Sorry, didn't mean to be vague, just brief.
In my system, the Speltz cables initially sounded OK, but after extended listening I found that they emphasized the highs, lacked soundstage depth, and masked the "air" around instruments and vocals. To me they just sounded "hifi".
The Audio Art cables - both ICs and Speaker cables - gave me back that sense of space and air, and a sound that is simply the most musical I've had in my system. Timbres are right on, nothing is spotlit or out of balance, plenty of detail presented, and I find I listen longer and more often just get lost in the music (not the equipment).
The Cardas cables had nice depth and air, but a reticient high end that bothered me after a while. The Xindak cables I also had on hand to compare I found to be very good as well, and a great value, but a little too bright for my taste (kind of the Anti-Cardas cables).
It has been said here many times before and I'll say it again - I find cables to be very system dependent. I love the Audio Art cables - but your mileage may vary. But luckily Audio Art has a test drive program that will basically cost you nothing. I tried 'em - and kept them!
My system:
Shanling T-100 CD Player
VPI MkIV Table with Sumiko Blackbird
Audible Illusions M3A Preamp
Nuforce Ref 9 Monoblocs
Audio Physic Virgo speakers
Hopefully this helps!
Slaw3
In my system, the Speltz cables initially sounded OK, but after extended listening I found that they emphasized the highs, lacked soundstage depth, and masked the "air" around instruments and vocals. To me they just sounded "hifi".
The Audio Art cables - both ICs and Speaker cables - gave me back that sense of space and air, and a sound that is simply the most musical I've had in my system. Timbres are right on, nothing is spotlit or out of balance, plenty of detail presented, and I find I listen longer and more often just get lost in the music (not the equipment).
The Cardas cables had nice depth and air, but a reticient high end that bothered me after a while. The Xindak cables I also had on hand to compare I found to be very good as well, and a great value, but a little too bright for my taste (kind of the Anti-Cardas cables).
It has been said here many times before and I'll say it again - I find cables to be very system dependent. I love the Audio Art cables - but your mileage may vary. But luckily Audio Art has a test drive program that will basically cost you nothing. I tried 'em - and kept them!
My system:
Shanling T-100 CD Player
VPI MkIV Table with Sumiko Blackbird
Audible Illusions M3A Preamp
Nuforce Ref 9 Monoblocs
Audio Physic Virgo speakers
Hopefully this helps!
Slaw3