Vertex AQ
A compelling argument can be made for the purchase of this range of products before the upgrading of ancillaries! Introduce them into a decent system in a systematic way and the benefits are vast. They tackle head-on the ever increasing problems of RFI and also microphony and vibration within components. While many customers go for the Jaya filter as a starting point, there is a logical order to proceed which includes the use of a Kinabalu support platform under the source component.
They have produced a comprehensive guide book which discusses a hierarchical approach to these problems.
I admire the fact that they have formed a knowledge alliance between themselves, Nordost and Acuity to technically measure the effects of their products.
They are ingenious designs ranging from platforms which sink vibrations and energy from within a piece of equipment placed on them while blocking unwanted energy from outside getting in.
Mains filtration devices that work in parallel with the mains rather than in series and therefore avoid robbing equipment of its dynamics while minimising interference.
Interconnects and speaker cables with in-line boxes which demonstratably* sink the vibrations from transformers and valves from travelling to the next component in the chain.
Steve at Vertex does an impressive demonstration where he scrapes the end of a conventional interconnect plug while you listen at the other end of the lead with a stethoscope. The rubbing and vibration is plain to hear whereas with a Vertex lead this unwanted interference is inaudible, clearly showing how conventional interconnects let electrical and mechanical vibrations pass along the component chain.
In sonic terms, there is a greater background silence and more space and accuracy in the placement of instruments.
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Cut Loose Audio
A wonderful range of interconnects using palladium-plated silver ribbon in silk damped ptfe tubing creating a virtual air dielectric. These give an extremely natural sound with the `weight` of copper and the detail of silver.