Easy to say ‘more of everything’ - but clearer throughout the frequency response, lower perceived noise-floor, better imaging - especially in extremes of HF and deep Bass, tighter and deeper bass resolution, cleaner more extended HF response detail rendition, better sense of musical integrity of ‘being there’ better low-bass timing and ‘micro-timing’.
Michaelb
Do you recall the running in journey of the Belden cable please, I am curious as after a day I am enjoying them very much I am wondering if they will be the one.
Thanks
Rich
Hi Michael, i thought in one of the reviews on the Sablon site about the ethernet cables they mentioned they were pre-burnt in. Anyway, interested in your views after some more listening.
Well, bass starts out deep but flabby and tightens up massively over the first few days. The mids are likewise recessed and lacking in both texture and detail (I made the mistake of dismissing these cables initially because of both), but they flesh out remarkably over the following 5 or so days. Treble also becomes more articulate and the soundstage settles but does not broaden. “Energy” - a sense of liveness - also improves, but not by much. Everything is pretty much in place after a week, consolidating around day 10.
It’s too early to tell. The Sablons have more burn-in to go. They’re spectacular in many respects, but timing, bass extension and texture are still behind the Beldens and those are among the most important qualities to me. The Sablons have a lush soundstage and very low noise floor, which others may prioritise. But as I say, it’s early days yet. And then there are still the Wireworlds - very impressive in some respects, yet initially dreadful on tone and texture - however that could go with burn-in. The whole idea of burn-in seems weird with Ethernet cables, yet it’s very perceptible. I will also try the Blue Jeans solid Beldens to see if and how they sound different. Then the Supra Cat8 are also of interest - the Audio Bacon site commends them for tone and texture, though he’s not a big classical music person.
As you say, it’s daft how much difference the Ethernet cables make.
I found a 555PS used on offer recently, and after debating with myself and consulting a friend, I’ve decided to pass. It would be a rather good price, but not miles better than a new one at a discount, and I’d rather put that cash to use maybe one day on a 552. 252>552 won’t require another Fraim level, and should give me more “more” than a second 555PS on my ND555. So I’m exercising restraint.
That’s what I did. Without particularly planning it! No firm plans to get a second 555 yet, though am vaguely planning to do so before trying nd555 in place of nds. Need to save up a bit first - dealer was clear that the 552 should come (to replace 52) before the nd555 (to replace nds)
Thanks all for the input on the 2nd ps discussion. I just placed the order for my 2nd PS on my ND555. Really feeling excited about what will come. Delivery might take a bit as I also need to split a Fraim level in two…, but I guess it will not take till Christmas before it arrives…
Well - mine arrived today and I’ve inserted and they are in run-in phase. Very early to tell but things I like and things I don’t are in there together = needs run-in.
Will report later as and when things settle and change.
I hate run-in!
I’ll be patient with them for a few days and see how they go.
A nice squishy muddled-mess sound at present with poor extension or none on high notes of female vocal and ploddy-smeary bass - but lots of detail in mid-band, but all over the place with poor focus.
But some other wonder-cables begin very inglorious too - and at least there is a hint of promise it the messy presentation as there are some things done better or at least more natural which will see me through the next few days.
As I listen I think - ‘why is this even happening’?
All very strange.
But nice if it comes true in the end of run-in - and a very low cost punt however it ends-up.
I’m using a small 0.75m connection between Melco and ND555 to replace my previous 1.5m lead, as that was always wanting to touch things it should not - and I’m risking the shorter run will be OK as it is fairly floppy; I could have even used 0.5m lead with plenty of room, as the Melco and ND555 are on adjacent Fraim stacks and shelves with the sockets on the closer side between the two boxes.