Yes, 8TC can sound a tad rough, and indeed the SW Virtuoso was smoother. But compared with Dragon, 8TC is actually MORE DYNAMIC. It's just that drum sticks sound a little like they're made of rubber, instead of hardwood. Virtuoso was leaning in that direction also, compared to Dragon, and didn't have the dynamics of Dragon OR 8TC. They hit with more weight with 8TC, but don't have the "snap" that is actually there in the recording. I REALLY DON'T THINK ANYTHING CAN TOUCH 8TC FOR THE PRICE, but I'm still looking. I got the Dragon used at a terrific price, but it's a little too short for comfort. I make do though, and it really makes music (it's not perfect, either, just the closest I've gotten "to the music")! ONE OTHER CABLE THAT IS REALLY GREAT IS THE MUSIC METRE SILVER. It actually has a more natural midrange than the Dragon, but the rest of it's range isn't as good. IT MIGHT BE BETTER OVERALL THAN 8TC, I haven't decided yet. A FULL RANGE DOUBLE RUN OF IT WOULD CERTAINLY BE BETTER THAN 8TC OR VIRTUOSO, and might equal Dragon in most areas. DOUBLE RUNNING is the only real way a cable like NORDOST SPM CAN GET THE PRAISE IT'S GOTTEN BY ALL THE MAGAZINE REVIEWERS (that's the way most of them have used it). BUT FOR THE SMALL AMOUNT OF CONDUCTOR CROSS SECTIONAL AREA YOU GET with SPM, it's DEFINITELY NOT a good buy (unless you're a priviledged reviewer who gets preferential treatment, and gets to buy it at UNDER DEALER COST). Even the used asking prices are over valued...kinda like Wireworld, only you do get a little more conductor for your dollar (than Nordost), especially with Gold Eclipse 3. THAT'S THE REALITY, hope I don't stomp on too many toes, for now, heh heh. IF YOU HAVE A TUBE AMP that can't drive capacitive loads, then the only thing you can use is a smaller cable...just don't expect to have the effortless dynamic impact of the big ss amps...
