[SteveM324]

@SteveM324 is the Triode Wire stiff? Since the AMP-23R did not come with a power cable I’m using what I have on hand and it’s very, very stiff cable. Pushes the little amp around.

I’ve been researching alternatives and appreciate your comments above.

The Triode Wire Labs power cords are very flexible. Much less stiff than my Signal Cable power cords that I like very much.

 

[normie610]

I've had my 23R for about 4 months and I've been using it as a headphone and speaker amp. For the last 3 months, I've been using a tube preamp in front of it for both headphones and speakers. I thought that the tube preamp added just a touch of tube richness to the sound while keeping pretty much all the great attributes of this amp. About 3 weeks ago I decided to try a different power cord on the 23R just to hear what changes if any it would bring to the table. I had been using in my opinion a high value power cord made by Signal Cable called the Magic Power Cord ($139 for 5ft). I have several power cords by Signal Cable and I think they provide great value. I also have power cords by Acoustic Zen, Cardas, TG Audio, and Triode Wire Labs. Every component in 2 complete systems in my home have an aftermarket power cord. I've been using aftermarket power cords for the last 25 years so I feel that I have a bit of experience with them. Lately I've been buying power cords from Triode Wire Labs because I feel they offer great value at a step above the Signal Cable power cords.

I bought a 5 foot Triode Wire Labs Ten Plus - American Series power cord, not outrageously priced at $399. Although it comes partially burned in on a Audioharma Cable Cooker, I let it burn in 24/7 for 2-3 weeks. During the burn-in period, I heard changes (if you don't believe in cable burn-in, just move on because I'm not going to debate it here). What changes in the sound did the new cable bring? I heard significant changes in midrange purity and fullness while also improving transparency. All of this without the vacuum tube preamp in the signal chain. I no longer feel that my tube preamp adds any improvement to the sound and in fact, I prefer 23R without it. I hear these improvements through my headphones and speakers. For reference, I plug the 23R into my Equi=Tech 2RQ balanced power conditioner. Since there has not been much discussion about power cords used for the 23R on this thread, I'm providing my experience. I've been loving this amp since the day it arrived and now even more.

+1 on TWL power cords. I used the Seven Plus with 13R and it did bring improvements to its sound. I actually have a full loom of TWL cables. They‘re really good and reasonably priced.

 

[iFi audio]

Hey guys,
Just posted my comprehensive review for the AMP-23R. Juicy comparisons with the Ferrum OOR + Hyspos and Burson Soloist 3X GT are also included

Love it! Not sure how much time it took you to write that story, but it's massive and super-detailed, thanks! If I may, as far as cons of that amp go I'm not sure if I'd consider its power output as one. It's a very specific design for folks who understand how much power they really need, and who know what speakers will work well with it. If that Enleum amp were any more powerful, it would be a far bigger and costlier I imagine

 

[Nikols]

Enleum amp-23r + Susvara + Leonard Cohen = Surely not even God has a voice that can rumble that deep?

 

[Benno1988]

If one cannot afford a 23R or 13R. What might one choose? A "poor mans 23R" ?

Hypothetically.

 

[Nostoi]

If one cannot afford a 23R or 13R. What might one choose? A "poor mans 23R" ?

Hypothetically.

Bakoon HPA-21 (which I'm very happy with and some even say it has the best tuning of them all).

 

[Benno1988]

Bakoon HPA-21 (which I'm very happy with and some even say it has the best tuning of them all).

Where do I find that in Australia haha

 

[Nostoi]

Where do I find that in Australia haha

2nd hand market, or see if you can get it shipped from France - https://www.renaissens.com/amplis-casques/2040-2747-bakoon-hpa-21-avis-test-prix.html

 

[Nostoi]

Where do I find that in Australia haha

BTW: not sure if you still have your Final D8000 Pro, but it pairs super well with the HPA-21 (the amp is really designed for planar magnetic headphones).

 

[Benno1988]

BTW: not sure if you still have your Final D8000 Pro, but it pairs super well with the HPA-21 (the amp is really designed for planar magnetic headphones).

The 2013 amp is designed for planar cans? Ahead of its time!

Not sure any in Australia...

 

[Nostoi]

The 2013 amp is designed for planar cans? Ahead of its time!

Not sure any in Australia...

Yes, it was designed to work with LCD-3 when it first came out, such that they were often sold together as a packaged deal. Ahead of its time, indeed!

 

[Benno1988]

Now. To find one!

 

[Nostoi]

Now. To find one!

Keep your eye on Hifi Shark. They don't come up often, but when they do - grab one. @eskamobob1 is also a fan, and can I think offer a direct comparison between HPA-21 and 13R.

 

[eskamobob1]

Keep your eye on Hifi Shark. They don't come up often, but when they do - grab one. @eskamobob1 is also a fan, and can I think offer a direct comparison between HPA-21 and 13R.

I have 13r and 21 (and had 01m in the past). Ultimately extrenelyndifferenr amps but both are excellent

 

[iFi audio]

If one cannot afford a 23R or 13R. What might one choose? A "poor mans 23R" ?

If I may ask, with Susvara or more easygoing cans?