Black Sand Cables Group Buy

[Mr_bill2]

OK...guess who got their BS pc's today...Yup, me!!   \/    

Plugged them in, boy do they have a vise-grip hold, wow!

Can't wait for them to settle in.  I have my PAD System Enhancer going thru its cycles and once cooked I will report.

Just 2 things though....

1st; John, thanks for the extra special luv on my cdp cable.
2nd; Carl, I hope you still have enough packing tape left over for everyone else?

Thank you both so much!! =D>  

ds

[rlmacklin]

I was able to pick up my package of 3 Silver Ref  MkVs Tuesday afternoon.  They were sent direct by John Cook/Black Sand. I was able to  get them in my system that night around 11 PM -  put two on the Odyssey Mono Extremes (w/Klaus's special boards with upgraded components) power amps on front left/right stereo channels, and the third one on the Modwright SWL 9.0 Signature Edition preamp (w/ Bendix 6900s and tube-regulated power supply w/stock Sovtek 5AR4) also serving the front left/right channels.
Having turned off the power to replace the Violet Z1s with Silver Refs, I powered back up and briefly listened to Mozart "Horn Concertos" SACD with Alan Civil and Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, cond. Neville Marriner, and noted some harshness in mids and highs on the horns .Of course this was expected as the capacitors in the amps hadn't recharged thoroughly yet.
(2-channel speakers are Polk SDA-SRS-2 with upgraded silk dome tweeters, Grover S bi-wire speaker cable and custom SDA interconnect cable made by Grover from his UR speaker cable).

Wednesday morning I listened to part of Mussorgsky "Pictures at an Exhibition" SACD, then Mahler 4th Symphony (both Fritz Reiner and Chicago Symphony Orchestra SACD).  Sounded possibly a bit "smoother" and bit more bass, more "refined" sounding than I recall with Violets.

Last night and this morning I tried a Violet back on the Modwright linestage with 2 Silver Refs still on the Odyssey Mono Extremes (moved the third Silver Ref to Odyssey HT-3 power amp for center and surround channels).
On 2-channel material this seems to be a very competitive combination to Silver Ref on both preamp and power amps for front l/r -
with the Violet on the preamp seems so far to carry a bit more detail and seems possibly less "constrained."  
Immediacy and presence on wonderful Dromedary ("world music from Athens, Georgia) "Quartet" and "Live from the Make Believe" CDs were top notch.  I have yet to try these ones with third Silver Ref back on the Modwright however.
I am hearing better overall system synergy and better dynamics with the Silver Refs on the power amps, so think they will stay on those in the long run.  
I will use the third Silver Ref to try out on Denon 3910 and on Modwright again.
I should get a Mullard 5AR4 from Andy Bowman (Vintage Tube Services in Michigan) in next couple weeks to replace the stock Sovtek in the Modwright's tube-regulated power supply, so probably repeat any testing after that change in system.

Thanks to John and Black Sand for these highest quality power cords!

[kiru]

I got my black Violet yesterday. I noticed an improvement over my previous good cable - Nordost Shiva the moment I plugged it in. I listened to it today after 4 or 5 hrs of playtime. I am sure now it is better. Testing with Scherzo: Molto Vivace of Dvorzak's New World Symphony. Previously this RCA Living Stereo was a little fuzzy and instruments were not separated that well. It is very good now. The changes are across the board and so I consider the cable neutral with very low impedence. The impression is one of improved resolution. I thought the Nordost with its very low dielectric insulation would be hard to beat..wow..the Violet does it. Must be some magic inside because nobody seems to know/share the winding topology or any technical features of the product (???) ..

Thanks Carl..great job.. How about group buy II ? I need another 2 or 3 !!!

[Mr_bill2]

I got my black Violet yesterday. I noticed an improvement over my previous good cable - Nordost Shiva the moment I plugged it in. I listened to it today after 4 or 5 hrs of playtime. I am sure now it is better. Testing with Scherzo: Molto Vivace of Dvorzak's New World Symphony. Previously this RCA Living Stereo was a little fuzzy and instruments were not separated that well. It is very good now. The changes are across the board and so I consider the cable neutral with very low impedence. The impression is one of improved resolution. I thought the Nordost with its very low dielectric insulation would be hard to beat..wow..the Violet does it. Must be some magic inside because nobody seems to know/share the winding topology or any technical features of the product (???) ..

In stead of reiterating the above comments, I'll just add my name to the list of very satisfied new BS Violet owners.  

I had similar experiences...as CDs I previously had difficulties figuring out what the vocals were saying suddenly became very clear.  Dynamics increased; as a result I found my volume dial setting below previous norms to achieve the same levels of full impact & presentation.  As for the top end I gained more treble extension w/o any hint of coldness, really impressing me.  

Collectively very nice improvements indeed, and with only a couple of full days in the system.  I couldn't be happier!  

I will not name the PC cables I replaced but I will say they retailed in the thousand dollar + range, and the Violets seemed to out shine them all in almost all areas at its ridiculously modest pricing.  I can honestly say, these have to be one of the best power cables I have ever had in my system...and I have had a lot!!  Not sure if this is genius at work or just good sound engineering, but I will say this...over-priced cable companies should take note as the days of 1m @ $1000 are over.  

ds

[gjkphd]

My new Silver Ref., which is a very flexible cable, has found a home powering my tube DAC.  I had the chance to do some A/B listening alternating the Silver Ref with my previous cable, which was a Sonoran Plateau (a very good cable).  Definite sonic improvements were noted in addition to the ease of installation owing to this cable's flexibility.  The most noticable to me were the coherence and presence of voices, both male and female.  Voices really took center stage with the BSC.  Vocals were very clear wth stunning detail and a soundstage and presence that had depth and weight. The overall presentation was more detailed with an easier ability to hear separate instruments across the soundstage.  Did I mention that this cable is extremely flexible?  Oh, I guess I did, several times.  (Why, because I have an unusual and difficult set up for my equipment and I have had several REALLY frustrating experiences with some good but rigid PC's in the past that have brought me over the edge to that dreaded condition known as audio erectile dysfunction, with the BSC I can quit the support group!!)

BTW, in the group buy I also picked up a Violet Z1 which I don't really need.  If anyone missed out on the group buy PM me.

thanks again to John and Carl for orchestrating the GB

[Carlman]

Glad to hear so many are enjoying the cables and the value!

I feel like this was a rare opportunity and I really appreciate what John did for us here.  The best way to thank me is to spread the word about our great little forum... I think the best way to thank John is to post reviews... (or of course, buy more! )

Thanks to all for your participation.  This was such a success, I'm thinking of doing more group buys as time goes on.... so keep an eye in the GB area.

-Carl

[lonewolfny42]

Nice to see others enjoying their Black Sand power cords....they really are excellent !!
You did a good job with the group buy Carl......

           Chris

[Double Ugly]

Congrats, guys.  

I knew only your wallets would have any potential for buyer's remorse, and with the discount you received, even they shouldn't be hurting too badly.  

-Jim

[shaizada]

Hey guys,

I put a Want To Buy in the classified section, but if anyone has a Black Sand Violet Z1 or Silver MKV to sell, please get in touch with me. PM or email:
gauravv AT avanade DOT com

Hate missing good deals like these!

[richidoo]

After the GB I bought another one direct from John. He is a pleasure to deal with. Of course, his cables would be worth enduring a lot more hassle, as you might expect from a small hifi seller, but you get the best of both worlds, great products and service. Thanks!
Rich

[lonewolfny42]

For all those that have received their Black Sand power cords.....how'd it turn out ??? You can post a review here > http://www.audionervosa.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=12

[jrgeoffrion]

I hope there will be another group buy on the Black Sand cables. I own two Violet Z1 with Oyaide 079 and love them and I didn't see this buy until a few days after it was closed.

For the next group buy, count me in for:
Cord: Silver Reference Mk V
Quantity: 2x
Length: 6ft (1.85m)

If someone can shoot me an e-mail (jr at jrgeoffrion dot com) if/when there is a next group buy, I'd really appreciate it.

[stereofool]

Add me to list...if there is ever another group buy.

[Lethal Johnson]

Yep I am interested in Violets if there is another group buy.

Thanks!

[Black Sand Cable]

I'm not against doing another Group Buy if demand warrants it. You guys tell me and we can go from there.  

This time around it will be much shorter however. Basically it will come to an end far sooner and I will probably just look after it myself to save Rich and Carl the hassle of getting involved with it.