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All the usual things I expect to hear when comparing a superior component to a lesser one were clearly evident: more clearly defined soundstage, better focus of voices and instruments, more neutral tonal balance with no added warmth, analytical coolness or other gross departures from neutrality. High frequencies such as string tone were slightly extended but sweet, bass and midrange were similarly honest in character. Transient fidelity and dynamic shifts also took steps closer to reality.
The Reserva loom offered even more of the Panatela’s beguiling lightness of touch - filigree and shadow as I called it in my earlier review but with greater bandwidth energy, excitement and scale. The Reserva interconnects and speaker cables were easy cables to love and clearly superior to the previous generation. Swapping in the far more expensive MIT Magnum M1.3 loom was fascinating. No cabling I tried offers the scale, in-room presence and texture (or layers of sound if you prefer) as the Magnums. It’s what they excel at. As good as they were, the Panatela Reserva cables couldn’t quite compete in this regard but weren’t what I’d call deficient either. On the other hand, the Reserva cables were a tad more open with a lovely silky, smooth relaxed ease about them that was intoxicating. Music ebbed and flowed a little easier with the slim Brits. Considering the price differential, the Panatela Reserva more than held their own.
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After a spell I replaced the Corona Reserva power cable with another Gran Corona. Wow. I never thought a day would come where I’d say that the Corona sounded small or hazy compared to another power cable yet that's pretty much what I experienced. Music seemed to shrink a tad, clarity took a step back even while there were gains in weightiness and tonal richness. The Reserva was far more open, clean and dynamic. Leading edges and note decays were far more realized with this bronze-sheathed beauty. The Gran Corona and Corona Reserva were so different, I had difficulty believing both came from the same man.
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That mid-bottom fullness which didn’t seem to stand out to the same degree previously could still be a boon in many systems but perhaps a tad too much in others. And rather than displaying a set of individual sonic traits, the Reserva Corona power cord was more about overall natural coherence and believability - the big picture if you will. Yes, other power cables might offer up a bit more detail (or at least the illusion thereof), deeper bass or better sense of texture and scale but very few will match the top to bottom unifying nature of the Corona Reserva. Another plus was that the Sablon was gorgeously appointed (as are the speaker cables and interconnects) and had realized real gains in flexibility and lightness.
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I still hold the Gran Corona in high regard and quite enjoy it connected to my DAC while the Reserva facilitates electron flow to and from my amp. The best of both worlds I suppose but the Reserva Corona strikes me as the superior, more universal cable.
I think the Reserva cables are excellent and worthy successors to the previous Panatela/Corona line which impressed enough to win an award. Without issuing a new one, I see no reason not to extend the original award to these improved replacements. These preserve all of the even balance and musicality of the previous lot but go several steps further into transparency, excitement and resolution without crossing that very fine line into the clinical and analytical. And unlike their namesake, they won’t cause lung cancer or annoy the non-smokers in your home. Warmly recommended.
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Quality of packing: No issues
Reusability of packing: Seems reusable several times.
Condition of component received: Perfect.
Human interactions: Professional and friendly.
Pricing: Good value.
Final comments & suggestions: Money back (less 10%) 30-day in home trial period.
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