Looking for Suggestions for IC's


While I know that this subject has been rehashed a number of times and I have tried to read many of the posts I thought it might be worth it to get suggestions from some out there that might have actual experience with the gear I am currently using.

Having just upgraded my pre to a ARC Ref 5se and wanting to shorten my speaker cabling I am in the market for some new ic's from the pre to my Pass 260.8's. I am asking for manufacturers names and models that I should have on a short list. My budget sits at around 2k and could be stretched if absolutely necessary. I am not against buying used as this also tends to get a bigger bank for the money spent.

I am looking to get something in the 3-4m length range and would love to hear from guys with similar gear. My current cabling is mostly Straightwire and I will be replacing their Crescendo 3 model. I could simply just get a 4 meter pair of these, but looking for a better alternative, if one is available.

I am not looking to start a tread on on cables, per say, as the pro and cons always appear in these types of inquiries. I already have been shown (hear) that cables matter, so I am a believer. Just looking to make an informed decision.

SteveA
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I find the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference to be transparent and detailed while still sounding very neutral and natural with good tonality, tight and tuneful bass, and excellent imaging/soundstage.  If this sounds like what you’re looking for they’d be worth a good look.  Best of luck. 
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instlouis,

I have a pair of single ended Kimber around somewhere, I used them with another ARC pre and there was an impedance issue so I never really got to hear them.

soix,

I am pretty happy with the Straightwire but my thought was to see if someone with similar gear had suggestions. If anything, maybe the current are a little laid back, although pretty neutral sounding. One concern is I am looking to get a little longer IC to get amps closer to speakers so when I get new cables they will be shorter as conventional wisdom seem to favor longer IC over longer speaker cables. Currently using  Crescendo II and now they have a 3. Not a lot of Straightwire lovers here I suppose, so I can't even get an idea of the improvement from II to III
What improvements are you looking for over your current IC?  What sound characteristics are most important to you?
I second ( or third) the Wireworld suggestion- their Eclipse model in particular will work wonders in your system and fit your budget as well.  Enjoy!
I'm a fan of Kimber Kables ( Ascent Series / Hero ) and use them for XLR connects from PSA DAC to Pass Pre and to Pass Amp.  Very happy with results and fair pricing.    
I agree that Wireworld cables are superb, though my experience is limited to their ethernet cables. For the rest of my loom (signal and power) I use C-Marc cables, made by Lessloss, a Lithuanian company. They’re unshielded, very light and easy to dress (you can tie knots in them). They sound wonderful to me. They are also within your price zone. I used to use cables costing twice as much, and the C-Marc’s sound better. Very open and natural.
WireWorld makes some of the very best cables world wide. Recently they introduced their new line which has many selling their previous model to upgrade. Meaning their cables are available at great prices
I have a 250.8; very happy with Acoustic Zen Matrix balanced IC. My preamp is also Pass, so whether my experience is actually useful, I don't know. I did find I liked the Acoustic Zen better that Audience cable. Analysis Plus also has very good ICs.