Transparent Ultra MM2 Technolgy

[Still-One]

As with many Cable/Wire Manufacturers Transparent Audio produces cables at multiple price points. In another post PHC1 covers one of Transparent's higher end cables the Reference XL's. In this post I will attempt to convey my impressions of their Ultra line which sit at the top of their Premium Series. For anyone who would like to see how the different lines stack up I have provided their web address: http://www.transparentcable.com/prod...tID=1&modCAT=1

One of the key differences between my cables (speaker and interconnects) and those in the Reference XL and Opus lines is that the Ultra's are not tuned or optimized for my specific equipment. The Reference line which falls between the Ultra's and XL's are tuned either for Tubes or Solid State.

Also as a note, the Ultra's and Reference lines can ordered as bi-wire. I have been told that bi-wire speaker cable at Reference XL and above would require too large of a box and be to complex to manufacture. I do not know if this is the real or only reason.

I have had Ultra XLR's in my system for a couple of months now and just recently replaced my MIT Magnum M1's with the new Ultra's bi-wires. The speaker cables have begun to settle in nicely. For the first week, I heard some congestion especially in the highs and in complex recordings. This congestion is similar to what I first heard when I introduced the interconnects into my system. This congestion disappeared in both instances within a few days.

Where the Ultra's really shine are in the bass and vocal regions. The low end has a nice ripe sound and vocals lack "digital" artifacts or what some my call leading or following hiss. Instruments such as guitars, violins and stand up bass really convey that nice woody sound.

I think the biggest difference between the MIT's and Ultra's is in the synergy with my interconnects. Everything sounds a little more right now.

More to come.
Jim

[salmtpa]

Just a word of advice to any members looking for Transparent cable on Agon. If the ad doesn't specify if the cable is MM or MM2 series, email the seller to find out. I was able to demo both the original MM and MM2 technologies in my system (balanced ICs) and MM2 was far superior. Not that MM is bad, far from it, but some unscrupulous seller may try to pass off MM at MM2 prices. Just a heads up.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by salmtpa

Just a word of advice to any members looking for Transparent cable on Agon. If the ad doesn't specify if the cable is MM or MM2 series, email the seller to find out. I was able to demo both the original MM and MM2 technologies in my system (balanced ICs) and MM2 was far superior. Not that MM is bad, far from it, but some unscrupulous seller may try to pass off MM at MM2 prices. Just a heads up.

Good point. The boxes for the speaker cables has MM2 stamped on the bottom, but the boxes do look alike.

[salmtpa]

If I remember correctly, the network module also has MM2 on it.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by salmtpa

If I remember correctly, the network module also has MM2 on it.

I am sorry, I should have been clearer, that is the box I was referring to. I will add a picture later tonight.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Stillone

I am sorry, I should have been clearer, that is the box I was referring to. I will add a picture later tonight.

Here are pictures of the top an bottom of the Network Box. As you can see the latest boxes are stamped with MM2 on the bottom.

[salmtpa]

Ah, thought you were talking about the package they are shipped in. Sorry for the confusion!

[Still-One]

I am really surprised at how much the sound changed as these speakers cables broke in. I have owned several different cables over the last few years and none improved so much. They were good from the get go but now they are truly excellent. Even old CD's have taken on a new life.

[JSCC]

Jim,

Having said that, does Transparent make SPECIFIC tested cables for McIntosh? saw they do for Lamms .... I am just wondering.

Seriously, I am planning for an "end-all" onslaught system setup. Anything new would be add-on's and the older ones' passes onto the next room. To do this, I would be doing some very serious self discipline - that is WITHOUT a live "A" "B" comparison in my home, NO PURCHASE! Unlike before when I buy thru faith and read ups!

The hobby has taken me to serious level of spending and I cant be frivolous anymore. Or my wife will soon be very frivolous with me!

Cheers!

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Jim,

Having said that, does Transparent make SPECIFIC tested cables for McIntosh? saw they do for Lamms .... I am just wondering.

Seriously, I am planning for an "end-all" onslaught system setup. Anything new would be add-on's and the older ones' passes onto the next room. To do this, I would be doing some very serious self discipline - that is WITHOUT a live "A" "B" comparison in my home, NO PURCHASE! Unlike before when I buy thru faith and read ups!

The hobby has taken me to serious level of spending and I cant be frivolous anymore. Or my wife will soon be very frivolous with me!

Cheers!

Jerry
What Transparent does at the level of Reference XL and above is tune your order for your specific equipment. Serge's Lamm cables would be readjusted if he changes any of his equipment. They would do that at the factory. If you wanted interconnects and speaker cable for your gear they would tune the Network Box just for your. At the level I am at they do like all other manufacturers and set the box for average loads. The next level up from mine is the Reference, these comes tuned for either Tube or Solid State electronics.

You could probably get a sample of Ultra's to test and I think you would be very happy. Every step in the Transparent Inventory almost doubles the price.