MSB S202 Stereo Amp

The Zenwave doesn’t even cost half as much as a 1 meter Dragon…the price for longer lengths isn’t doubled like with Audioquest. I would be interested in how like it sounds.

(https://zenwaveaudio.com/product/psr-14-psr-11-silver-ribbon-power-cable/)

@dchang05 as promised here my thoughts about the Ultimate cable, that replaced the Classic plugged to the Puritan 156.

First of all, how I’m missing the S202! It’s very difficult to have critical listening during last evenings because I feel the lack of something and I could be wrong but I’m loosing the real engagement coming from the music. Maybe not the right mood to do comparisons, maybe the only comparison catching my attention comes from amps. I don’t know.

The sound is different with the Ultimate. Still here a few qualities I recall from the Puritan: separation, details, depth. The good news is that with the Ultimate the upper frequencies are tonally less bright, mids are smoother too. But bass is the area where I’m hearing mostly a change: stronger and deeper. The bad news is that I’m not sure I’m liking it! Why? The magic is gone! That kind of liquidity isn’t here anymore.
The background is still black, unfortunately the Ultimate is bringing however a darker sound, the prevalence of strength in the low area is less than pleasant. Think about too many AM-1 fuses in a system, something like that… you need some Purples!

I have no ideas. Maybe:

  • I need more time to let the cable burn in
  • I need to plug back the Classic to see (hear) what happens

Probably I simply can’t forget the S202 sound and it compromises my capability to compare the Ultimate cable, my mind isn’t able to cancel that feeling from memory and my test is a false error process. I’m wasting time, so it’s better to relax myself and listen to music for a while.

Don’t want to give negative feedback about the Ultimate cable before having more time with it but to be honest at its best is equal if not worst the Classic, actually. So keep calm, I’m repeating to myself, it is impossibile.

Sorry Donald, this time I’m not confident in my opinions. Let me more time…

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Thanks Luca! The above sounded like a deal killer to me! I am not sure break in would make a drastic difference because most of the time one should hear improvement at the begining from a great cable, and more time will just bring it to the next level. When I was not sure about a cable or cord, I put back the old cable and could usually tell if the new one was really better (only if they are close).

Like you said, it is possible you simply missed S202 too much :laughing: When your new amp is here, I hope Ultimate will do a better job.

You should let Ultimate runs a few more days before trying the Puritan/Ultimate on the DAC.

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I’ll do for sure and also I’ll plug back the Classic within a few day. I don’t give up easily.

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Some things once heard can’t be unheard :person_shrugging:

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@dchang05 it wasn’t the cable! Now I’m pretty sure. I spent a few hours plugging back the Classic cable vs the Ultimate, and… what I wasn’t liking anymore simply doesn’t depend on the cable.

You were right, cable to cable comparison allowed me to unveil the truth. Once more, guess what? Cables matter (don’t tell Al!).

The Classic can bring more distortion on overall frequency spectrum, upper area is brighter and may cause fatigue, lower area is mudded.
The Ultimate sounds as clean as its little brother but with a blacker background, no distortion, clarity (without fatigue) and beautiful separation. All pros enhanced at higher level, with more realism. Once plugged the Ultimate back, after a few albums with the Classic, I immediately could crank up the volume with more engagement and a general pleasant feeling.
The Ultimate also gives me more texture, body and absolutely without distortion. Smoother result is evident and the presentation is richer and more coherent.

Even though I’m still sad because I’m missing that magic I felt last week, now I’m sure it comes from the amps, not from the cables.

Thank you for your advice, it helped me a lot clarifying my doubts.

Can’t wait for the S202 shipment, I want, I need, I dream… that magic again in my room!

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Good to know the Ultimate PC is an improvement over Classic, you will be thrilled when the S202 arrives. The Puritan/Ultimate should work out simply fine. I will hear your thoughts on how it does to the DAC.

I remember when I first acquired M1200, I missed the sweet midrange and deep soundstage from BAT. It took a while for me to appreciate M1200 more. Do I want to go back to Class A and A/B again? I am not so sure. When I finish other upgrades I may consider, maybe a MSB amp too :slightly_smiling_face:

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luca…

Crazy bunch of nutty audio addicted holics… :innocent:
may your next fix arrive soon!!

Yeah best don’t tell Al…who know what’l happen when he finds out
he are one, :grin:

Best wishes

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I just bought what I believe to be the very best cables available so I don’t have to think or worry about such things. Expensive but…

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Pray tell, what are they?

I suppose not something bought on Amazon…

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If the weather is as bad as they say this weekend, it might be my next test on Sunday.

An electrical technician came here with my electrician and installed this stuff on the dedicated panel. Our aim is taking measurements until next week to find out the quality of the power from outside the home. Then the “doctor” will provide his verdict and eventually he will give me responses, if some cure is needed or not. And why.


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I like your method, simple.

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All top of the line Stealth Audio cables. I thought that was common knowledge.

Choose your poison.

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I thought you already were top Stealthy

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That’s from Luca, not me.

.59 power factor is a crazy low number. Hard to believe. Running 100hp motors? I would expect .8, or so, with my air conditioning running.

Edit, given the low amperage, that must be your stereo branch circuit…still seems low.

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Oops, fixed

Yes, it’s only running the system: 2 subs, Puritan with M1200s, P20 with BHK Pre, MSB DAC and Statement. No other components. Playing music at usual volume (50-60dB). Consumption average around 250-280 W (I’m in EU so at 230V). It’s a dedicated panel, exclusively serving 5 dedicated sockets in my listening room, 1 for Puritan, 2 for M1200s, 1 for P20 and 1 unused.

It seems very inefficient but don’t understand the value before (left to) power factor. That’s 0.69 when my equipment is powered on while is 1 when powered off. I’m not a tech guy, sorry…
could someone please elaborate on this value like if I were a 5 years old child?

Thanks.

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I’m not an electrical engineer so this is interesting to me too. :thinking: