Transparent Opus Gen 5 vs Transparent Opus MM2 mini review

[number95]

congratulations. what would be interesting to do is a comparison between your stage 3s and the new gen v power cords...

Thanks Mcduman.

 

[number95]

Transparent speaker cable networks should be isolated as much as possible and Magnum Opus is no exception. I used to have SRA VR isolation platforms with Magnum Opus networks with strong success, I thought that is it. Well, just by luck I tried SRA Ohio XL+2 and... results are even better

 

[jfrech]

First off cool pic and I think we have the same carpet in our rooms...

I guess this shouldn't surprise us, inside that network is components like caps. Thanks for posting...I'll try this soon under my sc networks and let you know my thoughts...

 

[LL21]

FWIW, I use a gigantic Entreq Vibb Eater on TOP of the Opus SC network boxes, and it does quiet the system down. I may try something underneath, but trying to prioritize the fine tuning a bit and just dont happen to have anything to hand that would be proper way to keep it off the floor.

 

[LL21]

Just picked up a pair of TA Opus MM2 ICs calibrated for our equipment today...playing now. Have taken the earlier cables (Transp RefMM (MM2) back to the dealer for separate trade towards possible upgrade to CJ GAT 2. Very very intrigued as to the changes so far...thanks to all who provided advice on the change. So now all Opus throughout the chain (Gen 5 on the SCs_.

 

[jfrech]

Just picked up a pair of TA Opus MM2 ICs calibrated for our equipment today...playing now. Have taken the earlier cables (Transp RefMM (MM2) back to the dealer for separate trade towards possible upgrade to CJ GAT 2. Very very intrigued as to the changes so far...thanks to all who provided advice on the change. So now all Opus throughout the chain (Gen 5 on the SCs_.

Very cool Lloyd, let us know what you think vs the ref mm mm2's ! Hope all is well...

 

[LL21]

Very cool Lloyd, let us know what you think vs the ref mm mm2's ! Hope all is well...

Thanks, Jfrech and will do! You were one of the people I was thanking in my earlier post by the way!

 

[LL21]

Very cool Lloyd, let us know what you think vs the ref mm mm2's ! Hope all is well...

Hey Jfrech,

My experience with TA is that out of the box, they generally sound quite good...and then after about 30 hours go thru a bunch of gryations...and then after 100 hours, I hear more of what I heard at the very beginning. We shall see if the same happens here.

So far, 'ease' with a lot more detail readily discernable is probably my initial impression.

 

[audiohippo]

Can anyone provide a recommendation on choosing either TA Ref XL MM2 speaker cables and ICs or TA Ref Gen5?

 

[Bobvin]

Can anyone provide a recommendation on choosing either TA Ref XL MM2 speaker cables and ICs or TA Ref Gen5?

When I moved to Transparent, I bought used REF XL MM2 through my dealer, which allows me to move up to Gen5 as funds allow, and when I move up I get full value on the MM2. I needed a long pair of ic's for my remodeled space, and so traded up to a GEN5 pair. I can't say I knew of the difference because too many things changed at the same time, but by all accounts the Gen5 is a significant upgrade sonically.

 

[jfrech]

Can anyone provide a recommendation on choosing either TA Ref XL MM2 speaker cables and ICs or TA Ref Gen5?

If price is close to the same, I think Gen 5 Ref is the clear preference. I've owned Ref MM2, Ref XL MM2 and then Opus MM2 and Opus Gen 5. The Ref Gen 5 was replacing both the Ref and Ref XL in the previous line up...

You can clearly and easily hear each level on Transparent cable. It's usually lower noise, better resolution and better bass articulation and textures. If you buy the Ref XL MM2 from a dealer that's certified used, you still get the trade in prices/program...which can become a bit addictive. A dealer should also be able to let you demo a few cables. Transparent can send your dealer a demo "kit"

Your Wilson's are internally wired with Gen 5...some synergy there...

Let us know what you decide or if you have more questions

 

[microstrip]

(...) Your Wilson's are internally wired with Gen 5...some synergy there... (...)

My Wilson's are wired with MM2 - good reason to stay with the Opus MM2!

 

[skytop]

I am thoroughly enjoying my Transparent Audio G5 Ultra cables for my speakers, XLR interconnects, phono and power.
The G5 is far superior than lesser previous cables over the decades.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Far superior than earlier cables in what ways?

 

[skytop]

Do you want to boor you will a litany of magniloquent audioesque explication of my experience and judgement.
Suffice it to say that there is a greater sense of realism, definition, clarity, harmonic content, and over all aural satisfaction using the Ultra cable.
For myself, Ultra represents the sweet spot of performance vs. cost.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thank you.

 

[ack]

I am thoroughly enjoying my Transparent Audio G5 Ultra cables for my speakers, XLR interconnects, phono and power.
The G5 is far superior than lesser previous cables over the decades.

Do you want to boor you will a litany of magniloquent audioesque explication of my experience and judgement.
Suffice it to say that there is a greater sense of realism, definition, clarity, harmonic content, and over all aural satisfaction using the Ultra cable.
For myself, Ultra represents the sweet spot of performance vs. cost.

Easy to believe all of that based on that I heard at Myles's system with the new generation all around, vs older cables heard elsewhere, including some in my own system years ago... basically, I have said a number of times in the past that the older Transparent are nonsense, including a G4 Reference XL phono cable "custom made" for me to try, which picked up hum like there was no tomorrow and overall sounded very colored.

 

[Elliot G.]

I just took in a Transparent Opus 2m balanced interconnect in trade. If anyone is looking for one drop me a line.
I don' t have the box etc customer tossed it. I am checking to see what it was calibrated for and will post later. retail was in the low 20's
set up calibration was for Boulder

 

[LL21]

I've upgraded a few cables to the new Transparent Gen 5. But was never able to do a strict A-B of a Gen 5 vs MM2 with only 1 variable changing. Today that changed. The cable was from my phono stage to pre amp. I own a MM2 Opus, my dealer had a Gen 5 Opus, we both have the same phono and preamps. Both, 1m RCA to RCA.

Well, it's not close. The MM2 sounds simply great. I had zero issues with it. And didn't really want to spend more money on more cables.

I have to admit...The Gen 5 is a upgrade-and it's not subtle. Lower noise. More dynamics, deeper bass, more clarity but more organic also...and more resolute. It's hard to go back to MM2.

The Opus MM2 is one of the best cables on the planet....the gen 5 are just better.

Just listen and your ears will tell you...

Hey JFrech,

Did you go full Magnum Opus? I have nearly finished the migration from Opus MM2 to Opus Gen 5 (also made a move in one place from SE to Balanced). Wow it IS a lot quieter (I think that is the nature of balanced...not the Opus Gen 5)...but I still do think there is something about detail, ability to dig into bass and hold the detail and resolve...which is very special.

 

[skytop]

I went from Transparent Ultra MM2 for my system to Reference Gen 5. Major improvement was accomplished! More quiet, more clear, more resolution, more accurate and musical sounding. A very real tangible improvement giving much audio enjoyment.