Review #127 - Primus Power, Dedalus Signal and Speaker MKII Cables - Ricable Review
Fabio B.
Sources: Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer; Pro-Ject Box DS3 CD player.
Amplifier: Audio Analogue Puccini Anniversary
Acoustic Speakers: Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII
Other: Gigawatt PF-1 multisocket
The following review of Primus Power, Dedalus Signal and Speaker MKII cables is the result of theRicable Review initiative. Ricable Review is the program designed by Ricable, which was created to collect feedback from audiophiles, in order to lead to continuous improvement of the products in the catalog. Last but not least, those who join the program receive a certificate at home, with the purpose of certifying how the customer has become a full-fledged member of the " Ricablefamily."
The following Feedback was created on the basis of a predefined questionnaire to which the user returned his impressions, in a completely free. We thank Fabio for his time.
I chose Ricable primarily on the advice of some friends who are high-fidelity enthusiasts, who spoke highly of them after trying them in their own systems. I was immediately struck by the build quality of the cables, which was evident from the very first contact: solid materials, careful finishing, and an attention to detail that conveys seriousness and competence. After becoming better informed also online, I decided to try them personally, and I must say that the impression was immediately very positive. Ricable represents for me an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value, which is why I included it in my system.
and aesthetics of the product?
As soon as I received the product, the first impression was very positive. The packaging is elegant and neat, a sign of attention not only to functionality but also to the customer experience. Once I picked up the cable, I immediately felt the solidity and quality of the materials used: nothing is left to chance. The finish is precise, the connectors robust and well assembled, and the overall aesthetic is very pleasing, with a design that communicates reliability and competence. It integrates perfectly with an upscale facility, both technically and visually.
To evaluate the product, I conducted comparative tests with other commercial cables, using only digital tracks that I know very well and routinely use as reference. The listening sessions took place in my usual listening room, keeping everything else in the audio chain unchanged to ensure maximum consistency. In addition, to get more objective feedback, I involved third parties by asking them to participate in blind listening sessions and freely provide their impressions. This approach allowed me to more confidently confirm the perceived differences and the actual contribution of the Ricable cable to the overall sound performance.
listening impressions?
Primus Power PA1
Despite belonging to Ricable's more affordable range, this power cable managed to surprise. The most noticeable difference was a deeper black background, which gives more dynamic contrast to the music. In the more introspective passages of Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond, there is a cleanliness that allows ambient details to emerge more naturally. It is as if the cable frees the source from a thin veil. No emphasis, but a greater composure of sound, with a more stable base on which all the musical content rests.
Dedalus Speaker MKII DS3
This cable gave new structure to my system, particularly in the mid-bass range, which was more compact and controlled without losing body. Listening to Zappa's Peaches en Regalia, I could appreciate the clarity in syncopated passages, with better separation between guitars, horns and keyboards. But the real highlight is the three-dimensional opening of the soundstage: instruments that were simply "there" before are now arranged in depth, almost in relief. Cable seems to restore to the music the complex architecture that certain 1970s progressive productions require to really shine.
Dedalus Signal DR2
This RCA cable has a very elegant way of putting itself at the service of music. It does not color, it does not swell, but lets the sonic message emerge with its complexity. On a track like King Crimson's Moonchild, the Dedalus Signal very delicately returned the pauses, the cymbal attacks, the vibraphone touches, all with a sense of balance and dynamism that is hard to achieve. It is as if it did justice to the raw material, enhancing even the micro-variations in timbre. Perfect for those who, like me, seek emotion and fidelity, not just impact.
Primus Coaxial PC1
Of all the cables tested, the Primus Coaxial is the one that gave me the least noticeable feeling of improvement. I used it to connect my CD player, and although I performed careful and repeated listening on tracks I know very well, I could not detect any significant difference from other similar cables. Perhaps the limitation lies in the source itself or in the type of digital connection, which I think is generally less influential than at other points in the audio chain. Still, it remains a well-built product, but I still have real doubts about the actual sonic impact of a coaxial cable in this context.
Invictus Bridge Reference RPB
Used to connect the two stages of my speakers, it improves cohesion and speed of signal transmission, especially in complex Zappa passages, with more precise transient handling that makes the music flow more smoothly. However, given the high cost of the speakers, the supplied brass blades are a qualitatively inadequate choice that significantly limits the potential of the cable and the entire system. The benefits are mainly noticeable at high volumes, while at moderate levels the effect becomes marginal, calling into question the effectiveness of the investment in more moderate listening contexts. Ultimately, while theInvictus Bridge is a worthwhile upgrade, it necessarily requires matching with components of an appropriate level to justify its cost and offer truly appreciable results.
Your conclusions.
In an objective and balanced view, it is correct to recognize that cables-as fundamental as they are in ensuring consistency and stability-are not the defining element in the sound quality of a system, but rather a means of enhancing what the electronics can offer. Source, DAC, amplifier and speakers remain the true protagonists of sound, while cables have the essential task of maintaining balance and proper signal transmission between these components. It is therefore important not to give cables a saving role, but to consider them as a function of the quality of the whole system. In this context, Ricable stands out for the wide range of solutions available, spread over several price ranges, allowing every enthusiast to find the right product for his or her needs, without economically unbalancing the audio chain. The advice is simple: invest in cables commensurate with the value and potential of your system, seeking consistency rather than showmanship. Only in this way can each component express itself to the fullest, returning a truly satisfying listening experience.
What did you enjoy?
- Quality of construction
- Aesthetics
- Return and upgrade system
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What would you improve?
- Loyalty program that rewards loyal customers
- Product line on power management (power strips, filters and power conditioners)
- Product line on room acoustic correction
