Gabriel Gold IC's are they really this good?

budburma-read your comments and couldn't agree with you more, only wish I could have said it.
bobf

How would you Rapture owners characterize the difference between them and the Revelations? If there is a sonic difference is it a significant difference and is it worth the additional cost? I know this is all subjective but I'd like to hear your opinions. I'm currently using the Revelation balanced ICs and bi-wire speaker cables.

Bobf- I'm kinda sorta thinkin' you sorta kinda just did!

And, while I'm at the thinkin' thing, I thought would reprint and edit my yammering a bit, so my thoughts on the Rapture I/C's would be more easily accessed right here on this thread. No need to use that channel changer, surf about...front row, ba-baby.

The soundstage is mesmerizing; it has released the grandeur of my bmi pc's whose stage is up to this point unbeatable in my experience. The black silence between well defined placement of 3d images is bible black and starless....with the deep stage set behind my speakers and extending well beyond my speakers side to side. Great fun.

Exciting, transporting, and relaxing, it actually feels like an environment is created rather than a room recreated. No grain, flawless pace and wide extension with shimmering highs and deep natural taut bass. The midrange is natural and inviting, liquid and rich without being syrupy. Singer's breaths are promises whispered in your ear.

The micro dynamics and revealing of inner detail is astonishing. And, with the detail revealed so astutely and naturally combined with the head bobbing and toe-tapping macrodynamics, they seem to make bare the composer's intent.
Since you mentioned jazz, I use Coltrane's Ballads as one of my test cd's....you can hear the spittle on the reed...and there is a tremolo at the very end of each note on the first cut i have never heard before. Breathtaking. The piano is across half the stage and the whisper and control of the brushes gets my goofy grin cemented in place.

The attack/decay and sustain is perfect on emphasis and without exaggeration. Really, I was perfectly satisfied with the Extremes and Revelations, but now they're a bit spoiled for me as the rapture is upon us! Make me a mormon and save my ancestors, they are without compare in my experience.

They are the BEST, period. I have no idea how to put a price on them....they're priceless.

Thththththat's All Folks!

Enjoy the tunes!

Art,

I'm glad that you have found audio nirvana....it is a wonderful place to be. I knew right off the bat that those were your comments on Steve's latest Rapture ad, they must be some great i/c's. It would be fun to compare them head on with JD's Hybrid i/c's, but I would bet that they would sound very close. I do respect your opinions, especially because I know that you are using fabulous speaker cables. ;^)

I myself am very happy now with all of my cables and power cords........ahhh contentment....it's a wonderful place to be.

Cheers,
John

Hey John!
It is a comfy zone. I think we are on the same slow and majestic train....pulling out of the same station to never return. WooooooooooooWhew.
Best,
Art