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

@jafant - simply curious, merely seeking future upgrade options if I decide for a change. Have yet to try my Tara SC as I just moved and am digging myself out of the sea of boxes from 35ys. Great news is I now have a relatively dedicated audio space now. 

@kennyc 

It depends on what you like. If you want great music flow, natural tone and fatigue less listening. Then the transparent. If you prize maximum speed, etched detail and razor sharp transients then Tara or Nordost. 

 

Others,.. yes, Transparent get better and better up the ladder. I stopped at Ultra because that is what I could afford and at about the appropriate cost versus the components they supported... that is around 10% the cost of the component. 

I remember trying Nordost Odin 2 interconnects in my system... I had to take them out after a couple of days... they sounded fantastic... I was getting worried I would have to find a way to buy them... $17K interconnects on $20K components would start begging me to upgrade my components and that would really get out of control.