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Need to finally replace my 8TC, but with what?

I've been a happy user of 8TCs in my system for going on at least 15 years now. I occasionally have had other speaker cables in my system, and when I picked the 8TC back then I had tried a whole bunch. Like many of the reviews, I found the 8TC to provide a natural, seamless, spacious quality that kept me very pleased for quite a while.

Well, time marches on, and I need help replacing these. I had great luck here in the past getting recommendations for ICs, so I'm hoping anyone out there familiar with Shahinian Diapasons (not many, I know) can help again.

As good as the 8TCs are, they have a soft quality in the upper bass through the extreme low end that reduces the transparency and articulation in that range. Truth be told, that sense of needing a slight wiping with Windex exists across the whole range, although it is most apparent in the bass region.

My speakers are bi-wired, and I had a chance to try Goertz Alpha Cores on the bottom and top. The improvement in clarity and articulation when connected to the low end was obvious and immediate, but it was a poor match for the tops.

Since the Diapasons are bi-wired, and I do not want to get into mixing and matching different cables top to bottom, I need something that is like 8TCs run through a 93% alcohol scrub. Same spaciousness and musicality but more transparent, articulate, and incisive. Moderate price point makes it better.
tonyptony
tonyptony OP
617 posts
 
Thanks so far for all the responses. Aggielaw, I have heard good things about the Reality Cables. What speakers and amp were you using them with at the time?

I was searching around on AA about this and found more than one person indicating that 1) the new white/clear Kimbers are supposed to improve over the old ones in just this area, and 2) the 4TC with 4TC shotgunned to my lower cabinet should also greatly improve in these areas over 8TC in the same configuration. I do like the fundamental qualities of the Kimbers very much. This may also be an option for me.

Lears, I used the PR before the TC. In my system it did not work as well.
pmotz
412 posts
 
When you tried the Goertz did you have the Zobel networks? I recall reading that the Goertz wire can drive some amplifiers (solid state?) into oscillation. I checked the Goertz site and they did not mention them, I know they did in the past, perhaps they are standard so they don't feel the need to mention them. Anyway, if the highs were not so good maybe you had a minor oscillation issue? I would search the archives to see what you can find.
tonyptony OP
617 posts
 
Ah, good point Pmotz. I had forgotten about the Zobel issue for the Goertz. I use a FetValve Ultra to drive my speakers. Not sure if there would be any issue with this amp and these cables.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
after 15 years, there has to be a lot you like about kimber...move up to the monocle series.... more of what you're looking for(and already like), and give up nothing.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
How about Kimber 12TC?
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