Tripoint Troy Elite - Installed

[Marcus]

I understand what you are saying. Just to be sure as regards the powercords I checked with Miguel: our pc’s are the same. I presume the pc makes in your system a very profound difference for the better as well?

It does. Just for fun, try to connect just PC to the wall without any other anaconda connected to the NG and then disconnect it from the wall and listen if you can detect any change. I was so surprised how much better everything sounded just with the PC to the wall and without grounding any of my components.

 

[marty]

It does. Just for fun, try to connect just PC to the wall without any other anaconda connected to the NG and then disconnect it from the wall and listen if you can detect any change. I was so surprised how much better everything sounded just with the PC to the wall and without grounding any of my components.

You are suggesting that a Tripoint plugged only into the wall, provided significant sonic benefit. If I understand correctly, that is the claim for the SQ benefit one can achieve using the Nordost QKore 1, which does not require attachments to any gear, but only the wall ground. I therefore tried the QKore 1 about 2 months ago and found the improvement so impressive, particularly in the bass, that I cannot remove it and now consider it essential! At a fraction of the price of the Tripoint, it's not only a keeper for me, but motivates me to try a QKore 3 on my monoblocs, which is now a project on the "to do" list.

 

[BruceD]

Yes I agree with Marcus-PT in HKg's trick is to unplug the Tripoint whilst you are enjoying some tremendous crescendos!--the difference is immediate and sonically apparent. In my recollections it is one of the most effective now/then changes I've heard in awhile.
Pity the damn thing is so expensive -not to mention the Tails!

BruceD

 

[Audiocrack]

Agree. Although I did not unplug the Tripoint Troy Elite NG (because its pc still needs settling in) I did this with my Tripoint Emperor ‘ground’ station in the past. The sonic differences are profound. Of course chassis grounding all components make an even bigger difference for the better.

 

[Kingsrule]

You are suggesting that a Tripoint plugged only into the wall, provided significant sonic benefit. If I understand correctly, that is the claim for the SQ benefit one can achieve using the Nordost QKore 1, which does not require attachments to any gear, but only the wall ground. I therefore tried the QKore 1about 2 months ago and found the improvement so impressive, particularly in the bass, htat I cannot remove it and consider it essential. At a fraction of the price of the Tripoint, it's not only a keeper for me, but motivates me to try a QKore 3 on my monoblocs, which is now a project on the "to do' list.

Marty

Were did you attach the QKore 1 in your system? I'm thinking at the sub panel ground. Or the line that supplies the amps?

 

[SuperDave]

King,
How are the new amps treating you? If you still have the HDs, there is a software update called HD 2020 that can be done in the field.

Dave

 

[marty]

Marty

Where did you attach the QKore 1 in your system? I'm thinking at the sub panel ground. Or the line that supplies the amps?

I attached the unit to the quad outlets that drive the front end. That's a different circuit than the ones for my amps. I think the subpanel ground is an excellent idea. I'm not sure I know how to do that without electrocuting myself but I will look into it. It makes sense to me.

 

[Kingsrule]

Thanks Marty

 

[Marcus]

Another opinion on Troy Elite NG...

“For a long time, I felt I had a very revealing audio system with a very low noise floor. Larry Diaz of High-End Palace in Coral Gables, FL was urging me for a while to explore the EMI/RFI passive filtration grounding components Miguel Alvarez of Tripoint Audio had developed. Finally, I moved forward to explore Miguel’s offerings. My first exploration was with the Troy Elite to be followed by the Troy Elite NG. What has resulted from this exploration has been revelatory and transformational. My current system is advanced and constitutes the following components:

· Aurender W20SE
· dCs Vivaldi DAC
· dCs Vivaldi Clock
· Benchmark LA4 preamplifier
· Pass Labs XA160.8 monoblock amplifiers
· Tripoint Audio Troy Elite NG with Signature Silver SE grounding cables
· Acoustic Zen Crescendo II speakers
· REL SE212 sub-bass system (pair)
· Acoustic Zen Absolute Silver interconnects and speaker cables
· Shunyata Research power systems and power cables
· Shunyata Research Sigma 75 Word Clock cables (clock to Aurender and DAC)
· Audioquest Wild dual AES/EBU digital cables (Aurender to DAC)
· Dedicated Room (14’ x 29.75’ x 10’) with 6 dedicated 20-amp outlets

OVERVIEW
The Tripoint Troy Elite NG is a stunning looking compact rectangular box (14.25’ W x 10” D x 5.75” H) supported by three massive 3” solid brass spikes. Don’t let the compact size of the box fool you, it weighs a substantial 160 lbs! This exceeds the 125 lb weight of each Pass Labs XA160.8 amplifier (the Troy Elite NG’s volume is only 18% of that of each amplifier). Once positioned, I doubt it will be moved often, if at all.
The Troy Elite NG has 4 ground core modules, each with over-sized copper binding posts on the back of the component designed to achieve the highest level of EMI/RFI filtration of all Tripoint Audio’s series of grounding components. My initial lengthy experience with the Troy Elite and later with the Troy Elite NG confirmed there is a distinct improvement in EMI/RFI filtration with the later. A massive and very heavy wall cable is plugged into an outlet and attached to one of the binding posts. This is a passive grounding system, so this cable is used to only establish a ground from an outlet to the Troy Elite NG. Signature Silver grounding cables are being used in my system. These go from the other remaining binding posts in the back of the Troy Elite NG to unused input or output ports, chassis screws, or ground screws on the source components.

CONNECTIONS
In my system, the wall cable is plugged into the same outlet shared with my front-end components and is attached to one of the 4 module binding posts. Signature Silver cables from the Aurender, Clock, and DAC (connected to unused BNC ports) share another module binding post on the Troy Elite NG. Cables from the preamplifier (connected to an unused RCA port) and from each amplifier (spade connector the dedicated amplifier ground connection) share another module binding post. The 4th module binding post shares cables from unused RCA ports from each subwoofer.

LISTENING
As I mentioned previously, I considered I had a very revealing audio system with a very low noise floor. Was I ever wrong! The first thing, the Tripoint components do not add anything to editorialize the sound. What they offer is what I will call life and air. They open up the soundstage providing life-like imaging, crafting music to become vivid and alive. It is like transporting the audio system into the original recording venue. Dynamics are enhanced and less constrained. Dynamics are more detailed. Timing and rhythm of music is enriched. Ambient cues are uncannily liberated to open up an expansive and immersive soundstage. Vocals take on improved pitch definition and inflection. Low level definition is enhanced and outstanding. Fundamentally, fine grain or haze inherent in audio systems is lifted providing crystalline clarity to music.
Flying Carpet by Quadro Neuvo & Cairo Steps (Flying Carpet 44.1/16) is a densely orchestrated song with many unique instruments. With the Troy components inserted into my audio system, all of the instruments seemed to float on a cushion of air with each seemingly to have endless decay of notes. There is freedom from previously unrealized minor congestion now with no blurring of instruments whether played loud or soft. All instruments simply now arise from their own sense of space with rich overtones. Mr. Somewhere by This Mortal Coil (Blood 96/24) demonstrated absolute purity to vocals. Low background drum beats become clearly delineated with a cushion of air around each beat. The cello exhibits beautiful resonances and timbre not appreciated previously. New York by St. Vincent (Mass Education Tidal HiFi) is a simple piece with piano and vocal. There is now absolute purity to the voice which seemingly floats in space. All is rendered with absolute beauty against a stark black background with no grain. Finally, Sunset by The xx (Coexist 44.1/16) has clear delineation of vocals. There is vast depth and width with a black background to the soundstage. Low frequencies have enhanced definition and depth.

I just shared a few of my listening notes regarding a wide spectrum of songs I auditioned for this review. Many of my notes mention that whole songs now take on a subtile beauty with an organic quality. Subtile details previously audible, but somewhat buried, now have clarity. The difference between the Troy Elite and the Troy Elite NG are not subtle. The Troy Elite is a tremendous component offering a clear view into music. The Troy Elite NG simply offers a clearer view (as it should for the price difference).

SUMMARY
The Tripoint EMI/RFI passive filtration grounding components are not inexpensive. What they do so well is to transform an already excellent audio system to a level of performance that could never be achieved by simply upgrading to increasingly more expensive source components or speakers. These Tripoint components are in a league of their own and will pull the finest performance out of a music system. One listen, you will never go back. Now when I hear audio systems, the music invariably loses that special magic that the Tripoint components bring to the game. The Troy Elite NG is a limited-edition piece. Although no one would be disappointed with the Troy Elite (as I was not), the Troy Elite NG elevates that magic to another level. The Troy elite NG is to stay in my system. Exceptionally and exceedingly recommended!”

 

[fayerichard]

I understand what you are saying. Just to be sure as regards the powercords I checked with Miguel: our pc’s are the same. I presume the pc makes in your system a very profound difference for the better as well?

Hi Audiocrack, which powercords are you using on the Kondo’s? I have not seen those kind of powerplugs before. Are they custom made Oyaide?

 

[Audiocrack]

Hi Audiocrack, which powercords are you using on the Kondo’s? I have not seen those kind of powerplugs before. Are they custom made Oyaide?

Hello Fayerichard, I am using Tidal Audio pc’s on my Kondo Kagura amps. I believe the plugs are indeed From Oyaide but I am not 100 percent sure. Need to check with Tidal audio to be completely sure.

 

[fayerichard]

Hello Fayerichard, I am using Tidal Audio pc’s on my Kondo Kagura amps. I believe the plugs are indeed From Oyaide but I am not 100 percent sure. Need to check with Tidal audio to be completely sure.

Thanks for the reply. Would be interesting to know. Since this setup is in Amsterdam, are you a Dutch citizen?

 

[Audiocrack]

Thanks for the reply. Would be interesting to know. Since this setup is in Amsterdam, are you a Dutch citizen?

Yes I am

 

[fayerichard]

Yes I am

Great. I am Dutch and from Amsterdam myself, but living in Hong Kong currently. The large market and offerings here in HK is what got me started in audio. It was the first time I heard stereo could do and was sold. Interesting to know now that Amsterdam has got such good reference systems. Apparently, Kemp Electronics has his showroom in Amsterdam and your system looks amazing as well. Initially I thought it was Miguel’s own system, since he highlights it in the Tripoint website. Too bad haha, I thought I could have a look and see on his showroom once as well

 

[Audiocrack]

Interesting. Will you stay long in Hong Kong?

You could try to visit one ir more of the various Audioexotics listening venues. They employ various Tripoint components.

 

[Skynguyen]

Just like to share with everyone that am now a proud owner of tripoint emperor. Extremely happy with what emperor bringing to my system.

 

[Audiocrack]

I recognize ‘the beautiful beast’. Interesting combination with Audio Note UK amplifiers.

What does ‘the beautiful beast’ bring to the table in your audio system, musically speaking?

 

[Skynguyen]

Much more involved! I can listen all day long if allow. Before the emperor i like to skip track but now i can listen to a whole cd, i don’t even touch the remote control any more. There are some hard edge in high frequency before install the tripoint but now is all gone. Extremely smooth, natural with great great detail.i don’t consider myself as a audiophile but a music lover and adding the emperor letting me enjoy music more is a big big plus.

 

[Audiocrack]

Very happy to hear this. And I suppose that is what our hobby is all about. So please enjoy your music with this beautiful Tripoint ‘ground’ station.

 

[Skynguyen]

Thanks you Sir! I absolutely will. also am waiting for delivery of the emperor ground cable. I only able to effort one cable at the moment. Any suggestions where should i be connect i to?
Thanks again.