today i've upgraded the echole obsession xlr and speaker cables to the signature, and wow the sound is amazing.
Hello,today i've upgraded the echole obsession xlr and speaker cables to the signature, and wow the sound is amazing.
Hi Re-tread,Greetings all, just another entry in my Echole "cable chronicle", picking up the thread from my last chronicled entry, which was entry #40, on July-28 (almost 5-months ago!).
Well, after a several lengthy delays during our renovations, we finally moved into our flat in the 1st week of November. Since then, I have erected our stereo, and music is flowing. There has been many changes (listed below) to my previous baseline, so making any conclusions about which change had what affect is hard to do (this time around).
Due to our move to Europe, I have made the following changes and refinements:
* Updated my Equitech from a 1.5Q model (for 120V use) to an Equitech 2Q model (for 230V use)
* Updated all my fuses, from generic stock fuses to HifiTuning Supreme 3 AG/AU (7) and Synergistic Research "Purple" (1)
* Updated all my Symposium Acoustic "rollerballs" from the very good Grade-10 to the superior Grade 2.5 Superballs
* Updated my outlet from a Furutech FP-SWS-D (G) to a Furutech FP-SWS-D NCF (R)
* Changed my inbound ISP gateway modem from a copper only device (Comcast) to a Fibre Optic device (Orange)
* Added another Echole Limited Edition 2 power cable, which is now my fourth in my nascent Echole loom
Listening notes at 175-hours: Things are sounding amazing (for my preferences and biases). It is like an "iron hand in a velvet glove". The sound is completely at ease and very emotionally compelling. Even during critical rise-time (attack), the sound envelope stays completely composed and worry free. Music sounds slower, and more real. More life, more human. More space and quiet moments in-between the notes. More there there. Flow.
I will know more in another 500-hours as the sound changes, so I hope to post another update at that time.
I think I may be done with my system for the time being. I have completed all the small optimizations in my system that I set out to do, other than room treatment at the critical first-reflection points. There will always be new technology coming to market, but I will try to enjoy the fruit of my labor for the time being. Here is an image of my FLOW in my new baseline:
View attachment 121422
At this point in my journey, I believe I will remain with this new baseline for a while (which is a new "high" plateau for me) and just enjoy the music. I could always update my electronics; and, there is always more Echole cables I could get for my system (e.g., Power Cables for my mono-blocks, subwoofer, signal cables, etc.) but in the meantime, the listening experience is very rewarding and enjoyable. That said, I would like to recognize the amazing contribution that the Echole cables have made to my system's performance. I actually view my Echole cables as essential components to my system, and not 'just' ancillary cables. Over the course of 25+ years, I have tried countless cable makers previously (which encompassed a wide variety of conductor metallurgies) spanning a wide spectrum of prices, and the Echole cables have been my favorite to date in my (humble and limited) experience.... no contest IMHE/IMHO. For anyone venturing into the Echole sphere, I have a few tips for you to consider that I have observed along the way during my Echole trek (in my system):
1. Let each cable break in for ~550-hours before making a final assessment. Your first install experience will be an indicator of the direction you are going, but there will be (could be) a wild break-in roller-coaster ride before they finally settle... around ~550-hours for me in my system.
2. The more Echole cables you use, the cumulative effects will be more than just added together.
3. Echole power cables really enjoy the mutually-symbiotic relationship with the Furutech FP-SWS-NCF (R) outlet.
4. If you choose to explore or invest in Echole, I have found that Kerem and his entire Echole team across various geographic regions are genuine guides and partners in your journey.
In closing this entry, I would like to thank the many friends and fellow-travelers in this WBF community (and else where) who have guided and assisted me along my audio journey to reach this current plateau.
Re-tread
I would like to share a couple of comments from my experience.
I currently have Echole Limited Edition mk2 power cables, analog XLR and RCA interconnects and digital AES interconnects. For my system, I preferred speaker cables from another brand.
From my experience, starting with Echole Signature, there is a big improvement when you to go Echole Omnia, especially in the voices. There is another big improvement in higher frequencies oppenness and low frequency control when you to to Limited Edition.
Regarding the Furutech NCF (R) outlets, I have a bunch of those, but recently tried the Oyade R0 outlet (for the DAC and Taiko Extreme), and there was a big improvemente in the voices and midrange, so I am now in the process of purchasing more Oyade R0 to test with amplification.
Greetings Re-tread,Greetings VPN, and thank you for your welcomed input, cited from your fascinating audio journey, of which I have been an admirer (in the forums) for a long time.
Your deep experience with Echole cables is certainly noteworthy. Interesting deviation in your speaker cable selection. Did you try the newest Echole speaker cables with the NCF connectors (e.g., the LE 2, or, Infinity levels) in your comparison?
This report is interesting of the improvements as you climb up the Echole family line. In your system, it must be lovely.
The NCF (R) is working really nice in my system. My recent experience is limited to only comparing only the Furutech FP-SWS-D (G) with the FP-SWS-D-NCF (R). In my case, the NCF(R) is a much better match with my system. It brought just the right touch of: life, presence, and shimmer, of which the Gold was not affording. I know there have been reports on the Taiko thread that Emile (and others there) are not super big on the NCF(R) outlet with the Extreme, which I respect. Not surprisingly, your experience seems to match those users. Thank you for suggesting a great alternative, which will certainly appeal to others who have the Extreme or those who want to avoid Rhodium. Unfortunately the Oyaide R0 is not available in Schuko format (here in the European market), but I am glad the R0 is working great for you.
Hope all else is well.
Re-tread