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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
olesno
87 posts
 
I am using a pair of Solo Crystal Oval 8 speaker cables and I have to agree that these cables are just incredible. I’ve been in this crazy audio hobby for at least 40 - years and used many different cable brands, some expensive and some very affordable... This pair makes me very happy and I can only describe the sound as "real". Nothing stands out. The sound is just real and rich with a feeling of reality. BTW, I use them between the Pass 250.8 and Tekton Encore speakers. This might not be the "newest trend" in speaker cables out there but it is a proven design that works.
decooney
1,988 posts
 
Enjoy!

Formerly messing with silver cables I equated "open" sounding designs with more detailed results too. Its pretty neat how these OCC copper crystal solo cables can be open, larger sound stage, and yet still smooth with detail at the same time. It just works.  

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re: BURN-IN up to ~300HRs
Straight from the horses mouth (the designer with various engineering and physics degrees and patents). He shared this with me today after my inquiry if all AP Crystal IC and Digital and Speaker cables take "300hrs" to burn in. He said this:
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Quote:
"I am sure there must be a difference but just about every reviewer has felt all cables take 300 hours to fully break-in"...



b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,274 posts
 
I’m stoked that you all are having similar experiences with these cables!  As funds allow, I’ll be adding more AP solo crystals to my rig!

Thanks for sharing such detailed experiences.  I hope that we are able to sway some others since it seems like we are having similar opinions as to these cables sound signature.  Detailed, natural / real sounding cables.

I recently added a bluesound node 2i and am using Audioquest Diamond Hyperlitz Rca interconnects.  I must admit that it sounds good but is lacking in that natural  tone and timbre.  I’m hoping that the bluesound needs time to burn in and that by changing the powercord and adding some AP Solo Crystal interconnects, I’ll have better tone and texture.  The AQ’s sound open and detailed but also somewhat digital. I’ll report back later when I get the AP’s and upgrade PC!
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,274 posts
 
@jtcf  & @decooney 

hi jack away!  I‘m loving hearing about your tweaks.  I’m learning alot from your journaling and I’m sure others are / will as well.  I’ve been asking myself similar questions and your feedback is hugely appreciated!  Thanks for the continual updating fellas 👍. Seriously, it is helpful and not going unnoticed.

Thanks for listing all of your equipment as well.  It helps everyone reading this to know exactly where you are coming from.  My amp/pre, dac (Anthem I-225, Bluesound Node 2i) is pretty entry level yet I can hear the same results as you guys are hearing. 
Whenever I had used to try to break down what percentage of your money goes where, I’d allot 10-15% for cables.  I thought that amount was actually high.  Now I’d say 20-35% should be spent.  Also, if you can swing a bunch of these Solo Crystals, you’ll be done forever and every component (speakers, amps, dacs, pre’s) will benefit.  I would love to have heard my favorite personal system I ever owned, with these in place.
olesno
87 posts
 
I have two pairs of Solo Crystal Oval 8 speaker cables.  One pair terminated with spades and one with bananas.  One pair will remain in my system indefinitely because as of know these cables just work for me better than anything before.  The other pair is available if anybody is interested.  Both are 10FT long and in excellent condition.  Please PM me if interested.  
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