Description

After much playing around with interconnects, I finally found a combination that compliments the rest of my 2 channel system. About 6 months ago, I had the same set up, except for the speakers and interconnects, which were Vandersteens 2ci's and DH Labs BL1 mk2's. I decided to sell the Vandys as a deal on a used pair of the Mission 753's came up. Replacing the Vandy's with the Missions brought about a more transparent window to the musical spectrum. Granted I lost some of the low end from the Vandy's, the more detail I could hear through the 753's were a welcome surprise! However, I soon noticed that the sound was on the bright side of things. I know that the 753's were a little top heavy and couple this with the rather "dry" sound of the Sonographe amp, you end up with sonic brightness....not good! While I wasn't about to replace neither the speakers nor the amp, I thought of replacing my interconnects. I've heard people talk about silver interconnects as having that extra sizzle on the top end and with this in mind, I decided to replace the DH Labs. At first, I replaced them with some Audioquest cables I had from my previous, lower resolution system. I had the older AQ Ruby and Quartz. These didn't work. I found that with my current set up, these cables were not up to snuff. Their weaknesses became obvious, being a bit hazy, veiled, and a chalky top end. The lower registers also sounded untidy. It's funny how these older AQ interconnects sounded decent with my AMC stuff. Not so with my current rig, which is a much higher resolution sound system. So, the quest for good interconnects began. Among the interconnects I tried were the Harmonic Technology Truthlink, Alpha Core Micro Purl Silvers, Wireworld Polaris III+, Cardas Quadlink 5C, Kimber PBJ, and lastly, an MIT MI330 Extended interconnects, whew!!!! After trying different combos, I ended up with.....drum roll please: Wireworld and Cardas combo. The former linked the DAC to the preamp with the Cardas going from the preamp to the amp. With this set up, the sound is detailed, yet warm, it is still bright-sounding at times, but a clean high end that is not irritating or fatiguing. The bass is clean with enough texture, and the soundstage is wider and deeper. It sounds a bit laid back if anything. I am actually surprised that a little experimenting on cables goes a long way to reaching musical bliss......Hold on a minute, let me just put on some Joshua Redman........Ahhhhh, that's more like it!!!
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Components Toggle details

    • Enlightened Audio Design T-1000
    Excellent transport
    • Enlightened Audio Design DSP-7000 mkIII
    very musical DAC
    • Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 sig
    with a Mullard 12at7a
    • Sonographe SA-250
    125 watts per channel, high current amp
    • Mission Loudspeakers MS-753
    beautiful rosewood finish
    • WIreworld Polaris III+
    rca interconnects between DAC and preamp
    • Cardas Quadlink 5C
    rca interconnects between the preamp and the amp
    • Audioquest Crystal 2
    15' pair
    • NBS Dragonfly
    I am also using an Absolute power cord for the preamp. The NBS is for the DAC
    • Audio Power Model 2
    Serves as line conditioner for all my electronics

Comments 1

I sell the Walker HDLs.You may find that a pair of the HDL MKIIs will cure the brightness,but leave the detail and warmth you like.They are regularly available for $170/175 per pair,here on the AGon.

tpsonic

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