2. cables
  3. 150109-24

Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8...OMG!!

I seriously can’t believe what these cables are doing to the sound in my rig.  I had them awhile ago and couldn’t justify the price (used) so I pulled back and returned them.  I grabbed them again yesterday since my local stereo shop still had them hanging there. 

Well let me say that I’ve always been a believer in cables making changes to the sound because I can hear it but I’ve never had speaker cables that changed the sound as dramatically as this.  The way it’s untangling the music, the way its making everything sound real, the way it’s full top to bottom without any harshness is pretty crazy.  

This is on a system that isn’t highly resolving yet all of these differences are completely noticeable.  I’m not talking about a little more resolution here, a little more top end sparkle there, fuller bass here...  I’m talking about did I just get a different amp, this can’t be the same dac, these can’t be the same speakers, kind of changes.

I’ve had this sound in my systems before but that was with higher end gear for sure... it makes me wonder how much I was leaving on the table without these cables in my rig at that time.


Have any of you had similar experiences with the Solo Crystal 8’s as well?  I’m thinking that these are end game cables for me.
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b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,288 posts
 
Rodman99999, no apology necessary!  You were still on topic in my mind. I enjoy your input on various threads!  Thanks!

I’ve always heard a difference in cables but when you start getting into some really great sounding cables, it’s probably hard to go back (I wouldn’t know yet, because I’m not going back!)

I agree that ambient detail and retrieval are coming through more clearly for me now as well.  What I love is how I noticed music flows together now and is easier to follow.  The bass is there in full effect and is well defined.  I actually purchased these cables instead of a nice sub because what these cables did overall for my system far exceeded what a sub did.  The highs are there... and for me, most importantly, the soundstage and holographic imaging just reels me in.  It’s actually hard to finish a post because the music commands my attention. I love it, and I love these cables!
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
@b_limo - Thanks and you’re welcome. Aren’t experimentation & discovery, fun & rewarding?  NOPE- absolutely, no going back!   Happy Listening!
decooney
2,263 posts
 
b_limo  posts
09-01-2019 11:19am
..I actually purchased these cables instead of a nice sub because what these cables did overall for my system far exceeded what a sub did. The highs are there... and for me, most importantly, the soundstage and holographic imaging just reels me in. It’s actually hard to finish a post because the music commands my attention. I love it, and I love these cables!

Nice. With 35hrs+ on the AP Crystal Solo interconnects so far, going back and re-listening to many mid 1970s songs I've heard hundreds of times. Hearing nice tones, keyboards, guitars, piano is more natural, some added layering with nuances surfacing way out in the sound stage.  Nice easy listening at low volume level is a bonus! 
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
@b_limo  I just found a used pair of the Solo Crystal Oval 8 that will arrive in a few days.What inspired me is while trying this and that to get my new dac integrated into my system,I put my old AP Solo Crystal ic back in between pre and amp and Damn!Exactly what it needed.I knew that beautiful timbre I used to enjoy was being masked by something.It's an xlr cable so I ordered adapters so I could experiment with it and a couple of others in my 'old but good' accessories box.The result was totally unexpected.I was just looking for a clue of what my next step would be - warmer?airyer?leaner?switch out tubes?etc....
Anyway I think I hear more detail buried in there screaming to be released so I'll update next week.And thank you for posting your experience.It helped nudge me in the right direction.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,288 posts
 
@jtcf, you’ll have to report back and let us know how you like your new cables.  Congrats on pulling the trigger on them!!

I have a feeling you’ll like them!  I still love the speaker cables.  Just really great, natural, detailed, layered sounding :-)
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