Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II vs. Absolute Copper IC's

@soix:

I've been listening to the Hegel with the Silver Reference IC's. The sound can be a touch bright with some CDs and given that 1) the Hegel is much more resolving than the Wells and 2) I'd prefer more warmth if I can get it and still maintain the same resolution, I can't help but wonder whether trying the Matrix or Absolute Coppers wouldn't constitute "due diligence".  

@barrysandy:

Thanks so much for your descriptions. I read a comment on another site that concurs with your characterization of the Matrix. To my ears, the Silver Reference were just right for the Wells and Aqua DAC but each to his/her own. Looks like borrowing some Absolute Coppers from the Cable Co's lending library will be my next step. 

Different strokes...

@tomic601:

Thanks!  

@havocman:

 "...unless it's a hybrid cable that has both the OCC single Crystal silver and copper, silver by itself can be a little bit bright unless your equipment is very neutral sounding".

Agreed... but keep in mind when I first checked out the A. Copper and Silver reference IC's, I had both a warm-sounding integrated (Wells Majestic) and a warm-sounding DAC (Aqua La Voce S II) in the system. In this scenario, I found the A. Copper a bit dull, while the Silver Ref. sounded "just right".  . 

The Hegel is both more resolving and more neutral than the Wells, which is prompting me to try the A. Copper again. 

The A. Copper IC's sound fairly dark in my system, so I'm experimenting with different power cords, footers and will also try combining them with a pair of the Silver Reference IC's (via the Lokius EQ). If these strategies do not pan out, I will have to try a different brand.

@audphile1:

Silverline SR17.5

"A more fleshed out mid-range" is a very good description of what I'm after, so your characterization is encouraging. Thanks for your input!

@dalims4 :

Yes-- that's how the A. Coppers sounded to me, when paired with my Wells Integrated  However, the Hegel has greater high end extension and is neutral, compared to the overtly warm Wells. I may still be disappointed by the A. Copper but I believe it deserves another audition. I will keep your suggestions in mind 

Thanks!

I'll try what you've suggested tomorrow and see how it sounds. 

@soix;

Yes--I will definitely try that

I put the Symposium roller block Jr's. under the Hegel and this is yielding a good balance of warmth and resolution, so far. 

@mikem:

Sorry for the delayed response. We've been hit hard by three feet of snow coupled with ongoing power outage and power's not projected to return until 1/7. I'm on generator and can't stay long. 

Anyway, I use Audio Art speaker cable. I have long runs (20 feet) and when I started out, that's what I could afford. I've upgraded all my other cables over time (some, more than once) but not the speaker cable and I can't see doing it until we live somewhere that affords much shorter runs. 

The storm's brought a halt to my experimenting but The Cable Co. has generously granted me an extension on the loaner cable. I will try combining the A. Copper and Silver Ref. with the Lokius, next. 

I have not been able to get a remotely neutral sound out of the Absolute Copper IC's. They are incredibly dark in my system. Of course, YMMV. 

The Silver Reference were brighter than I prefer with the Hegel BUT I have since changed out a power cord, inserted Herbies Threaded Stud Gliders back into my speaker stands and things are sounding much closer to what I like. 

By contrast, I was not able to find any work-a-rounds to lift the system out of the stygian depths with the A. Coppers in place. Combining them with a pair of the Silver Reference via the Lokius with the EQ tweaked did not succeed, so I'm returning them to The Cable Company. 

I will keep the system as currently configured for awhile and continue to evaluate.

Having just come off an in-depth search for an integrated, I don't have the energy at this point to immediately embark upon a cable "grail quest". 

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. 

@mclinnguy:

Thanks-- that was a total surprise but after 8 days, a most welcome one! 

Now, if the propane company would just deliver. . . ;o)

BTW, I read up on the vdH IC's and discovered that The Cable Co. stocks them. 

I will keep them in mind for the future. 

I've never tried Verastarr cables although OCD Mike did once loan me a couple DACs to try and I found him to be very honest.