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Shortlist of Speaker Cables/ICs: advice/opinions

Good Day,

I am in the market for speaker cables and interconnects. The system includes an Electrocompaniet amp, Shanling CDP and Gallo Ref III speakers. I am looking for 6-8ft single wire SC and 1m RCA IC, budget of $700-$900 new or used.

The characterisitics I am after are: something detailed and accurate, but not clinical/not too lean. I also prefer something warm as opposed to something bright dry as long as it isn't too rolled off. However accuracy is the key.

I have come up with the following shortlist and would like any suggestions, opinions and experiences. As you can see, I plan to get SC and IC from the same brand (this has always worked well for me):

Kimber: MonocleXL SC and KS-1011 IC
Analysis Plus: Solo Oval 8 SC and Solo Crystal IC
Harmonic Tech: Pro 9 Plus SC and Pro-Silway III IC
Acoustic Zen: Satori II SC and Matrix Ref II IC

Please try not to suggest other brands as many are simply not available to me. I have also tried Cardas and Audience, neither of which impressed me (well, the Cardas Golden Cross did but is way out of my budget).

Thanks and Regards,
X
xenithon
friz1313's avatar
friz1313
76 posts
 
Personally, I don't think the price difference between the Monocle X and XL is justified. I've heard them on a 5K pair of ProAcs with an all Ayre front-end. (An amazing combo BTW) You get a little more bass and fuller sound with the XL, but little if any difference in the upper frequencies to my ears. They both have the same geometry, the same core, with the XL having 50% more conductors. You could say the XL stands for an Xtra-Large X. If it was my $800 or so, I'd buy the X and never think twice about it.

To me, after the Monocle X people would be better off taking the leap to the Select series, (well out of both of our price ranges I know) rather than the XL, Bi-Focal or Tri-Focal. You will then clearly hear a difference and definitely get more your money's worth IMO. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for incremental improvements.

Good luck with your decision.
twu2
8 posts
 
I strongly urge you to consider Empress cables as well:
http://grover.wolff.home.comcast.net/Purchase/PurchaseInfo.htm
They are sold online only and come with 60-days trial period so you will have nothing to lose. Let's see:
1M pair Empress RCA interconnects: $350
6ft-pair Empress speaker cables: $360
Total: $710
cdc2
122 posts
 
I'll second the Empress recomendation. They are just what you described.
xenithon OP
130 posts
 
I guess I have to say it again: I live in South Africa and thus those I have not mentioned are not available. Do not forget that all these 30-60 day trial periods are normally ONLY valid in the US. And even if they are valid internationally, I am still liable for shipping to me and back which is easily $100 or so.

X
PS. Thanks for the input. It is really appreciated but simply not applicable to me.
colesey's avatar
colesey
24 posts
 
i'd give a 3rd recommendation to the empress products. i live in UK and the 60 day period applies internationally. you need to be realistic about the cost of shipping; is a small price to pay in the overall scheme of things.
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