Pass XP-20 DB-25 Umbilical upgrade: Has anyone any suggestions on how much of a difference and what brand?

[spiritofmusic]

So, yesterday installed the pair of Tubulus Argentus DB-25 umbilical cables connecting my Nat Audio Utopia tube pre to its SS psu.

Instantly aware of less noise in my system. Now this makes some sense because my Nat gear is naturally a little noisy, and the stock DB-25 cables used until now don't look robust or shielded massively. The Argentus is much more what you'd expect from an upmarket cable.

So, the lower noise floor results in greater low level and ambient detail, a more relaxed presentation but no sacrifice to speed.

The only caveat was an initially overblown bass, but a few hours listening is revealing that to be a burn in artefact, things more correctly weighted the last album I listened to. I'm confident the right balance will be achieved v soon.

So, in the grand debate of skepticism on cables, another experience that keeps on firmly putting me in the camp that says these choices are all critical and worthwhile.

 

[jahatl513]

So, yesterday installed the pair of Tubulus Argentus DB-25 umbilical cables connecting my Nat Audio Utopia tube pre to its SS psu.

Instantly aware of less noise in my system. Now this makes some sense because my Nat gear is naturally a little noisy, and the stock DB-25 cables used until now don't look robust or shielded massively. The Argentus is much more what you'd expect from an upmarket cable.

So, the lower noise floor results in greater low level and ambient detail, a more relaxed presentation but no sacrifice to speed.

The only caveat was an initially overblown bass, but a few hours listening is revealing that to be a burn in artefact, things more correctly weighted the last album I listened to. I'm confident the right balance will be achieved v soon.

So, in the grand debate of skepticism on cables, another experience that keeps on firmly putting me in the camp that says these choices are all critical and worthwhile.[/QUOTE

Finally back on topic.... since I was not seeking to debunk and not interested in the Policing of topics and responses as others are...
This is the kind of feedback I appreciate and more importantly its an actual answer to my question. Thanks for taking the time to post as well to the others who were imparting their experience instead of their opinions with out experience... Thanks again.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Jahatl, it's always good to hear about things, but you really need to be open and disclose your affiliation.

 

[jahatl513]

Congratulations, Marc. I hope you find success. I'm sure there are many options.

I was asked to chime in with my own experience, so I did. I no longer have the need for such a product. I shared a link to BlueFox's excellent report in case anyone is interested in reading it. I'm sure the OP will read this thread and appreciate all of the suggestions and information contained herein.

Appreciated!!!

 

[jahatl513]

Jahatl, it's always good to hear about things, but you really need to be open and disclose your affiliation.

No Affiliation! A user like most. Looking for people who have experience with something. Experience is valuable and Opinions are cheap.
Why would you assume I have an affiliation with something, I am not sure.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Sure, no insult intended. Your v long and detailed posts looked a little like ad speak for Revelation.

 

[microstrip]

No Affiliation! A user like most. Looking for people who have experience with something. Experience is valuable and Opinions are cheap.
Why would you assume I have an affiliation with something, I am not sure.

Your post is mainly a quote of the manufacturer site. IMHO quotes should be identified as such and if possible a link should be referred.

Are you able to discuss technically what is reported on your post?

 

[jahatl513]

If you look,... it was a response to Keith R.'s question of Why.... taken yes from Revelation web site. So, no offense taken. Even though it turns out a responding member has a question and then an opinion I may not like does not mean I would not try and educate them.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Jahatl, you'll find that transparency always pays. Esp online where it's easy to draw (wrong, sometimes) conclusions.

 

[microstrip]

If you look,... it was a response to Keith R.'s question of Why.... taken yes from Revelation web site. So, no offense taken. Even though it turns out a responding member has a question and then an opinion I may not like does not mean I would not try and educate them.

Sorry Jahatl, IMHO this type of posting is not acceptable. It is even a copyright issue, forum moderators will have to consider it.

 

[BlueFox]

The thread is about Pass. Anything else is off topic.

 

[jahatl513]

The thread is about Pass. Anything else is off topic.

So, just to encapsulate your statements... I, the creator for the thread about umbilical cables from 3rd parties on Pass Labs is what the thread is about... Anything else is off topic. So, the conjecture from one member that the use of different cables has no value worth upgrading, which by the way is not my question, then that response is Off Topic. Then the education about cables.. is not what we are here for? Full Circle... the not labeling it as a quote is the issue.

 

[spiritofmusic]

BlueFox is wrong to say that, Jahatl. It's perfectly ok to have started this topic. As another member did he same, talking about after mkt DB-25's on Nat amps. Which got my interest.

Im sure BlueFox wouldn't object to eg a thread about the best (non Pass) footers under Pass amps.

 

[jahatl513]

BlueFox is wrong to say that, Jahatl. It's perfectly ok to have started this topic. As another member did he same, talking about after mkt DB-25's on Nat amps. Which got my interest.

Im sure BlueFox wouldn't object to eg a thread about the best (non Pass) footers under Pass amps.

Thanks Spiritofmusic; the quotes deleted from the thread. When the police arrive I'm standing at the door, guns a blazing and ready for more. All is duly noted. Any more posts about the experience are welcome.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Well, for the record, this DB-25 upgrade on my Nat pre is right up there w other significant discoveries. I don't doubt the Revelation does a lot too.

The Pass guys need to seriously check out these options.

 

[jackelsson]

Marc, this is quite interesting. I never heard of the Tubulus Argentus DB-25 umbilical cable before I read about it in this thread, so thank you for mentioning it. Might be an alternative for me compared to the somewhat questionably priced Revelation Audio Labs umbilical.

On the Tubulus Argentus website they mention a money back guarantee. Do you know whether this exceeds the legal two weeks return period for online shopping? Quite an interesting point for a cable that sells for 500€ the meter.

 

[spiritofmusic]

J, I can check. Price amongst other considerations was the reason I took the punt on Tubulus, and w the sale or return policy it was a no brainer.

Aldwin of Tubulus has also proved to be an absolute delight to deal with, and as I get older and more jaded by lack of old fashioned service in so much today, it always comes as a pleasant surprise for a reception above and beyond.

Case in point, it looked like I'd maybe ordered too short a cable. Unprompted, he offered to take my pair of cables back and send a longer pair out. No restocking fee etc, impressive since cables are only made to order. In fact the length was fine.

The cherry on the cake. The cake itself being the unpredicted improvement to the whole musical picture this upgrade has brought. I am so happy I took the punt.

I'll email him and check his conditions. If you do deal w him, mention Marc in the UK.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Just had word the trial period is 30 days, but can be longer if needed.

Chat about it w Aldwin Oomen
info@tubulus.net

 

[jahatl513]

Yes, Thanks and I too have reached out to them for a trial and discussion.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Jahadl, despite the move in some quarters in the high end to downplay the validity of expensive after market cables and power cords, my experience is very much they are worth it.

The Tubulus DB-25 has really been a fascinating and totally worthwhile addition.

Chalk another confirmation that "noise is the enemy".