Zafvino Silver Dart Graphene vs. ?

If you can pick up a used AudioQuest Dragon HC.

ozzy

@ozzy 

Sorry, I should have specified Speaker Cables in the title. 

I’d highly recommended trying these lightly-used AZ Holograms.  If they don’t blow you away you can sell them for little/no loss, but if they do you’ll save a bundle.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb77a9-acoustic-zen-hologram-ii-like-new-speaker

These speaker cables won't break the bank but sound very good after a break-in. There is also an audition period for possible returns. BTW; they are currently on sale: https://www.vogueaudio.com/product-page/silver-strand-speaker-cables

Of course, the components in your system will also have something to do with the mix.

+1 for Acoustic Zen. I recently installed their Satori model and it was an amazing upgrade. 

I can't answer your question specifically, but related to many suggestions already given, I am using Acoustic Zen Absolute speaker cables yet Silver Dart power cords. No, I don't have a good answer why it ended up like that, but I am in no hurry to make any changes based on the sound quality I am getting. I imagine the Silver Dart speaker cables and IC's sound just as good, but I haven't compared. 

Question to @ozzy though, I am seeing a large number of used AQ dragon's; not just here but in other classifieds as well- I wonder if all are legit/non-counterfeit? At this price level there must be plenty of incentive for knockoffs to flood the market. Have you/anyone else heard of anyone getting a counterfeit?  

I have been using the Goertz MI-3 Divinity cable and thus far, pretty impressed. Adds a lot of bass and a quietness to the sound. And will fit your budget nicely. Next, I'm going to try the bi-wire version.

ozzy

mclinnguy,

I suppose anything is possible when it comes to counterfeiters. If the cables are priced more than about 1/2 off of the retail cost, they might be. However, they are very popular so probably more are sold, therefor more eventually comes up on the used market.

I have purchased several used and all look legit, I think they are. It would take quite an effort to make fake ones look this real, again though, anything is possible. I guess you could ask that question about anything.

BTW, the newer versions are not braided like the older ones.

ozzy.

Thank you all for the suggestions thus far.

While I don’t have first-hand experience with the Silver Dart I’m currently using Zavfino speaker (Prima Mk. 2) and power (Prima Mk. 2 and Fina) cables in my system--and I really enjoy the them. If you have questions about the Silver Dart cables, you should email Ray (the owner of Zavfino), he responds quickly, is a straight shooter and very nice guy. He gave me objective advice when I was purchasing.

As others have suggested, Acoustic Zen Absolute are a fantastic match for Harbeth. I’ve owned the Absolute (which I used with SHL5+), they had such an organic and welcoming sound. To my ears, I find the AZ and Zavfino to have a lot of similar sonic characteristics.

I've also got Zavfino Prima speaker cables, and I am very happy with them.... 

BTW, I had the Dart power cable, and it was thee stiffest power cable I ever owned or tried. The IEC actually cracked/ broke!

Not sure how the speaker cables are created, but I bet their similar. So be forewarned...

ozzy

+1 @ozzy 

Be open to rearranging your components to fit your power cables ! And using creative supports to keep them from falling out of the c14 inlets. 

@macg19 - take a look at the Hijiri thread

Someone there might have ued Zavfino previously and can provide an opinion

Regards - Steve

@soix @mclinnguy @zlone 

Soix, I put the AZ Holograms in today. I am blown away. Imaging is much better but tonally they are really, really nice. 

I know there is a break in period so more good stuff to come and I haven't played any really good vinyl yet, but the Harbeth's are clearly loving these.

Thanks for the great suggestion and saving me $2K.  

Soix, I put the AZ Holograms in today. I am blown away. Imaging is much better but tonally they are really, really nice. 
 

Yeah, I know.  In the spirit of the season — “there is some magic in that old silk hat they found.”  Glad to hear you seem to have found it too.  I’ve had my shotgun Satoris in my system for about 20 years and they ain’t going anywhere anytime soon, and you apparently have found the same “magic.”  Happy holidays, and enjoy!

@macg19 Like @soix I definitely have no intentions of replacing my Acoustic Zen's. I recently upgraded my DAC, and these XLR's and speaker cables allowed all that increased resolution and detail to reach my ears yet most importantly in a musical way, not in a "hi-fi impressive for 5 minute way". I have been listening to my kit for 8-10 hours a day lately- I think I am almost there 😎

Oh gosh you had to ruin my post with your marketing bull crap.

Merry Christmas @nano-flo 

@nano-flo Please do tell who these reviewers are, so we can read all about it. 

@macg19 great to hear you are enjoying them. Honestly, I am still marveling at the Satori’s daily. I think @mclinnguy nailed it with:

…allowed all that increased resolution and detail to reach my ears yet most importantly in a musical way, not in a "hi-fi impressive for 5 minute way".

I am starting to think about the holograms now, can t get better?

Thanks guys, and happy holiday's to you too.

I am starting to think about the holograms now, can it get better?

Out be out of my lane to comment. 

Two of the biggest names in audio have just reviewed NanoFlo cables and without question, all others at any price are severely lacking. 

Without question, this is one of the most ridiculous claims I've read anywhere, about anything. Congratulations!

More importantly, you hijacked a post that was simply showing some gratitude to another member and soured it. Shame on you. Enjoy your coal.

I am starting to think about the holograms now, can it get better?

Out be out of my lane to comment.
 

Sorry, it was a rhetorical question, didn’t figure you would know. Really glad you are liking the AZ’s.  

@zlone Thx but no apology necessary...I can see that now. I'm getting over the flu  so wasn't in the best frame of mind yesterday.

Happy holidays!

I have Silver Dart graphene interconnects in my refernce system and they are spectacular.  I have Zavfino speaker cables, below the Silver Darts, in my exercise system and they are excellent.  I would also recommend highly Grover Huffman Pharoah speaker cables.  I use them in my refernce system and they are superb.