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Transparent Cable Upgrade?

I own Transparent Music lInk Plus through out the system. I am considering upgrading to the Reference line. Worth the cost? Your experience?

Next, I have Nordost Frey phono cable. The only non Transparent cable. I chose this cable with my VPI classic since the TT manufactures its table with Nordost Vahlia cable. Wondering if I should sell the Frey and look at Transparent to keep the system uniformed. I find Nordost a bit bright.

Finally, perhaps not the forum to post, but considering converting the TT from RCA to Balanced. Worth it?

Thank you
128x128harris4crna
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hmm...I've had Purist (20th Anniv and Proteus Provectus Praesto) and Cardas (Golden Ref) over the years. All great cables...I feel the Transparent delivers the best impact/attack and decay. Along with the most realistic portrayal of resolution, detail and how it presents everything in space. I'd have to soundly disagree with you re: the "boxes" at least in my system...

I do agree with Ricred1 on system dependent and they are a bit pricey...but I'd add you get what you pay for sometimes...
68pete
1,003 posts
 
I went from the ultra xl speaker cable to the reference mm2 speaker cable and loved it was worth the money. The reference mm2 balance inter. cable was a little disappointing. It was a improvement not as big as the speaker cable was. Had a interconnect cable that was about one fifth the cost and it only slightly better.
Good luck
rhanson739
269 posts
 
After trying various ICs, a local dealer loaned me a set of Reference MM2 interconnects in order to try a tubed preamp.

Hated the preamp, but loved the TAs enough to buy a set. They fixed a lot of things wrong.

Worth it? I don't know. I cringed when I saw the bill, but I couldn't deny the level of improvement.
tonyptony
617 posts
 
The reference mm2 balance inter. cable was a little disappointing. It was a improvement not as big as the speaker cable was. Had a interconnect cable that was about one fifth the cost and it only slightly better.

68pete, I'm curious - what less expensive IC did you find to be such a close comparison in your system?
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I stand firmly in my opinion of cables with network boxes on them :-) They do not allow the impact of the event to come through they replace it with beautifully articulated music no doubt. But, If you want to hear instruments in your listing room you will have to get away from cables with boxes on them. Its a fact, not system dependent!
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