@jaytor , right, Signal cable silver resolution. I've seen the same thing with XLR ICs. They are not completely transparent, but they impart their own character much less than single ended ICs. I've also found that XLRs typically sound better than their single ended counterparts, which has allowed me to get by with ICs that don't break the bank.
Unfortunately, no one, regardless of cost, has 25-30 ft ICs as a stock item, so you have to buy to try. I've used the Signal Silvers as both XLR and single ended several times, and they have not disappointed me yet. They might not have the meat on the bones that can be had with the best copper, but if you are going to set a $1K upper limit, your choices are somewhat limited. I have not found the Silver Resolutions to be bright in the sense of putting one into a system that was well balanced and thinking, no, got to get these out of here. I've gone about half copper and half silver in my system, which I think is about right for me.
If you are serious about DIY, I would take a look at wig's post on the Duelund Helix ICs.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling
If you read the thread, you will find a link to williwonka's webpage where there is a recipe for Helix XLR ICs. You might be able to make a set for under 1K. I have been thinking about giving those a try, but I haven't priced out a project yet, so I don't have a feel for what it might cost. There are a number of golden eared audio goners that are swearing by the helix design, so you might give that some thought.
Unfortunately, no one, regardless of cost, has 25-30 ft ICs as a stock item, so you have to buy to try. I've used the Signal Silvers as both XLR and single ended several times, and they have not disappointed me yet. They might not have the meat on the bones that can be had with the best copper, but if you are going to set a $1K upper limit, your choices are somewhat limited. I have not found the Silver Resolutions to be bright in the sense of putting one into a system that was well balanced and thinking, no, got to get these out of here. I've gone about half copper and half silver in my system, which I think is about right for me.
If you are serious about DIY, I would take a look at wig's post on the Duelund Helix ICs.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling
If you read the thread, you will find a link to williwonka's webpage where there is a recipe for Helix XLR ICs. You might be able to make a set for under 1K. I have been thinking about giving those a try, but I haven't priced out a project yet, so I don't have a feel for what it might cost. There are a number of golden eared audio goners that are swearing by the helix design, so you might give that some thought.