My audio and jazz history, The 37th episode, " KIMBER KABLE PK-14Gold: Part 1 – PSE certification", by Kenji Kondo on October 21 This time I tried "KIMBER KABLE PK-14Gold" the long-run power cable which has been realizing the sound quality-focused clean power supply for years. So I would like to report on its performance and sound quality. |
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All the manufacturers have to obtain the PSE certification to sell power cables due to the revision of Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Law since April 2004. So many manufacturers that couldn't acquire the PSE certification quit manufacturing power supply cables one after another. I am no sure if this is the reason why, but I remember only KIMBER brands were filling store windows since then. But recently I noticed the movement that each manufacturer was trying to get the PSE certification. The power cable has difficult aspect unlike the other audio cables. Because only the power supply current but not the music signal flows through it. In short, it requires the approach different from the one for audio cables. What flows to the speakers is the power supply current after all, but still though, it has some impact on the music signal. (KIMBER KABLE PK-10Gold for the picture) |
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This is what I heard directly from the manufacturer, "KIMBER techniques are not peculiarly unique but we are very careful for each key point." Maybe this leads to the hyper-acute quality sound which wins and keeps many audiophiles' affections for good and all. I tried PK-10Gold the same KIMBER but thicker in conductor beforehand, and I thought this PK-10Gold would be generally more appreciated since this one created deeper feel in low range. But I'd rather say that this one seems more suitable to the power amp requiring more output. When I listened faithfully like this, I felt that the compatibility with the control amp or SACD prayer was way better with PK-14Gold. And I found it so wonderful in the modernistic speedy response, the clearness, the contrast and the impact of its resolution with an increase of the energy information in mid and high range. In a word, this is where people either like PK-10Gold or don't like in sound quality. Also, I felt that it was also extremely flexible and preeminently excellent in the cable handling. (KIMBER KABLE PK-14Gold for the picture) |