Kimber Select 3033 versus 3035 and 3038

I am surprised that you found the 3035 forward and edgy... are you sure that the set you tried were completely broken in? I have a set, and that is not how I would describe their sound in my system... they are very neutral and have excellent soundstage layering and depth in my system; Audio Research Ref 2 Mk II preamp and Audio Research monobloc tube amps, Wilson Watt/Puppy 6. I also use Kimber 1120 and found the all silver IC to be a bit hard and edgy sounding... anyway in my system...

Raquel, Just curious, what is your equipment list??

A Kimber dealer told me that even though the 38 was better than the 33, it wasn't that much better for the price unless the rest of your system had been taken up to or beyond that level.

He recommended spending the significant difference in price on better components and upgrading the cables as the final step.

Mgx1138, it's possible the 3035s weren't completely broken-in. They were a Cable Co. rental. Also, this was in comparison to Bifocal XL, a copper cable. The Bifocal XL had a bigger soundstage in all directions and more neutral tonality. Maybe in my all SS system (Meridian G08, Rowland Synergy IIi and Model 10, Soliloquy 6.5) it's better not to have too much silver. Strangely enough, I've never had a problem with the 1130 ICs. Mine have well over 1000 hours on them. Maybe the 1130 and Bifocal XL are a complementary pairing.

Nighthawk, according to Cable Company all their loaners are fully broken-in to enable customers to start listening immediately. I have auditioned cables from them and enquired about break-in and that was their response. I'm also curious how the BiFocal XL compares to the Selects, especially the 3033s. I'm using the Kimber silver balanced Selects in my system right now. I find that they can be a little on the sharp side of cheddar at times. Seems to be dependent on the software. If the CD is superb that's what comes through. If it's nasty the cables seem to communicate it a little too well.