Based on what I have read here, copper ICs are probably best for my set-up. My system: Classe 6 pre, Cary CD 303, B&K 442 amp, Theil 22. I do not wish to spend more than $200 per IC. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What are your thoughts on DH labs Bl1?
I completely agree, having recently used both TARA Master g2 and Viper. Also, AQ Opal is discontinued, but is a brilliant cable (replaced by viper) and should be cheap.
Kadlec, my thoughts are try MIT through Audio Advisor - 30 day money back guarantee. 330+ or even term series, the term 2 ic is around $80, I know MIT speaker cables and Thiel are an excellent match, I've got em. Not sure about Cary/MIT though. I had Tara Ref. Gen II and did not like in my system, CJ pre and Classe amp.
An all copper cable worth considering is the Harmonic Technology Truth Link. Recently I had to the chance to compare them (in someone elses' system) against a couple of Nordost ICs and left with a very favorable impression. The Truth Links are usually available used for ~$125 here on Audiogon.
Unfortunately, I am only familiar with your pre and speakers, not the amp and source (which I hear good things about). Given that limited knowledge, I'd say the Truth Links are worth a listen.
I second the truthlink at $125ish used, $250 new. I a/b compared it to a nordost spm. It lost on sheer resolution, but it wasn't by much. Another very good cable I tried is the Audioquest quartz x3. I think you can find those in the hundred dollar range used. It's a very good idea to try a couple of cables with your system. Their performance is system dependent.
Don't waste your money on expensive cables. No one ever talks of a numerical difference between cables. You cannot measure any difference. Your speakers will have a thousand times the effect a cable can have. The differences are psychological.
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