Is Acoustic Zen better than Harmonic Tech?

I went from mostly upper level Audioquest and Synergistic Research cables to all Harmonic Technology cables in a system with an Audio Research VT100-MKII, LS25 all with NOS tubes,Quad USA Monitors, and B&W Nautilus 805/REL Stadium speaker combo. With interconnects, I started with Truthlinks, then upgraded to Pro Silway II (I never liked the original Silways..too lean),then to the Magic interconnects. I used shotgun HT Pro9 speaker cables.
After a friend recommended Acoustic Zens, I decided to audition a Zen interconnect. Much to my "distress", the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects were significantly better than the Magic, especially in the air/ambience area, dynamics, and presenting a noticable improvement in soundstaging. Both the HT Magic and the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference had a great upper extension, but the Acoustic Zen's upper range had a silky (almost wet sounding), airy quality that the Magic could not even hint at. I then tried the A Zen speaker cables (Satori Shotguns) and they too were quite a bit better in my system than shotgun HT Pro 9 speaker cables, especially in soundstaging, extension, and dynamics.
Several qualities of the A Zen cables stood out for me: a silky/airy rendition of the top end, dynamics, and a great ability to place 3D images within a large soundstage. I believe the HT Magic and other HT cables are quite good, but in my system the Acoustic Zen cables simply perform on a higher level.

Thank you Dem. My equipment will be a little different but you have given me some much needed direction.

Anyone tried the HT Magic Reference?

I have and i find it superb. Sadly it is discontinued due to the cost of manufacturing these today, would mean a very high retail cost. I also wonder about IC's that would match this one. As AZ Absolute is all silver, does it not sound a bit lean in bass? Hybrid seems more likely to have the advantage of both worlds. But that is just a thought.

Wow, way to pick up an old thread, Inpieces --

As for my opinion, i have used both HT and AZ and really like both. Depending on my system configuration, I have liked either brand better. Overall sound is similar, although I do think AZ has a slight nod for musicality, but I really really like the HT that i've had in my system, too. Morale: buy some used and do a shoot-off. Sell what you don't like as well. That's what the 'gon is for.

"As AZ Absolute is all silver, does it not sound a bit lean in bass?"

AZ Absolute IC is 1% copper while AZ Silver Reference IC is 3% copper. Bass with Absolute ICs is strong and well controlled/defined - at least with my gear.