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A cable too perfect?

I recently acquired an Audionet AMP 1 v2 that only accepts RCA single ended connections. Since all my cabling was balanced, I had to start looking for replacements for my Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II's. Of course I could just get an RCA pair of those, as I like the sound, but I thought I would take the opportunity to check out some other options. I also thought I would start on the lower end cost-wise. I had some old Audioquest RCA's laying around and used those to start. And I bought some low cost Acoustic Zen WOW's to tide me over. And then on to Stager Silver Solids, I like these, but I don't think I love them. I also bought some Neotech cable and connectors and I am working on building a set.

But then, my dream cables showed up at a significant bargain, Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper! I was quite excited to add these to my system, and they replaced the Stager silver cables. Well, to say the difference was striking is not sufficient. The level of clarity and detail is amazing, and the soundstage is excellent. At first I thought they were kind of bright, but that is not the case, I think it is just the extreme clarity. A friend came over and he did not think they were bright either.

So, the problem, I don't find them engaging. It is possible the sound is a bit on the lean side. Everything is there, but there does not be a sum to the parts that is the music, yet I think they are absolutely accurate. It is slightly better if I turn it up, but I don't tolerate higher volumes for long, and value a system that sounds good at lower volumes. I prefer a bit of warmth, although I like to term it as a "richer" sound. 

They have only been in place for a few days, so I will give them a bit more time. I know the answer, "try something else", but curious if others have run into such stark contrasts and is this what I can expect at the higher end of the cable world?

Suggestions for alternatives that might suit my needs are welcome, if you have actually tried them, and you believe that cables make a difference.

zlone
mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
609 posts
 

Funny, I just went through the exactly same issue- having to get an RCA for my new amps. 

Are these Absolute Copper's new or used? You say only a few days they have been playing, but you got them at a bargain which implies used- just wondering about break in- yes they need 200 hours from my experience. 

I know my AZ Silver Reference II XLR's goes a little deeper in bass than the AZ Absolutes, but I think the bass weight (warmth) was equal between the two, but I don't believe I would call AZ Absolute's lean.... 

You are saying these other "lesser" RCA's you used had more warmth? Is that a case of the Absolute copper's being tighter and more accurate with the bass? 

Another option, after having sufficient time with the AZ rca's if you still find them too thin, is to search for a power cable for the amp that can richen things up-maybe the PC you have is giving you the leanness?  and/or balance that "amazing clarity and resolution" the RCA is giving you. I am surprised @ghdprentice didn't suggest his AQ Hurricane for the amp- he usually does -and it does add some weight, and slightly rolls off the highest frequencies, and makes the top end silky. Like he said it is all about the match. 

I can tell you the RCA I got that sounds really nice, nice enough for me to have no incentive to change it, but I have no other RCA's to compare them to: Inakustik NF-2404. 

jond's avatar
jond
5,883 posts
 

I'd also suggest as @lak does letting both the cables burn in for at least a few more weeks before making any changes. My only experience with AZ was their Silver Reference interconnects which I found to be a bit too soft sounding in my system. As with all things it comes down to synergy over anything else.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,340 posts
 

I owned pretty much every AZ cable from WOW to Absolute Copper. 

The AZ Absolute Copper are detailed but warm sounding cables. They’re slightly slow sounding and I wouldn’t pair them with warm sounding equipment.

Even though I liked them I preferred Nordost Tyr 2 interconnects. Faster and more engaging sound. System has more bounce, it’s lighter on its feet. I also liked Kimber KS1126 (KS1026 for RCA). Came in close second to Nordost but can potentially be a bit bright if your system is on the lean side already. 

ghdprentice
7,217 posts
 

@mclinnguy 

Good point about the power cord. However, I recommend the Cardas... the same levels... as the Audio Quest will likely be too neutral. I experimented extensively with Cardas, Transparent, Wireworld, and a couple others. For my system I needed absolute neutrality... and could not afford the Transparent High Current, so the Audio Quest was perfect. The Cardas, did exactly what the OP wants. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,860 posts
 

Another vote for giving the cable more burn-in time before you change anything else.

All the best.

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