture.
Anyway, now the NSC technology stretches outside the connectors and housings and actually the NSC tech is applied between D connectors and the D housings which includes several more windings due to the increased distance. This increase in distance/area together with a new wire geometry and some other magic from MB gave a very positive impact. Let’s say that this extended NSC just added some more muscle to noise suppressing. You can see the new turbo charged NSC winding through the sleeving and the rest of the cable is classically twisted to reduce induction build up.
In general, all new cables have become a bit fattier, physically, because of the new technologies, changes to insulation or cable winding geometry however I do not know if also the cross sections have been increased.
The big bang for the buck is the C2 mainz. By the way, the new POM will in principle be the old A. Of course, D2 Mainz take it to another level though I feel that it has to be judged from a system balance standpoint.
My view is that the best to start is with a Mainz box and a Mainz from the wall to the box and then start adding Darkz (preferable DTC) to all equipment which I did my self. After that add Mainz cables, Signalz and finally Speakz, but this is my personal view of course.
Some words about the U-150, not to my taste in looks and some in the audience shouted “Nice looking alarm clock” but some really liked it and the smart thing is that it is modular in terms on that you have to buy the DAC and RIAA modules separately which is great from a personal tailoring standpoint. The sound follow all of the Aavik hallmarks and I think it didn’t lack anything in performance albeit a little less control but until comparing it to U-300 the truth stays with the U-150.
On another note, someone in the audience shouted when will you launch your own CD-drive! And both Lars and Frits started squirming like worms on a hook but finally they said something about that they have been discussing it and it is now on an idea stage slash kind of dipping the toe into externalizing this, if I correctly read their cryptic answers and grinning’s. Thumbs up for this, no doubt a good transport kicks the streaming alternatives I heard.
Well the evening continued with connecting the new 2 series of Digitalz and of course going from an A to A2 brought forward some gains and in general the ‘new’ voicing, or the lack of any voicing, could be heard in all new 2 series, a feeling of a more effortless presentation of the music = more live!
Now to more news, the ‘signal’ side of the new D2 series now have a spilled down DTC technology into them and D can be used passive or even better active with the DTC power box. And speaking about the DTC power box, adding this just to the D Mainz box brought loads of background blackness and increased effortlessness. When applying the active feed to the DTC digitalz/signalz/speakz the performance really jumps up. In basic, if I understood Frits correctly, the DTC feed the screen of the cables just like some kind of noise buster suppressing the ground fluctuation due to noise and build up inductive currents. All the DTC preproduction digitalz/signalz/speakz have smaller versions of the DTC oval coverings however Frits told me that it will change for something else for the release to retailers.
We also had a go on the new speaker cables, and he same hike in performance was heard there and what struck me was how good even the new A2 sounded and to hear the D2 in its best the DTC powerbox will be mandatory (an understatement, I know), as this brings this cable really further up the musical bliss ladder than just the jump when adding a passive D2 speakz after a C2.
After this the benefits/downside of adding/omitting the Darkz was demoed with full effect and as a holder of 24 DTC Darkz myself and knowing how good these ‘pucks’ are, they are a now brainer.

Now I kind of exhausted myself but there could be so much more to say but I will leave it to you when you have the chance to listen to a demo.

Just to make clear, I have no affiliation with Ansuz nor Aavik.

I am pretty sure Emil or other from Ansuz at this forum kindly will correct any technical description flaws.

EndNote, the new series move the bar not only one notch rather 2 with some cables and the ‘lower’ series is really much better than before.

Mike

Thank you for a great report Mikeoo! I guess many of us have been waiting for D1 vs D2 comparisons, but reading between the lines of your experience yesterday it seems such a comparison is highly unnecessary as the step should be pretty obvious. Also interesting that the D2 models gets an active treatment.... um um... this will not end well for me...

Hi,

Yes they jumped the comparison between D and D2. To my ear memory the jump is not that big maybe sideways slight up, not enough for change my D Mainz. As I mentioned it may be up to the system you use and the Raidho D1.1 benefitted from this. Frits and the gang will of course not agree Anyway my target is on DTC mainz and DTC powerbox. DTC power box is cramped with sparkz and tesla coils….say no more

Mike

Yeah, I agree on the D-TC box. I had thoughts about a second Mainz D8 for this same reason, but the D-TC box is probably even more value. The only thing is that if the D2's can also be active these days, one day you would like to connect them to that box... I know I would want to...

Anyone knows if the D-TC box can be connected to the Mainz D8? Or should it go into a separate jack in the wall?

Great write up Mike. By any chance was pricing compared to the original series mentioned?

Voices You want to power the DTC power box from the manizD8. Just as you would if you got a second MainzD8.

Thanks, just wanted to be sure... and that's excellent, especially as I only have one power outlet nearby...

Hello again,

The DTC powerbox was hooked, powerwise. with the D8 Mainz box.

A funny early intermission yesterday to prove their technology, Frits suddenly went behind a screen and came back with a 2-3 meter Nordost Odin 2 mains cable. Lars laughed a bit and excused himself for that he and Michael designed it before leaving Nordost. Well everything collapsed, hifi as music, if you had been blindfolded you would probably think they hooked up a twisted lamp cord cable or something. In went the A2 again and everything was perfect. Hmmmm a 10 times the money cable crushed by Ansuz A2 Mainz. Discussion unnecessary!
Mike

Originally Posted by octadyndude

Great write up Mike. By any chance was pricing compared to the original series mentioned?

Thanks George,

Pricing in the 10% up at least in Denmark but I guess that will be all over the world. Launch of the new series will be in a few months time at selected premium dealers.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

Thanks George,

Pricing in the 10% up at least in Denmark but I guess that will be all over the world. Launch of the new series will be in a few months time at selected premium dealers.

Mike

Wow why so long I wonder? I've been waiting since Lars was here either late Jan or early Feb. I want to upgrade my C and add an A2

Originally Posted by octadyndude

Hopefully Emil will will chime in

As the X-Series and DTC level will remain untouched, the new versions of the cables has a increased price of 10-12%. It has been a long time since the first cables came from us at Ansuz, and by the new series we've added new technologies and cable designs, which makes the cables better than the former version.

Cables are not cheap to produce and develop. The cables has the same qualities as the older versions, and the new P2-A2-C2-D2 does what the older cables does, just better.


We're very happy about all the nice comments people has wrote about our 3-days demoes

Originally Posted by octadyndude

Wow why so long I wonder? I've been waiting since Lars was here either late Jan or early Feb. I want to upgrade my C and add an A2

George,

As good as the A2 is the C2 represent the jump I had from C to D/Mike

To defend Lars a bit, he and Michael designed before Ansuz even hit their minds. My guess that they were limited in what they could do with in the concept and form factor of Nordost hence they finished to create total freedom around their creative minds.
By the way I stand to that comment, because thats how it was, and all of us in the room had the same experience.

/Mike

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

Thanks George,

Pricing in the 10% up at least in Denmark but I guess that will be all over the world. Launch of the new series will be in a few months time at selected premium dealers.

Mike

Any idea if A10 audio in the Netherlands will be included?

Originally Posted by Mordante

Any idea if A10 audio in the Netherlands will be included?

I guess Emil could answer that as they just said premium dealers. Not sure if Ansuz homepage tells something about premium dealers

/Mike

Lars,

Welcome to the forum. Thank you so much!!!!!

Joe

Originally Posted by Ansuz-Aavik Lars

Hi guys

our new range of cables are available in a few weeks also in the Nederlands by A-10 Alex

One big happy Ansuz family here at the shark... Indeed welcome Lars!

Originally Posted by Ansuz-Aavik Lars

Hi guys

our new range of cables are available in a few weeks also in the Nederlands by A-10 Alex

Oh no! Good to see you Lars.

More on the Odin2 comparison by Mono & Stereo's short report from the Copenhagen event...

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2017/09...-and-more.html

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

More on the Odin2 comparison by Mono & Stereo's short report from the Copenhagen event...

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2017/09...-and-more.html

And that comparison was with Ansuz A2 Mainz, so it was 3 steps below their top choice DTC.

Mike

Lars, Emil... Speaking about DTC... I was just about to register some cables on the website but the web form validation is not taking into account that the DTC serials are longer than the others. Maybe you want to fix this some day...

Any opinions regarding power cable for the D-TC Powerbox? Would any cheap cable do, a Mainz X or should it preferably be on the same level as the rest of the system?

I'm sure the D-TC power cable would sound the best. I've tried a Ceramic and Diamond and didn't hear too much of a difference. Then I put in an old BPT cable in and didn't hear a significant difference. So that's what I'm running now.

That said I did order an Aluminum V2 for it and a Ceramic V2 to upgrade my Ceramic (MainzD8 to U300). I also requested a demo of the Diamond V2. I want to see if the Diamond V2 betters the A2 and C2. Not sure when the cables will arrive. I just remember when I had the short demo of the prototypes A2 and C2 the A2 blew my C away. And the C2 was even better than the A2. Lars didn't bring a D2.

La Dolce Vita, are you saying that the step between C2 -> D2 was larger than D2 -> D-TC?

Nope, I'm not a dealer... just a completely fanatic and happy Ansuz customer who also enjoy seeing others just as happy by discovering these lovely products...

Thank you very much for your detailed thoughts regarding the difference of each level, very interesting! And I couldn't agree more. Every individual is different, and so is every system.... listening is key, but no cable is wrong in the end.

I'm starting to get really curious about adding the D-TC Powerbox to my system (as a "Sparkz on drugs" solution), and especially knowing that the D2 line is becoming possible to power with it I think it became even more interesting. Even if it might not be possible for me to go there today, future proofing investments or just planning ahead a bit is always nice....

I can't recommend the D-TC power box enough. But I thought your question was what power cord to use for the power box. And if there is any improvement with better power cords to power it. I'm still on the fence about that and have ordered an A2 for mine. My demo with the A2 and C2 prototypes that was almost 10 months ago comparing it to my original C. After getting my D-TC power box (about 5 months ago) I did borrow a C and D to see if there was much of a difference. At the time I didn't hear enough of a change to justify either cable so I left my BPT cable in. But now that the V2's are being released I ordered 2.

I was asked by Lars when he demoed the V2's in my home not to mention anything regarding them until something was officially announced.

I just found out that Ansuz has had a DTC version of a USB cable for about six months. Supposedly it's something like a V2 Diamond plus TC. I was looking for an upgrade to the cable between the Aurender N10 and Chord Hugo TT and since I already had the power box, I bought one.

It cost a fraction of what my DigitalZ DTC coax cost and I can also use it between the N10 and the U-300 amp if I choose. At $3,600 it's not that much more expensive than a V2 Diamond USB or my other choice, the Chord Sarum Super USB.

It might seem questionable spending that much for a cable that's connecting what is essentially my headphone amp but I listen to HP's far more than speakers.
Bud

Octadyne, yes, that was exactly what I was originally asking, you got it absolutely right... Thanks!

Leatherneck, say what?! I have not heard about any D-TC USB cable... I have a Diamond today but actually ordered another brand of USB cable to try the other day as I kind of felt I was missing a bit of "something" during some USB testings I did recently.

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

Octadyne, yes, that was exactly what I was originally asking, you got it absolutely right... Thanks!

Leatherneck, say what?! I have not heard about any D-TC USB cable... I have a Diamond today but actually ordered another brand of USB cable to try the other day as I kind of felt I was missing a bit of "something" during some USB testings I did recently.

I just found out about it when I was talking to my dealer about the availability of the V2 cables. He told me it's been available for about six months and it's something they'd been asking Michael for. If the V2 Diamond is going to cost $2,750 or so, the extra cost of the DTC isn't bad unless you have to also buy the power box.

Website details for D-TC USB says...

1. USB connector
2. Housing with NSC® technology inside
3. Selective laser sintered d·tc housings with dynamically charged dielectric material and active tesla coil inside (d·tc Powerbox needed)

I guess to make fully use of it it's the same as with all D-TC signal cables, they should be powered by the D-TC powerbox...

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

Website details for D-TC USB says...

1. USB connector
2. Housing with NSC® technology inside
3. Selective laser sintered d·tc housings with dynamically charged dielectric material and active tesla coil inside (d·tc Powerbox needed)

I guess to make fully use of it it's the same as with all D-TC signal cables, they should be powered by the D-TC powerbox...

If you haven't got the power box, it's not a good deal. Fortunately, I already had one.

On the other hand, the power box really makes a difference just plugged into the D8 so there is some justification for it even if you have no DTC cables.

I'm currently considering the powerbox... so one thing can easily lead to another here....

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

I'm currently considering the powerbox... so one thing can easily lead to another here....

Do it one step at a time. First, I was offered a deal on the power box that I couldn’t turn down. I noticed an improvement in my system just plugged into the D8. Then I was hooked. Next up a DigitalZ DTC. Now I’m in trouble. Got myself a new headphone amp with DAC that likes USB cables. I’d already had a nice Nordost Heimdall USB cable that sounded pretty good driving the Hugo TT except when I tried using the DigitalZ DTC I’m using between the streamer and the U-300 I could see I was missing something. Doing my due diligence I decided I would choose a new USB cable between Chord and Ansuz. I couldn’t find a DTC version of the Ansuz and I knew I’d have to wait to see what the V2 versions were like. When I talked to my dealer he said that since I already had the power box, why not get the DTC version? He told me it had been out six months.

My New DTC USB was shipped to me this morning and my bank account took another hit. If I hadn't lost my wife not so long ago I’d be listening to a Naim Mu-So right now and be happy.
Bud

I'm sorry for the loss of your wife, I'm not sure if any cable (D-TC included), can make up for that....

Ansuz stuff is like a deadly poison... it does things to you. Have you tried the D-TC Darkz btw? I can wholeheartedly recommend them, the more of them the better!

I think an atomic bomb must have hit my bank account... and I'm (only) at Diamond level...

I'm just waiting for that Powerbox offer I cannot refuse.... haha... I'm pretty convinced it will do good things already, no Ansuz stuff has ever let me down so far!

Will be interesting to hear your thoughts about the D-TC USB cable... I'm getting my new USB cable tomorrow as it seems. I'm really hoping for the Ansuz to stay, but we'll see.... best cable wins....

Originally Posted by Leatherneck

If I hadn't lost my wife not so long ago I’d be listening to a Naim Mu-So right now and be happy.
Bud

Bud, I'm so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts our with you. ❤️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Mike

Bud, I'm so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts our with you. ❤️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you Mike. We had 56 great years together.
Bud

Originally Posted by VoicesInMyHead

I'm sorry for the loss of your wife, I'm not sure if any cable (D-TC included), can make up for that....

Ansuz stuff is like a deadly poison... it does things to you. Have you tried the D-TC Darkz btw? I can wholeheartedly recommend them, the more of them the better!

I think an atomic bomb must have hit my bank account... and I'm (only) at Diamond level...

I'm just waiting for that Powerbox offer I cannot refuse.... haha... I'm pretty convinced it will do good things already, no Ansuz stuff has ever let me down so far!

Will be interesting to hear your thoughts about the D-TC USB cable... I'm getting my new USB cable tomorrow as it seems. I'm really hoping for the Ansuz to stay, but we'll see.... best cable wins....

Thank you.
I bought one of my Mainz DTC cables off AGon and was also able to get two sets of DarkZ’s from the seller at half price. I was surprised how much difference those DarkZ’s make. I have one set under the U-300 and the other under the D8. What really made a difference was getting the D8 off the carpet and onto a rack.

I do want to compare the USB DTC with the DIgitalZ DTC Coax to see how they sound. I think the USB will sound best between the streamer and the Chord Hugo TT. Chord says an Asynchronous USB is the best digital cable to use with the TT.
Bud

Good evening Bud
+1 regarding the Darkz D-TC. Although I don't own any but Tyler let me demo some for a couple of weeks. They make for a nice difference. But I have to draw a line on spending. Thought I did but Lars just had to bring over those V2 prototypes. The new V2 cables are about the same price and to me makes a much larger difference. I ordered an A2 and C2. Not sure when they will come though.

After reading your posts I remember seeing the D-TC usb cable at Axpona. ALL D-TC cables just kick butt. Pricey but extremely amazing.

Originally Posted by octadyndude

Good evening Bud
+1 regarding the Darkz D-TC. Although I don't own any but Tyler let me demo some for a couple of weeks. They make for a nice difference. But I have to draw a line on spending. Thought I did but Lars just had to bring over those V2 prototypes. The new V2 cables are about the same price and to me makes a much larger difference. I ordered an A2 and C2. Not sure when they will come though.

After reading your posts I remember seeing the D-TC usb cable at Axpona. ALL D-TC cables just kick butt. Pricey but extremely amazing.

i agree about the cables vs the DarkZ. I’d go for the new V2 cables too. What are the cables replacing? I think you told me but I forgot what you said.

I’m anxious to hear how they sound.

Say Hi to Tyler and Dana for me.

Bud

I'm replacing the C with the C2 (MainzD8 to U300) and getting the A2 for the power box. I'm also going to demo the D2 as a replacement for the C2 to see if it betters the C2 and A2 using my original BPT power cord on the power box.

Originally Posted by octadyndude

I'm replacing the C with the C2 (MainzD8 to U300) and getting the A2 for the power box. I'm also going to demo the D2 as a replacement for the C2 to see if it betters the C2 and A2 using my original BPT power cord on the power box.

One thing I haven't sorted out is the importance of the power cord between the power box and the D8. I assumed it wasn't as important as cables from the D8 to the other devices. I'm using an LCD power cord left over from my days using LFD amps and DACs. If Dr. Bres designed it, it must be good

Anyway, if someone can let me know the relative importance of this cable, I'd appreciate it.

Bud

Bud I'm in the same boat and as soon as my V2's arrive I'll post back what I think.