Black is back - Tellurium Q Black II first impressions

[bronzeage]

Way back when Tellurium Q Black first came out, it caused quite a stir - it was something quite different, but resulted in polarized opinions.
I certainly enjoyed it, but ultimately preferred the (admittedly very expensive) Atlas Ascent, as I found it more transparent.

I feel like I have come full circle, in that I have ditched the Rega Elicit-R amplifier, and gone back to my cheap Marantz MCR-510 all-in-one - my room could not cope with the sheer power of the Rega, and I found vocals to be much clearer with the Marantz, with a tighter control of the bass. An oddity, but there you go.

Anyway, I sold the TQ Black a good while back, and have been using Van Damme Hi-Fi 4mm, and the somewhat softer presentation really suited the Marantz.

My curiosity was peaked however, when I saw the announcement of TQ Black II. I recalled the synergy between the Black and the Marantz, so I thought I would give it a shot.

First impressions are very positive - a clear step up from the Van Damme. Everything has somehow become more detailed, and yet more relaxed at the same time. There is a tangibility to instruments, that was simply not there before. Vocals have become crystal clear, but sibilance is reduced. The somewhat veiled textures of the old TQ Black have gone - drums really sound like drums, you can hear the 'skin'.
Bass is in balance, certainly not weak, nor overly plump. The strike of a cymbal has 'metal', but with natural clarity that does not annoy.

I feel kind of bad in a way, as I was holding out for Colin Wonfor's new cables, I suspect this is still based on his designs.

No idea if this will alter over time - I'm perfectly happy with the sound as it is to be honest. I will update if anything significant changes.

In summary - this cable works great with my amp, it simply makes music and sound much more enjoyable. Worth an audition if you are in the market at that price range, it might be good for you, it might not.