Interconnect suggestions for Audio Research Ref 5SE?


Recently acquired an Audio Research Ref 5SE to replace my LS-16.

Had been totally pleased with the open organic sound of WyWire Diamond interconnects with the LS-16 but find the Diamonds to be rather bright with the Ref 5SE, emphasizing the mic and the very top of female vocals.

Have reached out to thecableco.com for a few samples from their library....Shunyata Alpha, Cardas Clear,...amongst others.  I also have a pair of Nordost Valhalla 1's coming from another vendor for consideration.

Really excited about the 'grunt' and more forward sound the Ref 5SE brings to the game as it helps with presentation on the Grand Funk, Allman Bros, John Mayall, etc. I listen to...along with the acoustic, jazz, and classical....that make up my primarily vinyl collection (Audio Research Ref Phono 3, VPI Classic 4, Proteus Transfiguration)

But, so far, am missing the open organic clarity I guess the LS-16 and Wywire brought to the table. 

The Cardas and Shunyata seem a little recessed, the Nordost Frey seemed a bit recessed and analytical. They all resolve the brightness but seem to be holding back everywhere else.

I've been going back and carefully leaving the various cables in place for at least a few days...

looking for suggestions... Kind regards, and thank you in advance!

fanotunes

@fanotunes, FYI, I started out with the Alpha v1's and then moved up to the Sigma's.  I should also mention that in addition, I have a Shunyata Everest that I put in after the upgrade to Sigma.  I am very surprised at the comments about the Shunyata's sounding bright.  In my setup (REF 6, stock tubes, MSB DAC, Pass 250.8, and Wilson Sabrina X speakers), they were not bright at all.  The Everest also made a very noticeable difference in my system, in terms of a blacker background and deeper soundstage.  That is why in one system a certain cable might sound mediocre or bright and in another, absolute perfection.  Maybe if a tried some Transparents, I would like them better.  But because I am perfectly content with my Shunyata's, and the cost of trying to get even better, its not worth it to me.

I found the Shunyatas to be just what I like in my system.  However, always keep in mind that synergy between components and room setup are also critical to how things ultimately sound.  Also keep in mind that cable changes are often noticeable, but they are subtle, so don't obsess over it too much.

@moto_man  how does the sigma sound differ from the alpha?

I jumped the gun a bit went on and dropped a run of Valhalla 1’s in this morning. Maybe a touch less bright? A touch more foundation/body? But have only just plugged them. Need to give them some time I’m sure…

 

wondering if the brightness is in the 5SE as the previous owner mentioned fighting some brightness…

I wonder if it’s the tubes in the ref5? You got the ref5 preowned so no Idea how many hours on them. Maybe try Cardas Clear Beyond could be worth trying, Siltech is an excellent cable. I’m curious what are you doing about AC power, dedicated power circuits? 

@fanotunes, to my ears and in my system, the Sigmas sounded slightly more refined and in some ways relaxed that the Alpha v.1's, and a blacker background.  However, although I definitely think that the Sigmas are "better" than the Alpha's, these are subtle differences for the most part, with the XLR's.  

Thanks for reaching out.

wondering about that very thing.

and do you have an opinion regarding sigma x vs Valhalla v.1?

I’ve got Alpha to my analog and Valhalla to my cd player right now…wondering how Sigma would perform…