Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Acoustic Zen Krakatoa Cable by AstroD

Model:	Krakatoa
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$798.00
Description:	6.0 Ft Silver-Copper Power Cord
Manufacturer URL:	Acoustic Zen
Model Picture:	View

Review by AstroD on November 09, 2009 at 21:28:49
IP Address: 66.74.198.230 Add Your Review
for the Krakatoa

I have two Krakatoa cables in my PC-based system. The PC is highly tweaked for audio - underclocked/undervolted CPU (2Ghz to 1Ghz), outboard hard drives, separately powered drives and fan, no fan running over the CPU HSF, a few cMP tweaks, E-Mu 1212m sound card connected analog to the Arcam A90 amp with 2m Mogami Gold cable.

I run Foobar2000 mainly because the interface works best for a 32" HDTV from across the room and the sound quality is good enough, given the alternatives players with UIs that don't work well in large font mode.

I play mostly ripped CDs upsampled at 88.2khz with Sox and WASAPI mode.

The most amazing thing about having these two cables in this system is how much low end energy and weight it has now, and this is using the relatively small Von Schweikert VR-1 speakers with 6.5" woofers and a 90 watt amp. I don't sense any serious dynamic constriction now and this keeps getting better with break in.

The amp Krakatoa is plugged into a dedicated outlet that's very close to the breaker (5 feet or so), and the other is plugged into another dedicated circuit, also close to the breaker. I intend to keep it simple with just the amp and PC in order to maximize the benefits of dedicated power and the two Krakatoa cables.

I don't have a lot of experience with other high end power cables, but in prior versions of the system from years ago I have used PS Audio Statement and Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11. There's no comparison, but I never used them with the Arcam, only an NAD C372.

I was initially concerned about the lack of any apparent shielding on the Krakatoa, but Robert Lee assured me that the twisted design will reject noise just fine. And my experience bears that out.

The system now has a massive sound stage and the most subtle sounds are heard. Interestingly, I can get a comfortable volume level with that amp at only about 22-30 or so - before, it needed to be around 35-40, if memory serves. I'm not sure what those numbers relate to with the Arcam.

They say the quality of the source is everything. But I would argue that the quality of the "true" source of the sound, the AC, is "everything", followed closely by the DAC and amp. If the AC is not shared with anything else and a quality power cable connects the gear, you're halfway to audiophile bliss. I admit I'm partial to finding the "magic bullet" that makes everything else almost incidental to great sound. But if you think about it, the AC IS the sound, just modulated by the DAC and amp. I also understand that more expensive DACs and amps (with more capacitance, etc) can reduce the need for high end power cables, but for those with lower power amps who want to get the most of out them, giving the amp and source the best unimpeded connection to the wall seems to be key. These cables have transformed the sound big time and the smile on my face keeps growing...

Highly recommended.

Product Weakness:	None that I can see.
Product Strengths:	Low end, high end, noise floor, dynamics, current delivery, detail, soundstage, musicality, high Smile Inducing Factor.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Arcam A90
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Homebrew Audiophile PC
Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-1 on Target stands
Cables/Interconnects: Acoustic Zen Matrix, Krakatoa, Satori, Mogami Gold
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 12 x
Room Comments/Treatments: Corner ceiling treatments
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Audio Additives 3M damping sheets
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Arcam A90
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Homebrew Audiophile PC
Speakers:	Von Schweikert VR-1 on Target stands
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen Matrix, Krakatoa, Satori, Mogami Gold
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 12 x
Room Comments/Treatments:	Corner ceiling treatments
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Audio Additives 3M damping sheets
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner