Tacima - anyone else disappointed ?

[mafrost]

I received my Tacima CS929 in the post today and so far have been thoroughly disappointed. I replaced my previous 6-way Masterplug SurgeGuard with the Tacima and swapped all the power leads for my components into the Tacima accordingly.

I instantly noticed reduced weight, definition and slam in the bass of my Musical Fidelity Pre/Power amplifiers, along with a noticeably reduced soundstage. Also, the picture on my Sony Bravia took a noticeable turn for the worse.

I then spent many hours switching power cables back and forth between the Masterplug SurgeGuard 6-way and the Tacima. Only to find the resulting sound quality and picture quality noticeably better via the Masterplug. This was a very disappointing discovery after all the reviews and hype the Tacima has received.

Perhaps the Tacima will improve over time, after some kind of "burn in" period. If not, I will relegate the Tacima to lesser duties and continue to use the Masterplug for my amps/TV/CD/Blu-ray players; and would then thoroughly recommend against the Tacima.

Anyone else had similar experience ?

 

[margetti]

No, found improvements at all levels (some greater than others), although I have heard it said that they are better suited to low-current components (ie sources) than high-current components (ie amplifiers)

 

[Anonymous]

A number of factors at play here.

The 1st one of course is the level of contamination on the Mains.

The next would be the loading (draw) on the ring circuit from the consumer unit / the amperage of wire / position on the Bus bar.

Along with this whether it is fused or on a 20A breaker.

By what you have said it sounds like your equipment is current restricted on its feed. The TV does have quite a high draw.

Tacima units do need to be well fed with a solid draw, as they do restrict it slightly. If your are fortunate to have Mains that is quite clear to start with and already use good quality power cables the effects might well be as you find.

Personally I find on a 6 gang extension with high draw equipment plugged into it a 13A fuse in the plug does more harm than good as it restricts the current demands.
I know it is not to regulations, so on your own head be it (disclaimer!) but as the individual equipment plugs are fused, and the Consumer Unit has a much faster acting 20A Breaker in it. Is the Tacima 13A plug fuse slowing the whole thing down?

I don't have this problem as mine is hard wired into a dedicated Spur so in effect I have 6 Mains plug sockets on the end of it.
Furthermore they go from there into MTU's incorporating Mains Capacitors which give a reservoir supply to deal with load demands.

Hope this all helps, but as you say if you can't improve on things go back to what you had.

 

[mafrost]

Trevor79

Thank you very much for your comprehensive response. Much appreciated.

I've never scientifically tested the cleanliness of my mains, but I do get the impression it must be quite clean; and I always replace the original power cables on my components with high-quality Merlin mains cables.

Thinking about what you said and also remembering something else I read a while ago, I think you're totally right about the Tacima actually restricting the power supply to my fairly current hungry components. I think the Masterplug I was using originally (and have returned to) is somehow less restrictive regards the high(ish) current needs of my components.

At a later date I also plan to do something slightly more 'hardwired' regards the mains, but at this point I'd need to consider seriously whether the Tacima would then be a weakpoint in the wider solution.

I guess the Tacima obviously works for some people, but unfortunately for me (and my quite demanding components) it actually detracts from performance rather than improves it.

As I absolutely love the sound I get out of my hi-fi when it's on full song (with all the power/current it needs), I guess I'm going to end up using the Tacima, at least in the medium term, as a spare 6-way elsewhere in the house.

Thanks again for your feedback.

 

[Anonymous]

I got mine today, too, and I'm not disappointed. However, I wouldn't say that the change is dramatic either. I haven't had a chance to test it comprehensively yet, but first impressions are that the sound may have very slightly improved in fullness and separation, but I'd have to test this more if I really wanted to make the point. I don't think that the TV picture has improved much, but I have a fairly mediocre analogue picture in the first place and haven't tested with DVD yet.

I needed a mains block anyway, and it wasn't too expensive, but I can't say that I experienced the total transformation that some people profited from. Maybe the mains in my place aren't as bad as I assumed they might be. Still a decent buy, I think, as it will keep for a long time and it's a good quality pice of kit.

Hedgehog

 

[topbloke55]

Thank goodness it ws not hundreds of pounds.

 

[Anonymous]

Plug your pre, CDP, DVD and TV into the Tacima, power amps and subs into the wall. That's the best approach I suspect.

 

[ElectroMan]

I'm fairly sceptical about the benefits of specialised mains blocks & power leads, but I think this is the first time I've seen someone claim it's made things worse!

 

[mafrost]

I did read somewhere else that other fairly high-end equipment wasn't overly happy about particular blocks/filters being put in the power path as they effectively starve the equipment of the necessary current. After reading trevor79's feedback and thinking back to this article I once read, I think this is very probably exactly what I'm experiencing.

I bought a Tacima hoping for a cheap upgrade, when in reality, I think for the kit I'm running I should be using something more high-end in the power path.

I think I'll look into the "direct into the mains" idea suggested by trevor79. So my only real comment/advice for anyone else looking at the Tacima. If you're running quite high-end gear (big pre/powers like me), that really benefit from a good clean/solid current, the Tacima may well not be the answer.

 

[kena]

igglebert:Plug your pre, CDP, DVD and TV into the Tacima, power amps and subs into the wall. That's the best approach I suspect.

I agree with above definately woth trying

 

[Anonymous]

Right, first things first. After all the talk on here about the Tacima, I thought I would unplug my Onk 875 from mine and put it into a spare in the wall.
Frankly it is the best thing I have done so far. I thought I was listening to a completely different system. If any of you have your home cinema reciever plugged into your Tacima with a host of other products like cd, tv etc, then I strongly suggest you remove it pronto.
After spending a good hour trying all genres of music from Marley, Stone Roses, Audioslave to the Streets I noticed a few things about the Tacima.
Against:
1.Robbed my sytem of speed, extra slam and punch in the bass
2.Detail
3.Vocals were not to the front of the soundstage as much as before.
For the Tacima:
1.Smoother sound
2.Instruments spaced out more.
3.Just didn't make the music sound as realistic probably due to the loss of speed.
My advice is try the Tacima in your system for a month...THEN unplug it and hear the difference!
Keep your cd, dvd, tv plugged into the Tacima and the Amp/Reciever separate for best results.
Hope this helps people. Paul

 

[Dougal1331]

I think the fuse issue, while an interesting idea, is null and void. A 13 amp fuse can handle a constant current of up to 3.12kW, therefore even six 500W devices (no chance with AV kit) would not overload it, and there should always be plenty in reserve under normal loads. That said, my knowledge of physics only extends to A-level, so by all means shoot me down on that one...

I have had good results with the Tacima- music sounds more powerful and involving, but there is a slight change in the soundstage. However, I've not had it very long so it's too early to say whether the change is a negative one.... At least the freezer doesn't cause my woofers to explode anymore.

TV picture and digi-noise from the V-box greatly improved. Even my housemate noticed, and he was unaware I'd bought it!

I would say suck it and see- give it at least a week to get used to the sound. If it's not for you, whack it on your PC or whatever- at least the surge protection is a useful thing.

 

[aliEnRIK]

As others have said ~ the Tacima is designed for low wattage components. Amps in particular are no good with them

Read on Isoteks Titan for some idea of what you need for a perfect mains supply to an amp ~

http://www.isoteksystems.com/en/titan.asp

Also, all cables (Of which the tacima clearly has), does indeed have a 'burn in' period. So it will possibly be worse for a while before it gets better

Personally I use a SIGMAS which is a step down from the Titan (But AWESOME for most kit)

 

[Anonymous]

aliEnRIK:
Also, all cables (Of which the tacima clearly has), does indeed have a 'burn in' period. So it will possibly be worse for a while before it gets better

 

[aliEnRIK]

igglebert:aliEnRIK:
Also, all cables (Of which the tacima clearly has), does indeed have a 'burn in' period. So it will possibly be worse for a while before it gets better

Ive tried and tested a ton of cables. If anyone wants to tell me theres no such thing then let them.................

 

[Anonymous]

In my opinion it's not even worth speaking of. Get yourself a Tacima if you feel the need.

From then on leave the argumentative placebos to the hi-fi gear in which we all care about. You are dragging me ever closer to an episode with whichever judge allows a bout of euthanasia.

 

[aliEnRIK]

Octopo:
In my opinion it's not even worth speaking of. Get yourself a Tacima if you feel the need.

From then on leave the argumentative placebos to the hi-fi gear in which we all care about. You are dragging me ever closer to an episode with whichever judge allows a bout of euthanasia.

Stick a 'never before used' solid silver mains cable to your amp and tell me its placebo then.

WHY?

Cos it will sound cr*p

Or kill yourself...........

 

[Anonymous]

The volume of these things on the market tell me there must be something to be gained from spending money on them. I have had the Clearer Audio Silver Line on trial, I sent it back because it didn't seem to offer a price to benefit appeal. Needless to say I have three Tacimas, but that's only because it would be rude not to.

 

[aliEnRIK]

Octopo:The volume of these things on the market tell me there must be something to be gained from spending money on them. I have had the Clearer Audio Silver Line on trial, I sent it back because it didn't seem to offer a price to benefit appeal. Needless to say I have three Tacimas, but that's only because it would be rude not to.

You first mention the placebo effect (As in, its all in the head)

THEN you say you cant justify the 'price to benefit'. Making it clear you DID notice a difference

Make your mind up Octo.............

 

[Anonymous]

No difference. Complete waste of money.

 

[aliEnRIK]

Octopo:No difference. Complete waste of money.

Cant say as ive tried it, so cant comment. But I CAN say that properly braided cables have DEFINITELY made a difference to my setup (And Russ Andrews has recently MEASURABLY PROVEN they make a difference through amplifiers)

 

[Drummerdave]

I bought a Tacima a while back and commented at the time that I thought it robbed the sound of some dynamics, but not to a great extent. Have since upgraded to better speaker cable and I/C which has made a big difference to my ears. No plans to replace Tacima.

Currently got a RA Classic Powerkord (to cdp) and a Clearer Audio Alpha (to amp) on trial.

 

[rob_981]

Despite my cynicism, I've taken the plunge and ordered a Tacima. After all, at the price, it's worth a punt. Was hoping it would be here today, but no joy. Just have to wait until tomorrow. Will let you know if I notice any difference.

 

[Anonymous]

Found the TV had a even better picture plugged into the Tacima, also find it good for low current kit, eg PS3, DVD recorder.

For what they cost you can't go wrong. IMO

 

[Anonymous]

It's quite an on going debate this one.I am home next week and looking forward to giving this a try along with the clear audio mains cables I ordered. Agree with Trevor in that you can't really go wrong for the price with the Tacima. From reading the many debates on this I am going to run the cd player and pre amp from the Tacima and the power amps from the old mains block. I would like to run the amps from a direct mains feed later from what I have read from you Trevor.. As for the cinema set up I will plug everything into the Tacima. Will the av-amp be ok doing this or will it be best fed off the mains? I feed the dvd into the amp then onto the tv.