2. cables
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Need best mid-price ICs for new ss M/C amp...

Actually, I am most concerned about the 3 front channels. I don't feel the surrounds need nearly as good ICs. I should also say that I use the same system for two-channel CD and phono listening. I don't really have the funds or room for another dedicated 2-channel system, so I have to compromise. The M/C amp I purchased has 5 mono sections and is supposed to be decent enough for me.

When I got the amp, I picked up a set of five Blue Jeans Cables' Belden 1505 ICs, for about $80, and I think I ordered them too long at 2 meters. I only need .5 to 1 meter ICs.

But I am now wondering if significant improvement can be made in terms of clarity, openness, soundstaging, and bass impact and articulation. I don't feel my speakers(Legacy Sig IIIs) are sounding as good on movies or music as they should.

Being a fairly new inquisitor of ICs, the sheer number of choices is bewildering.

From extensive reading here and on AA, a couple of options that are coming to the forefront are the Chris Ven Haus Pulsars and the Cardas 300B. I know there are scads of other options, so any suggestions/recommendations much appreciated.

Since I live in a more rural area, with no hi-end audio shops closer than 100 miles, I guess I am kind of looking for the most "sure-fire" product(s) that are known to sound good with most any amps/pre-amps.

Thanks much in advance.
mtrot

Showing 2 responses by mtrot

mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Well, I have had a set of Tara Labs RSC Prime ICs around the house for some time, and, on a hunch, I replaced the center channel Blue Jeans cable with the Tara. Wow, I noticed an immediate improvement in the clarity of dialog in movies, which was my biggest problem.

So, yes, the Blue Jeans can definitely be improved on. I will now find something to replace them for the other channels. I am now looking at Audio Art cable and some others.
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Well, I have now tried out a couple of ics in addition to the Taras. The first is a set of Audio Art IC-1s, and the second is a set of Paul Speltz Anti-cables ics.

The primary adjective I would pick to describe the Audio Art is smooth, especially in the mid range. Vocals and instruments sound great. The highs and lows are there as well. I would say they give up a little of HF extension to the Taras, but are better in the mids.

The Speltz Anti-ics best qualities are clarity, soundstaging, and coherence. Everything just seems so clear and defined.

Right now, I have the anti-ics on my front L/R and a Tara Labs on the center speaker. I plan to get some more of the Speltz soon.
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