Power cord comparison: Nordost Odin Gold vs CrystalConnect da Vinci vs Argento Audio EE

[TLi]

Last week, we had an enjoyable evening comparing some of the best power cords in the market. A group of experienced audiophiles gathered in an independent HiFi room. The main purpose was to compare CrystalConnect da Vinci which was ranked number one by a few attendees and the newly available Nordost Odin Gold. Argento Audio EE, Odin 2 and original Odin power cords were also available for reference if needed.

Nagra HD preamp and power amp monoblocks were used. Since we only had two 20A Odin Gold for the monoblocks, we first connected Odin Gold to the power amp. It raised the performance of the amp to another level. Compared the orignial after market cords which I prefer not to name, Odin Gold gave the amp dynamics and smoothness. The difference was noticed within 10 seconds, it was very obvious.

The Nagra preamp took turn to connect with Argento EE, da Vinci and Odin Gold. The same pieces of music were played. Argento EE was not bad, it gave some extra life to Nagra, the sound was present and lively but I found it a little too bright.

When CrystalConnect da Vinci was connected, OMG! The preamp was transformed. The improvement over Argento EE was jaw dropping. da Vinci background was quiet, the sound was silk smooth, separation of individual instrument was very clear, the resolution was very much enhanced. It was clear winner over Argento EE, that's why some audiophiles ranked it to be the best power cord in the market (before Odin Gold is available).

Then came Odin Gold. Although everyone expected it was a serious competitor, not many were prepared for this level of performance. Within 10 seconds, it was clear that Odin Gold was better than da Vinci in every aspect. What impressed people most in da Vinci was better in Odin Gold. The background was darker, the sound stage was wider, the resolution was even better. Going from Argento EE to da Vinci then Odin Gold showed clearly the advantage of Odin Gold. The ranking for power cord was instantly changed. Odin Gold is a clear winner and the price of it is also the highest.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Last week, we had an enjoyable evening comparing some of the best power cords in the market. A group of experienced audiophiles gathered in an independent HiFi room. The main purpose was to compare CrystalConnect da Vinci which was ranked number one by a few attendees and the newly available Nordost Odin Gold. Argento Audio EE, Odin 2 and original Odin power cords were also available for reference if needed.View attachment 82150

Nagra HD preamp and power amp monoblocks were used. Since we only had two 20A Odin Gold for the monoblocks, we first connected Odin Gold to the power amp. It raised the performance of the amp to another level. Compared the orignial after market cords which I prefer not to name, Odin Gold gave the amp dynamics and smoothness. The difference was noticed within 10 seconds, it was very obvious.

The Nagra preamp took turn to connect with Argento EE, da Vinci and Odin Gold. The same pieces of music were played. Argento EE was not bad, it gave some extra life to Nagra, the sound was present and lively but I found it a little too bright.

When CrystalConnect da Vinci was connected, OMG! The preamp was transformed. The improvement over Argento EE was jaw dropping. da Vinci background was quiet, the sound was silk smooth, separation of individual instrument was very clear, the resolution was very much enhanced. It was clear winner over Argento EE, that's why some audiophiles ranked it to be the best power cord in the market (before Odin Gold is available).

Then came Odin Gold. Although everyone expected it was a serious competitor, not many were prepared for this level of performance. Within 10 seconds, it was clear that Odin Gold was better than da Vinci in every aspect. What impressed people most in da Vinci was better in Odin Gold. The background was darker, the sound stage was wider, the resolution was even better. Going from Argento EE to da Vinci then Odin Gold showed clearly the advantage of Odin Gold. The ranking for power cord was instantly changed. Odin Gold is a clear winner and the price of it is also the highest.View attachment 82151View attachment 82152

Great comparison Odin gold are stunning cables.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

I wonder how these cables would compare to my new audience front row Cables.

 

[XV-1]

Hey TLi

How many Odin gold did u buy? Or are you getting a home demo first?

 

[TLi]

Hey TLi

How many Odin gold did u buy? Or are you getting a home demo first?

I got 3 Odin Gold power cords. One 15A and two 20A, they are for my Constellation Altair II and Hercules II monoblocks.

I borrowed one 15A Odin Gold for home audition. That was the one put on display in August Hong Kong HiFi Show. The improvement on the preamp was so obvious over the Odin 2 which was used at the time, I ordered two 20A more for the power amp.

The borrowed 15A power cord was later returned to the dealer. They said that cord was a test product and they exchanged it with a new complete proper power cord.

 

[RnRmf]

Great write up on the Odin Gold!

What did the comparison with the previous Odin power cables and the new Gold Odin show?

 

[LL21]

I got 3 Odin Gold power cords. One 15A and two 20A, they are for my Constellation Altair II and Hercules II monoblocks.

I borrowed one 15A Odin Gold for home audition. That was the one put on display in August Hong Kong HiFi Show. The improvement on the preamp was so obvious over the Odin 2 which was used at the time, I ordered two 20A more for the power amp.

The borrowed 15A power cord was later returned to the dealer. They said that cord was a test product and they exchanged it with a new complete proper power cord.

Congrats...quite an endorsement of the Odins. You have exceptional preamp and amplification as well...I have heard them but not in a system I knew well. I have heard nothing but great praise for them from people's whose ears I trust.

 

[TLi]

Great write up on the Odin Gold!

What did the comparison with the previous Odin power cables and the new Gold Odin show?

Odin Gold is considerably better than Odin 2 and Odin.

Odin 2 can sound a little harsh in some system, Odin is a lot more forgiving. In general, Odin series characteristic sound is detailed and high resolution. Odin Gold clearly shows the maturity of the series. It is giving more resolution and dynamics without sounding harsh. It is very refined.

 

[howiebrou]

I got 3 Odin Gold power cords. One 15A and two 20A, they are for my Constellation Altair II and Hercules II monoblocks.

I borrowed one 15A Odin Gold for home audition. That was the one put on display in August Hong Kong HiFi Show. The improvement on the preamp was so obvious over the Odin 2 which was used at the time, I ordered two 20A more for the power amp.

The borrowed 15A power cord was later returned to the dealer. They said that cord was a test product and they exchanged it with a new complete proper power cord.

Tli, you are nuts my brother but many congratulations!
Have you tried a Odin Gold on your AFZero?

 

[TLi]

Tli, you are nuts my brother but many congratulations!
Have you tried a Odin Gold on your AFZero?

Air Force Zero uses three power cords. Where should I start?

 

[bonzo75]

Air Force Zero uses three power cords. Where should I start?

All 3?

 

[howiebrou]

All 3?

Exactly, just borrow 3! Your TT may be worth it!

 

[myself]

It seems to me that the demonstration simply avoided comparing Odin gold to Ansuz diamond

 

[ShawnZH]

Great write-up and congratulations Li for acquiring the new kid on the block. I tried the Odin 2 several times in my system and found them better at the front: Pre, Sources, Phono than power. Now clearly the gold version can do both. I had Da Vinci at home demo too and liked it very much. The Crystal Cables are usually a bit lean and bright to my ears, AD, UD. Da Vinci is a more balanced PC, with a fine SQ and is also robust and with power. Speaking of power of Crystal Cables, it is referred to the Crystal Cable standard of power. They’re not power beast by all means, even the new series.

I wouldn’t mind to plug all my gears with Da Vinci and Odin Gold but that looks like a dreaming fantasy and I could be waken up by the price tags in 1 second, like a thunder rolling over my head.

 

[LL21]

Great write-up and congratulations Li for acquiring the new kid on the block. I tried the Odin 2 several times in my system and found them better at the front: Pre, Sources, Phono than power. Now clearly the gold version can do both. I had Da Vinci at home demo too and liked it very much. The Crystal Cables are usually a bit lean and bright to my ears, AD, UD. Da Vinci is a more balanced PC, with a fine SQ and is also robust and with power. Speaking of power of Crystal Cables, it is referred to the Crystal Cable standard of power. They’re not power beast by all means, even the new series.

I wouldn’t mind to plug all my gears with Da Vinci and Odin Gold but that looks like a dreaming fantasy and I could be waken up by the price tags in 1 second, like a thunder rolling over my head.

Wow...you have one stellar system there! I was just noticing you own Siltech Triple Crowns which I just auditioned for the first time. Remarkably good. I would love to read any more details about how the Siltech Triple Crowns compare against your Nordost Odin 2, the Davinci and the new Nordost Gold!

I have heard:
- TA Opus Gen 5
- PAD 25th Anniversary, 20th Anniversary, Dominus Rev B/C
- Crystal Absolute Dream
- Sablon Prince
- Vertere (briefly)
- Gryphon VIP Ref 5
- Siltech Triple Crown
- Z:Axis

My favorites by some margin are Sablon Prince, Z:Axis and Siltech Triple Crown. Thanks for any more listening notes in comparison to Odin 2, Davinci and Nordost Gold! At least having had Siltech Triple Crown in our system, we have 'a little' base of understanding.

 

[PeterA]

Air Force Zero uses three power cords. Where should I start?

Since we all want cleaner sound, and these power cords seem to deliver it, why don’t you put the first one on your record cleaning machine?

 

[MadFloyd]

A good power cord on an ultrasonic record cleaner produces more consistency in the tiny bubbles resulting in finer details.

 

[Cableman]

A good power cord on an ultrasonic record cleaner produces more consistency in the tiny bubbles resulting in finer details.

 

[Cellcbern]

Wow...you have one stellar system there! I was just noticing you own Siltech Triple Crowns which I just auditioned for the first time. Remarkably good. I would love to read any more details about how the Siltech Triple Crowns compare against your Nordost Odin 2, the Davinci and the new Nordost Gold!

I have heard:
- TA Opus Gen 5
- PAD 25th Anniversary, 20th Anniversary, Dominus Rev B/C
- Crystal Absolute Dream
- Sablon Prince
- Vertere (briefly)
- Gryphon VIP Ref 5
- Siltech Triple Crown
- Z:Axis

My favorites by some margin are Sablon Prince, Z:Axis and Siltech Triple Crown. Thanks for any more listening notes in comparison to Odin 2, Davinci and Nordost Gold! At least having had Siltech Triple Crown in our system, we have 'a little' base of understanding.

Odin Gold is considerably better than Odin 2 and Odin.

Odin 2 can sound a little harsh in some system, Odin is a lot more forgiving. In general, Odin series characteristic sound is detailed and high resolution. Odin Gold clearly shows the maturity of the series. It is giving more resolution and dynamics without sounding harsh. It is very refined.

Odin has silver plated copper conductors and rhodium plated connectors. Odin 2 ditched the rhodium for gold plating. Odin Gold plates not only the connectors with gold but also the entire surface of the copper conductors. What does that say about connector plating and the sound of rhodium vs. gold? About conductor metallurgy?

 

[marty]

A good power cord on an ultrasonic record cleaner produces more consistency in the tiny bubbles resulting in finer details.

Since we all want cleaner sound, and these power cords seem to deliver it, why don’t you put the first one on your record cleaning machine?