This is a common reaction to inserting MB Ultra cables in the signal path - I’ve experienced this with the Ultra ICs and with their speaker cables.
IME the change is on the order of 1 - 1.5dB depending on the system. As of yet I have no explanation for why this happens - I cannot believe it is due to lower losses as most cables should not introduce significant loss at these frequencies and lengths. The best theory I have is that the MB Ultra cables are so free from distortions of every sort that they effectively sound louder - i.e. dynamics are conveyed so faithfully that the music effectively sounds louder. There is also perhaps a lowering of the noise floor that helps with this perception of loudness.
It is difficult to explain but real I usually found I had to lower the gain on my preamp by about 3-4 clicks. My impression is that it lowers the sound floor so significantly as the possible cause
Tell me about it Stevie. It's not that it feels loud but rather that the enjoyment comes in at a lower volume than before. The crazy thing is when you do crank it, it can be downright dangerous because there's no pain. Damon was shaking his head as Leif and I were getting plenty stupid while the VSA gents were doing their system set up help.
I got the 2 20A Ultras for the M1s so I just have two more 15As for the U11 subs and the U-USB to go and I'll finally be fully loomed. Me must eats more instant ramen but I will get there eventually LOL
They are working on a DIN Phono but I might not need this. I will likely go Jim's route and go for the Da Vinci 12" for my rear arm which has it's own cable captive. The Stone/Diamond Koetsus are just lovely with this arm.