No noise ultra X SE
I chose the No noise ultra X SE as I wanted one of the larger filters (after hearing good reports of the smaller ones) and this one is advertised as being an all purpose filter combining parts from both the other 2 large filters Brent builds. I also chose the spike clamping option.
The first thing that struck me after plugging in the No noise Ultra X SE was the much improved imaging from my system. The illusion of space around sounds and a 3 dimensional soundstage is thrown out into the room. Depth of image seems to be highlighted.
Resolution is also greatly improved across the frequency range. It is now possible to pick out any part of a track and follow it, without any interference from other parts. No matter how bass heavy or complex the music becomes, it’s still all completely coherent and even more musical as rhythm’s flow without interference from background noise you didn’t realise was there caused by noise on your mains. This gives the music a quieter, more relaxed feel, but at the same time extracts the energy from the performance if it’s there on the recording, giving a more lifelike, involving representation.
As for the cost of the filter, I actually think it’s very good value for money considering that it improved my whole system in a way that probably isn’t possible by other means. Even changing components to more expensive ones wouldn’t get rid of the noise on the mains.
It will be interesting to see if things improve further after the recommended 600hrs break-in period as I’ve only about 200hrs on the filter so far.
Thanks Brent for making these filters and bringing more life to the music.
Regards
Matt
Matt Hoyle | Dublin, Ireland | November 2022