In no small part due to the enthusiastic testimonials I have been reading on the forum, I am in the process of upgrading my cables to various models in the Stealth line.
One of the areas that I don’t recall reading anything definitive is whether Stealth owners feel that the additional cost of the tunable variants provide a proportional step up in sound quality versus their standard equivalent? Additionally, does the answer differ whether talking about power cables versus digital interconnects versus analog interconnects versus speaker cables?
I’ve read Serguei’s Technical Notes on the Stealth web site and understand the role the tuning collar plays in helping focus the sound similar to an optical lens focus ring. I understand the importance of patience and the best practice of having a friend help with collar ring position discernment. Lastly, I understand that a badly placed tuning ring will result in cable performance inferior to its untunable equivalent. With all that said, my question to Stealth cable owners is whether “the juice is worth the squeeze?” And if the answer depends on the type of cable (power, interconnect, etc.) I’m interested in those distinctions.
When I got my first Dream 2020 I left the collar about 8" from the wall plug to let it break-in. Then after about 3 weeks I moved it to 8" from the Power Zone end, I think it made a slight difference but the 2020 was still settling in and I was still hearing break-in changes so I decided to wait till completely broken-in to fine tune. In any case, I like it better than the Dragon it replaced.
With changing my entire loom to Stealth I’ve been in constant break-in mode for the last two months, so for each new cable I put the collar a few inches from the downstream end of the cable and have not tried tuning. Even without tuning they sound better than what they replaced.
A final 2020 is scheduled to arrive today, so maybe in about a month I may try sliding some collars. All of my Stealth cables (3)PC, Speaker and Interconnect have collars - where does one start?
This may take a while.
Thanks @weedeewop@hardlyknow1 and @luca.pelliccioli for your responses. I’m leaning towards just going with the standard non-tuneable versions. I keep harkening back to what Serguei wrote (I’m paraphrasing) that if you aren’t going to spend the time to tune the cable properly, you’re better off without it. Knowing myself, I’m not likely to spend the time dialing it in if there isn’t a significant payback and, so far, I’m not hearing anyone saying “damn the costs - get the collars - they’re worth it!” But I’m still listening for any additional opinions😊
Currently, I have two Dream 2020 20a power cords on order (Wall to PowerZone and PZ to Diablo 333). Additionally, I have Dream V18-T speaker cables ordered. I’ll be looking to purchase additional Stealth Power and Interconnects in the near future.
I had a V18 Uni power cable for a while. I tried positioning the tuning collar, preferably a two person job, until it started to feel silly. I never heard the slightest difference.
With one exception, all of my Stealth tuning cables have tuning rings. I have not done any listening tests. Lack of friends, time, and interest might be getting in the way.
Every cable I have gotten from the factory has had the ring positioned at the signal end of the cable. For example, the ring would be at the IEC connector end of a power cable, not at the AC plug. I consider that a sign, and at least, the de facto “best place to start” from those who want to see their products shine in its best light and know many will want to listen first and tweak later.
Luca is the only one who has taken the ring thing to task and has concluded that this position was best in the end with all Stealth types. I appreciate his statement of neutrality cause everyone’s mileage may vary, as Serguei has said. I’m just too lazy to take that test drive, or lack the confidence that the right position today would be the best one tomorrow.
I’d be more motivated to go through the tuning ring Kabuki dance if there were some testimonials that it made a significant difference. In the absence of that, I’m more inclined to not bother.
I’m a little surprised as it wasn’t that long ago that many were buzzing about the merits of home made cable rings constructed with 3M sheets.
