Nordost vs. Transparent...which is better?

Hello Neal,

I agree with you almost 100%. From my experience I do hear them as being faster , more accurate, and the most neutral of other cables that I've heard. Where I differ from you is .... I would and did wire my whole system with Valhalla and I don't see myself parting with them anytime soon.

Enjoy,
Tom

Hi everyone...i know this thread has been inactive for years, but sometimes people read these to learn about diff people's experiences (i certainly do)...so here goes.

i have Transparent Ref throughout my system except my digital cable...i came across an inexpensive Cardas Neutral Ref and had been using it...until i found the opportunity to compare s/hand Transparent Ref digital cable to s/hand Valhalla digital cable.

My system is Wilson X1/Grand Slamms, CJ ACT 2, Gryphon Antileon and Zanden DAC with blu-ray transport. (i'm waiting for the server/transport wars to settle down before i get reference transport/server).

The Transp Ref was the one i was expecting to buy...and my system "fell asleep" with it in. Better detail, much, much better bass and overall very much the characteric sound of Transp Ref which i have used throughout my system. but the balance of the system tipped over and literally went to sleep.

i was at a loss until the shop manager found a s/hand valhalla. Snap! the system life came back with better detail, etc. Yes the bass on transp is better...but the life of the valhalla came back in my system...that is purely down to synergy imho.

now since i have 3 different sellers of valhalla digital cables, i just need to pick the best cable/price. hope that helps as one person's experience! enjoy the music!

Nordost Valhalla, one of the best cable sonically on the world market cable today.

i bought the valhalla digital cable second-hand and have no regrets. it is an amazing cable that just allows my system to sing. done for now!!

i hate to say that cables make a difference in audio. but i've to admit they do. my system is mcintosh MCD500, preamp C48, amp MC302 and cremona auditor M.

before my use of nordost heimdall 2 power cords to preamp and amp, i use REL 328 sub to complement (for lack of better words) if i feel the need for some additional bass.

the c48 has an equalizer (hopefully the purists dont curse by me saying this); before the heimdalls, i often tweaked it to be with more treble as well.

once the heimdalls are in, i rarely use the sub! the bass and treble feel just right. my listening room is 4m x 4m. and the highs seem to be extended, more detail and even non-audiophile redbook CDs sound great (taylor swift, radiohead, and many others). so i agree that nordost's higher priced cables to be more revealing but "unforgiving" is not a term i would use.

i paid US$ 2,000 for both PCs but am not regretting it.

i am very sure others' experience will differ, but am a happy owner.

i was told that heimdall 2 has 90% of valhalla's performance (whatever that means) but for now i can only afford the former.

let's enjoy the music!