Your first Impression? I got mine on Friday. Clemens
Thanks for this. As the Z3 is likely a step up on the standard issue, I guess the improvements heard with the Powerline will be subtle.
I have some tweaks in my system for some weeks now.
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I have a new network router from another telecom provider (fiber XGS-PON) with WIFI 6 and access point in the living room. We now have much better WIFI coverage in the house. My System (with Uniti Atom) also sounded a bit brighter immediately and resolved a bit finer via WIFI 6 (the Uniti Atom technically runs on WIFI 5) than the old router. However, the Ethernet connection to the Uniti Atom (directly to the router - without a switch) still sounds a bit better and more transparent than WIFI, although it’s more nuances than “day and night”.
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After reading a lot about it on the forum, I bought a CISCO 3560 switch second-hand (for only 70 Swiss Francs). It works (after a factory reset) „plug and play“ without problems and brought an immediately audible progress, even with a standard power cable.
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Then I recently tested some power cables with Cisco 3560 and my CD player. I was amazed that the sound effects and the improvement was the same everywhere:
a) Isol-8 Isolink Wave: the budget cable. Brought only a slight improvement over a standard cable.
b) Audioquest NRG Y3: clear improvement, more three-dimensionality and resolution and quieter, however, slight emphasis in the bass and fundamental range with less precision.
c) Vovox Sonorus Power: also significant improvement like the Audioquest, but very neutral with powerful, precise bass.
I stayed with the Vovox Sonorus. It is a clear upgrade for the CISCO and the CD-Player at a comparatively low price. It is worth a try. I am happy with it. -
I also compared some Ethernet cables I bought second-hand. The differences with the Uniti Atom are not extrem, but still audible.
d) - Meicord Opal: rather disappointing. It sounded rather diffuse to my ears.
e) - Chord C-Stream: much better and more resolving, but still a bit foggy.
f) - Audioquest Cinnamon: best in comparison. Better resolution, precise also in the bass.
Now I use two Cinnamon’s from the Ethernet wall socket of the house wiring to the CISCO 3560 and from the CISCO to the Uniti Atom. I think it’s a good solution in my system at an affordable price. I now use the Chord C-Stream between the CISCO switch and the TV box. I will sell the Meicord again.
Overall, my system has made a significant progress. Many thanks for the numerous posts in the forum, which have helped me a lot.
The Vega G2.1 has arrived, and at the same time a couple of pieces back from Darran. I haven’t had time to put the Vega in the main system so I have connected it to the 252/SC DR along with the just returned from service 250-2 ( replacing a temporary CB 250)… The Vega in DAC only mode replaces a Qutest in this set up and is fed by a Node 2i ( soon to be replaced). It is simply outstanding the difference the 250-2 and the Vega makes. Depth and inky blackness are terms that I am completely beginning to understand.
Forgive the sub optimum stacking
I have never heard these old A5’s sound so controlled. A small room and not a hint of boxiness but so much bass just extending across the room. All of my love (Zep) has never sounded so good. I hesitate but its almost like I don’t need the 552 system ( apart from its a completely different sized and furnished room).
Difficult. If it would help you out, I could take the 552 system off your hands? It would be a real bind for me, of course, but I wouldn’t mind extending you the favour.
I’ll bear it in mind.
Aaahhhhh!!!
Just think Nigel, what it would be like with a Fraim.
….or any decent rack.
The UK not only produces good HiFi.
DMM is a climbing/alpinism brand that makes great gear.
That carabiner is perfect when working the crux of a climbing route.
It replaces the bottom carabiner of a quickdraw and prevents the rope from wearing out prematurely.
When working a route, I can fall between 5 and 10 times on the same move during a session.
On the route I’m working it’s a 6-8 meter fall.
This carabiner will be very useful.
HiFi is not everything, at least not tomorrow, one must go out and climb!
Just read two persons fell down from Matterhorn. I checked Matterhorn out on Youtube and fell off my chair. Crazy stuff!
Honestly, Thomas, I really think that you should seek approval from the collective before diverting your attention away from your new room!
Fair play Thomas. That takes some balls !
I have trouble keeping still!
Climbing is an addiction. Alpinism is a passion.
The weather is too nice to tinker around
The Zmutt ridge can indeed be “tricky”
It does beg the question…why did the audiophile climb the mountain😁
I know one thing at least and that is I will never fall down from Matterhorn