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Articulation...How Do You Like Yours?
By
Zig Shuster Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1) David Elrod aka Elrod Power Systems makes cords for lower
power consumption components: the EPS 2, EPS 2 Signature and the Statement II;
and for higher power components: the EPS 3, EPS 3 Signature and the Statement.
Elrod power cords are ribbon-based, high purity copper with Furutech
connections, and utilize his patented design that took over a year to “fine
tune” with material in the cords to dampen mechanical and electrical vibration
or interference, according to David Elrod. The cords’ core capacitance
actually holds a charge over time. I understand from David the webpage is being
developed and will be coming. Elrod Power Systems, 716 Fair Forest Drive, Greenwood, SC 29646, phone 864-227-9107, email deglide@(No-Spam)greenwood.net
I like my system to kick out the jams. I want to hear the
sticks hit them sizzlin cymbals. I want to really hear the cowbell on Honky
Tonk Women. I want to hear chimes sparkle. I want to hear that thumb strike
the bass string and feel my subwoofer exercise that 18 Hz. I want to feel the
music and the soundtracks. Like most of us, we try to seek improvements because
we know (think?) they’re out there. After adding dedicated lines, separate
circuits, upgraded outlets and power conditioning, I started up (down?) the
slippery slope of power cords. After trying Coincident, Virtual Dynamics Audience and
first generation VD Nite, and Harmonix WattGate power cords with varying degrees
of success, I came across my first Elrod EPS 3 Signature when I was listening
with another line conditioner which came with one. After auditioning the
conditioner unit for two weeks, I put the Elrod on my BPT 2.5 Ultra. The change
was immediately noticeable, with a significant improvement in detail, soundstage
and presence. That’s right, I got one. Then I got another. Then I saw a low
mileage, pre-owned Statement at a very attractive price and added the Statement
to my BPT conditioner. It was as if the unit was never receiving enough power
all along, it pulled everything together, every component plugged into it
sounded so much better. A lot of people talk about the importance of the midrange.
The Statement made the statement that there is a top and there is a bottom and
that they both play into the full audio range as well, and says so with
authority. Then I got another Statement and added that to my Dreadnaught I. Just
amazing! More detail, more resolution, even more presence, more integration from
top to bottom, a more deep and wide well-defined soundstage, more air, impact,
quiet background, well articulated channel separation, full controlled bass that
makes the earth move, crisp detailed highs. Search over, right? So, I’m sending the 20 amp EPS 3
Signature from my BPT to be reterminated with a 15 amp IEC to use on my Aerial
SW12 and a Statement II with a torn jacket I bought from another owner back to
David Elrod to be rejacketed. I’m trying to sell the two Harmonix cords and
talk to an audio equipment dealer about crediting an agreed upon amount toward
another purchase. Experienced an
Epiphany I first put this cord on my Theta Digital Casa Nova. This
may be the smoothest result from a power cord I’ve tried to date. It was
smooth as silk right out of the box, with a wide panel presentation. Very
smooth. That said, however, it came with a bit of a dilemma and a decision to
make after 30 days to settle in. On the Casa Nova, this cord was too smooth. The
very top and the very bottom of the range was softer. The musical information
was all there, midrange mastery, smooth, very smooth, just not as detailed or
palpable on the very top and bottom. The soundstage was wide, but not as deep,
and the channel separation was mostly one big wide panel from right, through
center stage, to left. A different presentation. I prefer the articulation of
the Elrod on the Casa Nova. As you might imagine, both cords are well constructed. A
six foot Elrod Statement is big and heavy. It may be challenging to fit in a
rack that is not open in the back. It may require being supported if there’s
not a shelf to run or tie along. Because of its capacitance, the Statement also
needs time to reach full charge and settle in. After six weeks, it’s in its
full glory. I found it well worth the effort.
The Epiphany is more conventional in size, if not a bit unusual in its appearance, because of its silver metallic jacket. The one page that comes with the cord recommends it be placed so as to not touch any other interconnect or power cord. Depending on your equipment configuration, good luck with that!
Since the Furutech components that David Elrod has used in
his power cords are no longer available in non-cryoed configurations, he has
begun using Marinco IECs and plugs. He feels this maintains his preferred sound
signatures across his lines. Reference
Systems Clearaudio Reference Turntable Reference
Links http://www.coincidentspeaker.com http://www.stealthaudiocables.com http://www.musicalsurroundings.com http://vxn.he.net/~vxn0767/powercords.htm |
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