As we who love music continue to respect and cherish tradition when it comes to things like tubes and vinyl LPs, I think that it is also import for us to embrace those who challenge the audiophile norm, and are true innovators in the industry. We need a balance of both to move forward and to find the ultimate truth in musical reproduction and playback. To support progress, we need to keep an open mind to new technology and creative execution.
Synergistic Research (SR) continues to knock down the closed doors and leap those high hurdles. Ted Denney, his right hand man Andy Wiederspahn, and the entire team at Synergistic Research never cease to impress and dare for something better. When it comes to out of the box design and creativity, there is much to appreciate throughout the SR product portfolio. Their relentless push on technology is to be applauded.
I remember one of SR's first products—the original A/C Master Coupler power cable. The A/C Master Coupler was a true classic that utilized enormous industrial grade connectors, a unique copper alloy geometry, non-active shielding, and a proprietary polyethylene dielectric. It had me standing on my head in wonder at the time. Controversial for many back then, I remember my wife asking why a change in power cable would make such a difference. Before responding with a technical explanation, I advised her to first sit down and have a listen. Afterwards, all I got was a smile and a wink. Enough said.
So, when I was offered the opportunity to review the newest generation of the SR PowerCell power conditioner, I jumped at the chance. The new PowerCell SX proved to be another winner that again had me totally captivated. As always, I will touch on the technology and highlight some of the upgrades and changes, but the key here is the sound. I expected improvement, but Ted has made another bold move forward with the SX!
Caveat Emptor
System synergy and personal taste are critical when evaluating high-end audio products. This review is based on my subjective requirements, my subjective ears, my specific system configuration, and my specific listening room. This combination is only one data point of many that exist out there for these components. Please consider my comments and analysis appropriately.
Review System
Please click on my name in red above. You will find a comprehensive list of all my components and a description of my listening room if needed.
Design
The PowerCell SX MSRP is based on three different bundles depending on voltage and power cable. This includes the following:
- Bundled with $2995 Atmosphere X Euphoria PowerCell Power Cable (5 ft.)
- 120V - $8495
- 230V - $8995
- Bundled with $6000. Galileo SX Power Cable (5 ft.)
- 120V - $10495
- 230V - $10995
- Bundled with $10,000 SRX Power Cable (6 ft.)
- 120V - $12995
- 230V - $13495
The PowerCell SX borrows its technology from the now sold out limited edition Galileo PowerCell SX ($22,995 w/SRX Power Cable). The total allotment for the Galeleo SX was for 25 units and it sold out within months. Thankfully, the folks at Synergistic Research were able to move forward with the SX at a lower price point, a prime example of trickle down technology at its best.
Enhancements for both the SX and Galileo SX over the prior generation of Powercell 12 designs includes almost four times the conditioning with eleven active electro magnetic (EM) cells versus six. These EM cells are also more densely rolled for improved filtration and a lower noise floor.
The SX utilizes the Galileo SX power supply and Schumann Resonance generator to power and bias its internal EM cells. And like the Galileo SX, the Schumann Resonance Generator also biases both rolled and flat active EM cells. In contrast, the standard PowerCell 12 only biases the single flat EM cell and with a less powerful field generator.
Additional improvements include the same ground filtration topology as found on the Galileo SX for lower noise, and the ability to ground the SX to a Synergistic Research Active Ground Block. This provides higher performance without sacrificing any of the twelve AC outlets.
New to the SX, are Orange Capacitors with Orange Fuse technology used in the power supply and field generator. Also exclusive to the SX are the new isolated ground UEF Orange Duplexes that receive a full Orange Fuse treatment. These benefits are offered over and above both the Galileo SX and PowerCell 12. The SX also utilizes Galileo SX's new 24k Gold UEF circuits for additional fine tuning and filter selection depending on system needs.
Another extremely attractive feature for both the SX and the Galileo SX is an amp meter on the front panel that allows you to monitor your system's energy consumption and displays the amperage delivered to your system. There is also an additional large plexiglass window on the top of the unit that will allow you to view and appreciate the design and craftmanship of the internal circuitry.
You can even change the color and intensity of the light that illuminates both the front amp meter and the top view window. You can select between Galileo White, Dante Red, Synergistic Research Blue, and McIntosh Blue to match its lighting to other components in your system.
Lastly, one of the key differences over and above the PowerCell 12 for both the SX and Galileo SX is the use of 69 silver throughout their topology and build. This includes a run of almost 59 feet in total. The Galileo SX uses an even higher grade of 69 silver which affords the SX the more value based MSRP but still with outstanding performance results.
Please see the Synergistic Research website for additional insight and more detailed specifications.
Sound
In my earlier reviews of the PowerCell 12, I stated that the PowerCell might just be the most important component in my entire system. The basic logic is that "all boats rise when the water rises." This famous quote by John F. Kennedy could not have said it better. The PowerCell SX reaffirms this logic and takes it above and beyond.
When every component is plugged into the PowerCell SX, the performance of each is improved along with the aggregate performance of the entire system. "Synergy" is the word that often comes to mind (please excuse the pun in this case). Nothing is throttled back—including the amplifier. This is important, as amplifiers are often the chink in the armor for many power conditioners. Not here. The music just flows.
Using the same logic, when you feed the PowerCell SX with a Galileo SRX power cable, you get additional if not substantial results across the board. See my review of the Galileo SRX HERE. The combination is a killer—almost as if some type of Venturi effect has been realized. Bottom line, you just cannot ignore the results and the value of the bundled price mentioned above when combining the Galileo SRX power cable and the PowerCell SX. This is the configuration that I used for all the comments in this review.
I have talked about deep black backgrounds in the past. Like the age old audiophile axiom dictates, less noise will remove that proverbial blanket covering your speakers. When a cable or a power conditioner can provide this (or any component for that matter), it allows for instruments and vocals to just pop out of a deeper, wider, more layered sound stage. There is an immediacy and lifelike presence that can be truly engaging.
The PowerCell SX wipes the slate clean and takes this effect even further. Ink black. Pitch black. Jet black. All are much more descriptive terms for what this component provides. Not only are images more clearly defined, you also realize a more generous, if not hair raising, amount of sustain or trailing edge. Notes just seem to linger on forever. That "reach out and touch" thing is now something that you can really sense and relate to.
Even beyond these elements of transparency, we also get what I call "The Big Three." Timbre, Tone, and Pitch are so spot on that if musicality is your priority (over transparency and speed), you will be elated with the results. You have never heard the brooding, dark intensity of Coltrane's sax, or the swooning, delicate purity of Ella's vocals like this before. They are now in the room and seem more real than ever.
You may think that there is additional slam in the low end or possibly more extension in the highs, but the potential has always been there. Mids will be more liquid and natural, but don't be fooled by a bewitching change in presentation and timbral purity.
There is a reason for this. Now the bit has been removed and your other components will perform at their peak, possibly for the first time ever. Before moving on to any other upgrades, I would strongly advise a PowerCell SX reality check to discover what your current components are truly capable of. Yes, the SX is that good and well worth your time and evaluation.
Music
Kenny Burrell, Midnight Blue (33 RPM LP)
I have just recently been introduced to the Music Matters series of Blue Note LP reissues. I was never able to find a way to manage the timing of the release dates and the limited production. Afterwards, the prices sky rocketed so high that I found them just too expensive. I was finally able to obtain a few titles and I have been floored by the sound quality.
Midnight Blue is an excellent example. With the PowerCell SX in place, I sat absolutely frozen as I listened to the second track entitled "Mule." With Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax and Kenny Burrell on guitar, this Rudy Van Gelder production masterpiece had me mesmerized. The timbre, tone and pitch of these instruments was simply amazing. So rich and so true! There is nothing like a small quartet or quintet properly recorded and properly pressed on vinyl. The PowerCell SX managed to step it up to still another level of sonic beauty and delight.
Roy Orbison, All-Time Greatest Hits Of Roy Orbison (33 RPM LP)
I am a huge fan of Roy Orbison. It probably sounds excessive, but I have all three of what many consider the ultimate reissue pressings of this release. This includes those from the DCC, S&P and MFSL labels. All are just fabulous and all would probably greatly satisfy most listeners. All have been long out of print and all have quadrupled or more in price in the pre-owned marketplace.
However, the PowerCell SX provides so much more transparency, that it quickly moved heart and soul to the MFSL pressing. The difference was subtle but it was there. "In Dreams" was especially compelling. I just love the lyrics. "A candy colored clown they call the Sandman," is one of my all time favorite lines, as the Sandman puts Roy into a deep sleep followed by a longing passionate dream for his lover.
As the track continues, drums provide the direction and Orbison swoons with his breathy and layered vocals. It has never been this good. You can only just sit back and shake your head. Finally the orchestra and strings enter and bring Orbison to his final crescendo. There is so much more musical information filling the room beyond the speakers that you have to wonder if this is a different production. Superb recording. Superb execution and playback via the PowerCell SX.
Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile, Not Our First Goat Rodeo (Qobuz FLAC 24 bit/96 kHz)
The term "Goat Rodeo" refers to a chaotic situation where all things must go correctly for something to be successful. In this case, this is a reference to the combination of classical and bluegrass music. This 2020 recording is the follow up to the 2011 release entitled The Goat Radio Sessions, which won several awards including Emmys for Best Folk Album and Best Engineering. I expect that similar awards will be forthcoming for this effort too.
As stated earlier, I like different. I like innovation. This release is definitely all that and it really pushes all the buttons for me. The Los Angeles Times described the collaboration as "unlikely musicians on unlikely instruments… part blues, part bluegrass and a smidgen of Bach."
The interplay here between all of the players is just wonderful, but what also really stuck me was the sound of this recording. On the track entitled "Scarcely Cricket," the lifelike attacks of both the banjo and mandolin are distinctly defined along with a wonderful delicate shimmer of harmonic overtones and crystalline highs. Complementing this are both the cello and acoustic bass with an equal amount of proper bloom and color in the mids and bass. You can almost sense the dimensions of the recording venue as the natural ambiance of the sound stage arcs back and forth above the instruments. A true test for the PowerCell SX and it comes through magnificently.
Final Thoughts
Will the internal struggle to reach nirvana ever end? Probably not. As much as we like to complain about the journey, this is what provides much of the joy and interest in this hobby. The PowerCell SX has the ability to get us amazingly closer and without major upgrades to the rest of the system—closer than any other cable or power conditioner that I have heard in my listening room. The PowerCell SX clearly pushes the envelope. It's only July, but I now have my first nomination for the annual Positive Feedback Writers' Choice Awards. Highly, highly recommended!
PowerCell SX
Retail:
- Bundled with $2995 Atmosphere X Euphoria PowerCell Power Cable (5 ft.)
- 120V - $8495
- 230V - $8995
- Bundled with $6000 Galileo SX Power Cable (5 ft.)
- 120V - $10,495
- 230V - $10,995
- Bundled with $10,000 SRX Power Cable (6 ft.)
- 120V - $12,995
- 230V - $13,495
Synergistic Research Inc.
1736 E. Borchard Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
949.476.0000
