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Recommendations for Balanced Interconnect...

I'm looking for a balanced interconnect to run between my Electrocompaniet EC-1up CD player and my preamp, which is currently a BAT VK30 (soon to be an Aesthetix Janus). Both preamps run in both balanced and single-ended modes. Want to make the most of the pre! Price range: used, no more than $300. Sonics desired: detailed but somewhat warm, definitely not aggressive.

Amps currently in use include Odysee Stratos Dual Mono and Quicksilver "Triode" monoblocks. Speakers include Proac 2.5's and Quad 988's. System not yet locked in on either account. Thanks for good advise!!!
peter_s
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hey Peter, good choice on preamps! I'll 2nd the transparent recommendation. I'd go with the balanced version. I'd describe it exactly along your desires. Good Luck.
jwblaschke
25 posts
 
i've been very happy w/ synergistic research looking glass which is designed w/ tube gear in mind. my comparisons have been: transparent music link plus, stealth m7, cardas hexlink 5c, modern audio design pearl, purist audio colossus, kimber hero and nirvana moet.
peter_s OP
1,333 posts
 
I'd like to try the Transparent cables, but I could use a bit more advise! There are so many versions out there... and my price limit remains around $300. As for the Musiclink Super, there is the original, the XL version, and now the MM version. Transparent says each one is a significant step up. I think I might be able to afford the XL version, but the MM could be too pricey. And there are countless other IC's that Transparent makes. Any further advise on which one to choose within my price range?

Thanks All!
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Man, Peter you sure go through a lot of cool gear! But I see the ProAcs are still in your house.

Which components do you like to match with your 2.5s? I've been using a Blue Circle preamp with a BAT VK200 on my ProAc 1SCs. I'll be getting a VK3i any day now.

Didn't you run Aleph 3s and 5s, and also a Bruce Moore amp with the 2.5s in the past?
peter_s OP
1,333 posts
 
Gunbei - yes, I did run a number of amps with the Proac 2.5's, including both Alephs, an ARC VT100 mark ii, the Bruce Moore. Among those, I like the Bruce Moore slightly more (!) over the ARC, and both more than the Alephs (which had a nice smooth tone balance, but sounded more "flat" with the Proac's. Right now I'm powering them with an Odysee Stratos Dual Mono, which I think also sounds great. I got rid of the Bruce Moore because it didn't drive the Quad 988's all that well. Still looking for the right amp for those speakers. I guess it takes alot of effort to make them work, especially regarding room placement and acoustics. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss the Bruce Moore amp. Those Proac 1sc's are wonderful, I heard them at a dealers in Phx. They need some bass support, but the image beautifully and have great tonal balance. All the Best, Peter
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