While I don’t find lower tier Nordost harsh or shiny... I also don’t find them to be overall that good. However, upper tier Valhalla.... excellent ... Odin 2 absolutely best of class and perhaps the best available.
Cardas or Nordost for Simaudio/Magico
Looking for new cabling for Simaudio 330A amp/390 Pre Streamer into Magico A3 and have narrowed down to Cardas or Nordost primarily as I understand that Simaudio often shows with these cables. Cardas level would be Clear Cygnus (or maybe stretch to Clear), Nordost would be Heimdall 2 (or maybe stretch to Frey 2). Need PC, Speaker and XLR IC. Currently using Acoustic Zen. Ideally, would like a bit more detail and improved soundstaging. Probably will buy used and so just want to pick one and go with it. Appreciate any input.
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@jayctoy I’m sure Valhalla2 is a great cable but more expensive than my Maggie 3.7X’s and twice the price of Tyr2 is probably more than I’m willing to pay. I’m also interested in Audience Front Row but unfortunately they have a pretty high capacitance which Gryphon recommends to steer away from. |
Update: Selected Cardas Clear Speaker Cables and Clear XLR interconnects. Probably a bit of burn-in yet to go but there is a noticeable improvement in soundstage width and detail, depth has improved but remains restricted due to speaker placement proximity to front wall/room limitations. Really appreciate all the guidance! Power Cables next upgrade.
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I actually ran the Simaudio 390 with the Heimdall 2 in my system for a couple of years and found it to be a good combination. I don't think the Heimdall colored the sound which I think is a good thing. Its well built and not as expensive as some which make dubious performance claims. I gave the Frey 2 a good audition and was prepared to buy if it brought a perceptible improvement. To my ears it did not. Any difference I could perceive was very subtle-if it was there at all-but not better. I had Hemdall 2 in my system throughout for a good while and was very happy with the performance. I auditioned other Nordost products, but thought it was more money, not significantly better performance. Just my experience, yours could differ, but it is actual experience with the gear you are working with. |
Update: All wiring has been updated to Cardas Clear XLRs and Speaker Cables and Cardas Clear Beyond Power Cords. System is sounding very good, improved detail and dynamics. Appreciate all the experienced guidance! (@ghdprentice - took your advice from another thread regarding using ethernet from Spectrum Wifi pod to the 390 and it has resulted in a quicker, more stable connection. Thanks for tip.) Best, Dokosan
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- 27 posts total