Anybody knows about NBS cables?

Worldcup86: the Nordost cables are very subtractive and not worth the price. The Cardas interconnects are forgiving, and good for CD sources. The NBS speaker cable should work very well with Classe electronics and especially with the JMLab speakers. I have actually heard this set-up and I liked it. Regarding the difference between Monitor 3 and 4: depends on the cable type. There is absolutely no audible difference in the digital interconnects, but a noticeable difference in the RCA and XLR interconnects and speaker cables: better midrange coloration and bass contours, smoother highs in Monitor 3. The differences between the Monitor 3 and the Monitor 2 are less. If you have the money, go for the Monitor 3. The Monitor 4 series can be beaten out for a lot less money by the Coincident cables on many (not all) parameters, and will satisfy more if you enjoy a directer, more uncolored sound (a neutral, monitor-like sound). But after comparison of Monitor Series with the old Classic series, I have decided to stick with the Classic series: first, I have too much money invested in these cables to start over; second, the newer cables seem thinner and lighter than the older ones. This observation applies even for the difference between the original classic series and the "mark II" classic series. I have said similar things on a different string here at Audiogon. Also, (it seems) there are at least three different power cable manufacturers who make better sounding power cables than NBS at this time. I say this, knowing that I will have to stay with NBS power cables until these manufacturers start to produce for the European market, with the EU plugs. The European power cable market is not as advanced as what you have in North America. You lucky overseas audiophiles.

Slawney, nice post on the NBS. I've had NBS since early KS I (going through KS II then Sig I) and feel that they are the best cable available, particularly on spatiality and voice (and, which is why the Japanese SE market went so ga-ga over them). I run all NOS tubes and all hard wired with electrostats, so these things important to me also. Admittedly, hideously expensive, but worth it if your system is at that point. On the other hand, once knew a new audiophile who bought Vandersteen 2CE's and put all Pro on them, which is a waste of money. Don't take this the wrong way - they're nice stuff - but JM with Classe will not be able to use a lot of what the Classic I (or even II) can do from Pro on up. Monitor series is more "neutral", less expensive and is more compatible with your system. Agree that Series III is worth the step, particularly in top end, which your system would like most. I now run Statement I (blue) & Pro I intercon's & Pro I speaker cable.

Oh, almost forgot: had Nordost SPM full system for a year. Very linear and open, but thin in harmonics and especially in upper mids. Cardas; sounds nice/pleasant, but can compress dynamics. Cardas & Nordost polar opposites, so wonder why you'd be going toward both at same time. NBS exceeds each by wide margin in appropriate system.

Can sombody comment on the 'sound' of the Monitor series cables? I'll looking at Silver Audio Appassionata (a bit bright, but dynamic)but changing slowly) and Harmonic Tech Prosilway Mk II (great midrange warmth), and wonder how'd the Monitor I,II,III,IV and Statement would compare...

Avalon used to use NBS I believe. Now they use FIM. FIM PCs ICs and speaker cable are on a higher level of performance than anything NBS has made. Slawney mentioned Coincident and I agree with his opinion. As good as the Coincident cables are they are no where near the performance of FIM.