1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 197750-162757

Transparent Audio cables are AMAZING!

I recently acquired my dream speakers, ATC SCM50. I've spent considerable time listening to these in different settings and I knew these were the right ones for me. When they arrived, I just plugged them into my existing system that I had designed for them, and they sounded, well, great. But not the way I expected. All the qualities were there but the tonal balance wasn't quite right. 

I figured tweaking location and toe in, balancing with my sub, and finding the sweet spot would resolve it but after a couple of weeks I just couldn't get it right. I always trust my ears so I started to consider what else to do. 

I was using the same Cardas Clear speaker cables that were in place. I thought a change in cables was worth a try but the idea of finding the right ones was daunting. I only had one other pair of cables. Transparent Audio Musicwave Plus, first generation from 25 years ago that I bought on impulse a couple of years ago for $150. I tried them a few years back and didn't like them in that system but I kept them. I also bought two pairs of the same model RCA interconnects in that same purchase that sounded great and have been using them since. 

I had to re-terminate the speaker ends since ATC isn't spade friendly. When I switched them out and listened, my jaw dropped. Not only did the tonal balance sound like I expected, but the sound stage became a huge holographic field I couldn't ignore. I don't have to listen for it, it's just there. The only thing that spoils it is opening my eyes and seeing my small room. 

It's clearly the best $150 I ever spent. Of course, now I want the next step up in Transparent cables, but for now I'm just thrilled to hear this amazing sound. 

 

mashif
lanx0003
1,928 posts
 

Did anyone see any difference bet. their specs?

I only see the price difference of $300...

Performance 75-Ohm Digital Link ($100 / 1m)

  • Solid core OFHC center conductor
  • Precision extruded jacket
  • Super quiet polyethylene foam dielectric
  • Robust gold-plated RCAs make 360-degree contact with inner shield
  • Transfers audio signals efficiently for musical impact and commanding performance
  • Two OFHC braided shields separated by a Mylar coated foil shield
  • Designed to combat both noise and jitter
  • Upgradeable to Premium 75-Ohm or 110-Ohm or above
  • Handcrafted in the USA

HIGH Performance 75-Ohm Digital Link ($400 / 1m)

  • Solid core OFHC center conductor
  • Precision extruded jacket
  • Super quiet polyethylene foam dielectric
  • Robust gold-plated RCAs make 360-degree contact with inner shield
  • Transfers audio signals efficiently for musical impact and commanding performance
  • Two OFHC braided shields separated by a Mylar coated foil shield
  • Designed to combat both noise and jitter
  • Upgradeable to Premium 75-Ohm or 110-Ohm or above
  • Handcrafted in the USA
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,423 posts
 

Very generally speaking that was my experience as well. I bought some Transparent speaker cables over 30 years ago and put it on what I know now as a very harsh sounding solid state system... they sounded terrible. I found some really warm Cardas cables that tamed my system. 

Then  twenty years later when I had an outstanding perfectly balanced nuanced system I put on the Transparent. It was one of those jaw drop movements. I did some experimentation and then walked up the Transparent tiers until I now own all Audio Research Reference gear and Transparent Ultra Gen 6 cables and interconnects. Transparent interconnects and cables are exceptional if you want to hear exactly what your components sound like... good or bad, 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,609 posts
 

There are a ton of great cables ,your system dictates what tonal balance fits that 

particular cable.

jafant's avatar
jafant
21,599 posts
 

mashif

Impressive indeed. As above, moving up the chain will yield better presentation and sound. Transparent MM2 Series is still relevant in 2026.

 

Happy Listening!

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
1,077 posts
 

@lanx0003 ^ ?? 

Delete it and I'll do the same with this post 

More to discover