Strengths: Offers greater depth, more body to sound with increased separation between instruments. Helps unravel complex orchestral works and enhanced the base, trble and mid range, improving upon an already very well reviewed mains cable that up to then had seemed to be doing a good job
Weaknesses: None
Overall: A fine cable that makes a nonsense of those luddite claims that upgrading your cables makes no difference
Strengths: Cleaner, more precise sound with "blacker" background to the music. Deeper bass, clearer midrange and treble
Weaknesses: None
Overall: I was amazed by the difference the Mainstream made. I was already using award winning RA cables and the Mainstream simply took performance to another level!
Just one thing to be aware of...this cable is very thick and heavy, so if hiding it is high on your list of priorities, it may not be the one for you.
Strengths: Detailed. As good as any mains cable I've heard and only challenged by the new Nordost.
Weaknesses: The price.
Overall: The only cable that really comes close is the new generation Nordost. Bear in mind that you can get it much cheaper on the internet and on the continent. Prices off the roll can be a low as £50 per metre so why are we charged so much in the UK? If you do manage to find a supplier to sell it to you cheaply off the roll, bear in mind that it's a difficult one to terminate.
Strengths: Huge soundstage with masses of detail-it really makes a big difference to clarity and extension with even tonality. When used with a big power amp, you can feel the power being let throught the cable unrestricted.
Weaknesses: Highlights flaws in many CD recordings, with clicks and pops being heard on some poor discs. Tested at £190 (via Hificables)
Overall: Brilliant in mid-range, outstanding in higher end kit. It is overkill for budget systems-a Powerkord or Stratus 5 is better matched.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5