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Shortlist of Speaker Cables/ICs: advice/opinions

Good Day,

I am in the market for speaker cables and interconnects. The system includes an Electrocompaniet amp, Shanling CDP and Gallo Ref III speakers. I am looking for 6-8ft single wire SC and 1m RCA IC, budget of $700-$900 new or used.

The characterisitics I am after are: something detailed and accurate, but not clinical/not too lean. I also prefer something warm as opposed to something bright dry as long as it isn't too rolled off. However accuracy is the key.

I have come up with the following shortlist and would like any suggestions, opinions and experiences. As you can see, I plan to get SC and IC from the same brand (this has always worked well for me):

Kimber: MonocleXL SC and KS-1011 IC
Analysis Plus: Solo Oval 8 SC and Solo Crystal IC
Harmonic Tech: Pro 9 Plus SC and Pro-Silway III IC
Acoustic Zen: Satori II SC and Matrix Ref II IC

Please try not to suggest other brands as many are simply not available to me. I have also tried Cardas and Audience, neither of which impressed me (well, the Cardas Golden Cross did but is way out of my budget).

Thanks and Regards,
X
xenithon

Showing 3 responses by boa2

boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Xenithon,

With the make-up of your system, I would really suggest taking the other people's suggestions. If you did not like the AU24, I doubt you will like any of those on your list.

Why not get something that offers a trial period? Many companies do, and if you buy used from Audiogon, you can always resell a cable if you don't like it. Verastarr &
Z-Squared (often available on auction here) both offer trial periods, and have exactly the sonic characteristics you describe. In my two systems, both of these cables far outperformed all of those on your list, with the exception of the Kimber--I've not heard them. In my experience, those on your list are a bit distant and bland, and would not give you the performance you seek, given the associated components.
Good luck,

Howard
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
That definitely makes a difference! Thanks for the clarification, Xenithon. In that case, I would suggest that you try a silver IC with a copper speaker cable. The Analysis Plus should be within your budget.
All the best,
Howard
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
X,
I found the silver to be bright in my system as well. That is, until I listened to them for several days, after which I could not go back to the copper. Every time I put a copper cable back in, the music sounded veiled and smoothed over. I found that the Analysis Plus Solo Crystal was more veiled and blurry than the AU24. I liked the Harmonic Technology better than either. I have had good luck with the AP silver, however, especially after I treated the room. Then, it never sounded too bright or edgy.
Best of luck,
Howard
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