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Audience SX2/Front Row Cables...has anyone tried or heard much of this new reference line?

I have been extremely satisfied with Audience Interconnect and Speaker cable for some time, natural/organic/neutral presentation that works with every component I’ve used, solid state or tube. I own Au24 SX XLR Interconnects and Speaker cables. I have also been impressed with Audience cables price to performance ratio. I just received an email of another breakthrough reference line, the Au24 SX2, which will actually be called the Front Row line.  Alas, pricing at $5100 per 2 meter Speaker cable is no longer readily affordable. I guess Audience is rapidly catching up in price to its competitors, now that they also enjoy name recognition and stellar reviews. However, they are wonderful cables!  Has anyone heard these cables or know much about them relative to SX line? If they’re as much a revelation over the SX as the email from Audience claims, I might have to start saving. I’ll wait for the reviews I guess.  Thank you to all!
audiobrian
yyzsantabarbara
4,908 posts
 

I compared the SX with the FrontRow on my Yamaha NS5000 speaker, CODA #16, and Benchmark LA4 preamp. I also used a Benchmark AHB2 amp in the evaluation of the cables. I also had WyWire Diamond and Platinum speaker cables.

With the CODA #16 amp, the Audience AU24 SX and FrontRow were excellent. The FrontRow being better for my tastes. More detail with the sense of no cable being used.

When I changed to the Benchmark AHB2 I had some very minor fatigue with all the cables except the FrontRow. The irritation I heard was at different frequencies for each cable, but whatever gremlin was there I heard it via the AHB2.

The FrontRow was perfect with the AHB2. I no longer have the amp since I wanted a more powerful amp.

 

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,769 posts
 

cappuccino

Thank you for the follow up. Accuphase is excellent. Do you still have Oppo or Theta players?

 

Happy Listening!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,220 posts
 

What’s the break in period with the FrontRow speaker cables? And what changes in sound can be expected throughout the break in?

duramax747
203 posts
 

audiophile1,

 

Nice system with great room layout.

Break-in with continuous load within a week you are pretty much there. They do open up with usage. As with previous lines with Audience, the mids jump out at you in a good way. With the Front Row the highs do just as much. The body of the mids and clarity of the highs has a realism I enjoy. 

As the name states "Front Row" and you can take that literally. You move up closer to the stage with these cables which I really like.

I responded as we both share some common components. I use Pass Labs Class A amps and a Bricasti DAC.

On my list, is to get two Front Row PC for the Pass monos. They are rated  over double the current I need. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,220 posts
 

Thanks duramax747 for the compliments and the info!

The FrontRow replaced AU24SX. I was kind of disappointed at first. Sound was dull and lacked air. Mids were congested too. They are coming around though. No changes in the bass which is one area where there is a definite gain in texture and depth over the SX, but definitely cleared up the mids so far. Treble is improving as well. 

Running signal thru them 24/7. Will wait few weeks to draw final conclusions. 

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