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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
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
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
"How about with Theil, Wilson or other speakers that are more revealing?"

That would be interesting as I have not owned a pair of Theils or Wilsons. However, when I referenced owning the Reference Type 5 Speaker Wire and the Reference 1 Interconnects above. My system did consist of a YBA Integre and JM Lab speakers. This system of mine was very detail oriented and not as smooth as my current system but the XLO was by far the best of breed of any of the wires I had tried with that setup. Also, keep in mind I mainly listen to Rock & Roll which is rarely recorded perfectly. (Wires used with that setup were various models of AudioQuest, Cardas, YBA Diamond, Tara, XLO, and Kimber)

Regardless, I do see and understand your point and agree that the SIG 2 Wires are definitely not the cables for every application.

Having run a High End Audio Store for several years right out of college enabled me the luxury to try an obsessive amount of gear and cables in my home over the years. Not to mention, Audiogon has just made things super easy to try things by buying and selling gear. What I am getting at is that I have heard the majority of what is out there. I guess it all boils down to personal preference and system synergy.

I have enjoyed corresponding with you in this post..

Respectfully,

Chris
scar972's avatar
scar972
218 posts
 
I second the XLO.
Extremely fast, detailed, and will not high any flaws. It's almost silver like.

Scar
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