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  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.
128x128b_limo
decooney
1,987 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
1,617 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
2,274 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 :-)
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 posts
 
They shipped today so I'll be sure to update next week:-)
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 posts
 
Just received the speaker cables today and ran the system for around 4 hours before listening.My initial impression is the sound is on the warm dark side,somewhat veiled,but with layer upon layer of detail.Everything is there but without sharply defined edges,velvety.The bass is outstanding! Way too soon for a final opinion but right now my hope is that they will open up just a bit more as they settle in.I really like them!
My system is all tubed like decooneys so there's always tubes and tweaks to get things in balance:-)
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