My buddie dropped off his other two Elrod power cords 3-4 weeks ago. I think I'll pull them Sunday for my stock cords (BMI Whale / Shunyata Sidewinder) and report the results thereafter.
MikE
After living with the three Elrods cords for two months here are my initial observations. First off, with the Elrod cords (along with the other changes / upgrades) my system has not sounded better. I've heard the Elrod cords before and knew they were excellant. That said, there are three significant pre-conditions to my "review". 1>. These were the best power cords I've used. 2>. I could live without them. 3>. They are not cost-effective.
Number one and three have not changed. Of the 20+ pcs I've used these are the "best". And I've owned / sampled a number that are highly regarded. I've also used after-market cords for five years. These are very expensive and the vast majority of people would be better served by upgrading core components. Those that are happy with their systems and have the resources should definately audition them. This leaves number 2. I was all prepared to tell Dan "thanks" for the extended loan and ready to go back to my reference cords (which aren't shabby but not SOTA).
Initial Impressions: Well, after sampling some tracks we immediately pulled the Elrods and plugged in the dormant cords. Using the same source material I was immediately struck by the similiarities. It didn't take but a minute for my focus to shift to what was missing: Macro-dynamics, attack and impact were reduced, and in a self-evident way. There was an "aliveness" that was missing. More discrete issues involved depth of field, blurring of images and coloration. The Elrod cords are if nothing else refined and very neutral, which is one reason you don't think they are contributing as much to the overall presentation. Take them away and you just miss what THEY ALLOW. I knew my reference cords were colored (in a way that complimented my system) and I wasn't surprized when I put them back. What I missed most was the scale, impact and speed of the Elrod cords. No other changes were made, other than pulling the three cords.
Admittedly, I've had some issues with my system of late but I don't feel that has to do with the Elrod cords. I think it has to do with my speaker+amp relationship (which I'm exploring) and to some degree, boredom or seeking something else. Honestly, the level of replay I enjoy is very high, but so are my standards. I also believe that the improvements I enjoyed with the Elrod pcs could be replicated in other ways. I'm not saying that only the Elrod cords can produce or allow these results. And as mentioned on top, some of those sonic attributes are possible in a much more cost-effective manner. The Elrod pcs and the Emission Labs 45 output tubes share a number of qualities. The tubes are $330, one Elrod III Signature $1500. To be fair I need to let my reference cords stabilize with use but I'd be very surprized if they approach the level of performance I enjoyed with the previous set.
MikE
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