SILVERRR Cables @ GREAT Prices.....Highly Reviewed (Updated)

TheeeChosenOne · « **on:** 12 Jul 2003, 04:15 pm »

I've been lurking over at AA and Audigon chat boards looking at cabling options.

Apparantly, there is a lot of buzz (very high reviews from audiophiles) over well done SILVER cabling from a couple of new

manufacturers at pretty amazing prices (i.e. Bogdan, RS Audio, Grover).

I forthwith provide the links to these guys:

Bogdan Audio: (This guy makes his silver ICs with Eichman bullet plugs (silver or copper) @ really great prices. LOTS of buzz on the forums. Only problem is that you can't return the cables. But at these prices and apparent performance, who cares?)
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/search2.pl?seller&Bogdanaudio&1&1&1&

RS Audio Cables[/u]: (Very good prices like Bogdan, with the added benefit of a return policy. HIGHLY reviewed. Compares in performance with Bogdan.)
http://www.rscables.com/index.html

Grover Silver IC[/u]: (Tremendous buzz, due to Steve Hoffman's only cable recommendation. This $75/1m cable "KILLED" his $2000 reference IC. Reviews from users confirm Steve's comments. Money back guarantee.)
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=1350c71d65c573b59326f318c642917f&threadid=13962

Ric Cummins' Jaden Cables[/u]: (Very highly reviewed also. Not bad pricing considering it's Silver.)
http://www.roomlens.com/Cables.html

Ridge Street Audio [/u] (A little more expensive):
http://www.ridgestreetaudiodesigns.com/

Reviewers have preferred these manufacturers (or been in same ballpark) over other highly reviewed much more expensive stuff from Acoustic Zen, Empirical, etc. Your experience may vary in your system, but they seem very compelling for the price/extreme performance quotient. Do some research on AA and Agon before you buy/try so you get a well-informed scoop.

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If you're looking to terminate a 2nd or 3rd room with well designed Copper[/b] Cables at Great Prices (well reviewed stuff), these guys may be up your alley:

Jon Risch Recipe[/b]: (Eichmann Bullets used, Great prices, Great Reviews)
http://signalcable.com/index.html
REVIEW:................. http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue7/signal.htm
[Reviewer preferred them over $500 Siltech ST-48 IC and $600 Analysis Plus Silver Oval speaker cable]

Canare 4s11 (You know this stuff. The Pros universally use it):
http://www.a2zcables.com/

Cobalt: (Good price/performance/review quotient. Maybe for a HT system)
http://www.cobaltcable.com/product/pair_speaker_cable.htm
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It seems that Eichmann Bullet Plugs are all the rage these days. The smaller, nimbler manufacturers apparently are the first ones that are using these amazing plugs. If you find an IC cable that isn't terminated with Eichmann's or Bybees from one of these guys, ask away. They will usually accomodate any custom desire you may have.

Disclaimer: I have not personally reviewed ANY of these cables. This is just based on my research on other boards. To be listed in my thread, these mfgrs. had to be universally very well reviewed by many posters for performance first, then customer service, and lastly price. I hope my information will help as a reference point for the value oriented guy/gal who wants to give up little if any performance against the best in the high end area of things.

vpolineni · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 04:46 pm »

theechosenone,
thanks for the info. I've been pretty much doing the same research you have and came across the same companies. The ridge street audio cables have received great reviews and the approach used to design the cables seems appealing. rs audio cables just received a great review in ultra audio magazine:
http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/rsaudio_solidsilver_interconnects_speaker.htm
rs audio will not use eichmann bullet plugs though-i asked.
another cable i'm looking at is from cryotweaks.com they put a built in bybee into their interconnects for 289 dollars and he offers the option of using eichmann bullet plugs-this seems like a great offer because bybees seem to take one's system to a higher level. here's a link to that:
http://www.cryotweaks.com/Focus/Interconnect.shtml

I have a question for everyone: is silver the way to go for thiels? i've read posts saying that thiels sounded their best with silver cables but some people at aa said it would be too bright. hope this helps and i appreciate any comments you may have on my question. thanks.

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 04:57 pm »

Has anyone directly compared a bullet plug to some other well-regarded plug (Cardas, say). With no other variables than the change in plugs?

Just curious...

bubba966 · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 05:17 pm »

Quote from: JohnR

Has anyone directly compared a bullet plug to some other well-regarded plug (Cardas, say). With no other variables than the change in plugs?

Just curious...

John,

I believe the DAM has done so on more than one occasion. But at the moment I can't quite recall a specific comparo of theirs...

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 05:17 pm »

Quote from: vpolineni

I have a question for everyone: is silver the way to go for thiels? i've read posts saying that thiels sounded their best with silver cables but some people at aa said it would be too bright. hope this helps and i appreciate any comments you may have on my question. thanks

Hi Vpolineni,
My opinion on the matter is that since such issues are so system dependent, I'd buy some cables that have a return guarantee. In this manner if it doesn't work out in your system, you can return them. All you lose is the shipping cost (well worth it--think of it as rent).

However, if the cable works out for you, then you saved some major bucks over the big expensive boys.

IMHO, a very good cable will be neutral and transparent rather than colored or bright. Universally well-regarded cable reviews on forums generally help me to ascertain such qualities as the cable has been able to work in a variety of systems without showing any glaring weaknesses. Most of these audiophiles are experienced with having tried many cables, so I take such numerous glowing reviews with more weight than a dubiou$ Stereophile review.....

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 05:25 pm »

Quote from: vpolineni

another cable i'm looking at is from cryotweaks.com they put a built in bybee into their interconnects for 289 dollars and he offers the option of using eichmann bullet plugs-this seems like a great offer because bybees seem to take one's system to a higher level. here's a link to that:
http://www.cryotweaks.com/Focus/Interconnect.shtml

Good find. Sounds interesting. Bullets and Bybees at a very good price.

Gotta research this.....

Juan R · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 05:43 pm »

I check cryotweaks.com and the IC are silver coated copper not a pure silver cables. If anyone know is that make any difference?

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 05:53 pm »

Just throwing ideas around:

How about taking one's current favorite cables and sending them in to one of these guys to reterminate with Bybees and/or Eichmanns?

Wonder if it would be a total mess afterwards or if it could work well.....

Danny Richie · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 11:53 pm »

You know guys, none of those companies that have been mentioned make wire.

They just buy the wire and solder it to the RCA's.

You can do the same for way less money even if you buy high quality RCA's and wire.

I have made my own now for a long time. Braiding Teflon Silver plated Copper wire is pretty easy you know, and sounds really good. It can be found really cheap too if you know where to look.

Here has been my favorite from listening test I have made: http://www.alphacore.com/shop/enter.html

A 1 meter pair of micro purl Silver is only $127.00, and if you flavor is Copper they are only $78.00 for a 1 meter pair.

witchdoctor · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 04:24 am »

I bought my silver RCA interconnects with silver bulletplugs for less than $127 from Bogdan. They topped AZ Ref Silver II in my system ($900!!!).
My review is posted under AZ cables at Audio Asylum.
I have their XLR cables connecting my powered speakers from my pre-amp as well. I have quenched my thirst for cables and love these great , inexpensive, silver cables. If you are worried about losing your investment you will never know what a difference these would make. Start with one set and try it beteen your CDP and pre amp.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 05:59 am »

Hey Witchdoctor, My idea to check out an IC cable, plug'em in between cd w/vol. control and amp,out to speakers.What do you think-fair way of testing ?

witchdoctor · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 06:05 am »

Yes I think it's a fair way to test. What is even better is if you have a friend switch cables in and out while you listen blindfolded so you don't know which cable is being used. Also make sure that the levels are matched with a sound meter so one cable isn't louder than the other. This will effect the test.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 06:07 am »

THANKS !!!

JohnR · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 06:15 am »

Um... the cable won't make a difference to the sound level (unless there's something seriously wrong with it)..

witchdoctor · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 06:45 am »

I have found that XLR terminations have a higher db level than RCA terminations.

JohnR · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 08:28 am »

Ah, yes, in that case you will have 6dB more signal. However you are also comparing more than the cables then

audioengr · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 05:10 pm »

So, what review rated any of these cables higher in performance than Empirical Audio?

I've never seen this.

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 05:33 pm »

Here's another Silver IC that has gotten universal raves for price/fantastic performance:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=1350c71d65c573b59326f318c642917f&threadid=13962

Because Steve Hoffman is so widely respected in audio, people are tripping over themselves to get this IC (the only one he has ever recommended).

Incoming reviews confirm what Steve has heard in his system...............according to Steve, these $75/1m Custom-made Grover Silver ICs handily "KILLED" his $2000 reference IC. There's also a money back guarantee on the babies (60 days I believe?)....

Steve w/ his new "Giant Killer" Custom Made Grover Silver ICs:[/u]

Danny Richie · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 07:31 pm »

I have some questions for audioengr from Empirical Audio.

I have looked at the make up your interconnects and the pitch sounds good.

I agree that the best dielectric would have to be none at all and think the non-insolated bare wire concept has merits.

I also would be concerned about oxidation, especially with Copper. Your web site says you use "corrosion inhibitors inside". What exactly are you using for that?

Also, to be honest, and all quality issues aside, I think most of these guys here feel like $539.98 for a one meter pair and $609.98for a shielded one meter pair is a bit pricey.

How are your cables different from the one that TheeeChosenOne mentions and post a link to that also uses an air dielectric also.

Steve Hoffman says, "Grover Interconnects are air core insulated with bare silver wire, nothing touching, with vintage RCA terminators.

Pricing:
1/2 meter pair: $60.00
1 meter pair: $75.00
2 meter pair: $100.00"

That pricing does not look bad to me.

I also think the pricing from Cryotweaks that is also mentioned here is not bad for interconnect with Bybees and shielded with ESR.

Being a Bybee distributor myself I know what effect they can have.

Really what better shielding is there than the ESR?

Bang for buck though I will likely still make my own.

I used some 8mm locking RCA's from Apature and Teflon jacketed Silver coated Copper multi stranded wire (18 gauge) to make me a 10 foot pair using a three wire braid and I think I have about $28.00 in the materials for the pair.

I can use the solid Copper Teflon insolated RCA's from SCI with the same wire and built that same 10 foot pair for about $58.00.

It sure sounds good too. It is not quite as good to me as the Geortz but it is a lot cheaper.

JohnR · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 07:52 pm »

Quote from: TheeeChosenOne

Here's another Silver IC that has gotten universal raves for price/fantastic performance:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=1350c71d65c573b59326f318c642917f&threadid=13962

Funny thread. Here's what one guy said:

Quote

Got my Grover cables in the mail today! They're even signed by Grover! Now I just need an amplifier, speakers, and a preamp."