James…I think you would really like a nice tube preamp between the dac 3 and the amp. The biggest change would be more organic sound, improved soundstage and layering, better tone. Then put a good balanced cable between the preamp and the amp and you’ll get what you’re looking for. Just my opinion. Or try a more resolving cable between the dac and the amp now just to see what happens. With that combination I would recommend Acoustic Zen Matrix Ref II or Absolute Copper, or the Kimber KS1126 for a bit more top end sparkle but I’m afraid it might be too much of a good thing there.
Cable upgrades
Happy Holidays to all!
I’m reconfiguring my system and am interested in upgrading my interconnects and possibly my speaker cables, and I was wondering if you could make some recommendations.
I was running Audio Sensibility Impact SE XLR between my Benchmark DAC3 HGC (as a DAC/pre) and my Benchmark AHB2 power amp. The amp is running bi-wired Kimber Cable 8TC (I think that’s the model #) to a pair of ATC SCM40 tower speakers. In this setup the bass is tight and the mids are clean - overall I’m quite happy - but sometimes I feel, for my ears, I’d love a bit more openness / brightness in the higher end.
My questions are: would improved XLR interconnects help to open up the top end a bit, without being harsh, and perhaps increase the dimensionality of the soundstage? Or would I be better off starting with upgrading the speaker cables? I’ve been looking at the Cardas Parsec level of cable, and could perhaps stretch to the Clear line, pending your recommendations.
Also, one other question: pending the possible move to 2 AHB2s (in mono-block configuration), do both XLR interconnects have to be the same length? If not, would it cause any timing issues between, say, a 2' XLR and a 6'?
I’d appreciate any guidance. Many thanks in advance.
Best, JAMES
- ...
- 137 posts total
Yeah, as usual @audphile1 is plugged right into my brain. I’d recommend Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects and Hologram speaker cables. Their naturalness and 3D sound staging are outstanding, and IMHO are a bargain at their asking price. |
Hello all: An update on my cable journey: I purchased some Audio Sensibility Statement SE XLRs, and am in the process of running them in (Steven suggests at least 100 hrs). Out of the box, I'd say they are capable ICs, closer to the 'front row' in terms of presentation. I like some things they do, and others not so much...but am finding they are improving as they burn in. Time will tell. I've tracked down a few other options, based on the recommendations given. Ranked by cost, from highest to lowest: 1) Cardas Clear Cygnus (recommended by Brian at Cardas) I haven't found a dealer close to me to arrange a demo, and am considering taking the plunge and purchasing one other set (used), which I can compare in house with the Statement SEs. Of course, I have 30 days to return the SEs, but would have to resell any others. What's your take on the selections mentioned above? I get the impression that any of them could be worthwhile test candidates. Best, JAMES. |
@audphile1 Yup, USB using the 'direct' port, with an Audioquest Coffee USB cable. 😊 |
- 137 posts total