High Quality XLR IC's For My System

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.

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.

I’d highly recommend used Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II (but the Ref I is very close and also a great option). I find them to be very transparent and nicely detailed so things like air and space are fully present, but the detail is natural sounding and balanced nicely with the rest of the frequency spectrum. For silver wires the Silver Refs have very good tonality and full bass but the bass is also tight so kinda the best of both worlds, and imaging/soundstage is superb. There’s a 1.5m pair on USAudioMart now for $550, so two 1m pairs should come in at or below your price target. Anyway, best of luck in finalizing the upgrade process.

trust me. niagara’s are no compromise. there’s something special about that cable. can’t say why.

Check out the specials on Darwin Cables:http://www.darwincables.com/darwin-cable-specials

All the best,
Nonoise

Tee shot...AQ Sky’s can be had from $700 to $800 for a 1m pair. However for some obvious reason they spurned a lot of fakes. There are photos available online that indicate obvious differences which usually revolve around the color of the braiding. I’ve been burned once and almost twice. I think Niagara is a better value and maybe safer. Just my opinion.