2. cables
  3. 127506-1644

Need recomendation for an IC to fill out and enrich the sound between amp and pre-amp.

Don't what level  to start looking for a quality IC compatible IC with a Conrad Johnson PV-14L pre-amp and a BAT amp to fill out the sound.  I opted for an all RCA pre-amp because I got a good deal on the CJ, and did not want to wait for a mixed BAT XLR and RCA pre-amp, or that of another brand.  I did a lot of looking over 4 months

So the advantage of lower noise using the XLR to XLR interconnect is no longer in play, and I am still using a Signal Audio Cable XLR to RCA to connect the amp to the pre-amp.  It cost about $59, not that price matters. It sounds good with the components, BUT, I think I can buy a much better  RCA to RCA  IC that will deliver a much fuller and richer sound.   As good as Signal Cable IC is, it seems to lack a fullness in the lower to middle midrange, and also the soundstage could be wider and deeper. 

I realize it could be the CJ pre-amp or the mix of CJ  which is 10 years old but was upgraded to the SE version Despite what I said, it sounds very good. 

Therefore, I would like recommendations for an interconnect that may accomplish what I described above before getting on "The Cable Company loaner library IC merry go round.  A  $200-$300 "USED" price range is my budget.   Thank you, SJ     

 

sunnyjim
mtrot
804 posts
 
I bought a pair of these Cardas XLR to RCA adapters to connect my XLR only Krell amp.

The sound seems to be fantastic with my High Fidelity CT-1 interconnect.  By using these adapters, you can use any cable you want, and you can easily swap out cables to evaluate them.

http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/products/cardas-gold-premium-cga-male-xlr-adapters-xlr-male-to-rca-fem... 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 posts
 
The problem is that cables should not color the sound but simply transmit the electrons.  You may be in need of components that are more satisfying to you.  In my experience Cardas and Purist emphasized the lower end in my system...but all wire is system dependent.  All wire sounds different in different systems.  On another point....balanced cables used with properly balanced circuits do much more than provide lower noise.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To mtot,   Thank you for your comment about the Cardas Adapters. Interestingly Victor Khomenko at BAT informed me about the Cardas Adaptors, but more or less to stick with what I have, that is the Signal Cable mixed configuration

Parts Connexion sells the Cardas adapters. I will check the link to dedicated audio to see how they price the Cardas adapters.


To Stringreen, BAT power amp and CJ pre-amp are a very satisfying combo, and I  spent months researching and looking for  compatible separates.  Maybe I should have waited for a used BAT pre-amp to come available on AG that was at my price range. God knows, I e-mailed  Victor  K at BAT enough about several BAT pre-amps that came available on AG and e-bay.  However, the price for the CJ PV-14L SE was very good and in my overall budget fro separates. 

What I like you to clarify should you revisit this thread, is the last sentence of your reply......that..."balanced cables....do much more than just provide lower noise."  I will appreciate if you can elaborate  on that statement; It might reaffirm what Almarg said in his last comment on 12/22. about the Jensen Transformer as the best solution.   Thanks


To ggc,  Regardless, of the sound of their IC's as you indicated, Thales prices are beyond the beyond of my budget.  Thanks anyway.   SJ    

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,730 posts
 
sunnyjim-

did you dismiss the Audience cabling as discussed previously?


sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To jafant,  I did not dismiss your recommendation of the Audience cabling.  I have been generously bombarded by cable options (some) which appear less expensive 

However, scroll back to Almarg's comments about the Jensen Transformer as possibly the best solution. Also, I noted in my response to Stringreen's last sentence of his comments which may add to Almarg's position or not. Neither eliminates Audience cable as an option, nor the cardas adapters. 

Usually, when  their are many options as noted above,  I have to step away to clear my head.   I think this is a good strategy until after the New Year arrives.   Thanks,  SJ 

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