Reviewer: Paul Candy
Source: Rotel RCD-971 as transport, Audio Zone DAC-1, PS Audio DL III DAC w/ Cullen Circuits Stage Three Mod, Pro-Ject RPM 5 turntable, Pro-Ject Speed Box, Ortofon Rondo Blue cartridge, Scheu Premier II turntable w/ Scheu Cantus tonearm & Audio-Technica AT33PTG cartridge [in for review].
Preamp/Integrated: Manley Labs Shrimp, Audio Zone AMP-1, Pro-Ject Tube Box phono stage.
Amp: Manley Labs Mahi monoblocks.
Speakers: Green Mountain Audio Callisto (on sand filled Skylan stands), Hornshoppe Horns, Duevel Planets [in for review], AV123 Strata Minis, (2) REL Q108 Mk II subwoofers.
Cables: Audience Maestro & Auditorium 23 speaker cables, Audience Maestro, JPS Labs Superconductor+ & Silver Fi interconnects, Stereovox XV2 digital.
Power Cables: Audience powerChord, Harmonic Technology AC-10 Fantasy, GutWire Power Clef˛, GutWire C Clef.
Stands: Grand Prix Audio Monaco four-tier rack.
Powerline conditioning: BPT Pure Power Center w/Wattgate 381 outlets, Bybee Quantum Purifiers and ERS cloth, GutWire MaxCon.
Sundry accessories: Grand Prix Audio APEX footers, Isoclean fuses, Caig Pro Gold, Auric Illuminator, Audio Magic/Quantum Physics Noise Disruptors, dedicated AC line with Wattgate 381 outlet, Echo Busters acoustic room treatments.
Room size: 11' x18' x 8', long wall setup, suspended hardwood floors with large area rug, drywall over fiberglass insulation walls.
Review component retail: $495 for aR1p; $674/6' for 'e' powerChord (regular version is $509/6').

Always on the hunt for decent audio equipment at prices within reach of most punters, my attention was duly captured when I learned of Audience's new adeptResponse aR1p line conditioner. It apparently takes the same filtering capability of the considerably more expensive aR6 and aR12 conditioners and squeezes it into a small single-outlet box for a mere $495. At that price, there's no way I could turn that kind of assignment down. Furthermore, when corresponding with Audience's John McDonald, he suggested sending along a pair of his new 'e' for enhanced powerChords to compare against the regular versions I've enjoyed in my system over the last few years. Sweet.


So here goes. The aR1P is a single outlet version of the bigger multi-outlet aR12 and aR6 conditioners. It's a small plastic brick measuring 6" W x 3" H x 2" D (not including plug) and weighing 1.5lbs. There is no associated power cable or IEC power inlet. The aR1p connects directly into a wall outlet via a Marinco plug and the component's power cable connects directly into the aR1p's single Hubbell receptacle. Also included is a small bracket on the wall side of the aR1p to either brace it against your wall or to allow for ceiling mounting via a drywall anchor: an excellent idea for those with a ceiling-mounted video projector.


The aR1p also features the following:
  • Auricap high-resolution capacitors used exclusively in filter sections.
  • Low DC resistance.
  • Hand-wired with 10-gauge equivalent power wire; no printed circuit boards.
  • Non-sacrificial (i.e. no metal oxide varistors) silent high-voltage transient suppression up to 20,000 amps.
  • Non-resonant damping.
  • Entire electrical circuit cryogenically treated.
While ideally suited to supply filtered power to individual components, the a1Rp can feed an entire system when used with a good quality passive power strip such as BPT's excellent Pure Power Center. However, since my PPC has some filtering via a pair of optional Bybee filters, I instead used a home-brew power strip (essentially a gang box with 3 star-wired Pass & Seymour 5262 duplex outlets hard-wired with a 4' length of DH Labs Power Plus) for the bulk of the review and my comments reflect this arrangement. However, the positive effects of filtering were certainly enhanced with my PPC plugged into the aR1p.


The only drawback with the aR1p is that you won't gain the benefit of component isolation as offered in Audience's upscale conditioners. However, based on my experience with Blue Circle's BC6000, the alleged benefits of component isolation might be more marketing than actual fact. Having said that, you could isolate your digital and analog gear by purchasing two aR1ps and two power strips. Better yet, you could install a pair of dedicated lines right back to your service panel for even greater isolation. It's this combination of affordability and flexibility that makes the aR1p such an attractive component.


After installing the a1Rp, I left it in place for several weeks before removing it for a few days and then reinstalling and listening again for several more. I did the same with both versions of the powerChords which I connected to my Manley Labs Mahi monos. With the aR1p providing cleansed juice to my whole system, I noted a dramatically lower noise floor, greater image focus and improved sense of space between instruments. While my perception of recorded depth increased, individual performers, especially vocals, were projected more forcefully into my room. Musical pace appeared to quicken too. I did not notice any reduction in dynamics with my power amps. In fact, I noted an increase in dynamic contrasts plus an enhanced clarity and precision particularly on the leading edge of notes.

However, over time I did feel that the tonal balance of my system was ever so slightly shifted upwards. I also thought harmonic textures were truncated a tad. I noticed this particularly on piano and woodwinds. On the other hand, without the a1Rp music playback became surprisingly sluggish and murky. Instruments and voices were veiled and tended to blend together. Sometimes you just don't know how effective a component is until you remove it from your system. There was definitely a small tradeoff with the aR1p but in my system it was one I thought was worthwhile.



I also tried the aR1p in our TV room system which consists of a Samsung flat-screen LCD monitor, Samsung DVD player, HDTV cable box and Audio Zone AMP-1 integrated driving a pair of AV123 Strata Mini speakers. I plugged the aR1p into the wall outlet and connected it to my power strip. While I certainly noticed a sonic improvement with cable TV and DVD soundtracks, notable changes in picture quality were elusive. Perhaps colors were a little more vibrant and picture clarity was improved but I can't say for sure. Interestingly, the addition of aR1p did not in any way impede current flow to the onboard 300-watt subs of our Strata Minis that would have been audible.


It's been several months since I had Blue Circle's BC6000 in house and a direct comparison with an aR1p was not possible. However, my aural memory suggests the BC6000 removes more grunge over a wider band and I don't recall any noticeable sonic tradeoffs no matter how minor. A more meaningful comparison might have been Audience's aR6 which offers 3 duplex outlets as does the BC6000. I still have GutWire's original MaxCon conditioner and use it occasionally particularly with digital gear. While it offers a quiet noise-free background, it doesn't inject the aR1p's shot of adrenaline. The aR1p was noticeably superior in every respect.



The new 'e' powerChords appear outwardly identical to their regular issue brethren with Wattgate connectors at both ends. Apparently the difference is on the inside. According to Audience's website, "as of November '07, Audience has developed proprietary technology to improve the conductivity of Audience Au24 cables and powerChords that results in a more refined product. The basic musical character of the cables is unchanged; however they are enhanced. This technology results in the seeming removal of a veil resulting in the improvement of a world-class product. In addition to the standard Au24 and powerChord cables, this new technology is available as an 'e' enhanced version."


My guess is the 'e' version undergoes some sort of deep cryo process. Neither cable uses any shielding. Audience believes that shielding power cables is detrimental to performance. Many competing if not most cable firms would strongly disagree but I have generally preferred unshielded power cables on amps. In my experience, the standard powerChord has been among the most predictable and consistent AC cables I have tried. It excels in speed, openness and dynamic contrasts while lowering noise. Compared to some cables, usually larger heavily shielded ones such as GutWire's Power Clef, the powerChord may at first blush seem to lack in bass weight and noise reduction. However, the bass via the Audience cords sounds more articulated and musically coherent to my ears. My colleague at Positive Feedback Bob Neill refers to the powerChords as testosterone injectors - an apt description which also indicates that these cables might not be ideal for every system and component. With certain component combinations, the powerChords might be too much of a good thing and tip up the tonal balance or overemphasize leading edges at the expense of weight and harmonic richness. However, with my wee Manley EL84 monos, they are the bee's knees.

Swapping the 'e' powerChords on my Mahi monos, I noted the same spatial expansiveness, dynamic nimbleness and punchy, fluid bass of the standard powerChord. Where I noticed a difference was in transparency and low-level resolution; there was more of both. And it wasn't difficult to hear either. Placement and sizing of performers were more apparent as was ambient detail retrieval. However, with this increase in apparent detail and articulation, I didn't hear any thinning of textures or any undue effects. I did move the cables around from component to component and generally preferred the Audience on my amps while shielded cables such as Harmonic Technology's AC-10 and various GutWire cables work better on my digital sources. In my system, this 'split' arrangement has served me well. However, careful audition and experimentation is key to reaping the most from aftermarket power cables.


For a fiver shy of $500, the adeptResponse aR1p is excellent value and offers plenty of options. Buy a decent aftermarket power bar, run your system from a single aR1p and then as funds permit, buy additional units to provide greater separation between components. A power bar and one or more aR1ps should offer an extremely effective alternative to spending several thousands on AC conditioning and surge suppression. My kind of deal!




     

Quality of packing: Excellent. Cables ship in zip lock plastic bags inside cardboard boxes.
Reusability of packing: Appears to be reusable several times.
Quality of owner's manual: What would you need a manual for?
Condition of component received: Flawless.
Completeness of delivery: Perfect.
Website comments: Informative with good quality pictures.
Warranty: Ten years parts & labor for defects.
Human interactions: Professional, helpful and friendly.
Pricing: Quite reasonable.
Final comments & suggestions: Audience products generally ship with plenty of product info sheets, review reprints plus a small tube of Caig Deoxit contact cleaner for a very professional presentation.