Which $350 interconnect?

Hantra · « **on:** 14 Apr 2003, 03:27 pm »

All:

I need a pair of interconnects for my DAC to pre that are no more than $350 used or new. I was thinking about AU24, but no one seems to have any in stock. I want something that sounds as god as Golden Reference, but I can't step to the pump that much. I love the smooth detail of those interconnects.

What do you guys recommend?

Thx!

B

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 03:37 pm »

I would research both the Bolder and Empirical ones.

dogberry · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 04:06 pm »

The PS Audio xTreme Digital cable is amazing.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/xstream_digital.asp

1m for $199.95 with a 30-day home audition

ton1313 · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 04:11 pm »

check out the ASH from Zu. Right now they have been auctioning them on ebay. Very clean and detailed cable.

Hantra · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 04:26 pm »

Oops. . I worded that all wrong.

I need a pair of interconnects for my DAC, not a digital cable.

Sorry. And thanks for the replies. .

B

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 04:42 pm »

i like alphacore micropurl-ag way under yer budget, even new. also, the alphacore aq-2 is under yer budget, tho more $$$ than the micropurl. alpha-core actually recommends the cheaper micropurl for cd/dac to preamp...

this co will allow auditions:
http://www.fatwyre.com/

they also have a large selection of used cables...

doug s.

dogberry · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 05:04 pm »

I'd still go with PS Audio.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/xstream_audio_rca.asp

The Plus version is $199 for 1m, and the Statement (truly Godlike) is $299 for the meter. These are the most amazing ICs I've ever heard at any price. How ya like them apples?

lcrim · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 05:28 pm »

You could save yourself quite a bit of money, if you are at all handy with a soldering iron by going the DIY route. DIYCABLE.com is now selling kits for the Superlative in Silver that even with the better connectors and solder is only a bit more than $100, much less for copper.
Acoustic Zen makes the WOW at that price but I think that Bolder's offering is a better product as is the Empirical from the feedback around this site.
I like Harmonic Technology products also but the ProSilwey MkII is a bit more than $350

grub · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 07:33 pm »

I recommend Tara Labs cable.

Based on my experience with them, they're very well built and a solid performer all around. Maybe a little warmer than neutral, but barely. My Master Ref gen II's were about $300 a pair, but I don't think they make 'em anymore. I'd bet the air 3's are about as good. Huge soundstage, smooth presentation, powerful bass....it's a good all around cable.
-->grub

ton1313 · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 07:43 pm »

If you can grab a Varial on auction from Zu, you won't be dissapointed. The Varial is the most transparent cable I have heard. It's only downfall is that it is so transparent that sometimes reveals just how bad some of the cd's are recorded. Audiojerry can also vouch for this cable.

Cheers

bubba966 · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 07:47 pm »

Quote from: ton1313

If you can grab a Varial on auction from Zu, you won't be dissapointed.

Like this one for instance...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14965&item=3018883941

Ron D · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 08:07 pm »

Maple Audio "Ambiance". Check out their website for a review/shoot-out from a few years back where this model took on some stellar competition and came out on top - www.mapleaudio.com.

I recently spoke to someone who sold their almost new Cardas Golden ics in favor of the Ambiance.

Kishore · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 08:23 pm »

I'd highly recommend the following : Bolder Nitro, Emperical (sp?) Holophonic-PC, Acoustic Zen Silver Ref 2 & Zu Varials. Also Stage-3 Concepts.

You cannot go wrong with any of above choices...

Cheers,
Kishore

Hantra · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Apr 2003, 09:20 pm »

I tried Nitro, and while it is impressive, the M-80 is so close. That's my other interconnect. I'd like to try Empirical, but they are a bit on the pricey side. Not that I am saying they aren't a good value b/c I wouldn't build them the way Steve does for that money!

I am trying Varials tomorrow thanks to Andy. I am also trying the Jena Labs Trio hopefully. . .

The last one I want to try (which I will have to BUY to try) is the Audience AU24.

Thanks for all the recommendations. . .

nature boy · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Apr 2003, 12:09 am »

Hantra,

Steve at Empirical is blowing out Holophonic IC's, as they are being replaced with Holophonic-PC's. A demo 1m pair is $199.95 vs. $399.95 regularly. FYI, I have not listened to these IC's.

NB