Is the SPM/Quatro fil still a good choice

Yes they are.

Sugarbrie,

I've been looking at these 2 IC's myself, and was wondering what you consider the differences to be. You don't see 1 meter RCA Quatro Fils come up for sale too often, and wondered how much better it was than the SPM. IYHO, are they worth the price difference?

Thanks.

I had used this combo, SPM/Quattro-fil and was quite happy with this set-up. It was very good, until I finally swallowed deeply and ponied up the money for the Valhalla speaker cable. The improvement was well worth the money! Of course, I was lucky, for I could get by with only a short 2 meter run. Happy Tunes!

They are both nice cables. I have owned both interconnects, and the Quattro has a more balanced sound IMO (some would say neutral), with slightly more bass than the SPM. The SPM is slighty tilted towards the highs. I have also owned Red Dawn and Blue Heaven. As you go up the Nordost line, there is improvement. The Red Dawn I found to be slightly dry in comparison. Not dry in a bad way, just in comparison.

If you have trouble finding the Quattro in RCA used and you want two pairs, then look for a used 2 meter pair. I have heard that Nordost will cut them down and re-terminate them to new quality, for $100 per end ($400 total for 2 pairs, since 4 ends are already terminated). I do not know how they compare to those bought new, but since Nordost is doing the work, I assume good.

The SPM Reference are indeed very nice cables, they do however reveal any strengths or weaknesses in the chain, so be prepared for that. The SPM need strong upstream components to sound their best but they will provide you with an openness and detail that is impressive.
I use the Red Dawn for speaker cables and find they are quite open, fast and detailed as well but do not provide the openess or detail of the SPM Reference.

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,
Chris