Reviewer: Paul Candy
Digital source: Fidelizer Nimitra Computer Audio Server w/ Nikola Linear Power Supply, Audiomat Maestro 3 DAC
Analog source: Well-Tempered Lab Amadeus with DPS power supply, Pro-Ject Tube Box SE phono stage, Ortofon Rondo Blue MC cartridge
Amps: Audiomat Opéra Référence integrated
Speakers: Jean-Marie Reynaud Evolution 3, REL Q108 Mk II subwoofers (2)
Cables: MIT Magnum M1.3, Sablon Audio Panatela Reserva, Light Harmonic LightSpeed USB cable, JCAT Reference USB, JCAT Reference LAN, Sablon Audio LAN cable
AC cords: MIT Magnum AC1, Sablon Audio Corona Reserva, Wireworld Silver Electra
Stands: Ikea Besta, Ikea bamboo cutting boards
Powerline conditioning: Blue Circle FX2 6 X0e, Blue Circle BC86 MK5.
Sundry accessories: Audioquest Jitterbug, UpTone Audio USB Regen, Acoustic Revive RR-77, Audio Magic/Quantum Physics Noise Disruptors, Caig Pro Gold, Echo Busters acoustic room treatments, Isoclean fuses, HiFi Tuning Disc Demagnetizer, Nitty Gritty record cleaning machine, Soundcare Superspikes on speakers, dedicated AC lines with Furutech GTX-D (G) outlets
Room size: 11x18x8’, long wall setup, suspended hardwood floors with large area sisal rug, walls are standard drywall over fibreglass insulation.
Review component retail: US$2’190

One of the aspects of reviewing I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to cover products from all over the world, in many instances from companies that have little to no presence here in North America. The flow of interesting and innovative audio products from Eastern Europe and Asia (other than China) continues to amaze. Poland especially is a hotbed of high-end audio activity. Hence the subject of today’s piece, the Audio Illuminati Reference One power cable, hails from the land of Chopin.


Audio Illuminati are a new company founded by Piotr Kalicki and the Reference One power cable is his first offering. Piotr arrives from an extensive computer science and IT security background and his experience in signal transmission and combating noise issues allied with an appreciation of high-end audio provided the impetus for creating his own cabling. According to Piotr, the relevant factors in a well-designed cable include:


1. Type of conductor material
2. Type of insulation
3. Construction and conductor geometry
4. Conductor directionality
5. Reduction of vibration
6. Resistance to external electromagnetic force
7. Elimination of internal high-frequency interference.

Piotr further elaborated on his design choices. “From a technical point of view, the cable is designed for quick and lossless transmission of large amounts of energy. The wire itself is directionally optimized 5N purity copper produced in the United States. The geometry and shape of the wire can be described as multi-strand solid-core as each of the three conductor bundles (hot, neutral and earth) consists of several solid core strands having a diameter of 0.8mm, each slightly twisted around Teflon core. The three conductor bundles are twisted relative to each other and to three bundles of natural linen which helps absorb internal micro vibration of the cable. The cable has a triple screen which consists of an aluminium foil and two densely woven copper braids. Heavy shielding helps to secure from phenomenon in which a cable acts as an antenna picking up unwanted signals."