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Audioquest vs. Others

   I realize that this post will probably open a landslide of responses but my question is focused on the comparison of Audioquest vs other manufacturers. This is not aimed to address power cables or speaker wire but only interconnect cables. Like Audioquest, many brands offer cables in a range of prices....low, medium, high, and super high. My interest is not to compare a lower price/quality cable to one that is far superior but to ask if comparisons have been done within equal price ranges of different brands.

   Yes, some systems are capable of distinguishing minute changes in a cable makeup. Some manufacturers even offer a free trial and return policy. I know that. But, in a moderately priced system, are there any opinions that would deter one from using the Audioquest brand vs another brand? Remember....staying in a comparable price range.

jrpnde
turnbowm
353 posts
 
I had some Audioquest Emerald ICs and always felt that there was too much HF emphasis. On paper, they were the answer to an audiophile's prayer. Functionally-Perfect Copper (FPC) wire including the connectors. I disected one of the cables and found four incredible small gauge wires, explaining the titled response. These were very expensive cables at the time.

More recently, I tried some AQ Type 8 speaker cables and they were totally outclassed by Kimber 8TC.

I'm sure that Audioquest has many fine cables in their current lineup but, based on my experience, they are expensive for what you get..  
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Anybody who believes L, R, C is all that’s going on
It's not belief. Changing any of Mr K's magic parameters affects LCR.

Functionally-Perfect Copper (FPC)
That's a HOWLER!

I consider to try Kimber, Cardas, MIT, Transparent, Nordost,
+1 on everything but Nordost speaker cables. IMO, Nordost is a very colored speaker cable. It may work well with some components, but that direction is the wrong way to go. Take Cardas copper claims with a grain of iron pyrite, aka fools gold.
mkash3
57 posts
 
Audioquest's cheap stuff is garbage. Their ICs (Earth/Colorado) is where you start getting good performance; any models below that isn't worth the money and is easily outclassed by other manufacturers in the same price point.
jgreen19
30 posts
 
Any of you guys compare AQ to BlackCat cables? I have a friend who really likes BlackCat. 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@mkash3  +1.  You need to get to the FEP air tubes in the AQ line for the bass to resolve impact and for the soundstage to open up.
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