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Need Interconnect Advice

Here is my current system.

Qinpu A3 tube/solid state hybrid integrated amp
Jamo C601 bookshelf speakers
Cambridge Audio CD player
AudioQuest Type 4 speaker cables

Talked to a couple of people on another board and one highly recommended Kimber Kable - Hero Interconnect - Ultraplate Black RCA's.

Did some research on these and I don't know if they will match up well with my current system. The Jamo speakers run a bit warm on the lower midrange and bass is quite deep and can even be boomy at times despite being a small speaker. I just added a Pangea AC 14SE cable and that has helped to tame the boomy bass in songs that have that problem. I've read the Hero is a bit heavy in the lower midrange and bass quality though it certainly should help tighten the bass. I guess I am most concerned that if the Hero is a bit warm on the lower midrange like the speakers it may create a sound I don't want. Also more than one person said that the Hero also does not separate instruments very well and has a limited sound stage area.

I guess what I want in a cable is the following:

Detailed
Neutral mid range and high end
Tightens boomy bass tracks
Separation of instruments in songs or CD's that are poorly produced.

What can anyone recommend that has most or all of these attributes for less than $200 for an 18 inch pair with RCA connectors on both ends?
will62
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 posts
 
Will62, the AudioArt ic3 is a very nice ic.Check out the se version sometime,it's even better.Somehow it's more refined and will give you even more of what you stated in your original post IMO.I auditioned a pair,but another brand ended up working better in my current system.Wouldn't hurt to compare the two and send back the one that doesn't work as well.No connection to the company,just passing on my experience with a fine product.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
If you are using Golden Gate right now and think its OK, I still suggest you try to find a pair of used Jaguar. Its a much better cable. Its almost the same as the model that replaced it (Columbia). I have several pairs of Jaguar and Columbia and I have a hard time telling the difference between the 2, and I have very revealing equipment. I also put them next to some Tara 2's that I have ($1300/meter) and feel the AQ's are just as good. You should have no trouble finding something for under $200.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Jtcf. That's for the suggestion. I will look into this. I just relocated recently and the expense of moving 500 miles leaves me with no money to purchase anything else right now. I can looking again next year though.

Zd542. I will also look into the Jaguar that you've recommended. Used would be in my price range. I do plan to build a second system and I will need at least two more pairs of cables.

Ibelieve. I have not heard of this cable but will also do some research on it.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Used AQ King Cobras are great and can be found el cheapo if you search around. I also like AQ Diamondback balanced cables...again can be found cheap used...opinions vary on these but I think the construction of these cables and overall quality (and sound) is amazing and a bargain if you can score some used ones, and since AQ makes a ton of product they're not hard to find.
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