[movie_fan]

Hi,

I asked my local hifi supplier for an Acoustic Zen MC2 digital cable to try out.
Unfortunately, the importer has these out of stock...    So, the hifi supplier suggested the Harmonic Tech Digital Platinum digital cable.

What can I expect from the Harmonic Tech? Better? similar to the AZ's?

Cheers!

[arthurs]

I just got a Stereovox HDVX and it is an excellent digital cable for reasonable dollars....you can find them on audiogon all the time.  FWIW, I have an all Zen system and didn't much care for the MC2....

[movie_fan]

Well, I heard the MC2 at someone else's, and liked it. That's why I wanted to try one.

Also, I've read quite a few good things about that HDXV...

[arthurs]

You might drop a note to Phil at Sonic Spirits, he's an AZ dealer and really excellent to work with....my experience would be if you've heard a cable and liked it a lot, hold out for that cable....

[electricbear]

Peter Lee is the owner of Acoustic Zen, he used to be with Harmonic Tech.
I think you'll find that the cables are similar sounding. I'd wait for your dealer to get in some Acoustic Zen as Peter is a super nice guy and deserves all the business he gets.

[PhilNYC]

Well, I heard the MC2 at someone else's, and liked it. That's why I wanted to try one....

The MC2 was designed for use with AES/EBU (XLR) digital interface.  It is 110ohms, and not the best for the SPDIF (RCA).  If you like AZ stuff and use SPDIF (RCA), take a look at the AZ Silver Byte.

arthurs...thanks!

electricbear...it's Robert Lee, not Peter.  And yes, he is one of the nicest guys I've met in the industry...

[movie_fan]

The MC2 was designed for use with AES/EBU (XLR) digital interface.  It is 110ohms, and not the best for the SPDIF (RCA).  If you like AZ stuff and use SPDIF (RCA), take a look at the AZ Silver Byte.

Well, in fact that's another doubt I have. Is it worth having a 110 ohms cable, and then having it with RCA terminations? That also applies for the Harmonic Tech Premium...  it's also a 110 Ohm cable.

[PhilNYC]

Well, in fact that's another doubt I have. Is it worth having a 110 ohms cable, and then having it with RCA terminations? That also applies for the Harmonic Tech Premium...  it's also a 110 Ohm cable.

IMHO, no (that was kind of my point).  Getting a 110ohm terminated with RCA for SPDIF use is not the right thing to do.  At least look for a 75ohm cable (like the AZ Silver Byte), and if you have the ability to connect via BNC, that's better than RCA...

[DSK]

...Getting a 110ohm terminated with RCA for SPDIF use is not the right thing to do....

I wondered about this too ...until I heard it. It was significantly better than the HT copper, HT silver, Transparent Audio and Audioquest digital cables that I auditioned (by a greater degree than I thought possible between digital cables). Haven't heard the AZ.

[movie_fan]

So, nothing like trying, right?

[PhilNYC]

So, nothing like trying, right?

Yep...

[ekovalsky]

I use two MC2=Zen (one S/PDIF and one AES-EBU) in my setup.  Very happy with both.  I've tried some other good digital cables including Pure Note, Nordost, Argent, Tara Labs, and VH Audio.  I did not find great differences among most of these, and the MC2 remain in my system.

The only non-AZ digital cable in my setup is a S/PDIF VH Audio Pulsar with Silver Nexgen connectors.  I use it between the transport and RCS 2.2X.  Great cable with a very similar sound to the S/PDIF MC2.  

A friend has recommended the Cerious Tech digital cables but I have not had the chance to try them yet.