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In this context timbre became very interesting. I already suggested this earlier as a slightly denser richer sound than the PC-2. From the perspective of other conditioners I know, the GigaWatt EVO seemed more natural. In this aspect it is -heretically- even better than GigaWatt’s top PC-4 conditioner I reviewed previously (it’s been since superseded by a new version). First it appeared as though the treble were darker and that there was less of it. This was fallacious. Yet it is an impression we shall have when listening to lead vocals like David Sylvain’s group Nine Horses and their Snow Borne Sorrow, Ella Fitzgerald’s Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! or even Tonight by Savage. The vocals are cleaner and devoid of sibilants. In a balanced system like mine they become incredibly involving, passionate even. The PC-2 EVO renders the shapes on stage more palpable and manifest mostly by eliminating treble colorations (that’s not synonymous with attenuation). In fact the cymbals on the Ella Fitzgerald and the electronics on the Savage disc—ditto the electronics on Madity’s Too—were better lit, richer and had some kind of halo around the central attack which connected to the environment as part of a greater whole. This was real high end where components were lifted to a new level of perception. The sound seemed warmer yet it was clearer. It seemed darker yet the cymbals were better lit. The same occurred at the other frequency extreme. Bass went deeper with superior pitch definition. There wasn’t more bass yet it was more present


My system clearly improved in tangibility with a closer-up perspective and a visibly deeper soundstage. The effect suggested that the system also played louder but my SPL meter showed exactly the same output. The heightened tone-color intensity with the conditioner simply suggested an increase in volume. That’s probably the main difference between the PF-2 and PC-2 EVO. During my review of the power strip, I explained how its personally biggest asset was that it disappeared from my system without changing anything. The PC-2 EVO did more. It did change the sound - for the better. By comparison, the NordOst Thor seemed glaring to me and Shunyarta's Hydra 8 which I reviewed some time ago and which one of my friends bought (now a v2 is available) a bit too dark. The EVO should also prove itself in systems where for example Accuphase conditioners would limit dynamics. The EVO is extremely well balanced and although it does shape the sound, it does it well.


The EVO can be supplied with the basic LC-1 MkII cord or the more upscale LC-2 MkII. The latter adds 900zl when bought with the conditioner. Otherwise it sells for 1450zl. First I listened how the stock cable differed from a generic cord. In expensive systems where everything has its place, changing a standard cable to something better is not always a step forward. But here it was. With the LC-1 MkII the sound became warmer, the treble softer and the bass especially at the midrange transition fleshier and stronger. But the sound was not as resolved and dynamic (nor did it suggest changing to the PF-2). Everything got too civilized and stiff. In case of expensive power cords the one-for-one rule does not apply. Here we need to listen in an appropriate context, i.e. over a system in a related price range. I tested two sets of amplifier + CD (Music Hall 25.2 a + CD and Isem Ergo 3 + Xtasis). With them changing from a generic cable to the LC-1 mkII made sense. The sound got quieter and better. The slightly softer treble helped to improve vividness and clarity in the midrange and bass.


But taking into account the price of the EVO and appropriately matched systems, I would recommend the LC-2 MkII as mandatory. It contributes something that justifies going beyond a generic cord. The sound grows far more vivid and rich. This starts the moment the LC-2 MkII plugs into the wall. The virtual performers are bigger and occupy more space between the loudspeakers regardless of whether we listen to mono or stereo recordings. It’s not as disciplined a sound as with more expensive cords like the Acrolink 7N-PC6300 but it surely is a move in the right direction.


The PC-1MkII is a very nice inexpensive cable that proved itself well in entry-level systems by removing nervousness and adding some darkness for richer colors. The PC-2 MkII however is a far superior cable and should be mandatory with this conditioner as a starting rather than reference point (since there remains the top LS-1).


The most expensive GigaWatt cable plugged into the Ancient Audio Air CD player replaced an Acrolink 7N-PC-9300 for an incredibly interesting effect. This turned out to be a highly dynamic cable that was almost impulsive. The treble was rather dark but the midrange had lots of air. This was a ‘live’ sound in every meaning of the word - vigorous, strong, dynamic, expressive in the midrange and with a powerful bass. It was by far the best Polish cable I have heard and not only from GigaWatt. Comparing it to the Acrolink, the Japanese cable was slightly brighter and had a subtly clearer midrange whereas the LS-1’s midrange was more saturated and its bass more potent.