Analytical, revealing COPPER w/

The XLO Signtaure is by far the BEST copper cable I have experienced in my system. However, I would not describe them as "edgy" or "analytical". I just recently upgraded from Audience Au24 to the Signature 2 Interconnects, Digital Cable, and the Speaker Wire. And is just newly broken in.

When compared to the Au24, the Sig 2 are definitely more resolving yet offer more clarity and focus. However, they have this seductive quality to them which is difficult to describe. I have been hearing things that I have never heard before in Albums I am very familiar with. One thing that is abolutely stunning about the Sig 2's is the Bass extension. I almost feel as if I added a tight subwoofer to my system at times. It is absolutely incredible.

The XLO Signature also images better in my system and the soundstage moved back atleast 10-15 feet when compared to the Au24. Anyway, my system is somewhat modest (It is in Virtual Systems) but I would say if you are looking for some of the BEST copper cables out there that let the music through. I would not hesitate to suggest the XLO Signature 2.

BTW: After reading your post. When I think of cables that will have "edgy clarity" and "fast analytical" charateristics, I think of Nordost Cables which personally, I do not enjoy and would not want. The are pretty cool at first but once you spend some time with them, you will probably want them out of your system.

However, if your system is just way too lush, they may just do the trick.

Good Luck!

Chris

hi, ask audio quest what there current I.C. to match the sound of the previous heaviest copper speaker cable. I think it was called "Clear" or something like that. It had !24 separate 24 gauge conductors (12 per pole) and each had a poly or teflon insulation.
Personally I'd go with any gold/silver cable, the warmth and detail are there. Audio Metalurgy is an audiogon member.
(I have no stock in that company, just find them economical and high standard value).
You want something that is made of 6 9's copper to get any remarkable detail. But i still think the gold/ plated silver is the next level in what you are seeking.

don’t have much faith in find a silver cable to pair with my amps

Have you tried Acoustic Zen Silver Reference MkII between source and preamp and Matrix Reference MkII from preamp to amp? While I can't call them analytical, this combo is fast sounding and very detailed with awesome bass. I would pair these with Acoustic Zen Hologram speaker cables. This should do what you're looking for.

Sorry for recommending silver cables......but the combo I mentioned may do just what you want without loosing texture and power in the bass.

The XLO Signtaure is by far the BEST copper cable I have experienced in my system. However, I would not describe them as "edgy" or "analytical".

I have.

Chris, I'm glad you are really enjoying the XLO Signature 2's, but remember, cables are system dependent.
You have a warm Cary tube integrated amp, and warm Sonus Faber speakers, so I'm sure the speed and resolution of the XLO mates well with these. However, I have heard XLO sound thin and bright on equipment that is not so laid back.

I myself now use silver cables. I tried silver cables many times over the last 15 years and NEVER liked them. They always sounded thin in the highs and bass. However, when I changed speakers to full-bodied, warm speakers, I found that silver cables now sound wonderful.

In my experiences, XLO is the only copper cable I've heard with the speed and clarity of silver. FWIW, I don't count Nordost Valhalla as copper, as it is a hybrid, silver clad copper. This speed and clarity will work well in a warm, full system, it can sound like nails on a chalkboard in a transparent system, IMHO. Just as Cardas/Jena Labs/etc can sound wonderful in a bright system, but can sound lifeless in a warm system.

Just my $0.02.

John

"However, I have heard XLO sound thin and bright on equipment that is not so laid back."

John,

That is very interesting. I had owned the original XLO Reference Series (green & purple) with Solid State Gear and it worked very well and a similiar sound. I definitely agree that it is revealing of what is put through it though.

Thanks for the good points.. Always good to hear about other experiences..

Cheers,

Chris