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Neutral cables for hi-resolution, imaging system?

I'm stuck with a bit of a conundrum here and don't know exactly how to proceed, so I post here in hopes of some discussion to show some possibilities for what I seek.

Firstly, my system built to deliver detail and resolution and an accurate image, with as neutral a tone as possible. So my system is primarily concerned with imaging and detail, tone secondly (not to be ignored, by any means, however). I am running a VPI Scout w/ Dynavector 20x-h, Creek CD-50 MkII, Classe CAP-150 (only the amp section is utilized), Mod Squad Passive Deluxe Line Preamp and Phono Drive, and Apogee Centaur Majors. I am using Symo biwire speaker cables, Nordost Red Dawn ICs from the CDP to the preamp to the amp, and the VPI has Zu Xaus from the TT to the preamp.

My quandry lies with the CD line sound; the analog VPI sounds just fine in this system. With a good CD recording, I can hear incredible low-level detail, the dynamics are very explosive and the imaging is phenomenal. Only the very busiest, chaotic recordings make the instruments start to lose their individual focus and alloted space. But, the trade off is that the tone is just a wee bit lean. The middle (and also somewhat the low) frequencies sound ever so slightly stunted. It isn't that bad at all really, it errs just a hair on the lean side of neutral to me.

I'm starting with the premise that the equipment I now have is fine for the job but that the cables could possibly be better matched. I am willing to experiment with the slots taken up by the Red Dawn ICs and the Symo speaker cable. But I don't know if there is a cable out there that will move the system a hair towards the middle to set the tone squarely neutral without sacrificing the detail and imaging to which I am addicted. Moving up the food chain to more expensive products would be fine, unless the cable is obviously and inappropriately outclassing my system. I'm perplexed as to what product could still give me everything the Red Dawns provide and also slightly fill out the middle tone. I'm not willing to give up much, if any, of the detail and imaging that the Red Dawns offer. If I can't get a well-balanced tone without giving up image, then I can be happy with my current set up. It seems to me that the speaker cables may be the easiest to replace, but I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to speaker cable qualities. Warmer tone (no matter how little) always comes at the expense of clarity and detail, in my experience. Does anyone with similar speakers and system tastes (other Apogee, Quad or Martin Logan owners, possibly) have an opinion? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
geojap
bobf
207 posts
 
The best cables I have heard in my system in regards to imaging,3 dimensionality and every other aspect
are the Gabriel Gold Revelations.Although these may not be a household name item(they should be)These cables brought a more natural character to the music(I use Martin Logan Prodigy's)
than any other cable I have heard in 30 years.I know there a lot of other folks out there that feel the same way.
I have yet to ever see a pair re-sold on Audiogon and I know that hundreds have been sold.
There is no website yet for this product yet,however,I know of some major players out there that own,want to promote,invest and distribute these world class cables.
The cables are auctioned on Agon at times or you can reach the designer through his Audiogon user name (which is sts)
Check out the amazing comments on his cables scattered thru his feedback.
I was using Stealth Indras and the Gabriel Golds simply outpeformed them which is no small feat.In my opinion if the designer could make these faster and was not overwhelmed with the success it would bring him, these cables
would be on everyone's A-List.
You may may want to keep your eye out for these.
sonic_genius
528 posts
 
I own ML CLS speakers. See my review on the Pure Note Titaniums. If you would like to spend less, I recommend their Paragon line.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rcabl&1171689276&read&3&4&
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Analysis Plus, Acoustic Zen, and Alpha Core Goertz all offer great performance and value at real world prices.
joekras
60 posts
 
MIT's are full sounding. They'll give your system body and space. I tried several of the more "popular" brands above and none image like MIT. Yea, nobody likes the boxes and they are expensive. You could easily get a used pair, people are always upgrading. Some of the suggestions are ridiculous.
hiernote
41 posts
 
I will have to concur with member bobf.
I heard of these ic's from a friend of mine who is both a musician and an audiophile.
I saw a pair on Audiogon a while back and purchased a pair at a very fair price.By adding a single pair between my source and preamp it truly transformed my system.
The tones were so true that I believe I could tell you what kind of strings Demeola was using on each and every guitar he played.I have since directly purchased a 2nd pair and plan on taking the plunge on some spaeker wire soon.
I had used Nordost in the past which is also a great cable when it comes to imaging and resolution just not as natural sounding as the Gabriel Golds.A more affordable option is the Mapleshade interconnects.
The Mapleshades are delicate to work with and can sound a little lean at times but image great.
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