June 5, 2014
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Prana Wire Vajra Power Cord, Part 2
Some Practical Considerations
There a few factors to be considered when using the Vajra that will impact the listener on an everyday basis.
The Oyaide M1/F1 Connectors are large and heavy. Therefore the user should ensure that there is sufficient space allowed to plug the Vajra into the intended component. Also, there is going to be some sag even when the Vajra is connected to an audiophile or hospital grade “grip of death” outlet. If a run-of-the-mill outlet is used, it could be possible that the M1 side of the power cord could even pull itself entirely away. I use Oyaide’s R-1 outlets both for my wall outlets and in the Power Wing II. The R-1 uses the same palladium over platinum over beryllium copper metallurgy as the M1. In addition, the inlet on the Power Wing II that mates with the F1 uses this same scheme.
The Linebacker In-Line Conditioner is also large and heavy and does not lend itself to be left dangling from a component. As a result, the most stable placement would be on the floor or if there’s room, on the equipment rack shelf. The latter placement will result in an effective cord length that’s shorter than anticipated from its absolute length.
I have only used the Vajra connected to a PSA Juice Bar and later the Power Wing II and in both these cases, they were placed on the floor. I’ve found it useful to position the Linebacker over a bowl or even ESD Elevators. This causes less strain on the connectors going into the wall outlet and the IEC inlet at the other end.
Initial Set-Up
Connected Vajra on 12/13/13
When inserting the Vajra into the system for the first time the Acrolink 7N P4030II with Oyaide C-/P-004 connectors which had previously been used on the PSA Juice Bar was moved to the conrad-johnson CA200 integrated amp and the Vajra replaced it on PSA Juice Bar.
Listening Impressions
• Clean and clear
• Louder, smoother and more natural
• Dead silent with music sounding more complex
• Individual instruments are more clearly heard and differentiated
• Tonal balance is even across the board with no particular frequencies emphasized
• Very coherent
• Wide and layered sound stage
• Transients are sharp without edginess
• Bass is very solid
• Vocals (as is everything else) are extremely clear
• Dynamics are outstanding
• Purity of tone that wasn’t present before
• New reference level performance from my system
Comments (2)
I miss the original Xanga's "e-props" and little cartoon icons members could send each other. If these had been available on 2.0, I would have tagged this post with several!
I've been to several audiophile homes, where the room is so large, there's room to walk behind the audio rack. I've seen at least three such systems, where the owner placed minishelves behind the main rack. And what were the minishelves for? To prop up bulky boxes, such as those found on MIT cables. Said minishelves would also be appropriate for Pranawire's Linebacker module.
Thank you -- just another area where Xanga 2 falls behind.
Those are lucky audiophiles to have so much room to work with. I'm sure their systems are more aesthetically pleasing as a result, too.