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Help with XLR ICs.

Ok gang. So here’s my situation. I’m looking to upgrade my XLR ICs. I’ve been using Straightwire Crescendo XLR ICs for many years now. I originally bought them for my first system I put together about 10 years ago. Since then I have totally upgraded my whole system including PCs which are 4 Audioquest Dragons (2) HC and (2) source. I really did want to go with Audioquest Dragons for my XLR ICs. But the prices for them brand new is to high for me. 2 m xlr are 18k and 1 m are 12k. I was looking for used for a few months now but never ever seen any that were ever for sale used. I also am using Straightwire Crescendo speaker cables which are quad wired. That’s 2 pairs for ea speaker going into ea mono amp. So u can imagine what the AQ Dragon quad wired speaker cables would cost.100k ++ That being said I will be keeping for now my Straightwire Crescendo speaker cables. So back to my original question post. What high end XLR ics would be a lot better than my Straightwire Crescendo XLRs. Budget is about 4k a pair. And will need 2 pairs. 2 m and 1 m. . I really did like the Straightwire Crescendos ICs and speaker cables for their powerful bass as they are also known for. So that being said I would like high end ICs that are known also for extremely good bass. My system consists of ARC Ref 750s mono blocks. ARC Ref 6Se pre. ARC ref 9 CDP. And a McIntosh MQ 112 EQ.  

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtattooedtrackman
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,131 posts
 

@tattooedtrackman I use Nordost Tyr 2 XLRs throughout. Upgraded from Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper. The Tyr 2 are amazing cables and a great value on a used market. If you can swing the next level up, the Valhalla 2, I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed either. Worth trying out.

As far as full cable looms are concerned…my $0.05 here on the subject…I’m on a fence about it. Adding more of the same doesn’t always result in the best possible outcome. I wouldn’t ho out of my way trying to accomplish this.
 

overthemoon
419 posts
 

If you like how a ‘loom sounds’ go for it. 
 

I use Shunyata for power and Kimber Kable for others. I did it over time and don’t see a value to migrate to one manufacturer. 

ghdprentice
7,038 posts
 

I am a big fan of Transparent speaker cables and interconnects with Audio Research. It is a classic synergistic match. The best you can afford. Try before you buy.

phusis's avatar
phusis
1,209 posts
 

I’d recommend XLR IC’s based on Mundorf’s Silver/gold solid core wires (i.e.: 99% silver + 1% gold). I use their wires as both speakers cables (1mm variant for the lower midrange on up) and XLR IC’s (0.5mm).

Sonically I would describe them as the perhaps most balanced sounding cables I’ve heard. Extremely resolved, coherent/great solidity, tonally with a natural warmth, and with an imprinting that "morphs" depending on the source material. They’re always very listenable and yet revealing. One may even call them "musical monitor" cables.

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,034 posts
 

Cardas Clear Beyoud at a very good price too. 

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