June 21, 2016

  • Simaudio 750D, Part 16

    Before I took receipt of the Simaudio 750D, other audiophiles experimented with a wide variety of powercords, line-level interconnects, and digital cables. You will be justified in using car-priced cables, with the assumption that they have the ability to uncover the 750D's resolution. But that is no fun. It is far more fun, to find good affordable cables for the 750D.

    At the entry-level end, the Kimber original PowerKord and Timbre (XLR or with WBT RCAs), because they don't roll off the treble, are good matches for the 750D. The Lifatec Silflex Tos-link cable outperforms many electrical digital cables of all price ranges.

    The $14,000 750D will leave you broke, so as always, scrounge around for great deals on used cables. Then place them on a proper cable burn-in device, such as the audiodharma Cable Cooker.
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    If you want something better than the entry-level spread, but can't afford the kilobuck-and-up cables, again, don't be afraid to go with the old/used.
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    Even at its original retail price (around $595), the mid-90s Tara Labs Decade AC gives you a good view of what the 750D can do. Likewise, the matching Decade interconnect, or the similarly-priced original XLO Signature 1.1 and 2.1, are complimentary to the 750D.
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    But the most cost-effective accessory for the 750D is an after-market fuse, of which the 750D uses just one. Audiophiles are willing to go to great lengths, and exorbitant expense, to find Old Stock vacuum tubes. Are you willing to put in a little effort, and find a discontinued fuse? If so, try to find the Hi-Fi Tuning Silverstar, in the 20mm slow-blo 0.200A value. The good news is, about half a year ago, I got this at a closeout price of $20!
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    Let the Silverstar burn-in for 6-8 weeks. Make sure it points towards the 750D's side wall. It will then reward you with razor-sharp image outlines; speed coupled with control; and the tightest bass of all the after-market fuses I've tried in the 750D. If you like "looking" at the music, you will love the Silverstar.

    The Silverstar is not as open up top as, for example, Hi-Fi Tuning's own Supreme. Thus, the Silverstar will not reproduce as large a soundstage as other fuses. However, if you use the Silverstar-equipped 750D as a headphone source, the sonic traits can add up to headphone listening perfection.

    For overall use, I and those who live with me rank the Silverstar as one of the go-to fuses for the 750D. Again, if you are willing to search a little harder, and find the Silverstar, it shouldn't cost much. Yet, it allows the 750D to plant a flag at the top of the digital mountain.