I have been carefully upgrading my ICs between my Lampizator Horizon 360 DAC (used as a preamp as well) and my amps, ARC 160Ms-Gryphon Antileon EVO-Accuphase 300Ms to Tidal Ferios. I have owned or demoed about 10 ICs over the past 5 years. Townshend Factuals-very good simple pure sound inexpensive but resolution can be improved, Cardas Clear Beyond-lacking resolution and acts like a filter for upchain issues, Shunyata Sigma V2- turned down on the highs-but very listenable-Synergistic Dragon, open airy pure sounds like there is no sound coming from the cable. I stayed with this cable for almost 3 years-my dealer pushed me towards the sigma X which was on the same level as the dragon with slight differences, but I didn't buy it. This month I tried the new Shunyata Omega X and was blown away. Resolution increased without sibilence, soundstage size/depth/specifics and decay all better than the dragon. So I bought the Omega X and will be selling my Dragon. I recommend the Shunyata Sigma X or the Dragon, either one purchased used will be in your price range and are at the same level, but slightly different. These are my opinions with my gear in my room, so no absolutes. I would also say that with the digital journey some of us have been on one needs to be careful you don't use your ICs to fix flaws in your source. Doing so usually means a filter is shaping the sound, and that means a loss of other sound aspects also caught in the filter.
IC between Soulution Pre and power
Hi All
I have a pair of Soulution 511 amps with the Soulution 525 pre. The IC between them is the Zensati Authentica [4m run XLR].
I wanted to try something else [although I love the sound but as always in this hobby we aim to improve...]. The 2nd hand market in my country is very narrow for top notch hiend so the option to try to audition used or new [and for a long run cable] is very limited. I would love to get some reccomendations in the budget of $5k-$7k used or new. Thanks in advance to all repliers
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@jasonbourne71 - I have to admit this wasn’t the response I expected from you on this subject. Have you had a change of heart regarding effect of connects on sound quality? To be clear I’m asking respectfully and not in any way calling you out, etc. I always find your comments interesting whether it’s about connects or other aspects of audio. I hope to one day hear the legendary Quad ESLs. |
@icorem I don’t own soulition electronics and never heard Zensati Authentica so I don’t know what their sound signature is, but I find Kimber KS copper and hybrid copper silver XLRs to be of exceptional quality in both sonics and build. If you have access to Kimber try KS1116 or KS1126 |
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