Currently, my interconnect of choice is the Ridge Street Poiema 3, which I've owned simultaneously with the Cardas Golden Reference. Depending on the mix of components at any given time, I could live with either, however, the Poiema 3's more revealing top end does add a welcome measure to my musical enjoyment. To my ears, it also sounds somewhat more neutral vs. the Cardas, however, I can easily understand why some others might appreciate and prefer the Cardas. It is a very, very fine interconnect. I also owned the Synergistic Tesla Accelerator. Despite both considerable burn in on my Hagerman Pro Frykleaner and listening in my system, I did not find is as satisfying as the Cardas or Poiema. But, again, personal reactions and tastes will vary.
ICs with great natural sounding highs?
I currently use Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II (XLR) and it's a great IC but the highs have a certain "silver" coloration especially in the cymbals sound. It's not harsh or bright but when I auditioned Cardas Golden Reference ICs recently I was struck with how cleaner and more natural the cymbals sounded - you can hear the real metal when the cymbal is hit rather than a splash of silvery noise. In all other aspects (bass, sounstage, details etc) however Acoustic Zen came out as a clear winner. But I would love to get a cable with absolutely realistic sounding highs as well as great soundstage, neutral mids, detail and bass that Silver Reference ICs do so well under $1000 for XLR. Should I try Synergistic Research? Shynyata? Others?