I tried synergistic research, other PAD lineups from the lower ended line - Menustas I do believe and the one right above it. Can't rember which SR it was, but it came with different bullets you interchange to adjust sound and a wall plug to energize the cord or something like that. Another one was a cardas golden reference.
I don't rember the specific pros and cons of each off the top of my head. None were horrible. What I do rember is that when I put on the Venustas I was like "that's it" that's what I'm looking for. The other thing I noticed, that I didn't want to, is that as you go up in the PAD lineup it just keeps getting better.
My Venustas replaced my Kimber 8tc's. The kimbers gave my system a leaner sound that tilted towards the highs, but very detailed.
I wish I could guarantee the PADs would work for you, but every system is different so they may or may not be to your liking.
All my cables are about 1/7 my system cost. This doesn't seem out of line for a high end system, and if your system is very revealing then better cables will make a difference one way or another. I'm sure at some point there is dimenishing returns, and that's where I feel i am right now.
I don't rember the specific pros and cons of each off the top of my head. None were horrible. What I do rember is that when I put on the Venustas I was like "that's it" that's what I'm looking for. The other thing I noticed, that I didn't want to, is that as you go up in the PAD lineup it just keeps getting better.
My Venustas replaced my Kimber 8tc's. The kimbers gave my system a leaner sound that tilted towards the highs, but very detailed.
I wish I could guarantee the PADs would work for you, but every system is different so they may or may not be to your liking.
All my cables are about 1/7 my system cost. This doesn't seem out of line for a high end system, and if your system is very revealing then better cables will make a difference one way or another. I'm sure at some point there is dimenishing returns, and that's where I feel i am right now.