Ansuz Mainz8 D2 and Mainz8 D-TC Power Distributors
One more Test
Now, there was one lingering thought on my mind. I wondered what would happen if I retained my own power cables and substituted only the power distributors for the Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC Power Distributor and one main D2 cable.
Oh, yes! Now, the magic was back. The soundstage widened and deepened and much of the inner distinction and the extremely refined resolution were back. Sure, the Mainz D2 power cables further enhanced the soundstage depth while providing deeper blacks to allow the fine resolution to shine through without any edge, but clearly, the Power Distributor is largely responsible for the magic that I heard. This is both good news and bad news.
The good news is that you can retain all your component power cables and still obtain, say, 90% of the sonic bliss by substituting your power distributors for the Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC Power Distributor with a single D2 power cable. The bad news is that the last 10% is likely only gained by completing the system as intended by Ansuz, meaning another D2 power cable for every component.
Addendum – Niels’ system
In the preface, I mentioned that I would test the Ansuz products not only in my own system but also in my friend Niels’ very different system. To enable something of a blind test, as well as to check if Niels would interpret the results in the same way as I do, I had not told him anything about what to expect.
But sure enough, the results in his system 100% mimicked the results in my own system and his system benefitted arguably even more from the non-D-TC Mainz8 Power Distributor which provided a much more interesting acoustic with both wider and deeper staging and considerably more fluidity and flow. In this context, too, the Darkz proved indispensable, and we heard the same differences between the Ceramic and Titanium balls. Niels had a mild preference for the milder-sounding Ceramics while I preferred the more articulate-sounding Titanium ones.
And in his system too, the D-TC version ensured an absolutely massive leap in performance that left us both open-mouthed on the listening sofa.
Addendum – Mainz D2 Power Cable
Besides my experiments in the context of the Power Distributors, I also listened to the Ansuz D2 power cable on its own, using my regular power setup (with the CH L1 preamp) as well as in other Niels K’s setup (with the Soulution 711 power amp).
What does one expect from a power cable? Should it shape the sound according to a certain ideal or certain preferences? Or should it simply conduct the power to where it is needed, as unadulterated as possible?
In my younger years, I was predominantly in the former camp, preferring components and cables that sounded smooth and refined first and foremost. At some point, I switched camps. Not overnight, of course, it was more of a gradual process. For the last 8 years, I have been firmly in the latter camp, aiming for the most neutral sound possible from my equipment as well as my cables.
As I unpacked the Ansuz Mainz D2 power cable, I looked up the price. Gulp! 8.800 euros. That’s not pocket change, far from it. But it must be said, the cable has a unique design, it is very well-made, and it looks absolutely stunning.
Over the years, I have heard countless cables, but more often than not, they fall in one of two camps. They are either very neutral (and possibly dry, analytical, or boring) or smooth and rich (and possibly slow, unexciting, and less revealing). This prepped me for expecting the Mainz D2 power cable to fall in one of these two camps, but would that be a correct assumption?
As it turns out, my assumption was incorrect as the Ansuz D2 positions itself firmly in between the two camps. It is very neutral yet absolutely not dry or clinical. It is not bright or super-airy nor is it dark. It is neither very tight nor overly lush, neither particularly expressive and not forward nor in any way restrained or laidback. Like the Power Distributors, but of course not to the same extent, the cable provides a large acoustic with great separation, and also like the Power Distributors, the cable has just a touch of warmth through the upper bass and lower midrange.
I would say that this cable comes as close as it can to absolute and utter neutrality without sounding lean, dry, or devoid of color. As great as the cable sounds, though, it arguably works its magic best when in the context of an all-Ansuz system.
Conclusion
I have to hand it to Ansuz. They have succeeded in creating a signature sound that is delicate, detailed, and refined with superb low-level detail and focus but without any hardness or even a hint of an analytical nature. Rather, the sound of all the Ansuz components that I have tested so far, can be described as smooth, rich, and deeply saturated. One could almost describe them as the antithesis of stereotypical clean and ultra-hi-res products, if only they weren’t so highly resolving themselves.
The Mainz D2 power cable and Mainz8 D2 Power Distributor both turn in a unique presentation, characterized by a remarkably deep and lush, yet extremely finely layered soundstage. But as good as the Mainz8 D2 Distributor is, the D-TC version walks all over it and in all parameters. Truthfully, if 20K is not within your budget, you better not listen to it as it will ruin you.
With 20K for the D-TC Power Distributor, 9K for one D2 cable, and 5K for the four Darkz T2 Supreme, we’re looking at a minimum investment of 34.000 euros. That would also buy you a very, very, very nice amplifier. Wouldn’t that be a better use of funds? Well, if your current amplifier is not state-of-the-art, then probably yes. But if your system is already top-notch, all the components are playing their best role in a perfectly orchestrated ensemble, and the room acoustics have also already been optimized? Then upgrading the power distribution system using all Ansuz products will be one more game-changing move that you can make. Yes, it is an extremely hefty investment, for that, I will make no excuses, but I will say this: there is no single audio component or accessory that I know of, in any price range, that will do the same as this magnificent Ansuz power solution.
External Links
Distributor for the Netherlands: Ohm Audio
Manufacturer: Ansuz
Ohm Audio
Open by appointment
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00
Zernikepark 21
9747 AP Groningen
Phone line 1 : +31 (0)6-38027736
Phone line 2 : +31 (0)6-38027745
Email : i n f o @ o h m – a u d i o . n l
Hi Christiaan,
Have you also tried without any balls and just the darkz underneath the conditioner? I am interested in the single impact of the balls
Hi Mark, I’ve not tried this with the Darkz and due to the ridges in the Mainz’ feet, that wouldn’t have been ideal for stability either. But I could have positioned them directly under the main chassis as one would do with Ceraballs or other aftermarket footers. Alas, I have not tried that. Also, note that one will never bypass all the balls in the Darkz as there are still those between the two discs. Anyway, earlier experience tells me that removing a narrow point of contact while retaining a hard coupling with the main material will result in a slightly warmer and less articulate delivery with less obvious transients and “fatter” bass and lower midrange. It’s not something I would recommend unless the system sounds too controlled or too dry.
Hi Christiaan,
Thanks for the reply. Do you mean it is the same when not applied to the ansuz products, but for example as support for the amplifier?
Yes, it is my experience that pretty much all components respond similarly to support. Somewhat annoyingly, indeed, Darkz and other resonance control devices, spikes, or other couplers can be as beneficial under a power distributor as under a source component or amplifier. I use Finite Elemente Cerapucs under my relatively simple power distributors and they make a heck of a difference. Many times I have wanted to remove them and apply them elsewhere but every time I tried, I no longer liked the sound without them. The Darkz are probably even more effective than the Cerapucs but I have not made that comparison as they were part of the Power Distributor review, it was not a full Darkz review.
Hello Christian,
this was indeed an exciting test for me to read, and it is 100% in line with my own experience. I became aware of Ansuz products the year before last and was also rather skeptical. I have a complete Grimm Audio setup, so LS1be and MU1 as a source and was sure there is not much more to change. What a big mistake that hurt very very much financially, but sonically has brought me to a level that I would not have thought possible. I can also assure you that you would have been even more excited if you had instead of the D2 a complete DTC2 wiring. The DTC cables are just as good as the DTC Mainz8 and both together are incredible. I use a DTC Supreme Mainz8 and DTC2 power cords that are well beyond the value of the speakers and streamer, but I can assure you that it makes 100% sense. Even a single DTC power cord has so far brought the Ansuz magic you describe to every system I’ve been able to try it on. The Darkz are similarly sensational and everyone I told smiled kindly but usually didn’t believe it. All the greater was my joy then to be able to look into the astonished faces when testing. 🙂
Greetings Björn
Mainz is the capital of Rheinland-Pfalz/ Germany …nothing more and nothing less! And the sticker prize of these accompanying items is just RIDICULOUS in my humble opinion!
Hello Christian, thank you so much for the nice review. By reading your exciting review, I am interested in Mainz8, now.
May I ask you? In the Mainz8, the top model is D-TC superme. It is very very high price. But, the difference to D-TC is only ‘Anti aerial resonance coil technology’. D-TC superme may be great of course. But are only small upgrade of sound for comparing to D-TC???
Many thanks again,
Hi Messa, I have not heard the D-TC Supreme Mainz8 and while the price difference is indeed enormous, other experience with Ansuz products as well as Aavik products that also use this coil technology tells me that the Annsuz top-tier models will indeed offer even better performance than the lower-tier models. Even if the only difference is something as seemingly trivial as the type or number of coils, this will still result in a large audible difference. Thus far, with Ansuz and Aavik products, that has mostly meant a more organic presentation with deeper imaging.
Hi Christiaan,
Thank you very much! Ansuz are nice manufacture. If you checked the D-TC Supreme Mainz8, please me teach the impression. And, I look forward to your next reviews, too.
Many thanks again
Messa
Hi Christiaan
Thanks for a great review. I have just bought the Ansuz D2 Mainz8 with Darkz c2t / Tungsten balls. And it just sounds so amazing. Just like you describe. Right now I use the Belden cable with Oyiade C004/schucko .
My question is what cable length did you use with the D2 Ansuz cable. I have been recommended to start with the A2 Ansuz cable. Is there a “rule” when it comes to length of a power cable ? Some say it should be 2 m at least
Best regards
Michael Gravlund
Hi Michael, There are many opinions on (power) cable length. Indeed, some say 1,5m, others say 2m. My own experience tells me that the longer the cable, the more you hear of its character or its effect. That can go two ways. A fat sounding cable will usually sound fatter as it becomes longer. The opposite is not always true but I did find it to be the case for GigaWatt LC-2 EVO where the 2-meter cable sounded very noticeably leaner, tighter, and crisper than the 1,5 meter cable. Of course, the “best” length will be the length that has the best synergy with your system and/or caters to your taste. As such, I don’t feel there is an absolute best. I will say that I’m not a fan of ultra-short cables because they will always turn out too short when you chance something in the system. As a result, the cables I use are usually 2 meters or longer. I’m not sure of the length of the Ansuz cable but I think it was 2m.
hi Christiaan.
thanks for your answer. Then I think I have to try different lengths of the A2 before buying. I tried a 2m a while ago and compared it to the Belden combo like you use.
there was a remarkable difference in the sound. there was more “body” to the sound. more punchy if you could say so. But it also make me in doubt, because I felt it was too overwhelming in some way. but in the deep bass the A2 sounds alot better. more tight bass. but you are about the synergy… and thats the tough part LOL
best regards
Michael