Ansuz Cables & Accessories

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.
 
kiwi_1282001 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Armand68 said:
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.
Click to expand...


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.

ansuz-mainz8-table.jpg


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?
 
Griff500 said:
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?
Click to expand...

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!
 
Bart001 said:
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!
Click to expand...

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.
 
Odyssey said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
Griff500 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
siitech said:
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.
Click to expand...

The A2 version has simular performance as the previous D1 version, C2 would be an upgrade compared to D1
 
siitech said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
siitech said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Mikeoo said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
kiwi_1282001 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
It is hard to believe it has been almost one year since anyone made a comment on this thread. I wonder if people stopped using Ansuz products? I have upgraded to a mixture of DTC-2 and Supreme cables and could not be happier. The supreme in particular is the best cable I have ever tried...period. I know there is a new range of Supreme golden cables but the price is astronomical! Has anyone tried the zirconium Darkz? I am using the T2s with great results but haven't had the chance to try this new piece of the Darkz family.
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top