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Signal vs. Audio Art vs. Speltz Anti? Need help...

I'm looking to get an interconnect cable (between int. amp and cd player) and speaker wire at a budget. Has anyone compared two or all three of these brands? Has anyone heard anything better at the $100 and under range outside of these brands (that has compared them to any of these brands)?

I'm intentionally not mentioning what my system comprises (partially because I haven't bought the components yet), but mostly because I'm just looking for general comparisons and otehr people's experiences. Also, to circumvent anyone trying to tell me that it's all individual based on my system, I understand that, and for those who want to tell me to audition them first, I just don't have the patience for it. I just want to buy some cables based on general recommendations. If I'm really unhappy with them, I can try and upgrade or switch later on. No offense anyone, just being honest and trying to keep things simple. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
soulgoober

Showing 5 responses by mtrot

mtrot
804 posts
 
After reading this thread, I ordered a set of AA IC-3, will be comparing them to some interconnects I have on hand:

AA IC-1
Speltz anti-ic with standard connectors
Tara Labs RSC prime(this set is from maybe 10 years ago)
Better Cables entry ic

I did see in the Audiogon review of the IC-3s a recommendation for a rather lengthy break-in before the sound is good, while they felt the IC-1 really sounded good right away.

What has been some of your experiences with the IC-3 regarding break in?

My biggest single audio improvement goal is to improve the intelligibility of the dialog in movies. My wife and I both have some hearing loss, and we have a devil of a time understanding dialog in movies. I am hoping the IC-3 will have an edge in dialog over the Speltz or IC-1.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Mboldda1,

No, I didn't think to request burn in. I've not ever really noticed cables sound quality changing that much over time. But I am hoping I will find the cable I am looking for in terms of the price/sound quality ratio. Especially since I need a bunch of them between sources and from pre/pro to power amp.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Well, I've been A/B comparing the AA IC-1 and IC-3 for several days now. I probably have around 10 to 15 hours on the IC-3. Maybe it has something to do with my 50+ year old status, but I am having a real hard time hearing much difference. In the mid-range, I may actually prefer the IC-1.

I have the IC-1 connected to the front L/R multichannel input, while the IC-3 are connected to the MD/DAT input and selecting "analog direct". That way, I can switch rapidly between them.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Thanks, Mboldda1

OK, I left the CD player repeating a CD for 2 or 3 days through the IC-3s to burn them in some more.

Still really hard to hear a big difference between the IC-1 and IC-3. I think the IC-3 has just a bit more HF extension and clarity than IC-1. I don't hear any difference at all in LF impact or extension.

Next, I replaced the IC-1 with the Speltz anti-ic. Pretty much the same result: hard to tell a difference, but the IC-3 had a bit more clarity and HF.

Actually, it seems that the Speltz and the IC-1 sound very similar, which I guess is not terribly surprising, since they are both copper cables. Which would seem to make the IC-1 a bargain at their price!

At this point, given the edge in clarity for the IC-3s, which may be a benefit in understanding dialog in movies and lyrics in music, I am thinking they may be my top choice of this group.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Well, I have no longer been A/B comparing the IC-3s to other cables, just listening. I do think they sound as good as the IC-1 or the Speltz anti-ic. They do allow a bit more HF content.

Keep in mind, I am not using a great system here. Oppo 970 dvd player into a Sony ES receiver. It may be that in a better system, it might be easier to discern differences between interconnects.
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