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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

jimboman
jimboman OP
63 posts
 

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)
2) Cardas Gold Presence (which may be an older but similar match to the Cardas Cygnus line)
3) Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference (haven't found the Series II used yet...but there is a pair of the first gen on CAM)
4) XLO Reference 3

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's avatar
audphile1
4,239 posts
 

Hey James I wanted to ask how are you connecting Lumin to Benchmark DAC? Are you going via USB or coax?

jimboman OP
63 posts
 

@audphile1 Yup, USB using the 'direct' port, with an Audioquest Coffee USB cable. 😊

ghdprentice
6,389 posts
 

Congratulations. Yes, at first listen before being broken in, cables tend to be forward and a bit bright… they “relax” over time. So, you are doing the right thing.

soix
8,712 posts
 

What's your take on the selections mentioned above?  I get the impression that any of them could be worthwhile test candidates.

Given what you’re looking for I’d recommend the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference over the Matrix.  I own the original Matrix and the Matrix ll, and the Silver Ref is a significant level above given what you’re looking for.  Open and detailed but not harsh and with excellent 3D soundstage.  Natural and organic is how I’d describe them.  FWIW.

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