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Best ICs/Power Cord for Rega Jupiter/SinglePower Supra?

post #1 of 46
10/10/04 at 3:51am
Thread Starter 
Ok, first off, i'm a complete n00b... This is my first REAL audio system and i figured if i was going to do it, i was going to do it once and try to do it right. After about 1+ month of endless research, i've ended up with a 2 year old (still under waranty), mint condition Rega Jupiter ($850) and SinglePower Supra (not sure considering my mom made the deal and won't tell me, but i think we got a good price).

I'm currently trying to get my hands on some R10s. Yeah, i know, good luck. If that fails then i'm just gonna buy and try as many headphones as i can. But the last part of my system puzzle is the ICs and power cable(s). Basically i just want any and all recommendations on what i should get. My budget is $600 (slightly flexible) for ICs and around $500 (a piece) for a power cable for Jupiter and Supra (Do i REALLY need a good power cable?). For my setup i only need a meter (or even 1/2 meter if anyone makes them). Right now i have my eye on:

================================================== =====

Silver Audio Appasionata: $660 - Slightly over my budget, but they cought my attention (for lack of a better word). I'm learning more and more to just trust my instincts.

Cardas Neutral Reference: $500

PS Xstream Audio RCAs: $150

Zu Varial: $500

Virtual Dynamics David: $500

Nordost: ??? - They're always highly recommended but they don't have suggested retail prices listed on their site.

LAT International IC-200 Mark II: $250

Moon Audio - ??? - Don't they do "cable upgrades" instead of sell ACTUAL cables? Like if i bought a set of Cardas's they'd upgrade them? They seem highly recommended though.

As for power chords i haven't done much research. But PS Xstream Statements ($450) and various Virtual Dynamics were highly recommended to me.

Feel free to review and recommend any and all cables to me. I really do keep notes on this stuff (i actually copy pages and read them over and calculate what's been recommended most and stuff). Just any help will be HIGHLY appreciated.
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post #2 of 46
10/10/04 at 4:13am
I'll probably get flamed for this..

Save your money and upgrade to a true high-end source. Used Meridians, eXemplar/sacdmodded denon 2900, etc. It just seems strange (to me) to spend $1200 on cabling when the source is $800.

As for cables I'm skeptical when it comes to price-to-performance, stick with the moderately cheap stuff (sub $80ish), and upgrade what really matters.

Oh, and get some nice tubes for the Supra .
Reply
post #3 of 46
10/10/04 at 4:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mxs1030
It just seems strange (to me) to spend $1200 on cabling when the source is $800.

As for cables I'm skeptical when it comes to price-to-performance, stick with the moderately cheap stuff (sub $80ish), and upgrade what really matters.
I completely agree with mxs1030 on this.

But it seems like you've made up you mind about getting cables, so my only advice to you is to get them used if you can. They are about half the price of the new ones. If the plugs are in great shape, they will be as good as new. Scuffs on the jacket doesn't mean anything (unless your anal about this stuff) since they will be hidden behind your components anyway.
Reply
post #4 of 46
10/10/04 at 4:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WulfmanJax
Ok, first off, i'm a complete n00b... This is my first REAL audio system and i figured if i was going to do it, i was going to do it once and try to do it right. After about 1+ month of endless research, i've ended up with a 2 year old (still under waranty), mint condition Rega Jupiter ($850) and SinglePower Supra (not sure considering my mom made the deal and won't tell me, but i think we got a good price).

I'm currently trying to get my hands on some R10s. Yeah, i know, good luck. If that fails then i'm just gonna buy and try as many headphones as i can. But the last part of my system puzzle is the ICs and power cable(s). Basically i just want any and all recommendations on what i should get. My budget is $600 (slightly flexible) for ICs and around $500 (a piece) for a power cable for Jupiter and Supra (Do i REALLY need a good power cable?). For my setup i only need a meter (or even 1/2 meter if anyone makes them). Right now i have my eye on:

================================================== =====

Silver Audio Appasionata: $660 - Slightly over my budget, but they cought my attention (for lack of a better word). I'm learning more and more to just trust my instincts.

Cardas Neutral Reference: $500

PS Xstream Audio RCAs: $150

Zu Varial: $500

Virtual Dynamics David: $500

Nordost: ??? - They're always highly recommended but they don't have suggested retail prices listed on their site.

LAT International IC-200 Mark II: $250

Moon Audio - ??? - Don't they do "cable upgrades" instead of sell ACTUAL cables? Like if i bought a set of Cardas's they'd upgrade them? They seem highly recommended though.

As for power chords i haven't done much research. But PS Xstream Statements ($450) and various Virtual Dynamics were highly recommended to me.

Feel free to review and recommend any and all cables to me. I really do keep notes on this stuff (i actually copy pages and read them over and calculate what's been recommended most and stuff). Just any help will be HIGHLY appreciated.
for ICs i recommend eric's audiogeek nitrogens because of the transparent big sound they have, just make sure you bend the hell out of them or they can possibly damage the rca jacks.
for power cord try to get a ps audio plus/statement from audiogon...
Reply
post #5 of 46
10/10/04 at 5:48am
I can second the Audiogeek Nitrogen recommendation they are great cables for the money. One thing to be aware of though is due to their design they attenuate the signal to a degree. This is typically a good thing as it allows the volume to be used at level where it is more linear but it can also attenuate the signal too much in some instances. I know with my Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player there was barely a difference in attenuation between the Nitrogen's and other cables but with my Rega Planet 2000 I went from using the volume control in about the 9 o'clock position to it being at about 12 o'clock and beyond.

Another reasonably priced IC I would look into are the Grover SRII's which I've been hearing great things about here and at other forums. I'm really interested in trying these myself. Grover has also teamed up with Michael Wolff to form Empress Cables which are a bit more expensive.

Right now I'm using Aural Thrills Active Force Gold's which are on loan from one of our generous Head-Fier's that thought I should give them a try. These are definately a step beyond the Nitrogen's but well they should be given their nearly 13X retail price and 4X direct pricing.

Lastly I have to echo other's opinions that spending more on IC's than your source doesn't make logical sense. Your source is where it all starts and as such deserves as much or more of your budget/attention than anything else.

Edit: Note, if you happen to end up looking into the Aural Thrills Active cables they have a third wire which is meant to be grounded on the chassis's of both the source and amp. I would talk to Mikhail about getting a separate grounding screw installed as his chassis screws are smaller and painted not to mention the possibility of damaging the finish.
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post #6 of 46
10/10/04 at 5:51am
With interconnects, get something cheap for $100-ish. Save you money for something that really matters (headphones, source, amp, headphone cable). Look to headphile.com, they make quality stuff for the price.
Reply
post #7 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mxs1030
I'll probably get flamed for this..

Save your money and upgrade to a true high-end source. Used Meridians, eXemplar/sacdmodded denon 2900, etc. It just seems strange (to me) to spend $1200 on cabling when the source is $800.

As for cables I'm skeptical when it comes to price-to-performance, stick with the moderately cheap stuff (sub $80ish), and upgrade what really matters.

Oh, and get some nice tubes for the Supra .
I've owned and used the Rega Jupiter side by side with the Meridian 508.24 and liked the rega more. His source runs around $2K new and is very good.
As far as cabling goes the LAT international AC2 power cord and Bogdan silver spirit reference(BSSR) IC's worked very good with my Jupiter and Singlepower amp. Total cost around 500.00 for both.
And defenitly go for a nice trio of tubes for the Supra.
Reply
post #8 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mxs1030
I'll probably get flamed for this..

Save your money and upgrade to a true high-end source. Used Meridians, eXemplar/sacdmodded denon 2900, etc. It just seems strange (to me) to spend $1200 on cabling when the source is $800.

As for cables I'm skeptical when it comes to price-to-performance, stick with the moderately cheap stuff (sub $80ish), and upgrade what really matters.

Oh, and get some nice tubes for the Supra .
Well, actually, the source is $1900 NEW. I just happened to get a great deal on a used one. And as much as would like to have an absolute "top pf the line" (which i'm assuming those you listed are), i've gone above and beyond the limit i had set for myself already. And i'm not really talking $1200 for cabling really... I could get some cheaper versions of any listed (like some Silver Audio Hyacynths for $250) and forget about the power cords (for now). Or just get a power cord for one or the other... I have lots of options, but getting a new source OR amp is out of the question right now. I'm just looking to complete my system.

I did get some 6SN7s for the Supra per Mikhail's suggestion. Apparantly there are a million different kinds (something i didn't know). But i'm sure i'll be impressed with whichever i get.
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post #9 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tortie
I completely agree with mxs1030 on this.

But it seems like you've made up you mind about getting cables, so my only advice to you is to get them used if you can. They are about half the price of the new ones. If the plugs are in great shape, they will be as good as new. Scuffs on the jacket doesn't mean anything (unless your anal about this stuff) since they will be hidden behind your components anyway.
Ok, this is probably good advice. Where might i find some used (online)? I don't know of ANY places around here in OK that sells this stuff at all, much less used.
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post #10 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:24am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiberian
for ICs i recommend eric's audiogeek nitrogens because of the transparent big sound they have, just make sure you bend the hell out of them or they can possibly damage the rca jacks.
for power cord try to get a ps audio plus/statement from audiogon...
Ok, i'll look both up. Thanks.
Reply
post #11 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by elnero
I can second the Audiogeek Nitrogen recommendation they are great cables for the money. One thing to be aware of though is due to their design they attenuate the signal to a degree. This is typically a good thing as it allows the volume to be used at level where it is more linear but it can also attenuate the signal too much in some instances. I know with my Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player there was barely a difference in attenuation between the Nitrogen's and other cables but with my Rega Planet 2000 I went from using the volume control in about the 9 o'clock position to it being at about 12 o'clock and beyond.

Another reasonably priced IC I would look into are the Grover SRII's which I've been hearing great things about here and at other forums. I'm really interested in trying these myself. Grover has also teamed up with Michael Wolff to form Empress Cables which are a bit more expensive.

Right now I'm using Aural Thrills Active Force Gold's which are on loan from one of our generous Head-Fier's that thought I should give them a try. These are definately a step beyond the Nitrogen's but well they should be given their nearly 13X retail price and 4X direct pricing.

Lastly I have to echo other's opinions that spending more on IC's than your source doesn't make logical sense. Your source is where it all starts and as such deserves as much or more of your budget/attention than anything else.

Edit: Note, if you happen to end up looking into the Aural Thrills Active cables they have a third wire which is meant to be grounded on the chassis's of both the source and amp. I would talk to Mikhail about getting a separate grounding screw installed as his chassis screws are smaller and painted not to mention the possibility of damaging the finish.
Wow, ok, thanks a bunch for all the info. I'll look up/bookmark these places right after i reply to all these posts... And i figured y'all meant it doesn't make sense to spend more on cables than what the setup would cost new... Not if i bought it used. I mean the Rega Jupiter is a $1700+ player new and the Supra is a $1900 amp (stock).
Reply
post #12 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mulveling
With interconnects, get something cheap for $100-ish. Save you money for something that really matters (headphones, source, amp, headphone cable). Look to headphile.com, they make quality stuff for the price.
I've already got the player and amp and am in the process of getting headphones. No matter what headphones i get (within reason) i'll have enough left over for some good cables. It all depends on how long i'm willing to go without any fast food or new entertainment... And i'm thinking as long as it takes to get the best system i possibly can.
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post #13 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tom hankins
I've owned and used the Rega Jupiter side by side with the Meridian 508.24 and liked the rega more. His source runs around $2K new and is very good.
As far as cabling goes the LAT international AC2 power cord and Bogdan silver spirit reference(BSSR) IC's worked very good with my Jupiter and Singlepower amp. Total cost around 500.00 for both.
And defenitly go for a nice trio of tubes for the Supra.
Ok, great. You guys have given me a lot of places to look up, bookmark, and read about so i better get to it. I've heard those LAT Int. were great for the money. I may end up doing the same thing with cables as i plan on doing with phones, buying and trying and then return the ones i don't want. Most of these places have decent return polices.
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post #14 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:41am
I like really good copper cables.

I recommend cardas neutral ref, or golden ref if you want to spend more. I don't think your source is inferior, it could always be improved, but there is always room for a good interconnect in there. I think your budget of 600 is definatly overkill, I bought my gold ref for 340 on audiogon. It's 1/2 meter.

I've got to say it was definatly a vast improvement over my previous cables (voodoo reference, zu cable varial) in many ways. You can say my sony 555es isn't a true high end source as well, it's not retailing at 5 grand, but let me tell you i can take a double blind test and appreciate what the cables do for the system as a whole.

p.s; Those prices are all oem and ridiculous, shop a bit more, and do buy used, a new cable is just one that needs to be broken in. Used is ideal. Also, drew from moon audio sells his own line of cables. Silver dragon and blue dragon. He also does custom cable work. PS audio is great, i have a lab v1 cable on my rig. I hear golden ref power cable is outstanding aswell.
I don't think zu cables are worth the money, the mobius is great, but most of their cables are very overpriced for the quality.
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post #15 of 46
10/10/04 at 6:55am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjg
I like really good copper cables.

I recommend cardas neutral ref, or golden ref if you want to spend more. I don't think your source is inferior, it could always be improved, but there is always room for a good interconnect in there. I think your budget of 600 is definatly overkill, I bought my gold ref for 340 on audiogon. It's 1/2 meter.

I've got to say it was definatly a vast improvement over my previous cables (voodoo reference, zu cable varial) in many ways. You can say my sony 555es isn't a true high end source as well, it's not retailing at 5 grand, but let me tell you i can take a double blind test and appreciate what the cables do for the system as a whole.

p.s; Those prices are all oem and ridiculous, shop a bit more, and do buy used, a new cable is just one that needs to be broken in. Used is ideal. Also, drew from moon audio sells his own line of cables. Silver dragon and blue dragon. He also does custom cable work. PS audio is great, i have a lab v1 cable on my rig. I hear golden ref power cable is outstanding aswell.
I don't think zu cables are worth the money, the mobius is great, but most of their cables are very overpriced for the quality.
Well, in that case then, i think i'll definitely try used. But, once again, WHERE DO I FIND USED PLACES ONLINE?! Is Audiogon the only place? I'll check there anyway. But if i can get some top of the line cables for THAT cheap used, i'll definitely go for it. It makes you (or atleast me) wonder why someone would pay top dollar used then sell for 75% off the original price...

EDIT: What is OEM?
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