2. cables
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Audio envy - dang!

I usually post on AG when I have an issue or concern, so I’m happy for once it’s to praise a new product, in this case Audio Envy’s IC. 

I use an ARC Classic 60 amp with a Herron 1A preamp. The AE cable went between these two.

I run an ARC Phono pre PH3se from my VPI prime as source.
My speakers are Thiel CS2.4’s

Out of the box a bit bright, But after a few hours that just went to strait up transparent - I mean freaking crystal clear. No tonal aberrations. Smooth, with no etched highs. Voices sound right, Natural. Soundstage opened up, as you might expect when things get clearer.

The best part was how inexpensive they were. They made my Cardas Clear Light interconnects I was using sound clouded by contrast. The Cardas was about x3 the cost of the AE’s.
BTW, this wasn’t “I think I hear differences”, this was “I’ll never use those Cardas in this system again, and where is my IPad, I need to order my next set!”

And that’s just what I did.
last_lemming
kclone's avatar
kclone
689 posts
 

I put the Studio Prestige in the system about two hours ago. Sounds great out of the bag, very balanced, well extended and  plenty of detail. I was expecting them to sound hard and bright and then settle in over time. They are not bright in the least. Gosh, if there is truly improvement over the next couple of hundred hours it is just gravy.

arthursmuck
451 posts
 

Kclone, can you share how AE sounds different from 8402’s or Duelund? Thanks!

kclone's avatar
kclone
689 posts
 

Yes, but keep in mind at the time of this posting I only have about 22 hours on them. The AEs have more coherence, detail, and extension. Instruments have more spacing and definition within the stage. Guitars specifically have more crunch. The Duelunds have a little more dryer sound, which I never noticed before until the AEs were in. Where the Duelunds are better is a more expansive stage. But it is early, maybe with more time the AEs will improve in this area? The 8402s are currently another system with the Wharedale Linton speakers. I probably won’t take the time to do a comparison.

kclone's avatar
kclone
689 posts
 

I like the IC so much I ordered the SP-14 speaker cables.  I currently have the Canare 4s11, which I really really like.  I also ordered the USB cable to give it a try. 

jetter
3,050 posts
 

@kclone 

After you have lived with them awhile I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the SP-14 speaker cables.  I am using the same Canare cables and have been kicking around purchasing the SP-14s.

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