The Micro Reference was designed for the serious audiophile who does not want to
sacrifice performance for cost. Some of the same technology that went into our
top of the line Reference power cord has been implemented into the Micro
Reference to set a new standard for power cords at this price. Using the highly
acclaimed Wattgate 330 / 350 connectors, the Micro Reference will allow even the
most modest systems to achieve new levels of charity and musical richness. The
Micro Reference is a very thin and flexible 10 gauge power cord. Normally a
power cord offering this level of performance would be twice this size. We
believe the Micro Reference offers the best performance to cost ratio of any
power cord available today.
Comments:
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Why purchase the Micro Reference? If your system is missing warmth and extension, the Micro Reference could be your cable. Digital and solid state often sounds lean side, causing listener fatigue. This is a big reason why tubes are still popular, in spite of the hassle and expense. But, what if you could get tube warmth just by switching power cords? The Micro Reference solved the problems in my system.
The Micro Reference offers great extension at both ends of the music spectrum. Fantastic drive is complimented with realistic portrayal of the sound stage. This is especially noticed on large scale music. Terrific reproduction of piano, cello, violin, flute... not only does the Micro Reference allow you to hear the music, it also provides a very good feel for instrument size and tone of the cavity.
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Out of the box I was immediately impressed that the Micro Reference brought more clarity to individual instruments. I listed mostly to classic jazz from the hard bop era. The focus was there. I would also say that notes were more focused. There was also an increase in detail that was previously less apparent. I continued to notice a removal of some haze, particularly in the midrange. Music sounds more realistic. The clarity and detail especially in the upper mids and highs is better than other pc's I've had. The sonics are more high end. Clarity, focus resolution continue to improve against a quiet background.
The Micro Reference has definitely boosted the resolution, detail, and focus of the system and a significant decrease in smearing. Highs lack glare.
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I am evaluating 2 power cords from Tek Line Cables. The Micro Reference is $350 intro price, regular price is $395, the Micro Reference Xtreme is <$700, intro price just $549. These I just got yesterday and have no definitive statements other than they sound terrific on my Raysonic 168 CD player.
The Micro Reference power cords are great value, providing me with a large sound stage. Also impressive is the music's ebb and flow. Wood instruments, like piano, cello, upright bass have a naturalness and rightness about them. In my system I can hear the cavity resonance. In classical/big band the location of instrument sections and the separation within them provides a better connection to the music.
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I have a love/hate relationship with power cords. I love what they can do, but hate what they bring to the game- most are heavy and inflexible. I am also a big believer in vibration/isolation devices, but unless your components weigh in at 10 kilos, plus, the benefits will be compromised by heavy, inflexible power cords.
It is my long-standing complaint on this subject that motivated Tek Line to create the mR and mRX. Though they are not a 10 in flexibility, they are flexible. Weight wise, I still wish they were lighter. Where is that alien technology when you need it? If you demonstrate care in positioning the cords, you should have no difficulties with iso/vibration control devices. FYI: I am using Wyred4Sound monoblocks which weigh in at around 13 pounds each.
I am beta testing Tek Line's new power cords. The comparison that comes to my mind is photographic one. Specifically camera lenses. Aspects that separate quality lenses from the pack are color accuracy, image focus, and depth of field. Sound familiar?
I would say the mR is similar to a quality Japanese lens. I own a Canon Rebel XT, whose very high quality lenses I would compare the mRX, but there are much higher quality cameras and lenses for the discerning eye, or professional. And they do come at a much higher price. The Reference is in the league with professional cameras like Nikon pro and Leica. If Leica and Nikon professional cameras were sold direct, eliminating distributors and dealer networks, I would own one, as they are clearly superior.
Depending on your budget, if you can stretch, get at least one mRX or Ref and put it on your source component. Then fill in your other cable needs with either mR or mRX.
In a perfect world, we would use the Reference throughout our systems.
RH
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