Acrolink/Esoteric 7N-PC9700

[soundaudio]

I have the Anniversario S4000 speaker cables on hand. I'm overseas now but I'll post back my impressions by Christmas.

Hi. Mind to share you experience for S4000 speaker cable? Was thinking of what is the difference between 7N-S1054 and S4000? You get your S4000 in Japan?

[whoizzit2]

Advise is appreciated guys. I am using Furutech to feed my monos and pre amp. And I currently looking for a pc to feed my distributor. Used shunyata venom pc b4 to feed the distributor but sold it off and thinking of getting Acrolink or Oyaide.

 

However I need at least 1.7 mtrs to feed the distributor and I see most Acrolink pc factory fitted for only 1.5mtrs. Or will getting loose cable and terminate them be be better?

Any suggestion for Acrolink pc model and my budget is $500. 

[Eric Teh]

Acrolink and Oyaide cable can be ordered factory terminated in longer lengths like 2m etc. BTW, Oyaide standard factory length is 1.8m

 

I don't have any suggestions in the Acrolink line for you - your budget will be busted. Consider the Oyaide Black Mamba V2 instead.

[whoizzit2]

okay, thx for your suggestion  :)

[C130]

My own experience is I got best results when using the same family of signal cables end to end from source to speakers. I got very consistent performance when doing so, which made it easy to tune the room and components to match.

 

With powercords, I got the opposite experience. Different brands on different components gave better overall results than I brand across the board. Applies to Acrolink Mexcel PC too. 1 was good, 2 was better, 3 became overwhelming. Put your best cord to feed the distributor, is the easiest way to influence overall sound with  character of the feeder cable.

 

 

oh yes... indeed 1 is good.  ;D

 

put it to the source.... it sounds simply captivating.

 

highly recommended i must say....  ;)

[ryder1624705984]

The 7N-DA2090 Speciale probably sits just below the Mexcel range. It's a highly saturated and dense sounding cable with explosive dynamics. Very different from most of the other cables in the Acrolink range. You don't mention whether you are looking at RCA or XLR. For XLR, I find the Mexcel 3300 far more refined. RCA, the next model to look out for (if you want a refined / even handed approach) would be the Mexcel 2500

 

Would like to ask if you know the difference between the 7N-DA2090 Speciale and 7N-A2070 Leggenda as they are both similarly priced. Is there a noticeable difference between these cables in XLR termination, and what are the differences? What will be the changes in sound quality if one goes to the higher range of Acrolink models?

[Eric Teh]

The Leggenda is too new and I doubt more than a handful of people have heard it. You should ask X-audio for their opinion.

 

Based on the old 2070 which I used to have, and the 2090 (which I still have), the 2090 is a much heavier and denser sounding cable. It is also quieter.

 

And yes, there is still a very noticeable gap in performance compared to the Mexcel range which gives you more of everything, speed, detail, quietness etc. In that respect, Acrolink is quite consistent in returns for your investment.

 

When comparing different generation of cables, all bets are off. The current 7N-4030 Leggenda power cord is so good, that I dare say it outperforms the old Mexcel 6N-6100 PC. 

[ryder1624705984]

The Leggenda is too new and I doubt more than a handful of people have heard it. You should ask X-audio for their opinion.

 

Based on the old 2070 which I used to have, and the 2090 (which I still have), the 2090 is a much heavier and denser sounding cable. It is also quieter.

 

And yes, there is still a very noticeable gap in performance compared to the Mexcel range which gives you more of everything, speed, detail, quietness etc. In that respect, Acrolink is quite consistent in returns for your investment.

 

When comparing different generation of cables, all bets are off. The current 7N-4030 Leggenda power cord is so good, that I dare say it outperforms the old Mexcel 6N-6100 PC. 

 

Thanks for the response. The mid-range Acrolink cables are already quite costly and I noticed there are 5 models in the Mexcel range of interconnects. Surely interesting that there are so many levels of improvements that can be attained when going up the range. I guess it depends on the equipment also as the cost of a 1.5m pair of 7N-DA2090 Speciale or A-2070 Leggenda ia already equivalent to a mid-range integrated amp. The Mexcel range of interconnects can be excellent but if the cost of the cable is close to the amplifier (or higher), it probably isn't the best way to allocate the funds for the upgrade.

[FG Chong]

Thanks for the response. The mid-range Acrolink cables are already quite costly and I noticed there are 5 models in the Mexcel range of interconnects. Surely interesting that there are so many levels of improvements that can be attained when going up the range. I guess it depends on the equipment also as the cost of a 1.5m pair of 7N-DA2090 Speciale or A-2070 Leggenda ia already equivalent to a mid-range integrated amp. The Mexcel range of interconnects can be excellent but if the cost of the cable is close to the amplifier (or higher), it probably isn't the best way to allocate the funds for the upgrade.

 

If you can get hold of a used 8N-A8020, it beat both cables by a margin. I had all 3 cables with me.

[ryder1624705984]

If you can get hold of a used 8N-A8020, it beat both cables by a margin. I had all 3 cables with me.

Thanks for the information which is useful. I wonder how much is the price. Likely out of my price range if it's a lot of costlier than the other 2 models. Ti presume the quality of playback equipment will need to be on par to reveal the differences of these quality interconnects and do them some justice.

 

I wonder what amps and sources are you guys using to have these rather top-notch cables in the system.

[Eric Teh]

No, it isn't out of your price range. If you are considering the 2090, the 2080 is in a similar price bracket. I am not a fan of using cabling that is disproportionate to the price of the partnering equipment. My assumption is that these are to be used to fairly high-end equipment.

 

For XLR, I still find the 3300 to be the most neutral and even-handed of the lot. It is kind of a 6300-lite, very similar construction and materials but with smaller gauge conductors.

 

[ryder1624705984]

Ok. Out of the 8N-A2080 Performante, 7N-DA2090 Speciale, 7N-A2070 Leggenda and 3300, which cable has the most dynamic and punchy sound(good bass) but yet smooth,, detailed, open and airy in the highs?

 

To be used with Luxman L-590AXII Class A amp which currently sounds a little soft with restrained dynamics.

[ryder1624705984]

XLR only

[thyewb]

The Leggenda is too new and I doubt more than a handful of people have heard it. You should ask X-audio for their opinion.

 

Based on the old 2070 which I used to have, and the 2090 (which I still have), the 2090 is a much heavier and denser sounding cable. It is also quieter.

 

And yes, there is still a very noticeable gap in performance compared to the Mexcel range which gives you more of everything, speed, detail, quietness etc. In that respect, Acrolink is quite consistent in returns for your investment.

 

When comparing different generation of cables, all bets are off. The current 7N-4030 Leggenda power cord is so good, that I dare say it outperforms the old Mexcel 6N-6100 PC.

Hi,

 

Do you know the awg of 4030 Leggenda PC? The acrolink website stated the specification as "6N copper, ø0.26 mm x 100 strands x 2 (red and black)". I am currently using Oyaide Tunami V2 which is 10awg for wall to power conditioner and amplifier. Wondering if 4030 Leggenda PC will be good upgrade or some tradeoff if there is a reduction of awg.

[Eric Teh]

I think you are looking at the wrong page. This cable uses 0.37 mm diameter strands, 50 of them.

 

The AWG is 10.

[thyewb]

I think you are looking at the wrong page. This cable uses 0.37 mm diameter strands, 50 of them.

 

The AWG is 10.

Yes, indeed. I had looked at the webpage of older model of 4030 PC.

I will get some 4030 Leggenda to try out.

[ryder1624705984]

If you can get hold of a used 8N-A8020, it beat both cables by a margin. I had all 3 cables with me.

I managed to find a used 8N-A8020III Evo which is a very old model. Are you referring to this? The new model is 8N-A8020 Performante.

 

8020III Evo or 2090 Speciale? I understand that 2090 is already obsolete too.

[ryder1624705984]

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue73/acrolink_cables.htm

 

I just read this review on the comparison between 8N-A8020III Evo and 7N-DA2090 Speciale and the reviewer seems to prefer the latter. An except taken from the review below ;

 

"So far, I have very happily used the Acrolink 8N-A2080III Evo interconnect. It brings to the system warmth, fullness and density. At 1.5 m it is long enough to be of use during my reviews of other preamplifiers and power amplifiers. However, the 7N-DA2090 Speciale is—I had to say it eventually—really special. Retaining everything that is characteristic of the cable made of 8N copper, it adds to that a better differentiation and openness. Selectivity is comparable in both Acrolinks, but the anniversary cable is more energetic and has a better extension. Hence, the Speciale now becomes part of my reference system, until I find something that's clearly better and that won't ruin me. It may take some time, though. For now, I am completely satisfied."

[FG Chong]

I managed to find a used 8N-A8020III Evo which is a very old model. Are you referring to this? The new model is 8N-A8020 Performante.

 

8020III Evo or 2090 Speciale? I understand that 2090 is already obsolete too.

 

I am referring to the EVO which is in the same price bracket with the 2090, the new 8N-8020 Performante is 60% higher in price.

Like Watchdog (not sure he still doing it) I uses mainly Japanese cables in my system.  I tested both the Evo and the Speciale using different sources to my pre-amp only ( the power amp is some 11m away).  I read the above article, is more his opinion in his system.  If you read another article where the Evo vs the 6300, is another different comments/opinion.  As cables can be dependent on the system itself, is better to make your own judgement with each cable(s) connected to your system.

[ryder1624705984]

Thanks for the comments. I'm buying used if it is the 2080 III Evo hence there is no way to try. If new it would be 2090 Speciale or 2080 Performante.

 

A 1.0m length of 2080 Performante is $2,400. The used pair of 2080 III Evo is quite a bit cheaper.

[ohlins]

If you are using XLR, 1.5 m length is easier to manage .....

[ryder1624705984]

Thanks to all who have replied especially fgchong. I have bought the used A2090 III evo considering that the other Acrolink models in their new prices are an overkill for my modest system. As a matter of fact I have actually overspent even by going with this used 2090 III Evo. I'm used to overspend on cables and this Acrolink would be my last expensive purchase to finish the system.

[ryder1624705984]

If you are using XLR, 1.5 m length is easier to manage .....

The 2090 III Evo is 1.5m in length. I initially considered 1.0m to cut down the cost but guess it's 1.5m in the end.

[ryder1624705984]

An update. This Acrolink interconnect is truly incredible. The 8N-A2080III Evo XLR. Initially when I hooked it up to the system and listened on the first day, there was some panic as it sounded somewhat rolled off in the treble. It was only on the 2nd and 3rd day the cable started to open up and sounded different, and better.

 

This cable truly changes everything. It sounds very smooth, organic and lush but at the same time there is sparkle in the treble. It doesn't sound as rolled off as it did earlier. Just incredible detail retrieval as layers of detail and nuances in the music are revealed. The bass of my speakers does not only sound stronger with more presence but there is also improved layering and texture in the bass. I had to adjust the position of the speakers to compensate.

 

Overall very happy with the cable. Its quality. I already own some pretty decent speaker cables and was just wondering if the Acrolink speaker cables and power cords are worth looking at as well. I always had luck with interconnects and speaker cables but little luck with power cords. I usually don't get much sound improvements with power cords as the difference is usually quite subtle.

[Eric Teh]

Oh ? In my opinion, Acrolink's power cords are the strongest products in their range. All of them have a settling time of a few days after being moved.