Thread: Ansuz Cables & Accessories

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

So Emil, what can you tell us about the DTC2 series?

Mike

All cables in the D-TC series will be replaced with all new cables.• The designs and technology are scaled-down from the D-TC Supreme
series.
• All D-TC2 interconnects must be connected to a PowerBox
• The Mainz D-TC2 do not external power for the active parts.
• All Boxes -Power, Switch, Mainz8’s will remain unchanged.
• All models can be ordered now and will be delivered in June

Double post

I've heard enough good things about hi fi switches to now consider and upgrade from my standard Netgear switch.

I'd be locating the switch on the 'server rack,' which is quite far from my hi fi. There is about a 60 foot run of cat 5 cable from the server rack to my hi fi. Will the benefits of a good switch be fulfilled if it's sitting amidst a lot of other 'noisy' components (nas, router, Roon NUC, etc etc) and the hi fi player is connected by such a long run?

Thinking about the XTC switch, vs. the new Chord EE switch

Originally Posted by Bart001

I've heard enough good things about hi fi switches to now consider and upgrade from my standard Netgear switch.

I'd be locating the switch on the 'server rack,' which is quite far from my hi fi. There is about a 60 foot run of cat 5 cable from the server rack to my hi fi. Will the benefits of a good switch be fulfilled if it's sitting amidst a lot of other 'noisy' components (nas, router, Roon NUC, etc etc) and the hi fi player is connected by such a long run?

Thinking about the XTC switch, vs. the new Chord EE switch

There will benefits no matter where you place it. The switch is basicly a digital version of the Mainz 8 Power Distributioner. The technologies used in both products are fairly similar. It is important to note though like any other audio component it will be playing at its best if you make the conditions as good as possible. Ofc a 18 meter long cable won't be ideal but in general your system should have a great improvement if you connect all your units to it like the NAS, Roon NUC etc.

I haven't heard the chord switch so don't know what your best choice is.

Here is a review from low beats : PowerSwitch / LowBeats - Ansuz Acoustics

Any one got a bite out of the new DTC2 line up? Mainz in particular!

Mike

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

Any one got a bite out of the new DTC2 line up? Mainz in particular!

Mike

Yes! The new D-TC2 Mainz power cables knocked my socks off compared to the already great D-TC Mainz. Honestly, I was expecting a good incremental improvement. What I got when I switched them out was an huge jump in dynamic range and further reduction in noise floor as a result. That is, much more of all the wonderful qualities you expect with the Ansuz power cables and system. It was by no means subtle! These are much closer to the Supreme cables for much less cost.
Disclosure: I'm an Ansuz dealer, so don't take my word for it- listen for yourself! Well worth it!
Tom

Hi,

Mainz8 D2! At least in my home/system the Sparkz never worked it made all sound worse, go figure? If funds can be stretched try adding at least a C2 Mainz cable from the wall receptacle or rather Mainz8 C2 + Mainz C2.

When you open this Ansuz door you are in for a great sonic ride but also there is no way back, trust me!

Mike

Originally Posted by daspringham

I've ordered a Mainz8 A2 along with 2 x Mainz A2 1m cables. I have only one source (Devialet 220 all in one). One A2 cable was to be from wall to Mainz 8 and the other A2 was to go to the Devialet.

I'm wondering if I was to stretch the budget to substitute the wall A2 to include a C2, would the Mainz8 A2 distributor hold back the system in any way.

Comment gratefully appreciated.

Welcome.

In my experience your overall system will sound better with a Mainz C2 cable from wall socket to the distributor.

Originally Posted by daspringham

Is there a suggested break-in period? The setup sounds quite good right out of the gate. Amazing clarity and detail - almost too much. I assume things will settle down with some hours. [...]

The Ansuz cables and distributor should sound good out of the box but if you scroll back in posts Emil Kristensen from Ansuz Acoustics suggests around 100 hours of break-in and other users here have reported 200-300 hours for optimal performance.

Originally Posted by daspringham

For you Ansuz experts out there.

What would be the more effective, noticeable and bang-for-buck upgrade for a Mainz 8 C2? Replacing existing 1M A2 wall to Mainz 8 cable with a 2M C2 OR adding Darkz C2T footers (keeping existing A2 Mainz cable at input).

What's the advice on plugging noisy digital devices (ie. wifi router) into the Mainz 8 - will the RF feed back into the power distributor and contaminate all of the outputs or will the Mainz be able to effectively filter the noise?

I haven’t experimented with this but I have been told the cable from wall to distributor makes a big impact. So going from A2 to C2 would be a decent upgrade.

For the router, I tried plugging in a switch (not wireless) to the distributor a while back and it worked well. I would imagine everything that is used in the audio chain would help. If you are not using the wireless router for your audio then not much of a reason to plug it in. I would be surprised if the RF would interfere with anything since the distributor is supposed to clean up all noise and interference. However, I would keep wireless away from most audio equipment since the signal can add interference if a component is not well shielded.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have not heard the Darkz. But I can report that when I made an entire swap of A2 distro unit and AC cables for all C2 level, the improvement was very noticeable and appreciated. The C2 are the first AC products that I've really heard; I endorse them. Of course all systems are different.

Originally Posted by daspringham

What are you guys using for footers under your Mainz8's? The stock feet don't seem that functional on their own. Obviously they're made to be used with the Darkz - clever but of course extra cost.

Nothing. Mine sits on the top level of a Naim Fraim rack. I would spend money elsewhere before expensive feet for an ac block.

I am using the "cheapest" Darkz version (A) for my M8 D2, you can even get away with only three Darkz (and no extra ceramic or titanium balls) if you just put them under the enclosure.

Originally Posted by daspringham

For you Ansuz experts out there.

What would be the more effective, noticeable and bang-for-buck upgrade for a Mainz 8 C2? Replacing existing 1M A2 wall to Mainz 8 cable with a 2M C2 OR adding Darkz C2T footers (keeping existing A2 Mainz cable at input).

What's the advice on plugging noisy digital devices (ie. wifi router) into the Mainz 8 - will the RF feed back into the power distributor and contaminate all of the outputs or will the Mainz be able to effectively filter the noise?

Your Ansuz dealer should be able to help you establish priorities and guide "best bang-for-buck" pathways.

In my experience (for what its worth) the first cable from the wall socket to the distributor is critical. An upgrade here typically benefits the entire system.

Originally Posted by daspringham

What are you guys using for footers under your Mainz8's? The stock feet don't seem that functional on their own. Obviously they're made to be used with the Darkz - clever but of course extra cost.

You'd be surprised how much better these feets are than standard rubber feets

Originally Posted by daspringham

The thing I don't care for with the Mainz is the use of four fixed chassis footers. I realize the idea is to support the chassis at its' strongest, most rigid points (ie the corners), however with standard (non-adjustable) Darkz it is impossible to obtain equal pressure on all four footers. You either have to mess around trying to shim or buy one adjustable Darkz (which is apparently inferior due to the use of only one layer of 3 balls versus the non-adjustable with it's two layer design). Would have made things much more practical to just use 3 fixed receptacles to accommodate the Darkz.

How much would you loose (or possibly gain) by just using 3 standard Darkz (without the external balls) under the chassis and completely bypass the fixed footers/receptacles?

The mainz distributors are not very heavy, after weighing it down with an aluminium doorstop, the chassis had good contact with the darkz.

Originally Posted by daspringham

How much would you loose (or possibly gain) by just using 3 standard Darkz (without the external balls) under the chassis and completely bypass the fixed footers/receptacles?

To answer your question, using 3 standard Darkz footers is what I've seen the exhibitors do at audio shows. I don't know if this is due to lack of set up time or if using three is good enough.

Originally Posted by daspringham

The thing I don't care for with the Mainz is the use of four fixed chassis footers. I realize the idea is to support the chassis at its' strongest, most rigid points (ie the corners), however with standard (non-adjustable) Darkz it is impossible to obtain equal pressure on all four footers. You either have to mess around trying to shim or buy one adjustable Darkz (which is apparently inferior due to the use of only one layer of 3 balls versus the non-adjustable with it's two layer design). Would have made things much more practical to just use 3 fixed receptacles to accommodate the Darkz.

How much would you loose (or possibly gain) by just using 3 standard Darkz (without the external balls) under the chassis and completely bypass the fixed footers/receptacles?

Originally Posted by Odyssey

To answer your question, using 3 standard Darkz footers is what I've seen the exhibitors do at audio shows. I don't know if this is due to lack of set up time or if using three is good enough.

Yes. I’ve seen the use of 3 standard Darkz footers under a Mainz8 at shows to and wondered how optimal that configuration is?

I’ve often considered that as cutting corners – perhaps due to lack of set up time or inadequate availability of Darkz footers or alternatively purposely done [at exhibitions] to facilitate the quick swop out Mainz8 units to demonstrate differences in quality levels.

Perhaps Emil can comment.

In theory, the shell / cabinet of the Mainz8 is non resonant pressurized MDF and therefore does not provide an effective transmission path for micro resonances – which is the dictate and the raison d'être of the Darkz bearing interface located in each of the four corners of the Mainz8. This is a mechanically tuned path to allow vibrations a pathway out of the Mainz8 whilst also endeavouring to keep the Mainz8 isolated.

In short, Darkz resting directly on the casing is an inferior grounding for mechanical vibrations and thus a loss for music. At least that’s how I understand it.

Furthermore, since the casing for most Mainz8 versions is slippery and there is some tension in the various power cords plugged into the rear of the Mainz8 – the Mainz8 unit itself will less stable being susceptible to torsional movement (stepping and twisting on the shelf) which is undesirable.



Photos of Ansuz products and accessories in the various demo rooms at their Danish facilitates typically show placement of Darkz in the corners of the Mainz8. With third party products, particularly amplifiers, Ansuz recommend the use of three (3) Darkz, one directly underneath the power supply / transformer and the other two so the amplifier is stable.


Circling back to the OP’s question, surely the answer is to level the surface which the Mainz8 sits on? The Mainz8 unit should be on its own shelf in the equipment rack and the shelf levelled with a spirit or laser level. This may seem excessive but with audio everything matters.

I'll add one more curve ball into the mix here.

If you have the newest generation Mainz8 distributor, you should have it on the lowest shelf or lower shelf of your rack. This is because the power cables will exert some downward pressure on the outlets. This is especially true of the DTC II and Supreme power cords that have oval boxes attached to them. I find myself inserting some support between the bottom of the power cord plug and the rack surface to counteract the downward pull of the power cables.

However, I do take the time to make sure that the rack surface is super level with a precision level tool. I then do a "feel test" to make sure that each of the four Darkz footers has about the same amount of pressure on it. This is imprecise. Then when I add all of the power cords the above happens. You can spend 10 minutes or hours on this trying to make it perfect.

I do enjoy the audible results.

Lars and Michael harp on mechanical grounding being as important as anything else.

I figure if I'm this far into their eco-system I'll take what they say seriously.

Welcome to the forum Armand68.

Yes, I definitely think you qualify!

While I’m not familiar with the Telos stuff, Nordost and Ansuz work beautifully together.

Are the Ansuz Sparkz, Sparkz TC, Sparkz TC2 and Nordost Qv2 et. al. plugged into a Nordost, Ansuz or some other brand of distributor? Out of interest, which model of distributor(s) are you using?

Do you have dedicated power circuits to the main system? I got an electrician to install a power point close to the main switchboard just so I could experiment placing different noise reducers / sound enhances there.

Originally Posted by Armand68

All Nordost plugs are plugged into Nordost QB4 and QB8 distributors.

All the rest are plugged into either wall outlets or Furutech power distributors (TP-60e, TP-309e and TP-609e NCF. The latter where components are connected). I actually do not own an Ansuz distributor, I guess I should have... Heard they are good.

Of the bunch Telos is my latest addition, but clearly my favorite. The QNR unit is exceptionally good. The Mini QNR is also very good. I have found that even with a lot of Nordost and Ansuz plugs just throwing in a couple of Telos Mini-Q lifts the experience to a whole different level. The mini-Q is at least on level with the Sparkz TC2 but works differently so it is a little difficult to compare.

I have a dedicated power line for the system.

I also own Nordost’s QB8 and while it is an excellent distributor I’d urge you to give the Ansuz Mainz8 distributor a try. In addition to supplying a steady flow of current the Mainz8 also incorporates noise shaping / reduction technologies which reduce the noise floor.



I agree with your comment that many of these noise reduction / sound enhancer technologies work differently. I prefer for example to use the Nordost Qv2’s in my home theatre system where their impact on visual performance is significant. I also like to combine Nordost QX2 and QX4 at the front end of the audio system as each unit works a little differently. And here’s a tip. If you have a spare QX4 position it where you’d like your music to image, for example if you like a really deep soundstage (I do) position the QX4 centred and as far back from the listening position as possible. Perhaps you are doing that with the Telos at the moment?

The quest to get “more music” from the audio system never really ends.

I have just got an Ansuz Mainz8 A2 with an A2 power cable. It's made quite an amazing difference and I am very pleased.

I could upgrade the distributor to a C2. Has anyone compared these two distributors? Could I have your thoughts on whether this might be worth doing? It seems the primary difference is the addition of cable tesla coils and looking at the graph further up this page I guess that this constitutes a significant part of the difference between models further up the range than my A2.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Griff500

I have just got an Ansuz Mainz8 A2 with an A2 power cable. It's made quite an amazing difference and I am very pleased.

I could upgrade the distributor to a C2. Has anyone compared these two distributors? Could I have your thoughts on whether this might be worth doing? It seems the primary difference is the addition of cable tesla coils and looking at the graph further up this page I guess that this constitutes a significant part of the difference between models further up the range than my A2.

Thoughts?

When I upgraded from A2 Mainz and cables to C2 level, I heard a significant improvement. Honestly more than I'd ever heard before with power cables. When I went from Naim PowerLines to A2, I really didn't hear anything. But A2 to C2 was pretty interesting and sold me on the notion that I can actually "hear" power cables!

Originally Posted by Bart001

When I upgraded from A2 Mainz and cables to C2 level, I heard a significant improvement. Honestly more than I'd ever heard before with power cables. When I went from Naim PowerLines to A2, I really didn't hear anything. But A2 to C2 was pretty interesting and sold me on the notion that I can actually "hear" power cables!

Thanks.

I don't think I'd be able to upgrade to a C2 cable immediately but I do have the option of upgrading from the A2 distributor to the C2. It would be used with the A2 cable for the time being.

I wonder if it's worth upgrading the distributor or look to upgrade the power cable first and upgrade the distributor at a later stage.

I didn't expect the improvement that the Ansuz A2 distributor and cable made and it's made me curious about the C2, which I do have the option of getting.

Originally Posted by Odyssey

To answer your question, using 3 standard Darkz footers is what I've seen the exhibitors do at audio shows. I don't know if this is due to lack of set up time or if using three is good enough.

Since the start using Darkz I always used 3 footers under my gear. To me it sounds better and take away the issue with leveling plus the uncertainty of having one Darkz with so-so contact and weight distribution. I only use 4 Darkz under my speakers as the spikes can be adjusted to rest with an even pressure on each Darkz.

Mike

Originally Posted by Griff500

Thanks.

I don't think I'd be able to upgrade to a C2 cable immediately but I do have the option of upgrading from the A2 distributor to the C2. It would be used with the A2 cable for the time being.

I wonder if it's worth upgrading the distributor or look to upgrade the power cable first and upgrade the distributor at a later stage.

I didn't expect the improvement that the Ansuz A2 distributor and cable made and it's made me curious about the C2, which I do have the option of getting.

Hi, the normal way of enhancing the performance would be to go for the C2 Mainz, however having, as I understand a 'good' deal on a C2 distributor I would go for the distributor. I agree that the jump in performance between A2 and C2 Mainz are substantial but take a A2 Mainz and compare it with other brands will in many cases make the A2 the million dollar choice.

Your ears decide, mine did long time ago when I entered the Ansuz world of not looking back…

Mike

Thanks for that.

Do those who have gone from A2 to C2 consider it to be a significant jump?

The move from standard household adapters to the A2 distributor and cable provided a noticeable improvement - more than I had expected and I've been very pleased with it.

I am being offered ex-demo C2 distributor with 2m C2 cable for £3,250 plus my A2 distributor and 1m cable in part exchange. I have a feeling that I could do better.

Choices are:

1. Go for it if I can get the price down a bit more.

2. Just upgrade the cable (he's looking for £3K for the ex-demo 2m C2 cable and wants the same for the ex-demo C2 distributor - £1K more for a new one).

3. Just upgrade the distributor and stick with the A2 cable until a C2 cable comes along.

I think my setup is capable of showing any improvements but perhaps that should be factored into this decision:

- Auralic Aries G2.
- Sablon Audio 2020 USB cable.
- Chord M-Scaler.
- WAVE Storm dual BNC cables.
- Chord DAVE.
- Belden XLR (cheap as chips).
- ATC SCM40A speakers / Focal Stellia and ZMF Verite Open headphones.

Further thoughts and suggestions would be very welcome.

I decided to try Ansuz interconnects, however, no local dealer for loaner. Thinking about passive setting going either with used version 1 Diamond or version 2 Ceramic, would love to get your input as to how to choose between the two. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by siitech

I decided to try Ansuz interconnects, however, no local dealer for loaner. Thinking about passive setting going either with used version 1 Diamond or version 2 Ceramic, would love to get your input as to how to choose between the two. Thanks in advance.

The A2 version has simular performance as the previous D1 version, C2 would be an upgrade compared to D1

Originally Posted by siitech

I decided to try Ansuz interconnects, however, no local dealer for loaner. Thinking about passive setting going either with used version 1 Diamond or version 2 Ceramic, would love to get your input as to how to choose between the two. Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Well it all depends… Where will you use it? My experience with the D1 vs C2 is that D1 is a more sober sounding cable and very dry in the base in comparison whereas C2 is a bit pompous. Depending how you wish to tune your system and where you will put the cable may give different pleasing outcomes.

Mike

Originally Posted by siitech

I decided to try Ansuz interconnects, however, no local dealer for loaner. Thinking about passive setting going either with used version 1 Diamond or version 2 Ceramic, would love to get your input as to how to choose between the two. Thanks in advance.

Can you remind us what power cords you are using Robert? I'd usually start with a distributor and power cord upgrade as in my experience it has a much bigger impact than interconnects.

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

Hi,

Well it all depends… Where will you use it? My experience with the D1 vs C2 is that D1 is a more sober sounding cable and very dry in the base in comparison whereas C2 is a bit pompous. Depending how you wish to tune your system and where you will put the cable may give different pleasing outcomes.

Mike

Mike,

I appreciate your input, it give me some idea of C2 vs D1. I would use the new interconnects at between my source and pre. My only reference for Ansuz cables was a set of D1 XLR--loaner from my friend--in my system, it improved the sound in a lot of area and mostly in resolution and dynamic, but somehow it is brighter and a bit bass heavy than my current cables. Without being able to audition all of them, I kind of trying to get a feel how different Ansuz range of cables sound from A to DTC, and from vesion 1 to version 2. Do more expensive and newer Ansuz more neutral/more aggresive? warmer/brighter? more bass/better control of bass? more resolution? bigger sound stage? more forward/less forward? quieter background? etc. For me, I am not looking for a cable to boost a certain frequency, but a neutral cable that is fast and resolute, and I prefer warmer sound.

Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001

Can you remind us what power cords you are using Robert? I'd usually start with a distributor and power cord upgrade as in my experience it has a much bigger impact than interconnects.

I have been using all Linn power cords for my Linn equipment. Linn generally advises agaist using power products for their Klimax switch mode power amps. Linn's Klimax amps are slim and their bodies have a hood in the back, pretty much prevent use of any bulky power cord with larger than basic IEC connector. Also, I tried several power distribution/conditioner products, including an old and least expensive Mainz distributor, I never felt they did much except compromised system's dynamic. I suspect higher model range of Mainz power product could provide better result, but I am not ready to go there especially becuase of my system's restriction.

I upgraded to the C2 distributor with a 2m C2 power cable.

I've got a 2m and 1.5m C2 power cable on their way. I'm thinking of using the 2m cables to my amplification (active speakers) and then the 1.5m into the distributor. Might it be better into my DAC and a standard power cable into the distributor? I am aware of the normal advice of having the best cable into the distributor and I'll try it for myself once I get the additional cables but I'm interested in your thoughts.

In addition, would you upgrade more power cables before the XLR interconnects to the active speakers? A2 and C2 XLR cables of the required length are both available.

I'm enjoying the Ansuz journey and the improvements it is bringing.

I have tried to open a Darkz before, I did not succeed. I read that it goes by rotation and you can change the balls.
Now I lifted a Darkz and it fell apart. It is held together by a fine thread. And apparently the thread is glued? I guess the glue apparently starts to crumble over time? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Their customer service is pretty good -- meaning they should be quite willing to help with repair or replacement. Although it sounds like maybe you tried to do something not intended?? I would talk to an Ansuz dealer.

I use a mix of cables, including an Ansuz Ac power distro and C2 ac cords and a couple of their interconnects.

Once I'm settled in with "good" cables and don't feel anything is lacking, I pretty much stop thinking about cables.