Cables Again.
Posted by: dave marshall on 24 February 2017
Last year, I was two thirds down the road of completing the full loom Super Lumina, when Chord Music made it's appearance on the scene, and began receiving rave reviews from folks on here.
I carried on with the final piece of the SL jigsaw, and was / am most happy with the outcome.
However, my enterprising dealer has shipped me a Chord Music din / din interconnect, "just to see, Dave", and it's been in place for a couple of hours now.
It's far too soon to come to any conclusions, but first impressions are very "it's a bit good innit?
I really want to dislike this cable, and more importantly, shudder at the cost of a full loom Chord Music, so I'll have to see after a few weeks have gone by, whether I'm still as impressed, then see if I can't sort out some sort of crowdfunding deal!
The fun simply never stops, does it? 
I await the next comparison with great interest Dave 
Although I have moved over to SL for IC and speaker cables, I have retained my Witch Hat DIN to XLR. A nice upgrade from the stock cable. I am not ready to go for the SL DIN to XLR yet. Still in shock over what I have spent so far on bits of wire. 
nigelb posted:Although I have moved over to SL for IC and speaker cables, I have retained my Witch Hat DIN to XLR. A nice upgrade from the stock cable. I am not ready to go for the SL DIN to XLR yet. Still in shock over what I have spent so far on bits of wire.
Same here.
nigelb posted:Although I have moved over to SL for IC and speaker cables, I have retained my Witch Hat DIN to XLR. A nice upgrade from the stock cable. I am not ready to go for the SL DIN to XLR yet. Still in shock over what I have spent so far on bits of wire.
Hi Nigel,
In that case, do NOT home demo the Chord Music interconnect.
dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:Although I have moved over to SL for IC and speaker cables, I have retained my Witch Hat DIN to XLR. A nice upgrade from the stock cable. I am not ready to go for the SL DIN to XLR yet. Still in shock over what I have spent so far on bits of wire.
Hi Nigel,
In that case, do NOT home demo the Chord Music interconnect.
Dave…..nor Sarum T for that matter!
nigelb posted:That flippin' Taylon stuff has got divorce written all over it.
Or 2-3k£ hand bag attached to it
NigelB, Chord Music IC = £3800. Your 252 is worth at least £3500.
Not far from there to a used 552
as PB says; boxes first!
kevin J Carden posted:NigelB, Chord Music IC = £3800. Your 252 is worth at least £3500.
Not far from there to a used 552
as PB says; boxes first!
Kevin, good point, especially if you include a trade in allowance for the SupercapDR with the 252. However I could never see me stumping up £3800 for an interconnect but I was very impressed by the Sarum T demo at the Bristol show.
Like Wenger2015, I have come to learn of the importance of quality cables and what they can contribute if you get the synergy right. But when it comes to considering cables vs a 552 then I think it probably is 'boxes first', especially as I already have decent cables in place.
dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
nigelb posted:Hi Dave,
Looking forward (I think) to hearing your findings. Just tell us SL is the best and don't bother with this new-fangled Taylon stuff and save us all a lot of money!
Mission accomplished.
dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
Thanks for sharing your findings.
nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead. 
dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead.
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead.
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
Trouble is, Nigel, I've managed to find only one UK supplier of the Pulse X standard jumpers, and no one at all with the Pulse X mini which you chaps seem to be using.
Not sure if it contravenes the rules for you to whisper where you got yours?
dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead.
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
Trouble is, Nigel, I've managed to find only one UK supplier of the Pulse X standard jumpers, and no one at all with the Pulse X mini which you chaps seem to be using.
Not sure if it contravenes the rules for you to whisper where you got yours?
Tom Tom Audio.
nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead.
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
Try a Vertere hand built IC, then you will know what music is
nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:nigelb posted:dave marshall posted:dave marshall posted:Hi,
Well, the Chord Music din / din interconnect has been in place for about 10 days now, and I'm not really 100% decided yet.
A comparison with my existing Super Lumina full loom.
More apparent detail coming through? Tick.
Realism, as in cymbals sounding more real? Tick.
A slightly increased sense of the band being in the room? Tick.
However, all of the above seem to be at a cost of what I hear as increased treble response , resulting in glare, especially when the music gets a bit busy.
The above views obviously depend greatly on room interaction, and, of course, my aural receptors.
So, cable swapping continues, to see if I can make my mind up, also taking into account the VFM factor, as this stuff is mighty pricey.
The fun never stops.
Well chaps, I've finally reached a decision.
My earlier thoughts regarding the perceived benefits of the Chord Music din / din cable are shown above, and it remains true that it does bring a little more "in the room" feeling to the music, as other happy owners have reported elsewhere.
However, (tin hat on, sandbags up), for me, there's no escaping a certain graininess / glassy edge to the upper treble, which I'm finding outweighs the plusses.
I can happily accept that my particular speakers, my (not wonderful) room acoustics, and my ageing ears may well be contributing, but the full loom Super Lumina just sounds smoother, fresher, and, according to SWMBO, (who has more finely tuned ears than moi), "clearer".
So that's it I guess, till another day.
Interesting stuff Dave.
Another reason why the Music IC possibly didn't quite do it for you is that you were putting this one Chord cable at the beginning of a string (well DIN/XLR and speaker) of Naim SL cables. This possibly relates to the synergy (or lack of) I referred to in my previous post. The Sarum T demo I was so impressed by at the Bristol show was of course as part of a full Sarum T loom (well DIN/XLR and speaker cables as a 272 was used in the demo so no need for an IC), possibly avoiding synergy issues. In the past I have mixed Sarum and SL cables and have not been convinced, possibly for the same reason.
No, I am not suggesting you demo a full Music loom (assuming it is available) as I would expect to learn one or two new swear words from you as I can only guess at the 'investment' involved should you fall in love with it!
To simply repeat one of my responses, above, to Polar Bear ..............Lah, Lah, Lah, ........... can't hear you!
Seriously though, you're more than likely correct as to the synergy thing, but the whole nine yards in Chord Music is a step too far for me.
Think I'll just console myself with a set of Vertere jumpers instead.
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
Trouble is, Nigel, I've managed to find only one UK supplier of the Pulse X standard jumpers, and no one at all with the Pulse X mini which you chaps seem to be using.
Not sure if it contravenes the rules for you to whisper where you got yours?
Tom Tom Audio.
Why not email the company directly Dave?
Try a Vertere hand built IC, then you will know what music is
I have the Vertere jumper leads - cost me £125. A complete revelation. Inky blackness, lifted veils, musicians in the room, like being at a concert, all for £125. Who needs Chord Music and that Taylon stuff.
Fine choice Dave, feel consoled!
Try a Vertere hand built IC, then you will know what music is
Go on hen PB hit me with what they are going to cost (in addition to half of all I own when the divorce papers arrive).
Polarbear posted:Try a Vertere hand built IC, then you will know what music is
OK, you've got me, so I will enquire tomorrow .............. tell me it will cost less than the Chord Music one!