High Quality XLR IC's For My System


The last step of my year long upgrade process is complete except for the two 1m XLR IC’s I use to connect my phono preamp to my preamp and my SACD player to my preamp. Using Audioquest Californias now.



I am simply looking to upgrade the XLR IC’s. Budget is $1200

I would prefer to buy used but not necessarily; Thanks in advance for your suggestions.






teeshot
from experience i’d look to purchase used sets of AQ niagara which sell for about $700 per pair. when you try AQ’s silver interconnects you’ll never go back. it’s very smooth and detailed. has some magic. imo
Post removed 
btw don’t linger if a pair of niagara’s become available. they don’t last long at all. only if you’re interested in them of course. 
WireWorld recently introduced their Series 8, so you can find Series 7 at vg prices
Thanks for the excellent responses.  First off, I have AQ Colorado's not Californias.  UGH...my mind is shot. 

Thanks Soix for weighing in, your question is good.  My system--Magico, ARC, Merrill  playing LPs is built for transparency.  If I could get better transparency from my cables without the brightness associated with some, that is my goal.  Additional bass response would be a welcome byproduct as well. 

Thanks 4425 for the Niagara suggestion.  I had thought about AQ Sky's but the price was prohibitive.  The Niagara might be a better compromise for my system anyway.

Tvad, I know nothing about Purist cables, not even remembering having heard them at AXPONA.  I will do some research on them.  I know others swear by them.  Can I assume you use them in your system?  Did you compare them to others?

Tweak1-- I am looking at new Eclipse 8s and the 7's.  Do you have experience with the Silver or Gold IC's?  Thanks for responding.