Cable Asylum: REVIEW: GTT Audio & Video. Absolute Power Cord Cable by Tuckers

Model:	Absolute Power Cord
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$50
Description:	Entry-level power cable
Manufacturer URL:	GTT Audio & Video.
Model Picture:	View

Review by Tuckers ( A ) on June 13, 2002 at 00:19:59
IP Address: 66.92.185.117

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I couldn't pass up a power cord made by GTT Audio and claimed to be a giant killer. GTT Audio is a dealer that sells the crème de la crème of high-end. So I figured they might be on to something if they have decided to manufacture and sell their own $50 cord when they regularly sell $2,000 cords of other manufacturers.
Is it a giant killer? A qualified yes is my answer.
I have Two Elrod power cords (EPS-3, EPS-2), a fistful of Shunyata King Cobras and Viper IIs, a MAC power cord, a Synergistic Research Master Coupler active, and a bevy of others to compare it too.
It is one of the most neutral sounding cables I have used in my system. It does not emphasize any one aspect of the music over another. It does not add any glare or brightness to the sound. It does sound somewhat lean compared to something like a Shunyata King Cobra. But I would say the leanness is something of a more athletic and flexible nature, rather than thin sounding. Highs had a bit more sparkle and air than my reference Elrod 2s and 3s.
When connected to my Preamp, the sound of my system became more lithe and agile, quicker. The bass was a bit more lean but much more tight and controlled. All in all, it beats everything I've heard in the sub $500 range except the Synergistic Research Active Master Coupler (which is a real deal too IMHO). It gives cords with prices up to $1,000 a real run for the money too.
It does not topple the crown from my Elrod cords though, or possibly the Shunyata King Cobra II. They have a certain depth and breadth they lend to the soundstage, an expansiveness to the sound. Also a certain natural warmth to the sound, without mucking up spectral balance. The Elrod's are the best I've heard, period.
But I wonder what my system would sound like if I wired the whole thing up with the Absolute cords? Could system synergy then take a leap forward and really shine? I am debating this now. It would only be another $250 to find out!
They have presently found a home powering the subwoofers in my Vandersteen 5s, with tremendous results. I tipped up the output of the subwoofers a tad to counter the leanness, and have been rewarded with tremendously coherent bass. Better integrated with the upper bass, and the mids. Vise-like control of the bass, faster sounding, and with the lowest notes - a visceral dimension I have not enjoyed before.
All in all I would say, an excellent upgrade to my system for $100 total.

Product Weakness: Possibly a bit lean in some systems, does nothing for the soundstage (many good cords enhance the soundstage), long break in period (almost a month).
Product Strengths: Extreme neutrality, clear pure highs, quick sounding, tight well-controlled bass, extended.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sprectral DMA 100s
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Spectral DMC 30
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Spectral Ref. transport/Audio Aero Prima DAC
Speakers:	Vandersteen 5s
Cables/Interconnects:	Synergistic Research Designers active
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical. Jazz, trance
Room Size (LxWxH):	32 x 24 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	heavy carpet, specially built walls
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Sound Applications CFX
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Possibly a bit lean in some systems, does nothing for the soundstage (many good cords enhance the soundstage), long break in period (almost a month).
Product Strengths:	Extreme neutrality, clear pure highs, quick sounding, tight well-controlled bass, extended.