Darkz C2T and S2T
The Darkz C2T consists of three aluminum layers loosely coupled by two sets of three titanium balls. When used under the speaker stands, the user needs to apply 3 more balls as the direct interfaces to the speaker stand’s base.
The Darkz S2T uses stainless steel layers instead of aluminum and this is immediately noticeable as they seem to weigh 4 times as much as the C2T. Otherwise, the design is the same as for the C2T and the same titanium balls are used.
Adding Darkz C2T
With the C2T positioned underneath the stands, the sound becomes crisper and more articulate as well as more delicately rendered, but without adding any dryness as can often happen with other hard-couplers. The fluidity remains. To my delight, the bass becomes faster and clearer. The upper midrange also becomes more expressive as well as more prominent, and spatial sounds are rendered more distinctly. These may be the entry-level Darkz variants but boy do they have a large effect!
Changing to Darkz S2T
Following my previous experiments with the two top-model Darkz as part of the two Ansuz power distributors, I knew there was a considerable difference at the high end of the Darkz assortment. It was comforting to find that the same holds true for the two most affordable models. Sure enough, with the S2T’s having replaced the entry-level C2T’s, the difference is not subtle. All the extra articulation and expression remain but the improvements are now filled out more completely down to the rest of the sonic spectrum.
Whereas the C2T’s are already hugely effective but have a mildly prominent (but not unpleasant) upper midrange and a relatively slightly leaner bass, the S2T’s are harmonically more balanced top to bottom, with the upper bass also gaining more substance in the process.
The latter aspect is especially noteworthy in combination with the cleaner-sounding 01 speakers, where the S2T is undeniably synergistically the ideal match. The fuller-sounding Z1 speakers are less in need of the improvements in the upper bass that the dearer model brings. But if one desires an extra uptick in bass fullness and harmonic richness, the S2Ts are still commendable with these speakers.
Titanium Balls and Tungsten Balls
When Darkz are used in combination with Darkz Feet, one needs a set of 3 Balls per foot. There are currently 2 types of Ansuz Darkz Balls available. You can choose between Titanium or Tungsten, where the Titanium Balls are the same as the ones that are fitted inside the C2T and S2T Darkz. When picking up the Tungsten Balls for the first time, it is interesting to find how relatively heavy they are! In fact, the Tungsten Balls weigh 4 times as much as the Titanium Balls, which according to Ansuz greatly improves the resonance absorbing properties.
In my listening tests, I confirmed that these two types of balls do indeed make an audible and worthwhile difference. The Tungsten Balls sound noticeably fuller in the bass and lower midrange and richer overall, and quite incredibly, they even enhance the spaciousness.
Darkz used under audio equipment
Darkz also work incredibly well under audio components such as in this case a classic Wadia WT3200 CD transport. The Darkz greatly improve the player’s pacing, articulation, transient attack, and overall precision. The Darkz perform their magic under a CD transport but, as I found, just as well under an integrated amplifier, such as the Accuphase E-280 in the other room.
When also using the Balls on top (in this case directly coupling to the WT3200’s bottom plate but ideally used in combination with Darkz Feet), the transparency and precision further increase.
Next: Ansuz Speakz P2 and C2 speaker cables, Secondary System, and Conclusion
Great review, as always. Thanks. I didn’t look up the specs but did you try the Z1 with a tube amp? It would probably not with a 20 wpc tube amp, would it?
Regards, Jan
Hi Jan, I no longer own a tube amp and haven’t tried, but I would imagine that the 60-Watt Ayon Spirit III (or the V) would have had no issues with the Z1 whatsoever. Whether a 20-Watt tube amp would also cut it, I cannot say. It will depend on how it was designed and on how loud you want to play. I never got the impression that the Z1s are particularly hard to drive, but at 86 dB, they are not very sensitive and they will require some potency if you want to play louder. My guess is that if you’re going to extract the best of them in terms of tightness, agility, and transient behavior, it may prove hard (or costly) to find a well-matching tube amp. Finding a well-matching transistor amp will likely be much easier.
What “review?” This is not a review.
Hello CP,
Can you indicate how these Børresen loudspeakers compare to the Franco Serblin Assence, previously reviewed by you? And yes, we also had to bend our knees for balls…..
Regards,
JB
I’ve only reviewed the Franco Serblin Accordo monitors, not the Essense, and comparisons from memory are not hugely reliable. That said, I have heard all their models and think I have a good understanding of their qualities. The main differences between the Børresens and the Accordo Essence are resolution and transparency, where the Børresen simply has the upper hand.
Hello CP,
Can you indicate how these Børresen loudspeakers compare to the Franco Serblin Accordo, previously reviewed by you? And yes, we also had to bend our knees for the balls…..
Regards
Jan
Not looking at the price, would you change the Driade flow speaker cable for the Ansuz C2 speakz ?
This will depend on which virtues one finds most important. Does one prefer the tightest and most precise bass and best overall neutrality or the widest soundstaging, deepest tonal saturation, and most magical delivery? It’s very much a personal matter. In my system, I use the Mad Scientist Black Magic speaker cable which matches even better with the Magicos and the rest of the system. But they have spade connectors and besides are not flexible or long enough to be used with the Børresen monitors. I place a lot of emphasis on bass precision even to the point of accepting less weight in favor of transient speed but I know this is not the most common viewpoint. Many listeners prefer a slightly more relaxed bass and within the context of a Børresen monitor speaker system, I would suggest taking the Ansuz route, among others because the C1 cable’s fuller bass augments the speakers’ bass heft and feeling of listening to a fuller-range speaker.
Hi Christiaan, have to say I also prefer quality bass above quantity, at the moment I am using the older Ansuz POM speakercables, did try also C2 and D2, for me the D2 is where the real magic begins in the Ansuz line, but I will never get myself to buy 18K speaker cables. I might give the driade flow 808 a try to see if it is more my taste.
Have a good xmas
Hi Christiaan,
I am looking for speaker cables for Audiovector R1 Arrete speakers. Is the Ansuz P2 speakz a good choice in this price range, or is the Purist audio design Poseidon better?
With best regards,
Igor
Hi Igor, I’ve not heard any Purist Audio cables so can’t tel you how they compare.
Hi ;
OK , but my main question is I am looking for speaker cables for Audiovector R1 Arrete speakers. Is the Ansuz P2 speakz a good choice ?
Best regards , Igor
Whether or not the P2 Speakz works well for you depends on many factors, not least of which is your personal taste. Also, I have not heard the Audiovector speakers. All I can say is that the P2 may be for you if you feel that the Audiovector in your current setup will benefit from a sweeter, lusher, more relaxed, and more liquid sound.
Wow they are about the same price as Marten Mingus Quintet
Christiaan, as you are known to the improvements Ansuz Darkz can bring. I was wondering if you have ever tested Darkz underneath your Magico S1 mkII, and your opinion about it. Current photos of your setup, shows you are still using the spikes. Do they perform better?
I bet Darkz could sound very nice as speaker footers under the Magico S1s instead of the standard spikes, but they are not compatible in terms of thread, and I don’t dare just placing them underneath the speakers without being fixed. I did buy StillPoints with the intention to use them under the Magicos but that idea has lapsed as I am happy with the speakers just as they are and I use the StillPoints elsewhere.