Music from a farther room
- Thread starter kiwi_1282001
- Start date
kiwi_1282001
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- Thread Author
- #282
Hi Felixx,
Regarding the micro-block diffusors all I know is that the blocks were contract manufactured in Asia. As mine were purchased second hand, I have no relationship with or contact details for the manufacturer - sorry.
If you are looking for diffusor products I can highly recommend S-Wing's from Svanå Miljö Teknik AB (SMT) of Sweden, particularly for use at early reflection points. https://www.facebook.com/diffusor
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #284
New Borresen Audio Loudspeakers Coming Soon?
Photo Above: Børresen Audio Model 01 loudspeakers from Denmark [Source: Borresen Audio]
I am hoping to get a pair of Børresen Audio loudspeakers soon. I am presently awaiting the delivery schedule from Lars.
To say I’m excited about the Børresen Audio loudspeaker range would be an understatement. It will most likely be the Borresen Audio 01 Model as my listening space is quite small. Visually I find the design very attractive. These loudspeakers will replace the Raidho D-series which I previously owned and provided many years of listening satisfaction.
Michael Børresen has clearly been working hard. Incorporating Michael’s latest thoughts on air flow and driver design the clear ambition here is to advance his earlier efforts at Raidho and surpass other leading loudspeaker manufacturers such as Magico.
Of particular personal interest is the new vented tweeter design. Physically larger than the design for Raidho the ultralight tweeter is expected to improve resolution proffering a dramatic increase in low level detail and producing music that is full of immediacy, presence, communication and sophistication. The Raidho tweeter was already outstanding and I have not heard any box speaker that resolves and reproduces more detail than the Raidho’s do so the prospect of a further improved planar magnetic tweeter is positively titillating.
Then there’s a new carbon honeycomb woofer. What will that bring to the party? Greater power handling, improved bass definition, even quieter blacker backgrounds courtesy of lower levels of distortion? We will have to wait to see, but I think it’s a given that Borresen Audio has a clear reference in mind and won’t release products that don’t exceed this.
Photo Above: Børresen Audio Model 01 loudspeakers from Denmark [Source: Borresen Audio]
I am hoping to get a pair of Børresen Audio loudspeakers soon. I am presently awaiting the delivery schedule from Lars.
To say I’m excited about the Børresen Audio loudspeaker range would be an understatement. It will most likely be the Borresen Audio 01 Model as my listening space is quite small. Visually I find the design very attractive. These loudspeakers will replace the Raidho D-series which I previously owned and provided many years of listening satisfaction.
Michael Børresen has clearly been working hard. Incorporating Michael’s latest thoughts on air flow and driver design the clear ambition here is to advance his earlier efforts at Raidho and surpass other leading loudspeaker manufacturers such as Magico.
Of particular personal interest is the new vented tweeter design. Physically larger than the design for Raidho the ultralight tweeter is expected to improve resolution proffering a dramatic increase in low level detail and producing music that is full of immediacy, presence, communication and sophistication. The Raidho tweeter was already outstanding and I have not heard any box speaker that resolves and reproduces more detail than the Raidho’s do so the prospect of a further improved planar magnetic tweeter is positively titillating.
Then there’s a new carbon honeycomb woofer. What will that bring to the party? Greater power handling, improved bass definition, even quieter blacker backgrounds courtesy of lower levels of distortion? We will have to wait to see, but I think it’s a given that Borresen Audio has a clear reference in mind and won’t release products that don’t exceed this.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #285
Incoming & Happy New Year to all!
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #286
The Arrival of My Børresen Acoustics Model 01-D-TC loudspeakers
There was a small sense of Déjà vu as I unpacked the newly arrived Børresen 01 loudspeakers today.
Memories came flooding back of a time – about ten years ago – when I was unpacking my then newly arrived Raidho C-1.0 loudspeakers.
One box contained the pair of loudspeakers and two boxes the equipment stands.
Dimension and weight wise the Borresen’s and the Raidho’s are quite similar as are the boxes and packing materials.
Photo 1: Box containing pair of Børresen loudspeakers model 01, including D-TC Darkz resonance control devices.
There are three models of Børresen 01 speakers with the only difference being the resonance control footers packed with them; Darkz C, Darkz D2 or Darkz D-TC. The price difference of US$2500 between the C & D-TC models simply comes down to the difference in quality level and corresponding retail price of the Darkz devices.
The serial number of my unit 100006 means model 01 and the 6th pair of speakers manufactured by production. The first ever pair SN 100001 was sold to Borresen’s US Distributor; Gated HiFi Distribution of Wayne, IL.
I have the privilege of being one of Borresen’s first Asian customers.
Each loudspeaker stand is packed in its own carton double carton. The stands are relatively light weighing around 7KG each. The stands unlike their Raidho ancestors come pre-assembled.
Photo 4: The box and packing material for the Borresen Acoustics Monitor loudspeaker stand.
The stand design itself shows continuance of the designer’s beliefs around energy release and resonance control. The original Raidho stand flexed which alarmed some onlookers. The Borresen stand has less flex than the original Raidho one but the speakers are still allowed some movement courtesy of the Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices which are mechanically tuned to allow vibrations a path out of the loudspeakers whilst aiding their isolation. The D-TC’s which are mechanically tuned solid pieces of composite metal containing bronze and Tantalum, covered with layers of Tantalum and Diamond for dampening of resonances are made up discs which are separated by 3 ceramic balls which allow some movement.
Photo 5: A close of the Børresen loudspeaker stand for the Børresen 01. Packing material is still seen on the base.
In photo 5 the top plate of the loudspeaker stand can be seen together with the inserts for the three Darkz resonance control devices.
Photo 6: The D-TC resonance control devices sit nicely in a felt base insert on the top plate of the loudspeaker stands.
Photo 7 below shows the underside of the stand where the height adjustable aluminum footers can be seen [one of them completely unscrewed]. This height adjustment feature is a big improvement over my original Raidho speakers. In Asia I’ve yet to experience a perfectly even floor and so stand footer height adjustment is a must. Another benefit of the stand footers is that they are provisioned to accept a set of Darkz resonance control devices should you wish to further isolate the loudspeakers from floor vibrations.
Borresen eschew the use of spikes. To Borresen, other manufacturer’s use of spikes on speakers and equipment stands makes no sense as the spikes will act like a cartridge picking up vibrations from the floor.
Photo 7: The underside of the stand showing the height adjustable footers.
Out of the box the Borresen speakers feel heavier than their specified 18KG. The overall aesthetic is pleasing to the eye, simple, uncluttered and minimalist. The Scandinavian love of light and muted colours is evidenced in the standard choice of a walnut veneer finish – which would blend well in most domestic settings and in particular interiors that are painted white or neutral in colour. There isn’t a lot of ornate or excessive detailing found in Scandinavian design. Modern, clean lined, solid pieces are much more common, and are a defining feature of the Scandinavian design style.
Photo 8: The Borresen 01 loudspeakers being revealed. The influence of Scandinavian design is clearly evident
The focus on craftsmanship, materials and clean lines continues with the front gun metal gray coloured faceplate. Gone are the screws that adorned the front faceplate of my earlier Raidho speakers. The revised design of the loudspeaker membrane made it possible to make a visually appealing (sans screws) faceplate.
While the Walnut veneer is the standard finish the speakers are optionally available in a high gloss finish and in the colour of your choice, though this comes at additional cost.
Hand over heart I would have say that the high gloss piano black finish which came as standard on my Raidho bookshelf speakers looked more up market and luxurious. Some may find the standard matt finish of the walnut veneer to be a bit austere. While I understand and laud the contemporary aesthetic choice, there is an undeniable frugality about the material that rebuffs elegance and the premium price tag.
The underside of the Borresen 01 speakers has matching indents to the speaker stand top plate. Again, these are designed to accept your choice of Ansuz resonance control device.
Photo 9: The underside of the Borresen Acoustics 01 loudspeakers showing indents for Ansuz resonance control devices
While visuals might indicate otherwise the Borresen speakers sit surprisingly securely on top the stand. In a clever design, the interconnecting Ansuz resonance control device not only serves as a mechanical grounding device but as an anchor for the speakers to the stand. This arrangement is much more secure (and child safe) than that employed by my earlier Raidho bookshelf speakers.
Photo 10: The loudspeakers and stands passed the partner acceptance test – phew!
Photo 10 shows the completely assembled speakers. The speakers and stand work effortlessly together to create a modern, minimalist look of fluid, flowing form. The slender curved columns are unobtrusive – a real bonus for those that need to sell the idea, purchase and location to partners!
The unpacking out of the way, in my next system update I will discuss my initial partnering electronics and accessories.
There was a small sense of Déjà vu as I unpacked the newly arrived Børresen 01 loudspeakers today.
Memories came flooding back of a time – about ten years ago – when I was unpacking my then newly arrived Raidho C-1.0 loudspeakers.
One box contained the pair of loudspeakers and two boxes the equipment stands.
Dimension and weight wise the Borresen’s and the Raidho’s are quite similar as are the boxes and packing materials.
Photo 1: Box containing pair of Børresen loudspeakers model 01, including D-TC Darkz resonance control devices.
There are three models of Børresen 01 speakers with the only difference being the resonance control footers packed with them; Darkz C, Darkz D2 or Darkz D-TC. The price difference of US$2500 between the C & D-TC models simply comes down to the difference in quality level and corresponding retail price of the Darkz devices.
The serial number of my unit 100006 means model 01 and the 6th pair of speakers manufactured by production. The first ever pair SN 100001 was sold to Borresen’s US Distributor; Gated HiFi Distribution of Wayne, IL.
I have the privilege of being one of Borresen’s first Asian customers.
Photo 2 & 3: The six (three per speaker) D-TC footers are inserted in the top packing material
Each loudspeaker stand is packed in its own carton double carton. The stands are relatively light weighing around 7KG each. The stands unlike their Raidho ancestors come pre-assembled.
Photo 4: The box and packing material for the Borresen Acoustics Monitor loudspeaker stand.
The stand design itself shows continuance of the designer’s beliefs around energy release and resonance control. The original Raidho stand flexed which alarmed some onlookers. The Borresen stand has less flex than the original Raidho one but the speakers are still allowed some movement courtesy of the Ansuz Darkz resonance control devices which are mechanically tuned to allow vibrations a path out of the loudspeakers whilst aiding their isolation. The D-TC’s which are mechanically tuned solid pieces of composite metal containing bronze and Tantalum, covered with layers of Tantalum and Diamond for dampening of resonances are made up discs which are separated by 3 ceramic balls which allow some movement.
Photo 5: A close of the Børresen loudspeaker stand for the Børresen 01. Packing material is still seen on the base.
In photo 5 the top plate of the loudspeaker stand can be seen together with the inserts for the three Darkz resonance control devices.
Photo 6: The D-TC resonance control devices sit nicely in a felt base insert on the top plate of the loudspeaker stands.
Photo 7 below shows the underside of the stand where the height adjustable aluminum footers can be seen [one of them completely unscrewed]. This height adjustment feature is a big improvement over my original Raidho speakers. In Asia I’ve yet to experience a perfectly even floor and so stand footer height adjustment is a must. Another benefit of the stand footers is that they are provisioned to accept a set of Darkz resonance control devices should you wish to further isolate the loudspeakers from floor vibrations.
Borresen eschew the use of spikes. To Borresen, other manufacturer’s use of spikes on speakers and equipment stands makes no sense as the spikes will act like a cartridge picking up vibrations from the floor.
Photo 7: The underside of the stand showing the height adjustable footers.
Out of the box the Borresen speakers feel heavier than their specified 18KG. The overall aesthetic is pleasing to the eye, simple, uncluttered and minimalist. The Scandinavian love of light and muted colours is evidenced in the standard choice of a walnut veneer finish – which would blend well in most domestic settings and in particular interiors that are painted white or neutral in colour. There isn’t a lot of ornate or excessive detailing found in Scandinavian design. Modern, clean lined, solid pieces are much more common, and are a defining feature of the Scandinavian design style.
Photo 8: The Borresen 01 loudspeakers being revealed. The influence of Scandinavian design is clearly evident
The focus on craftsmanship, materials and clean lines continues with the front gun metal gray coloured faceplate. Gone are the screws that adorned the front faceplate of my earlier Raidho speakers. The revised design of the loudspeaker membrane made it possible to make a visually appealing (sans screws) faceplate.
While the Walnut veneer is the standard finish the speakers are optionally available in a high gloss finish and in the colour of your choice, though this comes at additional cost.
Hand over heart I would have say that the high gloss piano black finish which came as standard on my Raidho bookshelf speakers looked more up market and luxurious. Some may find the standard matt finish of the walnut veneer to be a bit austere. While I understand and laud the contemporary aesthetic choice, there is an undeniable frugality about the material that rebuffs elegance and the premium price tag.
The underside of the Borresen 01 speakers has matching indents to the speaker stand top plate. Again, these are designed to accept your choice of Ansuz resonance control device.
Photo 9: The underside of the Borresen Acoustics 01 loudspeakers showing indents for Ansuz resonance control devices
While visuals might indicate otherwise the Borresen speakers sit surprisingly securely on top the stand. In a clever design, the interconnecting Ansuz resonance control device not only serves as a mechanical grounding device but as an anchor for the speakers to the stand. This arrangement is much more secure (and child safe) than that employed by my earlier Raidho bookshelf speakers.
Photo 10: The loudspeakers and stands passed the partner acceptance test – phew!
Photo 10 shows the completely assembled speakers. The speakers and stand work effortlessly together to create a modern, minimalist look of fluid, flowing form. The slender curved columns are unobtrusive – a real bonus for those that need to sell the idea, purchase and location to partners!
The unpacking out of the way, in my next system update I will discuss my initial partnering electronics and accessories.
Odyssey
Member
Hi Ralph, thanks for the detailed description of the new B 01.
I look forward to your listening impressions.
I look forward to your listening impressions.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #289
Thanks Kzhtoo. More to follow.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #290
Nice to hear from you Le Roy.
Hope you are well and enjoying your flagship Raidho speakers.
Listening impressions on the new B 01's are a little way as i'm setting up a new foundation [you can read about that below] which also requires breaking in.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #291
A New Foundation
For many years Hi-Fi has been all about boxes; How big? How many? How much? The product based approach to Hi-Fi has been promoted by magazines and online reviews heralding the arrival of the next five star rated pair of $200k speakers, $50k pre-amplifier or pair of $100k mono-bloc power amplifiers.
With the focus on all the sexy stuff its easily to forget about the support cast – the accessories which will determine whether you hear the full potential of your beloved five star rated boxes.
With the arrival of my new Børresen 01 loudspeakers I instinctively know I needed to pay more attention to the audio system foundation in order to realize the performance benefits of the investment.
Accessories such as cables, cable supports, resonance control devices and AC distribution might not seem sexy but in my experience they deliver very tangible and audible musical results because they enable you to hear what your electronics boxes are really capable of.
So along with the boxes containing my new Børresen loudspeakers was another box. The contents of this box were equally – if not more – important. This box was full with Ansuz accessories.
Photo 1: Goodies from Ansuz. D-TC Darkz footers, D-TC cable lifters, Ansuz Darkz “Feets” & Ansuz Ceramic balls
Photo 2: Latest 2-Series Cables from Ansuz Acoustics together with a latest 2-Series Ansuz Distributor
My existing foundation had been respectable. It contained a mixture of Ansuz P, C & D cables; Ansuz Sparkz, Ansuz Mainz8 D-version distributor and some accessories from Nordost including Sort Kones, Sort Fut footers, Quantum’s [QX2 and Qx4] and a selection of mid/reference level cables including Heimdall and Valhalla.
I remember years back writing something quite controversial in the Ansuz cables and accessories thread in this forum.
I suggested to all readers then that the sweet spot in the Ansuz range was the C-series. This observation was arrived at after extensive testing of P, C & D level cables together with reference cables from Nordost including Valhalla and Odin.
Yes, Ansuz D was better than Ansuz C with more spatial information and a weightier bass – but the difference in my opinion was not worth nearly three times the retail price.
Well now we have 2-Series C cables (C2) and would you believe they outclass the former Ansuz D cables in every determinant, save one? Given C2 effectively sits between Ansuz D (v1) and D-TC in terms of overall performance I find myself reaffirming their position as the sweet spot in the Ansuz product range.
Setting up the new foundation
The heart of my new foundation is the Ansuz Mainz8 D2 distributor. Yes, I would have liked the Ansuz D-TC distributor but at US$23k retail and considering my other spending that simply wasn’t on the cards.
To set up the D2 or any 2-series distributor optimally you need some accessories including Ansuz Sparkz TC, Ansuz Darkz D-TC resonance control footers and Ansuz Ceramic balls.
Photo 3: The Ansuz Mainz8 D2 distributor together with accessories to set it up
The first step is to plug an Ansuz Sparkz Harmonizer, ideally the TC (Telsa coil) version into the mains outlet closest to the incoming mains connector. Do this and in my experience you will be rewarded with a noticeable improvement in the front to back soundstage adding dimensionality and spatial acuity to instruments within their specific locality in the soundstage.
While the Sparkz TC could be plugged into any outlet on the same circuit as the audio system I personally prefer the above-mentioned location. Alternatively, if you have a twin wall socket with one socket being used for the first power cord (from wall socket to the distributor) – then the empty socket next to it is also an excellent location for the Ansuz Sparkz Harmonizer TC.
You may read some reports elsewhere that suggest you can’t have too many Ansuz Sparkz power harmonizers in your system. I will simply say that has not been my experience and leave it at that.
Photo 4: Adding an Ansuz Sparkz TC to outlet position #1 of 2-Series Distributors rewards the soundstage – try it!
Next, it is very important is isolate the distributor from vibrations – both airborne and feedback from the floor. Isolation and providing an exit path for mechanical vibrations largely associated the 50/60Hz mains AC resonances can be achieved using Ansuz Darkz footers being placed under the Mainz8 distributor. Simply place three Ansuz ceramic balls in the indent of each of the four Darkz footers and then place Mainz 8 on top.
However, based on my observation there are two other important considerations.
First, the distributor needs to be placed in the equipment rack and while it might seem logical to place it on the lowest shelf of the rack I’ve found better results can be achieved by placing it higher up – say on the 2nd shelf. Now, I can’t tell you why this works better but my working theory is that there is less airborne and room floor related vibrations here. Avoid at all costs equipment racks which use spikes as base footers. The only spike in your audio system should be the turntable stylus.
Second, Ansuz Darkz function best when placed on a low resonance, smooth and lossy shelf surface. Simple Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or Plywood shelfs are both low cost and great as long as they can hold the weight of the equipment without sagging. Glass, granite and marble are all terrible materials (they ‘ring’) and I tend to avoid acrylic too. To optimally operate Darkz need to dump vibrations into a lossy surface.
Photo 5: Seen here are Ansuz Darkz footers with ceramic balls. Darkz are tuned to allow the vibrations a path out of the component and to keep various components individually isolated.
Photo 6: The distributor is the “heart” of the audio system. Set it up with care and reap dividends. The Distributor should always be rack mounted. Try out different positions in the rack.
What power cord?
It’s widely held opinion that the most important single cable in the system is the one coming out of the wall. If you only own one audiophile power cord – this is the place to use it. Ideally, once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords use similar technologies and materials even if their quality level is lower. What you are after here is consistency.
For my new system I have settled on Ansuz 2-Series C-level cables for reasons mentioned above. Considering the new C-level cables outclass the version 1 D-series [some believe even A2 cables perform better in some determinants than D. (v1) cables – but I’ve not evaluated A2 cables] they clearly represent – to me at least – the best value for money.
I’ve selected a 4 meter cord for the run between the wall and the distribution block
Photo 7: The Ansuz C2 power cable. The 2-Series C-level cables make a strong case for being the new sweet spot for the Ansuz cable product range.
Finally for the AC foundation is a small tweak which you should try if you like to experiment. Photo 8 below shows a final touch which can go unnoticed but depending on individual circumstances can have an audible impact. Did you notice the small Ansuz D-TC cable lifter? You may have seen cable lifters being used on the SPEAKZ loudspeaker cables but they can be used for power cables too. In this photo the cable lifter is positioned where the cable hits the floor.
Photo 8: Spot the cable lifter!
So there we have it, the basic AC portion of the foundation for my new audio system.
What do you think? Do you agree / disagree with my findings / observations? Let me know below.
In my next update I will discuss what electronics I am initially using and why.
For many years Hi-Fi has been all about boxes; How big? How many? How much? The product based approach to Hi-Fi has been promoted by magazines and online reviews heralding the arrival of the next five star rated pair of $200k speakers, $50k pre-amplifier or pair of $100k mono-bloc power amplifiers.
With the focus on all the sexy stuff its easily to forget about the support cast – the accessories which will determine whether you hear the full potential of your beloved five star rated boxes.
With the arrival of my new Børresen 01 loudspeakers I instinctively know I needed to pay more attention to the audio system foundation in order to realize the performance benefits of the investment.
Accessories such as cables, cable supports, resonance control devices and AC distribution might not seem sexy but in my experience they deliver very tangible and audible musical results because they enable you to hear what your electronics boxes are really capable of.
So along with the boxes containing my new Børresen loudspeakers was another box. The contents of this box were equally – if not more – important. This box was full with Ansuz accessories.
Photo 1: Goodies from Ansuz. D-TC Darkz footers, D-TC cable lifters, Ansuz Darkz “Feets” & Ansuz Ceramic balls
Photo 2: Latest 2-Series Cables from Ansuz Acoustics together with a latest 2-Series Ansuz Distributor
My existing foundation had been respectable. It contained a mixture of Ansuz P, C & D cables; Ansuz Sparkz, Ansuz Mainz8 D-version distributor and some accessories from Nordost including Sort Kones, Sort Fut footers, Quantum’s [QX2 and Qx4] and a selection of mid/reference level cables including Heimdall and Valhalla.
I remember years back writing something quite controversial in the Ansuz cables and accessories thread in this forum.
I suggested to all readers then that the sweet spot in the Ansuz range was the C-series. This observation was arrived at after extensive testing of P, C & D level cables together with reference cables from Nordost including Valhalla and Odin.
Yes, Ansuz D was better than Ansuz C with more spatial information and a weightier bass – but the difference in my opinion was not worth nearly three times the retail price.
Well now we have 2-Series C cables (C2) and would you believe they outclass the former Ansuz D cables in every determinant, save one? Given C2 effectively sits between Ansuz D (v1) and D-TC in terms of overall performance I find myself reaffirming their position as the sweet spot in the Ansuz product range.
Setting up the new foundation
The heart of my new foundation is the Ansuz Mainz8 D2 distributor. Yes, I would have liked the Ansuz D-TC distributor but at US$23k retail and considering my other spending that simply wasn’t on the cards.
To set up the D2 or any 2-series distributor optimally you need some accessories including Ansuz Sparkz TC, Ansuz Darkz D-TC resonance control footers and Ansuz Ceramic balls.
Photo 3: The Ansuz Mainz8 D2 distributor together with accessories to set it up
The first step is to plug an Ansuz Sparkz Harmonizer, ideally the TC (Telsa coil) version into the mains outlet closest to the incoming mains connector. Do this and in my experience you will be rewarded with a noticeable improvement in the front to back soundstage adding dimensionality and spatial acuity to instruments within their specific locality in the soundstage.
While the Sparkz TC could be plugged into any outlet on the same circuit as the audio system I personally prefer the above-mentioned location. Alternatively, if you have a twin wall socket with one socket being used for the first power cord (from wall socket to the distributor) – then the empty socket next to it is also an excellent location for the Ansuz Sparkz Harmonizer TC.
You may read some reports elsewhere that suggest you can’t have too many Ansuz Sparkz power harmonizers in your system. I will simply say that has not been my experience and leave it at that.
Photo 4: Adding an Ansuz Sparkz TC to outlet position #1 of 2-Series Distributors rewards the soundstage – try it!
Next, it is very important is isolate the distributor from vibrations – both airborne and feedback from the floor. Isolation and providing an exit path for mechanical vibrations largely associated the 50/60Hz mains AC resonances can be achieved using Ansuz Darkz footers being placed under the Mainz8 distributor. Simply place three Ansuz ceramic balls in the indent of each of the four Darkz footers and then place Mainz 8 on top.
However, based on my observation there are two other important considerations.
First, the distributor needs to be placed in the equipment rack and while it might seem logical to place it on the lowest shelf of the rack I’ve found better results can be achieved by placing it higher up – say on the 2nd shelf. Now, I can’t tell you why this works better but my working theory is that there is less airborne and room floor related vibrations here. Avoid at all costs equipment racks which use spikes as base footers. The only spike in your audio system should be the turntable stylus.
Second, Ansuz Darkz function best when placed on a low resonance, smooth and lossy shelf surface. Simple Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or Plywood shelfs are both low cost and great as long as they can hold the weight of the equipment without sagging. Glass, granite and marble are all terrible materials (they ‘ring’) and I tend to avoid acrylic too. To optimally operate Darkz need to dump vibrations into a lossy surface.
Photo 5: Seen here are Ansuz Darkz footers with ceramic balls. Darkz are tuned to allow the vibrations a path out of the component and to keep various components individually isolated.
Photo 6: The distributor is the “heart” of the audio system. Set it up with care and reap dividends. The Distributor should always be rack mounted. Try out different positions in the rack.
What power cord?
It’s widely held opinion that the most important single cable in the system is the one coming out of the wall. If you only own one audiophile power cord – this is the place to use it. Ideally, once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords use similar technologies and materials even if their quality level is lower. What you are after here is consistency.
For my new system I have settled on Ansuz 2-Series C-level cables for reasons mentioned above. Considering the new C-level cables outclass the version 1 D-series [some believe even A2 cables perform better in some determinants than D. (v1) cables – but I’ve not evaluated A2 cables] they clearly represent – to me at least – the best value for money.
I’ve selected a 4 meter cord for the run between the wall and the distribution block
Photo 7: The Ansuz C2 power cable. The 2-Series C-level cables make a strong case for being the new sweet spot for the Ansuz cable product range.
Finally for the AC foundation is a small tweak which you should try if you like to experiment. Photo 8 below shows a final touch which can go unnoticed but depending on individual circumstances can have an audible impact. Did you notice the small Ansuz D-TC cable lifter? You may have seen cable lifters being used on the SPEAKZ loudspeaker cables but they can be used for power cables too. In this photo the cable lifter is positioned where the cable hits the floor.
Photo 8: Spot the cable lifter!
So there we have it, the basic AC portion of the foundation for my new audio system.
What do you think? Do you agree / disagree with my findings / observations? Let me know below.
In my next update I will discuss what electronics I am initially using and why.
octadyndude
New member
As usual Ralph another excellent write up and pictures. I agree 100% with everything you stated. My foundation is very similar to yours. As I built my foundation over the years the level of what I call a more natural lifelike sound just kept improving.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #294
I don’t understand why the addition of another TC should have an impact either.
Perhaps being external and located close the mains inlet has an influence over and above the internal TC’s? Perhaps the results are system dependent too? What I observe for my system may not carry for others.
If you give it a try with your system do let us know what results you observe.
4music
New member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2013
- Messages
- 47
HI Ralph,
Congratulations on the new Ansuz cable & accessories acquisition. Looks like a great foundation for the rest of your system.
As a fellow Ansuz power cable D & C line and Mainz D8 user, contemplating upgrade to the series 2 products, I am eager to to hear your impressions on Mainz D2 vs the old Mainz D8, the Ansuz C2 power cable vs the Ansuz D, and finally the C2 speaker cables vs the C line that I recall you have been using. Thanks & enjoy.
Tim
Congratulations on the new Ansuz cable & accessories acquisition. Looks like a great foundation for the rest of your system.
As a fellow Ansuz power cable D & C line and Mainz D8 user, contemplating upgrade to the series 2 products, I am eager to to hear your impressions on Mainz D2 vs the old Mainz D8, the Ansuz C2 power cable vs the Ansuz D, and finally the C2 speaker cables vs the C line that I recall you have been using. Thanks & enjoy.
Tim
If the one extra TC works in your system, it's great, I was just interested, I don't know the exact amount of Tesla Coils in the Mainz8 D2, but it won't be less then the 16 TC's that are in the DTC-power box.
octadyndude
New member
Hi Tim
I went from the original C speaker cable to the C2. When I first installed the C2 I didn't hear too much of a difference. It was very minor kind of like what I heard when I went to the original Ansuz cable demos and swapping out the C to a D. That said I never the D speaker cables in my home. It was about 3 -4 weeks of having the C2's in my system I really heard them open up. Somewhat warmer sounding but with a lot more 'soul' and 'emotion' in the vocals and instruments.
Let me go back in time a bit. Lars happened to come to my home with my local dealer and Lars had a suitcase full of prototype cables. They were the A2 and C2 power cords and one pair of C2 speaker cables. He stared by replacing my C power cord from the Mainz D8 to U300 with an A2. Note I did already have a D-TC power cord from the wall to the Mainz D8. Wow the difference was huge. Everything sounded so much more natural. I wanted one. But then took out the A2 and replaced it with the C2. Another huge change unlike going from the original C to a D. Then he put in the C2 speaker cable. A nice change but not huge like the power cords. Lars said Mike was still working on the D2 versions at the time.
When the cables went into production I ordered a C2 power cable right away. When they came in and I had it in for a couple of weeks I borrowed a D2 power cord. Wow another big jump but I returned right away. I gave it back because I was seriously considering upgrading my D2.1's to 3.1's. Both was not going to happen. In time I did decide to order the C2 speaker cables more because I really didn't care for the connectors on original C and liked the new connector better. I know it's a dumb reason but did it anyway.
I went from the original C speaker cable to the C2. When I first installed the C2 I didn't hear too much of a difference. It was very minor kind of like what I heard when I went to the original Ansuz cable demos and swapping out the C to a D. That said I never the D speaker cables in my home. It was about 3 -4 weeks of having the C2's in my system I really heard them open up. Somewhat warmer sounding but with a lot more 'soul' and 'emotion' in the vocals and instruments.
Let me go back in time a bit. Lars happened to come to my home with my local dealer and Lars had a suitcase full of prototype cables. They were the A2 and C2 power cords and one pair of C2 speaker cables. He stared by replacing my C power cord from the Mainz D8 to U300 with an A2. Note I did already have a D-TC power cord from the wall to the Mainz D8. Wow the difference was huge. Everything sounded so much more natural. I wanted one. But then took out the A2 and replaced it with the C2. Another huge change unlike going from the original C to a D. Then he put in the C2 speaker cable. A nice change but not huge like the power cords. Lars said Mike was still working on the D2 versions at the time.
When the cables went into production I ordered a C2 power cable right away. When they came in and I had it in for a couple of weeks I borrowed a D2 power cord. Wow another big jump but I returned right away. I gave it back because I was seriously considering upgrading my D2.1's to 3.1's. Both was not going to happen. In time I did decide to order the C2 speaker cables more because I really didn't care for the connectors on original C and liked the new connector better. I know it's a dumb reason but did it anyway.
kiwi_1282001
Active member
- Thread Author
- #298
Hello Tim,
Thanks and yes, I am excited about the potential my new foundation has to unlock the capabilities of the electronics and speakers.
I own a stable of distributors including the Nordost QBase, the Ansuz Mainz8 D-version and the latest Mainz8 D2.
Since the distributor is so important I am fully intending to write a post comparing them. I’ve read elsewhere that plugging the Mainz D8 into the 2-series distributors or D-TC distributor can lift the performance further. I’m intrigued by that and would like to test that for myself. That evaluation will take place once the new distributor has more hours on it.
Regarding the 2-series cables, they appear at first glance to be a significant advance over the earlier generation. Ansuz claim that an A2 power cord can challenge and surpass the old D-level power cord in some determinants and the C2 completely surpasses the D level. My cable evaluation was not at home and the earlier generation of cables are no longer with me so I’m not in a position to offer further comment.
Where are you located Tim? Is there a nearby Ansuz dealer? Would the dealer be prepared to loan you some 2-series cables in order that you can try them in your system? I’ve been fortunate that an Ansuz dealer has allowed me home trial of product prior to purchase.
You should never buy product blindly on the recommendation of others opinion – including mine.
Hi Ralph,
I am a new member here.....I registered because I am amazed and utmost respect to the things that you are sharing with all of us especially me......the level of depth and detail in your thread is a lifetime of tinkering experiences. Once again....amazed and respect......
Boa
I am a new member here.....I registered because I am amazed and utmost respect to the things that you are sharing with all of us especially me......the level of depth and detail in your thread is a lifetime of tinkering experiences. Once again....amazed and respect......
Boa
4music
New member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2013
- Messages
- 47
Ralph thank you for your reply. I am located in Athens, Greece and currently I am using 3 Ansuz (series 1) D level and 2 C level power cables along with their Mainz D8 distributor. I had a Odin ver. 1 power cable but I though that in my system the Ansuz D was better. I definitely like the sound enough to be considering an upgrade within the series. As my electronics took a more resolving course (Nagra Pre & Nagra Classic and YG Carmel 2 speakers) I noticed a faint "metallic" signature in the Series 1 distributor or the power cables or both. I am currently using an Acoustic Revive Eu-4 Distributor, which tamed most of the "metallic" sheen on the high frequencies, but lost some of the dimensionality of the Mainz. I've read that the series 2 cables & power distributors from Ansuz have changed slightly their sonic signature towards a more full sound. I don't know if that is a characteristic of the new cables, the new distributors or both. The reasons I am looking for further opinions is that our quest for the absolute sound is usually within the context of our system, so opinions of fellow audiophiles with different systems, matters to me since the next solution needs to be more "universal" and justify the upgrade within a multitude of systems.
I am currently considering the upgrade of the Mainz 8D to a D2 (or a DTC) and the purchase of a D2 series power cable to power the distributor. The 3 Ansuz series D (ver 1) cables will remain powering the components from the distributor.
Would be interested to find out the difference between the D2 and C2 for powering the distributor, since another solution is to go for a C2 power cord (perhaps longer length as it is reported to be even better) and a better distributor. Lots of different options, but unfortunately can't try all....