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Analytical, revealing COPPER w/

What is a copper IC that is the fittest to my description: W/ Strength in “analyticality”, clarity, revelation, detail, last and most “edgy” separation?(between instruments or between frequencies)

I have so far bought two types of IC (my speakers are self powered so my long XLR ICs are my speaker cables) worth naming for my system.

Cardas golden reference
Audioquest Sky

To my general impression, assuming because I have Class D amps, solid pre amp, copper always sounded more full and acoustical in bass.

Sky is a good silver cable, it didn’t necessary bring out more details in the low frequencies with my pre/amp, I however agree that it is quicker at delivery. Like some other silver cables I had, worthless to name, they shared the characteristics of sounding somewhat hollow and a slightly unnatural in the lower frequencies.

I know if I had any good tubes in preamp or amp from, say, audio research, it would solve the problem regarding the bass being hollow and a bit unnatural.

But tubes sounds slow to me (I previously had Jadis). I am looking for “analyticality”, clarity, revelation, detail and “edgy” separation.

I have feel that I have to stick with copper because sky failed to satisfy, and Valhalla is know for having even less bass, I don’t have much faith in find a silver cable to pair with my amps. Please recommend me copper.
trackmango
spiro
115 posts
 
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.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,957 posts
 
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.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
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
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
"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
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Chris,

How about with Theil, Wilson or other speakers that are more revealing?

That is why they make so many flavors anyway.

Cheers,
John
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