Description
Described as the “Dogs Blocks” Reflex Ultra G3 is the ultimate expression of what MusicWorks know about power distribution. The Reflex Ultra G3 is a totally re-engineered version of the ReFlex Plus power distribution block. Driven by MusicWorks’ understanding of what contributes noise to audio (and a/v) systems, as well as re-engineering the critical ‘star earth’, the contribution brought by this block needs to be experienced first hand.
We’ve just had our first play with it and, in the knowledge that run-in will make substantial improvements, it is a substantially better block than the outgoing Reflex Ultra, a block that itself made substantial improvements over the ‘Lite’.
This was written a year or two ago. We have three of the blighters on site for use in various demonstration systems.
We’ve been presenting the MusicWorks Mains blocks as the Mains Cable Enabler and this is the best yet. More musical, far more realistic and just plain more addictive.
“What have we done? Well you can clearly see the new chassis sockets that we are using for the new G3 block, these constitute the biggest change and in-fact provide the largest performance improvement over the G3’s predecessor, but that is not all! You will notice that we include a set of support spikes for the purpose of raising the block off the floor (made out of PEEK) to further improve the isolation from mechanical energy interference within the listening environment, finally we have re-vamped the internal wiring – hence the need to follow the new block plugging – in layout mentioned above.
With still more minor improvements included with the new G3 block it can and will be judged as the next step up for a superior mains distribution block that still follows a route of no mains filters/mains reconstruction and is still thankfully connected directly to the 240V juice!”
“We added the £600 MusicWorks ReFlex 6-way mains block, leaving everything else alone,and went back to the music. Tighter, more tuneful bass and better timing gave an improved sense of musical flow, but it wasn’t just the bottom end that improved; there was more feeling of life, a suggestion of vibrancy missing from the vanilla setup. Nina Simone was perkier, the Tord Gustavsen Trio had more tension and a sense of poise that had been absent previously. Nor were we micro-analysing these effects. If you can appreciate the benefits of hifi separates at all, you’d easily hear this.” – Courtesy Hi Fi Plus issue 63
The block provides an outlet for up to 6 pieces of equipment. All wiring and sockets are carefully chosen and then cryogenically treated.
To allow optimal choice of power lead for the application, the block is equipped with an IEC socket.
A local customer has shared his thoughts on trying it after the Reflex Lite that he already owns:
“Initially disappointed/underwhelmed. Okay; give it time. Ten minutes later – happier. Twenty to thirty minutes later; improvement/upgrade clearly evident; I started grinning, and it kept getting better. I’m convinced that a 5 minute power-down of Naim kit needs at least half an hour to ‘come back’. Plus the G3 was physically cold, so perhaps it benefited from some warming.Some hours later, I’ve played lots of well known CDs and vinyl.
So what does it bring to the party with everything nicely settled and warmed up?Increased information retrieval. I’m hearing hitherto unheard subtle detail. It layers the sound better and sophisticates it but with improved dynamic slam. There is a bigger, better soundstage with all the instruments and vocals sounding like they have more individual space in the mix. Also; recordings which might have veered toward ‘edgy’ sound smoother, but with life and verve aplenty, and no loss of PRaT.
It works for sure and is a keeper.”
Latest arrival is the Acouplex upgrade. This replaces the base board of the G3 block with a sheet made with a mixture of acrylic and a material called Peek. The fixings, washers and feet are already made of this and a base-board improves the sound beyond logic. Mind you, the whole thing is beyond logic.
Another customer quote:
”
I wanted to have a demonstration of my old block against the one fitted with the new bottom plate. So I listened to an NDX2/Supernait 3 combo into some Russell K floor standers. My original block sounded good but I felt that the sound was a little shut in not flowing as freely as I would like… I put this down to the smaller system compared to my 500 system at home. We then swapped in the the upgraded block and it only took a few notes before Andy and I went wow… it has all opened up beautifully … all the usual things were happening… I would say as good as a black box upgrade or say going from Reflex Lite to Ultra G3. As Gazza says a no-brainer and my wallet fell open… a highly recommended upgrade for all Ultra G3 users.
I did ask about whether it was better to have the block on the carpet as mine is or on a hard stone surface… Signals prefer carpet but other users have preferred a hard surface a case of try it and see what works best for you I guess.
Best wishes
Michael
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