Home
AudioAsylum Trader
Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Basis Audio PSTT Interconnects Cable by DocDicK

Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

For Sale Ads

FAQ / News / Events

 

REVIEW: Basis Audio PSTT Interconnects Cable

207.203.88.15


[ Follow Ups ] Thread:  [ Display   All   Email ] [ Cable Asylum ]
[ Alert Moderator ]

Model: PSTT Interconnects
Category: Cable
Suggested Retail Price: $2450/Meter
Description: Perfect Signal Transmission Technology, Interconnects
Manufacturer URL: Basis Audio
Manufacturer URL: Basis Audio

Review by DocDicK ( A ) on October 14, 2005 at 13:31:23
IP Address: 207.203.88.15
Add Your Review
for the PSTT Interconnects


I have been on a quest for a set of interconnects which do not modify the sound in any way. Interconnects that are transparent and dynamic as the recording. Interconnects which are not bloated in the base nor tizzy on top. Interconnects which allow the character, emotion of the recorded material to pass from the cartridge to the speakers unmolested. After using the Basis Perfect Signal Transmission Technology interconnects for the past two months I believe I am on to a killer product.
A little background now. I am using a Basis Debut table with Vector rev 3 arm which uses PSTT small signal wires, a pair of 1.5 meter length hi level PSTT interconnects between the CJ15 phono amp, and CJ17LS line amp. Another 1.5 meter pair of hi level interconnects between the line amp and mono block PX25 tubed Art Audio power amps. All are terminated with RCA’s-unbalanced, then to PSTT speaker cables. My original cables were the Cardas gold reference throughout.
As each section of cables was replaced the transparency and clarity of the sound in general changed noticeably. The interconnect between the phono and line stage first, then line to power amp, then the speaker cables were replaced. After each change the same three recordings were replayed. Then the Cardas cables were reinstalled and the changes made in reverse that is the speaker cables were replaced first and power amp to line stage, etc. For my system it seemed that the most beneficial change was between the speakers and the power amps. For although the changes were of the same overall sonic signature the higher current passage of the speaker cables gave them the larger quantity of improvement. This is not to say that the improvement over the Cardas interconnects was small, it isn’t, just not as large.
The improvement over other wires used as well as the Cardas wires is easy to hear. I have tried the Vahalla’s. At first the sound seems less extended at the top and smoother in general with more extended lower frequencies. It is likened to listening to the stereo while a radio in the other room is playing too loud. Then the radio is shut off and suddenly the sound in front of you is so clear of artifacts/interferences, it seems lesser some how. But it takes only a short while of listening for the true nature of the improvement to take hold. Little sounds are clear and while still little and delicate they are more solidly part of the performance. The music’s texture is more pronounced, pure and is clearly as dynamic as before but without the clutter, tizz, zing. For instance, brass instruments have their brassy blare without the tizz or zing of blurring. It’s as if you just added two more grams of tracking force or cleared the stylus of a dust bunny. What you notice first and foremost is the increased weight of the lower spectrum and tighter control of what is going on there. It is not due to the wires controlling anything but rather that they do not cause interplays between the complex movements of the electrons that create the subtle clues that cement the sound field to a convincing and emotional experience. These wires per Basis are designed to pass all frequencies at the same phase or relationships they had when they first entered. It is a dramatic improvement.
The clincher for me was when I played several different recordings of the Dark Side of the Moon or regular rock and roll albums and I heart a real plane crash, or steel guitar or kick drum or snare drum or symbols. You will have to spend much more to equal the sonic value these wire give the listener. The nearest I have heard are the Valahall’s but they are too bright and others too slow sounding.


Product Weakness: Moderately expensive
Product Strengths: Emotionaly Transparent and extended top end, Tought Base, Uncluttered dynamics, best bang for the buck so far.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Art Audio PX25 Mono Blocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): CJ 15 phono section, CJ 17LS line amp
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Debut vacuum table, Vector rev3 arm, Dynavector XV1s cartridge
Speakers: Advantgarde Duo 2.2, 225 Subs x 2
Cables/Interconnects: Basis PSTT Interconnects and Speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classic, Pop Rock, Synthetic
Room Size (LxWxH): 21 x 12 x 8-12-8 ft
Room Comments/Treatments: Home grown
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 Months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Custom Power Cord Company 8 power block, Plus 11 power cords
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.  



Topic - REVIEW: Basis Audio PSTT Interconnects Cable - DocDicK 13:31:23 10/14/05 ( 2)