I think all of us are on this thread because we have found that we like the 'sound' of gold and gold alloys better than copper or silver cables. I cannot say that I have tried them all, I've never even heard of the KCI or Antipodes, there are just too many choices out there to hear them all. I have heard Jade Audio, Gabriel Gold and Audio Metallurgy cables, and IMS, IMHO I prefer the Jade. At this level though I'm sure system synergy and personal tastes have much to do with it.
I do agree with Hiernote that the Jade's are not as transparent as the Gabriel Gold's, but IMS they more than make up for that with increased dimensionality. The larger soundstage is layed out better front to back. I also will say that what Hiernote may call 'colorations', another, such as myself may refer to as timbral shadings. Yes, brass does sound more like brass to me with the Jade's. So while I would agree that the Gabriel Gold's sound is clearer and more transparent, I prefer the richer timbral 'colorations' combined with the larger and better defined soundstage of the Jade.
Again, they are all good cables, and will fit better or worse in certain systems depending on tastes and equipment. I could easily see how some who own warmer equipment or have tastes that lean towards transparency over warmth could prefer the Gabriel Gold's. And no, I have not heard the Rapture either, only the Revelation and Extreme.
But my point is, whether Gabriel Gold, Jade Audio, Audio Metallurgy, KCI, Antipodes, or whatever, everyone here seems to agree that we do like the 'flavor' that gold, gold plating, and/or gold alloys bring to the table more than silver, copper, etc. So we have more in common than it may appear to some. There is no one right answer for all systems and/or all listeners, only what is best for each of us.
As my friend Art (Budburma) would say....enjoy the tunes!
Cheers,
John
