@kennyc I’m reminded of chicken little
That's fair. I have broken in a lot of cables, this one was just really different.
A cable too perfect?
I recently acquired an Audionet AMP 1 v2 that only accepts RCA single ended connections. Since all my cabling was balanced, I had to start looking for replacements for my Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II's. Of course I could just get an RCA pair of those, as I like the sound, but I thought I would take the opportunity to check out some other options. I also thought I would start on the lower end cost-wise. I had some old Audioquest RCA's laying around and used those to start. And I bought some low cost Acoustic Zen WOW's to tide me over. And then on to Stager Silver Solids, I like these, but I don't think I love them. I also bought some Neotech cable and connectors and I am working on building a set.
But then, my dream cables showed up at a significant bargain, Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper! I was quite excited to add these to my system, and they replaced the Stager silver cables. Well, to say the difference was striking is not sufficient. The level of clarity and detail is amazing, and the soundstage is excellent. At first I thought they were kind of bright, but that is not the case, I think it is just the extreme clarity. A friend came over and he did not think they were bright either.
So, the problem, I don't find them engaging. It is possible the sound is a bit on the lean side. Everything is there, but there does not be a sum to the parts that is the music, yet I think they are absolutely accurate. It is slightly better if I turn it up, but I don't tolerate higher volumes for long, and value a system that sounds good at lower volumes. I prefer a bit of warmth, although I like to term it as a "richer" sound.
They have only been in place for a few days, so I will give them a bit more time. I know the answer, "try something else", but curious if others have run into such stark contrasts and is this what I can expect at the higher end of the cable world?
Suggestions for alternatives that might suit my needs are welcome, if you have actually tried them, and you believe that cables make a difference.
Showing 11 responses by zlone
That's a good thought, yes they are directional and installed the correct way. It would be easy to miss the arrows on the labels, so it would be easy to install them incorrectly. They are used. I bought them from TMR which stated they were seven years old. No other information beyond that, they might have been sitting on a shelf for years before they were sold, who knows. Some minor flaws, but got a good deal on them. I am confident they will open up a bit over the next few days. |
@mclinnguy I agree that it would be hard to assess my power cords and how they might be affecting the system. Keep in mind that I have used several sets of interconnects with this system already, and there was no issue with leanness. You make a valid point, but I don’t think it is relevant to this situation. |
@steakster @mclinnguy Regarding power cables, I am running Neotech 3001 with either Neotech or Wireworld plugs, one into a PS Audio P15, and then from the P15 to the amp. Dedicated 20 amp line with Furutech NCF outlet. https://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/neotech-nep-3001-mk-iii-p-4949 Maybe not the last word in power cables, but probably sufficient. |
The sound is starting to fill in with more time on the cables. I am now confident that these cables will be very good after another week of play. I will report back once they have had more time. I have just never had a cable sound so different, and uncharacteristic of the electronics, after a couple of days of sustained play, which is why I posted the original comment. @mclinnguy I believe the characterizations of Audionet that you posted are accurate. I have been quite smitten with their pre/amp, enough to sell my Pass/Coda combination. @audphile1 As I mentioned, things are coming around, and the Audionet sound I have come to love is starting to show through again. Thanks everyone for all your comments. I will keep you posted.
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You read my mind. I am using the Hologram II's right now. |
@gp4jesus Good advice under any circumstances, it seems to have a positive effect to reseat connections once in awhile. However, for my ears and system, it seems to take a few days for everything to sound totally right after reseating and cleaning connections. |
Good to hear, it is fantastic equipment.
Yours is a common story with AZ, I and many others have found them to be special, and relatively cost effective within this hobby. It is my plan to let them soak for longer. |
Sorry, I forgot to answer this question. I am using the NEMO-I3220 on this page: https://www.neotechcable.com/NEMOI-cable.html And for connectors: https://canadianhifi.com/shop/parts/rca/neotech-ner-occ-gd-rca-rca/ I started down this path before the AZ Absolutes became available at a great price. My goal was to experiment along the same lines with rectangular OCC Copper, which is used in the Absolutes, but probably in a different configuration/geometry. Challenging cable and connectors to work with, but I completed these cables yesterday and have them breaking in on my system. I will play them for a week or two and then put the Absolutes back in and condense my thoughts. |
A general follow up on this topic. I replaced the AZ Absolutes with the Neotech NEMOi-3220 cables that I built. I have had those in the system now for a week or two and find that I prefer them. The sound, while not quite as detailed, is richer and more full bodied. Take note @vthokie83 . Not wanting to toss the AZ's to the curb, I replaced my AZ Matrix Reference II's (XLR) between DAC and Pre, with the Absolutes. This yielded a bit more detail, and kept the flavor of the Neotech's at the end of the chain. I will stick with this for now, it seems like a good combination. And FWIW, I am now running my system unbalanced and the sky has not fallen. Still like XLR better due to their simple locking features. |