Long RCA ICs - which ones fit this bill?

Tony, they were connecting an ARC SP-14 pre with a Bryston 10B active x-ovr which was driving (for low end) a Levinson 23.5 and (for high end) a pair of ARC triode monoblocks M300 MKIIs. I was using pairs of 1.5m Magnan Vi ICs between the x-ovr and the amps. I was also using two pair of Maestro speaker cable.

The Maestro is one of those products that have held up over a long time, both in performance and (more and more when purchased used) in value. Sort of like SME tonearms, or SOTA turntables -- dependable, reliable and predictable. Their sound (freq.response) is very neutral (flat), and they are very resistant to picking up noise and hum. Compared to the latest advances in cable design (Purist, Transparent, Siltech, and many others) they are a bit, oh, reserved -- meaning a little softer on the attack, slap, slam, and lack the abundance of shimmer some of the newer high priced stuff allows through. But you'd have to spend at least 3x more (used) to do better. Remember, this was Straightwire's top cable for about 5 years.

I still use mine to connect my Levinson pre to my ML Depth sub.

Jfox's recommendation of the MITs is a good one also. I don't know how they compare pricewise, used. My last experience with MITs as my primary ICs was with the original 330, which got replaced with Straightwire.

At that time how would have compared the 330 to the Straightwire?

330 v. Maestro? Maestro has has a bit more of everything that made the 330 so popular, but most noticably in improved image/soundstage. I guess it does a bit better reducing time smear.

I have much direct experience with MIT 330 vs. Straightwire, in this case Straightwire Virtuoso. The Virtuoso is the line above the Maestro. Throughout the late 80s to mid 90s I had used exclusively MIT 330 with ARC SP-10 and Adcom and ARC amps. I then tried 2 pairs of Virtuoso ICs here with good results. Where the MIT was mellow with a more distant and rolled-off presentation, the Virtuso was lively, dynamic and extended on the top. I then switched to a 3' pair of Virtuoso speaker cables as well over the MIT 750s.

Years later as my system became more resolving, other components with greater coverage in the trebles, etc., it was very clear the Virtuoso was anything but neutral and natural. In fact, the more refined and extended my system became, the less I could tolerate the Virtuoso because of fatigue. In a word, it was BRIGHT.

I sold off the Virtuoso ICs and slowly moved to Cardas & SilverAudio and then later NBS and now Purist. However I kept the Virtuoso spkr cable which sounds today quite decent in my system. Compared to the Purist Opis I am currently auditioning, the Virtuoso still shows a little forward presentation on the top, but for the cost, it is very good.

Going back to MIT 330 ICs would be impossible because their resolution is simply downright poor in the context of a highly resolving system today. And going back to the Virtuoso ICs would be equally impossible because of the faitgue issue. I have no idea what to recommend in the $200-300 price range for 1-2m ICs, but if you need to go to the 25 feet zone, the MIT 350 Ref Proline CVT and 350 Evo cables I discussed in the other thread have no peers for performance and value.

John

Tony, as you can see, both Jafox and I have done little to conceal our admiration for Purist products. I would suggest you consider (and keep an eye out for used) a pair of their entry level Musaeus ICs (also search 'Museaus,' for those who don't spell it correctly). It's a bargain compared to their two most expensive models and you might even be able to afford a new pair (contact 'Bobgates' a member for good prices.)

By way of comparison, a friend of mine had been using a pair of my Maestro speaker cables with his Levinson 23.5 and Maggie Tympani 1-Ds. Not bad -- (you have to crank the Maggies up to get them to really sing) -- but he recently replaced them with a pair of Musaeus speaker cables, and I was quite amazed at the difference, especially in high end sparkle and stronger bass.