July 22, 2013
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Oyaide R1 Electrical Outlet, Pt 2
It’s been a month and a half since I had the Oyaide R1 electrical outlets installed and I’d like to report my impressions regarding this product. The second outlet was installed by a licensed electrician since this one “fed” other outlets in my living room and I found the task of figuring out what to do with seven wires too daunting.
To recap, the left channel outlet feeds a Quad 989 speaker and a Shunyata Guardian Pro 6 power line conditioner. The reader is directed to the following installments regarding the Guardian: Parts 1, 2, and 3. The right channel outlet powers the other Quad and a Shunyata Hydra Model 8 plc (see Parts 1 and 2).
Listening Impressions:
- I found that it took a few days for the cryogenically- and audiodharma Cable Cooker-treated R1 outlets to settle in. Initially, the treble portion of the audio spectrum seemed a bit tipped-up. However, once the outlets had a chance to “relax” over the course of a few days, things became much better.
- Bass is solid with more growl when the program material allows.
- Some improvement to the midrange is heard mainly as richer inner detail but it is not as large an improvement as heard at the frequency extremes.
- Cymbals are more realistic and less like a metallic white noise.
- The treble is more prominent but not in any way that unduly calls attention to itself. It is simply more clear and pleasantly lacking in glare.
- Details previously buried in the mix are now audible against the infamous black(er) background.
- Dynamic range, both micro and macro are better.
In general, the installation of the R1 outlets resulted in a clear and clean presentation that allows the listener to become more deeply immersed in the audio experience. The improvements garnered by installing the Oyaide R1 outlets have resulted in a more realistic and enjoyable overall sound to my system and although not inexpensive, they are, in my opinion, well worth the cost. Decidedly recommended.
Coming Attractions:
Assuming that our host, Xanga, remains viable, look for future installments covering:
- Acrolink 7N-P4030 II Power Cord with Oyaide C-004/P-004 Connectors
- Cable Elevators
- Harmonic Resolution Systems Large Damping Plates
- VooDoo Silver 15 Amp to 20 Amp Adapter
